Sheikh Mo and Bernardini
 

I just read through the thread regarding the retirement of Bernadini and, whilst I found some of the views aired within the thread pretty repellent, I'm not getting into a socio-politics now, don't worry Steve!

I'd just like to defend the Maktoum family from how I see the situation.

First, irrespective of how much money they have to spend, Sheikh Mohammed et bros have suffered some appalling luck with their horses, and it comes as on surprise to me when they have one who acts on dirt that they want to do whatever they can to ensure that he retires to stud fit and healthy.
A few examples of Godolphin horses alone.
Dubai Millennium, the best Flat racehorse I've ever seen, dies during his first year at stud.
Electrocutionist, so rare in that he was capable of high-class form on turf and dirt.
Modern Dubai, Storm Silk, Henrik, Majority Vote, Blue Mirage, Blues And Royals, Royal Proposal. The list goes on and on and I know there are more.

So they retired one in the hope that it doesn't meet the same fate. So what, it's their horse. To call into question the sportsmanship of Sheikh Mo on the back of that is absurd in the extreme. But to wish ill on the horse or the man because of it is just plain wrong.

Blahhhh.
He doesn't need that stud money for Bern, he could have raced him at 4.

Blahhh is right.

I am tired of these bastards that have been raiding our yearling sales since the early 80s. They are a bunch of hypocrits who behave under the disguise of being sportsmen, when their only interest is their own glory and dominance of the sport.

I would never wish ill-will on the Sheikh, but he can no longer claim to be a sportsman and his decision stinks. The horse, to this point, is sound - he is potentially a great horse (I think we'll see his best effort in the Classic) and he could do wonderful things next year. Regardless of the split fandom on message boards, Bernardini is clearly very popular with fans at the track -he's very charismatic in addition to talented. It would have been wonderful to see just how good this colt could be; now it's another in a long line of "what might have beens". Obviously I don't doubt Bernardini like most of the people on this board, but I'm as angry or even angrier and I'm not going to enjoy the run up to the BC because all I can think of his a horse unnecessarily being retired before he even hits his peak. I just hope that there are a ton of editorials taking the Sheikh to task for his decision; obviously it won't change his mind, but at least John Ferguson, etc......will know just how angry people are.

" Dubai Millennium, the best Flat racehorse I've ever seen, dies during his first year at stud. "

Is this an example of why they should or shouldn't retire Bernardini?

They're public auctions for Christ's sake. What do you propose? Banning foreigners from attending?

It's an example of the cruel luck Godolphin have experienced in bundleloads, and a reason as to why they might want to retire Bernardini as a champion 3yo and subject him to as few risks as possible.

Obviously you are right, and that is just silly, as they have a right to spend their money as they like, and do as they wish with their horses. However, by the same token, we have the same rights to dislike their actions, and even them, if we so choose.

Sorry, people here are racing fans, and from most of our perspectives the possible retirement of Bernardini after this season is extremely disappointing and fustrating.

I guess I just don't think it's " cruel luck ". I'm more than a little cynical and don't find all occurances like this completely random. The Electrocutionist situation does not sit well with me at all.

And, frankly, I'm not sure they have had any more cruel luck, per se, than anyone else with such a substantial number of horses.

Call it karma. I am trying my damnedest not to be political, but regarding the people involved I find that impossible.

That's not the argument I'm making. I may not have done it too well, but the points are separate.

1) Godolphin have suffered plenty of ill-fortune in the past, often because of their sporting approach, and keeping valuable stud prospects in training, but not always.

2) The likelihood of a horse staying well and injury free is, as you know, immeasurably greater when he is not racing. If a horse dies of colic or chronic laminitis, whatever, outside of racing, that is bad luck. But the chances of breaking down are far greater when subjected to the rigors of training/racing.

I am trying my damnedest not to be political when on this message board, but regarding the people involved (Americans) I find that very difficult. I do pretty well most of the time though.


I'm no Buddhist but I'm fairly sure there aint nothing Karmic about animals suffering for the supposed sins of their masters.

It's simply a numbers thing....they have a ton of horses so it's not surprising they have a fairly high number of " tragedies ".

Obviously if Bernardini is retired after this year it is to protect him against a fatal racing related injury...so what's next...." We have the best 2YO ever, he's far too valuable to risk racing so we are going to retire him now ".

I can hardly wait.

They should make a Kentucky derby and Triple Crown part II for 4yo's to keep the good ones around!

I really don't have a problem with Sheikh Mohammed retiring Bernardini. I have a problem with him being praised for anything. And that has everything to do with human rights. I find it nearly impossible to not include politics into discussion when Dubai treats most of their population like indentured servants.


All the best to the horse. It's a shame he isn't owned by someone with a soul.

Thank you PP. Exactly my sentiments.

God forbid we actually keep a horse in training that we might be able to market the sport around next year. But of course, the Sheikhs don't care about that and because of that I don't care for them or their horses. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt until they retire Bernardini but that will be my attitude if they do.

Hwjb, I don't think there is anything wrong with hoping Bernardini loses the BC Classic. Why should I hope otherwise? I hope he is soundly beaten. I'll root against any horse that is scheduled to be retired as a healthy 3-yr-old, no matter who owns him and no matter how rich they are. (even owners for whom a deal would be mean life-changing money can find ways to protect a good chunk of the potential money.) The sport needs stars much more than it needs yet another high-priced stallion.

I certainly am not wishing any harm on the horse, though if he's beaten I'm pretty sure they will find some physical excuse to hang it on.

btw, all of this is being said under the assumption that the initial report was true. I still haven't seen a confirmation that Bernardini will be retired. But I'll root against him just in case! I'm willing to take bets that Lava Man will not go to stud this year. ;>)

--Dunbar

I dont know why all the animosity towards the Godolphin crew, they singlehandedly saved horse racing and the breeding industry in the US