The View column from the July 2008 edition of Trot Magazine has prompted much feedback through SC's website response portals.
Last week, OHRIA executive director Hector Clouthier made his feelings known regarding the need for the standardbred industry to have its greatest stars race beyond their three-year-old campaign.
Click here to read The View in English.
Click here to read The View in French.
Click here to read Clouthier's response to the column.
Trot Magazine wants your feedback on this issue. Click here to send feedback.
More feedback appears below.
Scott Waddell
Saint John, NB
Comments:
I read with interest Mr. Kaplan's thoughts on 'The Beach' coming back as a four-year-old to race rather than calling it quits after this season.
For the sport, there's no question that having the horse -- that has become a superstar -- return would be great.
BUT, economics come into play as well as the health and welfare of the horse. I don't think in the history of racing that we've seen a horse managed so well.
It's not about the number of wins in one season or the amount of money. It's winning whether its week to week, or month to month. He's already worth more than any horse may ever be worth. As much as we would like to see him back at four, I can't see his connections doing it.
After what is expected to be a history-making season, what does he have to prove as a four-year-old?
I don't think comparing what a race horse has to go through from the day they step on the track until retirement is a fair comparison to Tiger Woods.
Let's enjoy this wonderful race horse and look forward to watching his sons and daughters carry on his legacy.
Raeann Gemmill
Edmonton, AB
Comments:
I agree with Mr. Kaplan and Clouthier. We need to prolong the racing life of our great horses instead of having them disappear from the track after the three-year-old season.
Perfect examples are older stars such as the 'Grey Gladiator' Admirals Express and Alberta's Tajma Hall, who have defied the odds and are racing into senior ages.
Not all horses would achieve their longevity, but racing to the age of six shouldn't be out of line even for the great ones.
Kathie Lock
Caledonia, ON
Comments:
The standardbred racing industry is by nature self destructive. It encourages, by such lucrative purses at ages two and three, the lack of concern for good aged race horses.
The number of truly competitive aged horses has progressively decreased and the number of horses that retire after three, or race with much less promise, is increasing.
The industry needs to structure itself so that four-year-old racing looks as, if not more, lucrative than the two and three-year-old purses.