Kentucky Derby

[AppGuy04]

This is probably the most exciting 2 minutes in all of sports

[Ivytalk]

I'll be watching -- mint julep in hand!:D

[SunCoastBlueHen]

I'll be pulling for Barbaro who got his start racing at Delaware Park winning a Maiden Special Weight as a two year old. Here is a great article on DP, if there are any racing fans out there.

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/NEWS/605050359

I practically grew up at the place as my dad is a huge fan of the horses.

[blukeys]

I'll be pulling for Barbaro who got his start racing at Delaware Park winning a Maiden Special Weight as a two year old. Here is a great article on DP, if there are any racing fans out there.

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/NEWS/605050359

I practically grew up at the place as my dad is a huge fan of the horses.

As was my Dad who was a Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commissioner and a bud of Bob Carpenter. (Talk about some great stories!!!!!!!!! Dad was a HUGE HEN FAN)

[blukeys]

This is probably the most exciting 2 minutes in all of sports


Obviously, you never watched Mr. Chicken make love to the Mrs..

BRAWK, BRAWK. xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx :nod: :nod: :nod: :nod: :nod: :nod: :nod: xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx :smiley_wi :smiley_wi :smiley_wi :smiley_wi

[Ivytalk]

Hey, ho, Barbaro

[blukeys]

Hey, ho, Barbaro


Yeah, another Delaware Horse in the Triple Crown running. One can thank Bob Carpenter and a lot of other Horse lovers for this success.

[ISUMatt]

won me $150!!!

[MR. CHICKEN]

OH WILLLBURRRRRR!.........xsmoochx.......BRAWK!

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Barbaro is well rested and was never even pushed in the Derby. As such, he will be a very fresh horse entering the Preakness. I think there is a fairly good chance we will see the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.

[AppGuy04]

Barbaro is well rested and was never even pushed in the Derby. As such, he will be a very fresh horse entering the Preakness. I think there is a fairly good chance we will see the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.
I'll believe it when I see it, and won't even mention it until he wins the 2nd leg

[SunCoastBlueHen]

I'll believe it when I see it, and won't even mention it until he wins the 2nd leg

Ahhh - predicting a Triple Crown after he has already won two is no fun!

Barbaro could have won by twice the margin that he did. Prado was saving the horse and "only" won by 6.5 lengths. "Much the best" would be an understatement to describe that win.

[blur2005]

I am decidely sick of there not being a Triple Crown winner. There hasn't been one in my lifetime - or anyone else born since 1978. So go Barbaro!

Every time a horse has a shot at it, I cheer heartily for him. The most painful moment I've had watching thoroughbred racing was the Belmont Stakes in 1998 when Real Quiet was way out in front and then slowed down, apparently because no one was around (his jockey said that) or because he tired (it has never been clear what happened), and then Victory Gallop caught him and beat him by a nose to prevent Real Quiet from winning the Triple Crown.

[wannabegaucho]

No runaway Preaknesses, please. Prado better "save him" in the Preakness because the Belmont is looooooong.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

I just gotta say, I almost felt like crying when Barbaro broke down. Very sad indeed.

[wannabegaucho]

I hope he comes out okay. I hate to see this happen again to the sport of kings. Our prayers are with Barbaro.

[GeauxLions94]

Keep your fingers crossed. Just saw this on Yahoo

Barbaro standing after six-hour surgery for 'life-threatening injuries'

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (AP) -- Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro emerged from seven hours of surgery Sunday to repair life-threatening injuries and "practically jogged back to the stall," said Dr. Dean Richardson, who performed the procedure a day after the colt broke his right rear leg in three places at the Preakness.

[blukeys]

Let us all hope they can get him to the stage of standing. (You can't keep a horse alive for any length of time if they can't stand). If they can fix Barbero he has the potential for the life of Riley. The poor boys stud fee will be thru the roof and all he has to to is perform!!!!!!:nod: :nod:

[blukeys]

Keep your fingers crossed. Just saw this on Yahoo

Barbaro standing after six-hour surgery for 'life-threatening injuries'

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (AP) -- Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro emerged from seven hours of surgery Sunday to repair life-threatening injuries and "practically jogged back to the stall," said Dr. Dean Richardson, who performed the procedure a day after the colt broke his right rear leg in three places at the Preakness.


What the hell did they do????????

I'm an old timer who watched Ruffian destroy her legs in a match race. I own stainless steel in my left arm so I know they can repair most anything but to jog back to the stall after surgery is mind blowing.

Of course horses NEED to stay on their feet so that they don't suffer complications. :nod: :nod:

[ngineer]

That's good news. I was sickened when I saw Barbaro break down. Reminded me of Ruffian many years ago, although that was a foreleg in the backstretch.

