I was parked right across from where BB was stabled on Belmont day. My friend and I walked through the tunnel to go to the car and there was Iavarone (and bodyguard w/o BTW tucked under his arm) talking to a couple of media types. Soon a group of about 10 media members was gathered. At this time, no one could confirm or deny the colt's "condition" other than that he'd walked off the track under his own power. (I was at the gap and he walked 4 feet from me. No security there other than the usually NYRA Security.)
Over on the backstretch post race, alot of folks were milling about. I chatted with John Lee and a couple of media types. Iavarone was there, Dutrow was there (and very quiet) and I saw no one that appeared to be "security" other than the big bodyguard and one NYRA security man. We hung around for quite some time hoping to get any info about the horse. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary considering the circumstances. I wasn't wearing my credential yet I was able to walk up quite close to the barn (and I'm not that well known at Belmont) without being questioned. I pushed right up into the group of reporters speaking to Iavarone at the intersection of the main road to the gap and the road BB was stabled on.
I find it odd, after hearing this story that this man was under some sort of death threat at that moment. I was clearly diappointed but he didn't look worried for his life.
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RIP Monroe.
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