Quote:
Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis
When stories, like this one, eventually get out to the international racing community - you may want to read what is said - particularly in the comments sections of the British press. It may open your eyes a bit.
There is no doubt that we produce the finest thoroughbreds in the world, and there is global demand for their racing ability and stallion prospects.
I do not buy the argument that we have "too much racing". It simply isn't true. The majority of racing in this country is mid-bottom level claiming at places most of us don't even bet.
There are only a handful of A-List tracks in this country, and from Keeneland to Aqueduct racing stock is paltry.
Why do horses in Europe, Hong Kong and Japan start more often than ours?
Simple question.
If one doesn't think there is too much medication in racing, and there are too many pushing the envelope with medication (legal and otherwise), then this whole episode is probably offensive to one's sensibilities. I get it.
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just googled, and found this in a ny times article:
The average horse in the U.K. started 6.3 times in 2006, according to the most recent statistics available from the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. That is exactly the same average start for horses in the United States. Horses in France raced slightly less, with an average of 5.8 starts. In Hong Kong, the average number of starts was 7.8.