California Chrome's owner just blew any goodwill.

[Sightseek]

Privman tweeted that Art Sherman fully expected Coburn to apologize today, but that Coburn went further into a rut today.

The highs and lows.....not everyone can handle them.

[ajphilly]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Privman tweeted that Art Sherman fully expected Coburn to apologize today, but that Coburn went further into a rut today.

The highs and lows.....not everyone can handle them.

"@horseracinghl: Steve Coburn on GMA says "I stand by what I said.""

"@horseracinghl: Coburn adds "It says Triple Crown. Those 20 horses that run in the Derby should be the ones to run for the Triple Crown.""

"@horseracinghl: Coburn comparing having to run against fresh horses to playing basketball against a child in a wheelchair."

[jms62]

Originally Posted by ajphilly

"@horseracinghl: Steve Coburn on GMA says "I stand by what I said.""

"@horseracinghl: Coburn adds "It says Triple Crown. Those 20 horses that run in the Derby should be the ones to run for the Triple Crown.""

"@horseracinghl: Coburn comparing having to run against fresh horses to playing basketball against a child in a wheelchair."

And to think he was touted as being DAP's PR department yesterday by NBC.

[Merlinsky]

Oh I so called this. He's not sorry at all. I knew a guy like him just doubles down. He compared facing fresh horses to a guy like him playing basketball against a kid in a wheelchair? Uh. There were multiple reasons you could blame for the loss and the point is to show some grace and sportsmanship. Not blame others for a series you knew the rules of when you entered. He would've been happy to crow about beating the new shooters if he won. Only cared when he lost. Sucks that taking his ball and going home means no Chrome at Saratoga or Belmont this fall.

They did ask Sherman about Coburn and Chrome, and I disagreed with his comments about spacing the races but at least he was nice about it. I'd had a twinge of 'uh oh' when Sherman was asked how Chrome's doing after how so many horses start to tail off going into the Belmont. Sherman told NBC that he was doing 'better than I thought he would.' I figured it was surprise that he wasn't getting tired maybe because that plus the 'still gaining weight' comments from others seemed okay. In retrospect that was a odd way to put it. I talked myself into thinking it was just a weird way of saying he's doing well.

I will be so upset if these guys help provide impetus for changing the series. Really don't know that I'd feel like following the Triple Crown presented by Asterisk, esp. if it gives them the satisfaction and the 'we could've won if it'd been like this before.' If they get milked for PR in an effort to shift things, I'll lose respect for the people doing the shifting. Wasn't Phipps the one on NY's end?

[my miss storm cat]

Oh my ***** God I just read the comments from this morning...

Can they take one of Chrome's nasal strips and use it to sew his mouth shut?

Disgraceful and embarrassing behavior. What a classless idiot.

[lemoncrush]

It's really too bad.
I understand the emotional outburst at first for losing, but to have that little knowledge and respect for the sport, and it's history and traditions is really embarrassing.

There are horse owners from all over the United States who have dreamed their whole lives and invested millions into this game for the chance to be sitting in his position yesterday.
He should have realized that and enjoyed what a special, once in a lifetime position he was in.

Terrible sportsmanship.

[jms62]

Originally Posted by lemoncrush

It's really too bad.
I understand the emotional outburst at first for losing, but to have that little knowledge and respect for the sport, and it's history and traditions is really embarrassing.

There are horse owners from all over the United States who have dreamed their whole lives and invested millions into this game for the chance to be sitting in his position yesterday.
He should have realized that and enjoyed what a special, once in a lifetime position he was in.

Terrible sportsmanship.

At his age he should understand that there are winners and loser's and you should relish when you are on a winning streak and know that the inevitable hard times will come. Whining anonymously on a Selections thread ( Me) is one thing but do to it publicly when you are fully aware that your words are being heard by tens of millions is a different story.

[Dunbar]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Can they take one of Chrome's nasal strips and use it to sew his mouth shut?

--Dunbar

[TheSpyder]

I am fairly certain he's related to WC Fields!

Same demeanor.

[ne to socal]

Originally Posted by Cardus

And just as bad will be how I suspect that he will be received when he returns home: "You showed 'em, Steve!"

I can pretty much assure you that didn't happen.

[trackrat59]

I was glued to the TV. As soon as he opened his mouth, I just knew.

It's a shame. A guy like that gets to live the dream of a life time. To react like that after the train lets you off one stop prior to your dream destination?

I would give anything just to ride the train.

[ScottJ]

As many racing enthusiasts know, the concept of the "Triple Crown" did not exist until 1930 when Gallant Fox's three race sequence earned the title based on DRF's Charles Hatton designating him a "Triple Crown" champion. Only at that time was the title back-dated to include Sir Barton in 1919.

The "Triple Crown" has evolved into a brilliant marketing vehicle bringing together the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes; understand that the title serves to drive the marketing despite being 36 years vacated.

These three stakes are just that : three independently owned and managed properties offered by three different racing associations. Any assertion that these three races should be an "all-in" sequence undermines the fact that they are indeed three independent stake races for three year olds. Rather than worrying about the timing between these races, leave it all in place as is.

The real challenge is not whether the "Triple Crown" itself should be changed, but rather will another marketing machine redefine the hallmark races for three year olds?

For example, why not the "Transcontinental Cup" for three year olds starting with the derby and moving to the Travers at Saratoga and the Breeder's Cup with a three-year old event at Santa Anita? What about defining a "National Cup" for three year olds that rotate three races every year?

The concept of the "Triple Crown" exists only for marketing purposes and we all know that strong marketing can change the landscape. Don't believe it? Roll the calendar back to 1985 and check what happened with Kentucky Derby winner Spend A Buck.