Kentucky Derby

[GwenFarms]

As I said in an earlier post today, before this happened, Eight Belles was my pick. I'm glad she didn't suffer as Barbaro did though. They made the best decision. I'm heartbroke that she has been lost. She showed alot of promise and raced a great race against the odds.

 

[CarriBrown]

What a very sad day.

I'm glad she didn't suffer as Barbaro did though.

I agree. I was upset when I heard they wanted to try and save him because I almost felt like they just wanted the $ they would get from him as a stud horse. I was also very upset because he very well could have been our next Triple Crown winner.​

 

[chicknmania]

I agree the owners and trainers and jockeys do have feelings for their horses. Look at how much time and money they spent on Barbaro and they knew he would never race again and maybe not even be able to stand at stud, but they still tried to save him. We have a few ex-racehorses who didn't make the grade at the stable where I ride (I ride one of them), and when they come to us they are not very people oriented, so I know what equine chick means, too. But I'm glad to hear from a racing stable rep that you guys do care and I'm sure the level of care probably does vary some from stable to stable, just like anything else. They are beautiful animals. Halo, who was the horse that came in fourth? Can't remember without looking...and that's the other thing, something like this happens and it takes all the fun out of the race and takes away the credit and recognition that should be given to the others...there were a few stars in that race.

 

[halo]

The horse who was fourth was Tale of Ekati. We have nearly 50 horses for his owner, yearlings and 2 year olds. When he comes to the farm he visits, talks to, and pets each and every horse there. He adores his horses, and only does what is absolutely best for them. Which is the vast majority of race horse owners.

 

[equine chick]

Quote:
I manage a training center here in Ocala where we train over 100 horses every year. In fact we broke and trained the horse who came in 4th in the Derby. They are NOT ridden at 9 month olds. The breaking process begins at around 18 months of age, and its a gentle and fascinating process. If you think the owners of Eight Belles only see dollar signs, you are sadly misinformed. I assure you they are in agony right now.

I read that in the book seattle slew, it was written by the trainer in 1980's sometime. I also read it in the new secretariat book that came out last year written by the groomsman and one of the trainers. I can't remember their names. Maybe things have changed, but to get these animals to top form by three years old I sure they start them quite young.

 

[gritsar]

I've read the book 'My Guy Barbaro'. His owners weren't looking at $$$ signs. They loved that horse and admired his spirit and strength. They felt they owed him a chance of survival after all he'd given them. They knew he could never stud. It's just sad it didn't work out that way.

 

[halo]

You can be assured that they arent started at 9 months of age. We start them, as does the many training centers here in Ocala in August of their yearling year. They are anywhere from 15 to 18 months of age. At that point all they are doing is carrying a rider, walking and jogging for several months. Its a very gentle process.

We have broken and trained 2 Derby winners, so I think we know how to get a horse to the point that Derby horses need to be.

 

[CarriBrown]

Quote:
I'm glad to hear that. I guess my first instinct is to wonder what someone's real motives are.
Who wrote the book?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
The book was written by Barbaro's jockey, Edgar Prado (I don't recall the co-author's name). Also, I recall Mr. Prado questioning not Barbaro's age at the time of races, but the surface of the track, dirt vs. synthetic/turf. Barbaro was used to running on turf. I'm no equine expert by any means, but it makes sense to me that could have been a factor. I don't know enough about Eight Belles history to know what type of track she was used to running on.

 

[birdnutz]

What was the name of the filly that was a favorite for the crown that broke a front leg in the home stretch?I was watching that day and pulling for her. I know they had great hopes for her also. They tried repairing her leg and ended up putting her down also. Do you think maybe the rigors of these races are too much for the fillies?