There seems to have long been an image in the media of TAP being some sort of golden boy, a sacred cow. His horses just disappear and no one asks questions. A few years ago he had 3 horses die in non racing related circumstances, at Saratoga. One was G1 winner Left Bank, one was a SW 2yo filly. I never saw a thing in print but "Oh poor Todd" articles.
Part of the problem is that asking tough questions WILL get you denied access to info in the future. Writers for DRF and other outlets may have questions, and allude to them now and again but they will never become Chris Matthews or Bill O'Reilly or they will be barred from covering Todd's return to the golden glow next spring as his 3yo's prepared for the one day that everyone cares about, Derby Day.
On the other hand certain trainers seem to be easy to portray as the bad guys. DWL and Assman are the current men in black. Over the last decade while TAP has seen horses mysteriously vanish from his barn while NOT answering questions, DWL has been demonized as a horse destroyer with nothing but his own interest at hand. DWL, throughout this time has not duck the press and even admitted when he has made mistakes.
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RIP Monroe.
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