Sara took Mater and Teddy to the APHA show this weekend in southern Wisconsin. Here is Sara tucking Teddy in for the nite. Yes, that's a beer. New Glarus Spotted Cow, no doubt. Yes, we give our beers bovine names. Yes, I'd like another.
On a related note, I'm quietly contented that I'll Have Another was scratched from today's Belmont Stakes. There are several reasons, the most important and obvious being the welfare of the animal. Secondly is the suspense of not having a Triple Crown winner. It's been 34 years since the last winner of the Triple Crown, and I'm in no rush to see another winner. Suspense is good for the sport. I mean really, do you want to see the Packers win the Super Bowl every year? That would get old like last week's bread. And lastly is not having the Triple Crown be awarded to a trainer with a reputation that precedes him.
You see, trainer "Drug" O'Neill's reputation is cloudy, having 25 violations on record and fines in excess of $30k. He's been suspended at Arlington and has a suspension pending in Cali. He's known for countless other violations and has a reputation for pushing too far. Because of his indiscretions, Belmont's stable has been on lockdown.
With this said, I can't help but wonder if O'Neill scratched I'll Have Another to save his reputation. Memories of Barbaro are still crisp in my mind, and some question if Matz pushed him too hard. With O'Neill's checkered reputation, a devastating injury on the doorstep of the Triple Crown would end his training career.
7 comments:
Learn something new every day - I sure didn't know that background info.
Thoroughbreds are surely good looking, but just too fragile for my tastes.
And here I was thinking how commendable that they were pulling him from the race because of the injury...... dummy me.
Funny I mentioned Matz, Unions Rags wins it.
Cute pic!
Never knew the background story. Was disappointed when I'll Have Another was scratched, but now that I know the reasons, I'll happily wait for the next TC winner. Love the picture!
Love the picture, show 100% trust in Sara.
I didn't know O'Neill's history either, but Hastings Park here in Vancouver was going to be filled to capacity to root on the home town Jockey.
Wise words. And a priceless photo!
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