[GeauxLions94]

Here's the latest. Chances of survival are 50-50.

Barbaro Surgery (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060522/ap_on_sp_ot/rac_barbaro_surgery)

[AppGuy04]

Stud duty baby, cross your fingers

[dbackjon]

Ugh - sad and sickening. Another reason why horse racing is barbaric.

[walliver]

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is making progress from surgery on his broken leg, even showing an interest in mares, but the colt still faces a long and perilous road to recovery, his surgeon said Monday.

Apparently he is preparing for his new job - I hope he lives to enjoy it. On the other hand, I hope he actually gets to get it on with the mares and not just make deposits in a jar.

Link to article (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/more/05/21/barbaro.surgery.ap/index.html?cnn=yes)

[foghorn]

Ugh - sad and sickening. Another reason why horse racing is barbaric.

Being familiar with trainers and owners, I can assure you that no other animal on the face of the earth gets as much loving care from humans as thoroughbred horses. If it weren't for racing, these beautiful animals would more often become lame (and untreated), get diseased, and die a much earlier death. Football is much more 'barbaric'. :nono:

[dbackjon]

Being familiar with trainers and owners, I can assure you that no other animal on the face of the earth gets as much loving care from humans as thoroughbred horses. If it weren't for racing, these beautiful animals would more often become lame (and untreated), get diseased, and die a much earlier death. Football is much more 'barbaric'. :nono:

People choose to play football. IF Barbaro wasn't the KY Derby champ, they would not have bothered to try to save him - they'd just have put him down. Your other statement is laughable - they became lame/diseased BECAUSE of racing/training. Yes, many of them are loved, but unless they are the few that win at a high level, the life they lead is not all roses....

[foghorn]

People choose to play football. IF Barbaro wasn't the KY Derby champ, they would not have bothered to try to save him - they'd just have put him down. Your other statement is laughable - they became lame/diseased BECAUSE of racing/training. Yes, many of them are loved, but unless they are the few that win at a high level, the life they lead is not all roses....

My statement is laughable? You've obviously never been around racehorses or their environment. These animals are treated with TLC every day, bathed and given rubdowns and fed the best possible food. Their stalls are cleaned every day and they have their own paddock area to run around in.
If horses were not raced and left unattended, as they would be except for a few show horses, they would bruise themselves, develop mange, and other varied equine diseases. The average vet bill for a thoroughbred horse is $2,000/month; more than you pay for regular doctor checkups. So before you make such irresponsible rants or conclusions about the racing industry, go visit a horse farm and pat a horse. You may not want to leave.:(

[dbackjon]

My statement is laughable? You've obviously never been around racehorses or their environment. These animals are treated with TLC every day, bathed and given rubdowns and fed the best possible food. Their stalls are cleaned every day and they have their own paddock area to run around in.
If horses were not raced and left unattended, as they would be except for a few show horses, they would bruise themselves, develop mange, and other varied equine diseases. The average vet bill for a thoroughbred horse is $2,000/month; more than you pay for regular doctor checkups. So before you make such irresponsible rants or conclusions about the racing industry, go visit a horse farm and pat a horse. You may not want to leave.:(

Thoroughbreds are high maintenance because of the way they have been bred. I have been around and enjoy horses - but the average farm horse stays healthy and in good condition without that type of care.

[foghorn]

Thoroughbreds are high maintenance because of the way they have been bred. I have been around and enjoy horses - but the average farm horse stays healthy and in good condition without that type of care.

Lot of truth to what you say as 'high maintenance', and the point is they are maintained. Horceracing is NOT barbaric. Hate to see what you think of boxing. :confused:

[SunCoastBlueHen]

People choose to play football. IF Barbaro wasn't the KY Derby champ, they would not have bothered to try to save him - they'd just have put him down. Your other statement is laughable - they became lame/diseased BECAUSE of racing/training. Yes, many of them are loved, but unless they are the few that win at a high level, the life they lead is not all roses....

Jon,

Most thoroughbreds, particularly the upper class horses, are treated like kings of the animal world by the people who care for them. They get the very best veterinary treatment and are constantly pampered and cared for. These animal were bred and born to do one thing - run! It is a damn shame that accidents occur like the Barbaro incident, but I don't think most of these animals lead a terrible existence.

[dbackjon]

Lot of truth to what you say as 'high maintenance', and the point is they are maintained. Horceracing is NOT barbaric. Hate to see what you think of boxing. :confused:

Boxing is voluntary for the Boxers - quit comparing a human sport were the participants have a choice in the matter to an animal-based sport.

