I can't remember his name, but i remember the race and the yellow saddlecloth.
It was a claiming race... the purse wasn't really big but hey the horses don't know that, right?
Around the turn and down the stretch the number 4 horse effortlessly sailed through the field, getting up to the wire just in time.
Moments passed and the connections, who were noticeably excited as if this was their first ever win photo (it might have been), gathered in the winners circle as, one by one, the horses made their way back.
Slowly, one at a time... all except for one.
Seconds went by, minutes, and finally one of them looked over and, obviously, saw the horse ambulance.
I couldn't look anymore.
Later that day I found out he had died.
These people, and all the owners who lose one... the next race must go off and they're left with, well with nothing.
I can't imagine that kind of day... waking up (does it feel like Christmas?), driving to the track and the anticipation (does your heart feel like it's going a million miles an hour?), the excitement, the race itself.
And then, and then...
I try not to imagine driving home and seeing people who look happy, who are having a normal day, who are carrying on even though you're suffering. I don't know if maybe some little part of you almost resents the world or if it's overwhelming and profound sadness... it must feel like your world was ripped apart.
Occassionally, one or two poke fun ar some of us who post on this thread.
Occassionally, one or two imply that only the "important" horses are acknowledged when they die on racing forums.
Read this. Please.
FJs Appeal.
These aren't words, this was a life.
This race, the 2nd at Golden Gate yesterday, was to be his last before retirement.
He was 8 years old.
He wasn't great, wasn't famous, most have never heard of his name.
Like that number 4 horse though? Somewhere, for someone, today probably hurts as badly as yestrday did.
He was important.
They all are as all of us are.
I feel the need to say this once in a while, especially when people I like and respect surprise me and just don't get it and say ridiculous things.
Goodbye, good boy.
Sit tibi terra levis.
http://www.pedigreequery.com/f+js+appeal
http://www1.drf.com/drfPDFChartRaces...=20100911&RN=2