For all the Big Brown Boneheads

[Split Rock]

Originally Posted by TheSpyder

It will be hard, if not impossible, to compare any horse in the 21st century to those before them because the dynamics of the game have changed.

It is doubtful we will see any horse with a great record make it to their 4YO campaign because of breeding.

So Big Brown is an example of the "new" landscape.

I agree and I also believe this will be the death of horse racing. To have a sensational horse ran 8 times TOPS is a travesty. One of the great things about super horses of yesteryear was how many times we got to see them run.

Best example I can give is Funny Cide. Couldn't stand the horse at 3 and was stunned he won the Derby. Bet against him every chance I got. However, when he was still racing in 2006, I actually tuned in to see him run because it was a novelty. I was actually rooting for him.

The game will disappear if horses continue to retire immediately after a great accomplishment.

[justindew]

Originally Posted by Split Rock

The game will disappear if horses continue to retire immediately after a great accomplishment.

I wonder what would happen to the sport if we got rid of the Breeders' Cup, and if buyers like Godolphin and Coolmore stopped going to auctions.

And if drugs were banned, or reduced.

[King Glorious]

Simply put, a TC winner that continues on through the end of the year might attract a few fans. One that races the next year might attract a couple more. One that's retired after the Belmont will attract none. Probably will even cause some to be lost.

[slotdirt]

No idea where to put this, and it's relatively old news, but I can't believe nobody has posted this quote anywhere from Jim Squires:

Paris, KY:
Does racing have real problems or is it just a public relations issue that will go away with some slick advertising? Also, would a Triple Crown for Big Brown help us move on?

Squires:
I certainly don't have anything against Kentucky-bred Big Brown, who is lovely and fast. But if a Triple Crown winner with a history of bad feet, slow opponents and from a barn with a history of drug positives can solve this problem, this is an industry not worth saving.


http://www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses/JS051608.asp

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Split Rock

The game will disappear if horses continue to retire immediately after a great accomplishment.

Nothing could be further from reality.