Set the easily-swayed straight about Racing

[Kasept]

Posted this in the 'Frustration' thread, but thought to use it as a threadstarter as well given that some of us are being confronted by friends, etc., who don't understand what goes on in racing and are being duped.

They might understand it more if we were led by industry officials presenting a unified voice in response to the inane critiques, and were on the proactive offensive here. As usual, they aren't.

A few numbers from the 1996/2005 economic impact studies of the American Horse Council:

$112 Billion -- Racing's overall contribution to the GDP

$25 Billion -- Racing's Direct Value of Goods & Services

$1.9 Billion -- Taxes/Fees generated for Federal, State & Local Govt's.

1.4 Million -- Employed full time by Racing and Racing-related industries

And we have to listen on TV and radio as ignorant buffoons are allowed to relate Thoroughbred Racing to dog and cock fighting?

This is a huge industry. It is the progenerator of ALL GAMING IN THIS COUNTRY as well.. Stand up for it because the permissiveness being allowed to run rampant and roughshod over the game right now is outrageous.

[justindew]

If it was Big Truck who went down instead of the filly, would any of this be happening?

[HaloWishingwell]

Probably so. I don't think it mattered about the sex of the animal. PETA took the advantage of the media coverage of the breakdown and the national stage of the Derby.

[justindew]

Originally Posted by HaloWishingwell

Probably so. I don't think it mattered about the sex of the animal. PETA took the advantage of the media coverage of the breakdown and the national stage of the Derby.

Maybe PETA still would have acted in an opportunistic fashion, but I doubt the story would be drawing as much attention.

[HaloWishingwell]

Originally Posted by justindew

Maybe PETA still would have acted in an opportunistic fashion, but I doubt the story would be drawing as much attention.

PETA needs the slightest opening and they would jump on the opportunity. Not to criticize NBC handling of the matter and not to disrespect EIGHT BELLES but BIG BROWN'S win was pushed aside for a good amount of time after he crossed the finish line. The whole attention was now on the injured filly, the ambulance coming to her, replays of her race, her gallop out and the replays were clear. It was enough coverage to make them come out of the woods.

The white Randy Moss was on Sportscenter and said whips should be removed from racing. This is one of the most ridiculous ideas I've ever heard from a racing expert. I'm not going to go into the reasons why it's ridiculous because it should be painfully obvious to anyone who watches races on a regular basis.

[Scurlogue Champ]

Originally Posted by justindew

Maybe PETA still would have acted in an opportunistic fashion, but I doubt the story would be drawing as much attention.

Wonder why they weren't protesting after that nice Graham Motion thing broke down badly behind in the BC Mile a couple of years ago.

Funfair - By Singspiel out of a Mr. P Mare.

I thought that was a nice horse. Nicer than a Honeybee winner at least.

[Kasept]

As I mentioned elsewhere, isn't it odd that those so concerned about the welfare of horses had not a word to say about the 2 that died at the Rolex 3 day event the previous weekend? 50+ competitors.. 2 dead. Not a peep.

[Rileyoriley]

Originally Posted by Kasept

As I mentioned elsewhere, isn't it odd that those so concerned about the welfare of horses had not a word to say about the 2 that died at the Rolex 3 day event the previous weekend? 50+ competitors.. 2 dead. Not a peep.

Wasn't on national tv. I was waiting for someone to mention the Rolex event. Thanks Steve.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by Rileyoriley

Wasn't on national tv. I was waiting for someone to mention the Rolex event. Thanks Steve.

It was on NBC on sunday. Just 1 hour of highlights though. I didn't see it so I don't know if they mentioned the falls, but they have shown them in years past.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by justindew

If it was Big Truck who went down instead of the filly, would any of this be happening?

IMO, yes.

By the way, I love Big Truck. Shush.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Kasept

They might understand it more if we were led by industry officials presenting a unified voice in response to the inane critiques, and were on the proactive offensive here. As usual, they aren't.

That is, of course, a good point.

PETA loves nothing more that to use shock value to make their points.

I understand your thoughts on the financial side.... personally though I'm using the more emotional approach with the people in my life who are questioning the cruelty of the sport.

What's working for me is to explain the many retirement foundations, the charities, how well these horses are cared for, how this is their job and that's a good thing, about heart..... stuff like that.

I've managed to change the perception of a few anyway...

[sumitas]

This is a circle the wagons thread. Kinda reminds me of that cult down in Texas.

I am thankful for the Californias and Keenelands of this world and even PETA and ESPN to bring long long needed improvements to this sport.

The issue is Eight Belles and the KD and horse racing in general. The issue is not PETA.

[HaloWishingwell]

[i]Would anyone here be upset with PETA if they were strictly going after the medicating of the horses? Would this help with the breeding? Would we get strictly healthy horses on track?Or would cripple horses be sent to the track anyway by desperate trainers and/or owners?I]

[Riot]

In England, the breakdown rate is just about the same as the US on the flat (mostly turf racing).

In Australia, it's about half of England and the U.S. rate (flat, turf)

[sumitas]

I'd say there is room for improvement .

I rest my case.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by sumitas

This is a circle the wagons thread. Kinda reminds me of that cult down in Texas.

I am thankful for the Californias and Keenelands of this world and even PETA and ESPN to bring long long needed improvements to this sport.

The issue is Eight Belles and the KD and horse racing in general. The issue is not PETA.

You say more reasonable things at 2:30 in the morning (Miller Time) than this. Stop. Now.

Originally Posted by Kasept

Best.PantsPost.Evah.

I laughed

[horseofcourse]

Ask Steve Cauthen if he wins a triple crown without a whip.

I guess overall it would have been safer for Eight Belles to continually crash through rails. Jones has explained it. I'm not sure what Randy Moss is going with here.

[the_fat_man]

Originally Posted by horseofcourse

Ask Steve Cauthen if he wins a triple crown without a whip.

How about I ask him, instead, if he wins the triple crown without pace-favoring perfect trips? Or, maybe, if he wins if Alydar changes leads?