Should Four-Year-Olds Race?
The third installment of Trot Radio is the first in a two-part discussion on keeping harness racing's top
three-year-olds on the racetrack at four.
Today's episode features proponents of the idea to modify the predominant model of horses retiring at three after one of two seasons of racing. Tune in next Tuesday as Trot Radio will feature commentary for those in favour of maintaining the current model.
Episode 3 - Keeping The Stars On Track
Running Time: 11:26
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
Guests:
- Jeff Gural, President of Tioga and Vernon Downs
- Dennis Dowd, Senior Vice-President of Racing for The Meadowlands
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Arguably the 2nd,3rd, and
Arguably the 2nd,3rd, and 4th best 3 year olds of 2008 have all decided to return to race in 2009 (Shadow Play, Art Official, and Dali). I believe this represents the strongest contingent of sophomores to join the aged pacing ranks in a long time.
As much as I would love to
As much as I would love to see Somebeachsomewhere race at four, I can't imagine the liability coverage involved to insure such a horse in his 4 yr old year. In his first season at stud he probably surpassed his total earnings on the track at 2 and 3. What happens if he suffers a life ending injury while racing at age four? How are the connections repaid for the value of the horse? I also wonder if this concept would stand a legal challenge. Great idea but not realistic.