Barbaro's boost to racing

[Dunbar]

I'm surprised (and pleased) at the amount of news attention Barbaro is still getting, and the boost it's given to racing news in general. Barbaro has made several end-of-year "best of" or "most notable" lists. My local paper, which rarely covers non-TC and non-BC racing had a little blurb this morning about Jazil making his first start since the Belmont. I can't imagine them running news like that a year ago.

I don't know if any of this translates to more fans and/or bettors, but it's nice to see "our" sport getting some attention.

--Dunbar

[paisjpq]

I agree with you in general...but I don't necessarily think it is all good. I have had to defend the Jackson's decision to several friends who after seeing the footage of him on TV couldn't understand why he wasn't put down...that it would have been kinder to him...and these are experienced horse owners, and my farrier...they seem to feel like there was some greed involved or something...it's stupid, but I think it will be out there.

[blackthroatedwind]

I don't think Barbaro has affected the attendance at Aqueduct.

[jpops757]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

I agree with you in general...but I don't necessarily think it is all good. I have had to defend the Jackson's decision to several friends who after seeing the footage of him on TV couldn't understand why he wasn't put down...that it would have been kinder to him...and these are experienced horse owners, and my farrier...they seem to feel like there was some greed involved or something...it's stupid, but I think it will be out there.

The Jacksons has abn extemly nice insurance polocy that would have paid BIG BUCKS. The claim of greed is absurd.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by jpops757

The Jacksons has abn extemly nice insurance polocy that would have paid BIG BUCKS. The claim of greed is absurd.

I am aware of that...my point was simply that there will be people who are going to see the leg (cause lets be honest it's scary looking) and say that he should not have been saved...and then they will question the motive behind saving the horse and the immediate reaction is that is must be financial ...like I said, I defended the Jacksons...but to a horse person who is not a racing fan, the perception may be different. Because the general public thinks that every owner is rich and looking to get richer with their horses...it's difficult for some to believe that even wealthy owners can be emotionally connected to their horse.

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

the free weed give away for the rastas..