Quote:
Originally Posted by iamthelurker
Why would it of never happened if both had owners who were true competitors? And do you honestly think zero fans would have been gained from the race? Really, are you kidding? Races that turn semi-interested/casual viewers into diehards are the ones that feature legendary horses pitted against each other. Affirmed and Alydar's great battles, Easy Goer and Sunday Silence, Personal Ensign and Winning Colors 88 distaff, hell even the 90's triple crown rivalries Silver Charm and Free House/Touch Gold/Captain Bodgit, Real Quiet and Victory Gallop. You mean to tell me the best horses in the division facing each and making great races does nothing for the sport at all? Think about it.
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Great point.
I'll offer that just getting to a track to see racing and the sport live and in person makes the most fans.
At least I think that's true for most of us here.
I cut my thoroughbred racing fandom teeth as a young kid watching very cheap claiming races with old and sore horses at tracks that no longer exist in Ohio.
And never lost the fever after seeing the happy connections and horse in the Winner's Circle and maybe having a place bet my Mom could collect for me.
That experience makes the special races you note extraordinarily special in my memories.
To grow this sport we just need to get more people out to the track. For a day in the sunshine. Or slop.