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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Horse Sense

At Los Alamitos last month, a 13-year-old mare named Planting Time coming off a 5 year, 11 month layoff broke down and was euthanized following a $2,000 claiming race. Is it any better that tonight at Penn National, an 8-year-old mare named Heroina was entered for a $4,000 tag in her second outing since November 10, 2003—a break of 5 years, 2 months during which, apparently, she gave birth to at least two foals! In her first race back on January 19, she finished 10th of 12, always far back and nearly 20 lengths back from the winner going six furlongs. Tonight they entered her in an 8.5 furlong race, ironic since her only win (at Pimlico back in May 2003) was at 6 furlongs, and she's never even come close at anything longer. Pardon my language, but WHAT THE FUCK is her owner Mrs. Timothy J. Gardner thinking?!? What’s even more crazy is bettors at Penn National sent her off as the third pick at 5-1! Somewhat aptly, Heroina unseated her rider behind the starting gate and ran around loose on the track before being scratched. Sometimes horses are smarter than people…

3 comments:

dana said...

Well put...

John said...

Thanks Valerie

At first I was outraged but as I read your post I started laughing out loud. Thanks, that made my morning!!

rather rapid said...

provided both horses receive appropriate training prior to their entry, and at seems this may have been lacking with the 13 year old, i'd more be glad track officials have the flexibility and openmindness to permit owners to race their horses. i'm always mystified when on the one hand they criticize for early retirement, but when somebody tries to race their horse in an unconventional setting everybody wants to jump on your case. what use do most of these animals have besides racing, and the longer the better. it's improved training and care that should be looked at instead of that the owners attempted to race their horses. of course, that's but my personal view point. enjoyed the post!