Steeplechases

[jnunan4759]

I may not have a popular or PC opinion, but I really think the jump races have really been diminished by eliminating the final jumps. I've bèen going to jump races since I was young and lucky enough to be in PA, where we have access to it. The last jumps were always the most thrilling and exciting part of the race. This new format changes the whole dynamic to me. Before it required a talented hurdler for over 2 miles with athleticism, stamina and winning disposition. Now it seems to be a horse that can jump decent enough, not faĺl, for a mile and a half and then sprint to the wire on the flat. Is that a good hurdler ? Well, maybe, maybe not. It's created a hybrid type of race. I know why they did it. However, it's a less desireable product without the true excitement it has always had.

There are different dynamics in US Steeplechasing. First of all, they are almost all older geldings. They are athletic and like it. Otherwise they don't have them do it. Second, it's a losing venture. Most likely less than 5 of these horses make a profit in any year. The purses are lower than many cheap claimers. In fact, twwo races at Shawan on Saturday have no purse. People aren't into it for the money. As a result, if a horse isn't right, they don't run them. Third, US Stteplechasing is different. Different than turf racing. We have tons of turf racing. The hunt meets draw huge crowds. There is a demand for the racing and lifestyle. If you desire no falls over jumps in jump racinxg, take out the jumps. That is what we are having now. It seems a talking point that SAR had no falls, but neglected is that the best jumper in recent memory had to be put down. The removal of the jumps had nothing to do with it. Horses get hurt, whether on the track or in a paddock.

So that is my opinion. I've always enjoyed US Steeplechasing and thought it was a valuable part of our heritage with the horse. I was always told there were less catastrophic breakdowns than regular racing. Falls, yes, sometimes, but most of those who fall come back to race, look at PP's.

Also, look at the race conditions and see "hurdle". Like in track, a hurdle you jump at full speed. These races aren't the Grand National or Timber.

I'd like to see things the way they had always been.