Horse Racing on the Cusp

 On Saratoga's biggest day of racing (Travers Day), another 2 horses were lost - Nobel in the 5th, dropped on the gallop out after finishing and was euthanized on the backstretch of the turf course. New York Thunder dropped at the sixteenth pole of the dirt track and was euthanized behind the screen in front of the grandstand. (Having been to Saratoga, I cannot imagine that those in the upper rows of the grandstand had their view blocked by the screen.) I did not watch any races that day - have barely watched since we lost Maple Leaf Mel in the test - but did watch the replay of the Travers after reading that everyone was home safe and Archangelo had won. another feel good moment for Jena and her crew. She has not pushed this horse - he had not raced since his Belmont win - and she had taken some heat for that. But kudos to her for listening to her horse and having the backing of her owner. (Shades of Michael Matz and Barbaro in 2006 - he took heat for the 5 weeks between the Florida Derby and the Kentucky Derby.) 

 The emotional public outcry to cancel the remaining week of the Saratoga meet is understandable. Horse racing has a perception problem. But as my friend teresa pointed out in her writing yesterday, the numbers tell a different story. On track deaths have declined over the years. Will we ever be able to have 0 deaths? Likely not, because we are dealing with living, breathing beings. I am heartened by the action I have seen from the HISA group - trainers suspended (and not just the little guys at the low-level tracks). More technology-based initiatives. We can and must do better. (I also find it interesting that while people are writing their hands about Saratoga, one of the most scrutinized trainers on the west coast has skated by relatively unheralded with the deaths of 2 of his horses.) 

    On the creative front, I have 10 placemats and 2 runners ready to be layered and quilted. Slowly working through the pile of fabric I pulled to replace inventory sold in Brunswick. I have time but it always runs out before I feel I'm ready for the next show.