Monzante

[Merlinsky]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...onzantes-death

By now I'm sure many of you know about former Eddie Read (G1) winner Monzante breaking down in a $4,000 claiming race at Evangeline Downs. It sounds like there's going to be more to this story, and it warranted more than brief mentions on the Eddie Read or Angels threads. Supposedly there will be an investigation, although who knows what will actually happen following it.

Did anybody get a chance to read Steve Haskin's piece before Bloodhorse pulled it? It's been reposted online various places, but I'm concerned about stating where on a forum like this in the event that it could get someone in trouble. You should be able to find it. The fact that it's now down on Bloodhorse.com is creating a bit of a stir because it Steven didn't pull any punches. I didn't even realize he'd posted it until people started complaining that it was no longer there. It was short and bittersweet. He called Monzante's death a disgrace and laid out the steps of this horse's career and the people who were with him. Not that you couldn't find the pieces on your own via Equibase, but given how well Steve writes, it was particularly impactful. I'd just like to recommend it.

Horses can run in low level claimers and they can do it as 9 year olds, neither of which is a problem on its face, but Monzante telegraphed for years that he shouldn't still be on the track and yet back he came. He's not the first horse to have this happen, but it's resonating with a lot of people. It may or may not have the impact that Ferdinand did on keeping track of stallions shipped overseas, but Monzante deserves better than he got.