O/T Horse Racing

Not sure how many of you lot are into horse racing but did anyone see what happened to Darlan today at Donny? it landed badly after a jump and broke its neck.... waste of a HUGE talent.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/21327511

 

Used to love going racing, but not now. Know its what the horses are bred for but its still sickening.

 

I watched the race and was absolutely gutted. Darlan was one of my favourite horses in training and to see that happen was truly awful

 

didn't see it, but RIP - hope it was painless

 

Used to be quite into racing but not so much these days, remember being very upset when One Man had to be put down in 97, was fond of that horse. Sorry to hear about Darlan

 

I'm not a lover of horses but that is sad.
Since I got my pooch( he's sat at my feet) I look upon these things in a different light.

Hope the jockey was alright mind.

 

I hold animals in higher regard the Humans tbh

 

Sad. But on the upside should keep Tesco in value burgers for another week or so....

 

That's what we need on this forum, more looking on the bright side like you golden.

That's the spirit.

 

From 2007-2010 I was part owner of 5 thoroughbreds. Two Smarty Jones' colts as well as a Northern Afleet filly among them. I got to meet some of the best trainers in America and was very exciting at the time. I truly loved the sport until I really got to know the sport.

Very sad to hear that. I imagine that he didn't feel any pain if he snapped it. At least I hope not.

 

Sounds intriguing. Is that something you're prepared to elaborate on?

 

There's some Gold In Them There Hills...and in Racing there's a god damn lotta gold

 

Well, I'm not prepared but feel I should since I mention it so I'll try a little.

Let me first say that I was pretty naive to start. Then I just got 'soft' in that three + years & didn't like to see the animal hurt. It's a business and they (horses) are just a tool to succeed in that business. Like someone said....it's what they were bred to do. It's not a bad sport, necessarily. Just not one for me anymore.

 

Ah right, it was the training methods rather than the twists to get financial returns?

There was a good programme with Martin Clunes about horses. They argued that horses race because it's their natural defence. The fastest ones get to eat grass and breed, the slower ones get eaten.

 

Sounds about right that, they would have probably had wolves and suchlike to contend with back in the day instead of motorists

 

Or big **** off fences to hurdle whilst lugging a midget around.

 

Yes -that. The trainer and president were great. They were up front with everyone - I think there were 20 at the time. There would essentially be no profit unless the horse won more than 200% of his/her worth. Basically the trainer trained for free (for us only). What winnings there were was turned right back into the upkeep. It IS very interesting for those that want to get 'In the game'. We basically bought into the "prestige and perks" of being a horse owner. I was VERY fortunate that our first venture started her career at my home track in Tampa Bay. The bad part of it was I was pretty much the default host for those who came from all over the States to watch her run. 'Her' meaning Kickin and Screamin.

 

just a thought.....

maybe some footballers should be put down too when they cannot perform anymore!

 

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