Barry Irwin Speaks Out

[ELA]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

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The doubters are the disgruntled fans you were referring to.

I just don't understand why a thread about an owner hating on other owners has to include a captain obvious moment to remind everyone "well...well some of the fans are bad too!"

Are they as bad as the trainers who break the rules repeatedly?

Which is more important in the grand scheme of things...getting the bad apples out of the training profession or getting the disgruntled fans out?

I'd really like to know your and any other owner or trainers opinion.

First, it's not disgruntled fans I am referring to -- it's much more than that. I'm a disgruntled fan, but I am still a fan. Always will be. I am a disgruntled owner, but I will always stay in the game because I have a passion for it. I've seen and fought for many changes and improvements in this great sport. However, some of what I've seen is counterproductive. You solve your alleged problem today and then you find out your problem wasn't exactly what you thought it was. It's not about "some fans are bad too" -- not at all. I was and am a fan as well, before I was in the business. Always will be. However, all fans complain, ask questions, have answers, etc. -- differently.

Second, wherever you got the idea I am looking to get bad fans out of the business, and that takes precedent over getting rid of bad apples, very simply put, you couldn't be more wrong. If that's what you get from my commentary than one, you are taking commentary out of context (and content), and two, you're entitled to think that's my motive, but you are wrong.

Your observation that this was about owners hating other owners -- that's where I see a problem, and as I've said you'll never satisfy everyone. I'll read and listen to what Barry Irwin has to say, and I'll read the comments that he's a hypocrite. However, how does that problem get solved? He should only give his horses to the moral majority or mass accepted trainer. Hey, I am all for him giving horses to Chuck Simon, and I am sure plenty of people here would love that. But does that solve our problem? Yes, for one owner it might appear to. Obvious? Sure. But obvious doesn't seem to get much credibility.

Eric