Five New Grade I Races in 2007; Two Others Drop to Grade II

Originally Posted by eurobounce

Amen Oracle. It has turned racing into a 6 month campaign (if that long) for some horses. Now three year olds are different since they have to "earn" their way into the Derby. I know we are speaking of the best of the best--but these horses are way makes our sport. On the Derby trail, you get real good racing from Feb to June. Then you get a little low until the fall when the three yeard olds gear up again for the big fall purses. We essentially get 7-9 months of good three year old racing. When it comes to older horses--well we get from Sept to Nov if we are lucky. The Breeders Cup intention is good, but it sure has screwed up racing for the older horses.

Then why the hell would you wanna REDUCE grade ones?!!!!
Don't you even understand that that viewpoint is counter to the one you cite here?
What we need is higher purse money in the grade ones and a movement to make racing matter all year long again like it used to.
Its horrible what the BC has done.
Tagg was on ATRAB and he was talking about Showing Up and how he planned a very light campaign next spring and summer but already falls lined up.
Now look, Tagg is doing the right thing by his horse and owners, no doubt. I'm not bashing him. But think about how sad it is that in November, Tagg is telling us that the best American grass horse who will be racing next year already has an abrreviated fall campaign mapped out.
You make the spring and summer grade one purses high enough, and guys will start saying screw it, lets just run and win some races and money.
The BC weakens racing further every year that goes by.