[foghorn]

Boxing is voluntary for the Boxers - quit comparing a human sport were the participants have a choice in the matter to an animal-based sport.

Would you rather I compare it to cockfighting?:p Are you for eliminating any sporting event which requires the use of animals? Do you own a fur coat or eat hamburgers?
FYI, thoroughbred horses are bred to run and according to leading veterinarians (Barbaro's being one), love
it. Were you the lone picket in front of the theater at the Premiere's of 'Seabiscuit' and 'Dreamer'? Was that horsewhiperer/ trainer in 'Seabiscuit' too cruel for you? Do you blame Noah for the lousy conditions on the Ark? :eek: If you answered yes to any of the above, your application to PETA is awaiting you.

[dbackjon]

Would you rather I compare it to cockfighting?:p Are you for eliminating any sporting event which requires the use of animals? Do you own a fur coat or eat hamburgers?
FYI, thoroughbred horses are bred to run and according to leading veterinarians (Barbaro's being one), love
it. Were you the lone picket in front of the theater at the Premiere's of 'Seabiscuit' and 'Dreamer'? Was that horsewhiperer/ trainer in 'Seabiscuit' too cruel for you? Do you blame Noah for the lousy conditions on the Ark? :eek: If you answered yes to any of the above, your application to PETA is awaiting you.

I eat meat, thank you - and PETA is insane.

Dog-racing is horrendous, steeplechase horse-racing is so bad that they considered this year's Iroquis Steeplechase in Nashville a success because no horse died (first time in 6 years).

Yes, the horses love to run - so do wild horses. Putting them in narrow chutes with up to 20 others, whipping them, etc is not natural.

And no, I didn't picket Seabiscuit - but that does not make my opinion invalid.

And Noah is a myth, thank you :rolleyes:

You are convientantly overlooking the thousands of horses that are not sucessful - many end up abuse/abandoned/slaughtered.

[foghorn]

I eat meat, thank you - and PETA is insane.

Dog-racing is horrendous, steeplechase horse-racing is so bad that they considered this year's Iroquis Steeplechase in Nashville a success because no horse died (first time in 6 years).

Yes, the horses love to run - so do wild horses. Putting them in narrow chutes with up to 20 others, whipping them, etc is not natural.

And no, I didn't picket Seabiscuit - but that does not make my opinion invalid.

And Noah is a myth, thank you :rolleyes:

You are convientantly overlooking the thousands of horses that are not sucessful - many end up abuse/abandoned/slaughtered.

Again you are totally wrong, and please don't confuse greyhound racing, which is cruel with thoroughbred racing.
I know several owners and trainers and can attest that all horses, whether the cheap $1,500 claimer, to the acclaimed stake winners, are given extensive care. The poor runners and geldings are NOT slaughtered , but instead are sold or given to local police or riding academies. The horses, or colts are generally used for an 'exciting' life of breeding.
The owners I've met are all horse lovers or wouldn't be in the business.
If a person opted to be in the racing business strictly to make a profit, this clearly is not the sport for him, as mostly all owners lose substantial money in the long run, mainly because of the huge expense it takes to board a horse and have it properly cared for. The owners I've come in contact with have one thing in common. They all have a genuine love of horses. This sport is one in which the beauty and ability of an animal is truly appreciated. To say this sport is barbaric can only come from someone who is completely alien to it and to the people who run it. They do a great job in what could be the most natural and purest of sport, the 'Sport of Kings'. :hurray:

[dbackjon]

Foghorn - let's just say you have one opinion of this, and I have another, so let's not beat a :deadhorse:

[Proud Griz Man]

SI has a picture of the right-rear leg x-ray

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0605/gallery.barbaro/content.2.html

:( :( :(
It is easy to understand why they are pessimistic.

[blukeys]

Boxing is voluntary for the Boxers - quit comparing a human sport were the participants have a choice in the matter to an animal-based sport.

My father was a Racing Commissioner in Delaware. I raised my own filly as a 4-H project (she was half Tennessee Walker and a registered Palamino). I rode in horse shows along with my sister, who was the real horse person in the family. You can not make a horse "perform". Horses like humans can dog it. (I lost a blue ribbon in an Equestrian class because my horse was concerned about her foal who was at the show) Horses are very social creatures and they are competitive with each other. Every horse I rode knew when they won and actually riding a horse in a competitive situation is a partnership. The argument that they are exploited underestimates their intelligence. Some horses will perform regardless of the situation, some will not perform regardless of the situation. Some will kill themselves to win such as Ruffian. Sort of like Scott Rowand running into a fence and breaking his nose when he knew that the fence in Philly was a problem.

Horses actually respond better to certain riders than others. The more competent riders and jockeys know this. This is why certain riders are picked to ride in the Kentucky Derby and others stay home.

I live 2 miles from working Amish farms. For those who think that "Farm animals" are better off than pampered thoroughbreds, they have never seen a draft horse work 10 hours plowing fields in 90+ degree weather and 80% Humidity.

There are in fact very few horses in America actually "working" on a farm. I have seen both thoroughbreds and working horses and for my money I would take the thoroughbred life in a New York a minute.

I saw the stall of the Legendary gelding Kelso while he was alive and you could eat off the floor. Obviously, Kelso had no stud value.

Nonetheless, most horses in the U.S. live the life of Riley with the exception of those owned by the Amish.

If reincarnation as an animal is possible I want to come back as Secretariat!!!!!!!!!!!

[Baldy]

Ugh - sad and sickening. Another reason why horse racing is barbaric.
Spoken like someone who knows absolutely nothing about horse racing/the equine industry.

[blukeys]

Spoken like someone who knows absolutely nothing about horse racing/the equine industry.

Anyone who has actually competed with horses knows that they make choices. One can't win with a horse that doesn't want to compete. No amount of hitting with a crop turns a loser into a winner.

When I was 8 years old I saw a thooughbred named Amber M make the decision not to be ridden. She didn't buck or bronc. When someone saddled up and got on she just dropped down to the ground and attempted to roll on top of the rider. That day I learned that horses were not stupid. We ride them because they have learned the advantages of dealing with us. The great riders and trainers have personal relationships with their horses. This is how you get the best performances. :nod: :nod:

[WYOBISONMAN]

Anyone who has actually competed with horses knows that they make choices. One can't win with a horse that doesn't want to compete. No amount of hitting with a crop turns a loser into a winner.

When I was 8 years old I saw a thooughbred named Amber M make the decision not to be ridden. She didn't buck or bronc. When someone saddled up and got on she just dropped down to the ground and attempted to roll on top of the rider. That day I learned that horses were not stupid. We ride them because they have learned the advantages of dealing with us. The great riders and trainers have personal relationships with their horses. This is how you get the best performances. :nod: :nod:

AS someone who knows a bit about horses, I would have to agree.....

[dbackjon]

Spoken like someone who knows absolutely nothing about horse racing/the equine industry.

Do you know how many horses had to be destroyed just in California in the past two years due to injuries sustained in Horse Races?

Do you know that there ARE ways to make racing much safer for the horses, but tracks are loathe to do them because of $$$?

[foghorn]

:bang:
Do you know how many horses had to be destroyed just in California in the past two years due to injuries sustained in Horse Races?

Do you know that there ARE ways to make racing much safer for the horses, but tracks are loathe to do them because of $$$?

Do you know how many HS, college, and pro-football players die, or become paralyzed due to injury or heart failure as a result of football practice or games? I thought you wanted to drop the subject, yet you continue. Hey, shiit happens. :bang:

[dbackjon]

:bang:

Do you know how many HS, college, and pro-football players die, or become paralyzed due to injury or heart failure as a result of football practice or games? I thought you wanted to drop the subject, yet you continue. Hey, shiit happens. :bang:

Hey, I can't resist arguing with Baldy...:nod: :nod:

And again, do you not comprehend the difference between a human sport and an animal-based sport? :confused:

[foghorn]

Hey, I can't resist arguing with Baldy...:nod: :nod:

And again, do you not comprehend the difference between a human sport and an animal-based sport? :confused:

Yes, I do, and humans die playing football, that's why I mentioned that. Isn't human life more precious than animals' life? :bang:

[dbackjon]

Yes, I do, and humans die playing football, that's why I mentioned that. Isn't human life more precious than animals' life? :bang:
Of course it is - but humans have free will to decide whether or not to play football. Horses do not have the free will to decide if they want to race. THAT is the difference, my chicken-loving friend.

[walliver]

Of course it is - but humans have free will to decide whether or not to play football. Horses do not have the free will to decide if they want to race. THAT is the difference, my chicken-loving friend.

Just to stir the pot a little, do high school kids have the maturity to understand the complete risks of playing football and the ability to give informed consent to play? In fact, most high school kids have to have parental permission to play sports. A lot of boys/men are coerced into playing football by parents, peer pressure, babes, etc. Not exactly free will.

On the other hand, I don't like it when the jockeys take out the whip. You won't see football coaches whipping players as they run down the field (at least not while anyone is watching).

[foghorn]

Dbackjon, next time you pop your Thanksgiving day turkey into the oven, make sure you get him to sign a consent form.:D