Does a horse have to be a million dollar blue blood to nab the horse of the year award? Maybe not this year. Looks like Rapid Redux has accomplished more than enough to claim the honors.
Rude or not, the truth is the truth. I have no doubt that Yoshida runs a "top notch" business and I'm sure the horses are well cared for because they are investments. That says nothing about the FACT that these horses are disposed of when they are no longer useful from a financial aspect. It's correct that asian countries are not alone in their policy to slaughter thoroughbreds. Many American horses are suffering such a fate also, but that don't make it right. I think these horses deserve better, and I'll continue to stand up for them.
Let's hope she doesn't get sent to Japan after she makes her investors rich. We all know that "retired" thoroughbreds end up in slaughter houses in China and Japan. It doesn't matter how brilliant they were on the track. I can't help but notice that Danedream's new owner {partial owner} is Japanese. I know, how rude of me to notice, but I'm always looking out for the ponies.
I think Head is correct, "the mileage is catching up to Goldikova". At what point are we expecting too much of a horse? Time and time again this mare has dug deep and given her all against the best, male and female, but she can't beat father time. I have nothing but absolute respect for Goldikova. She is a great thoroughbred. Losing without losing heart is the mark of a great champion. Goldi girl is that and more. I still believe that longevity defines a horse. Win or lose, we all know the depth of Goldikova's soul. As for the Breeders Cup, a 4th time? I wouldn't bet against her.
Goldikova is battling fathertime as well as coming off a tough race 2 weeks ago, the turf condition, going wide, etc. No excuses, Goldi ran her race, she lost. Goldi is at the end of her brilliant career and regardless of the results of her final races, she will leave the track with pride and heart. I hope she can take her 4th Breeders Cup in the states, and exit on a high note. Still love her.
I used the term "paper doll" in reference to Ruffian, but meant no disrespect, perhaps a poor choice of words. She was great, and no doubt tough, but nevertheless succumbed to injury. Do you realize how many good horses and potentially great ones meet their demise by way of injuries? The list is a long one, I assure you. That fact only makes thoroughbreds like Goldi all the more special. The only point I was trying to get across was that time is a marker in determining how great a horse really is. That's not intended to take anything away from champions like Zarkava. I'm just saying, don't underestimate how much father time can wear down a horse and be a game changer.
WHY is longevity and stamina markers when determining greatness in a thoroughbred? I'll tell you why. Even the fastest, most talented horses who are seemingly "invincible" can only truely be tested by father time. First of all, "greatness" has many faces. Not all great thoroughbreds are created equal. Good horses can run great unforgetable races and great ones can lose races without losing heart. Zarkava was no doubt a great horse during her time on the track. How long she could've continued to shine, we'll never know. Some horses have had phenominal periods in their careers only to come up short later. Rachel Alexander 2009 for an example. Thoroughbreds get tired, body sore, and burned out. To overcome these things is a test of a true champion. For a champion who retires after only 7 races, it's not even an issue. I see stamina and physical endurance as being markers for greatness also. Ruffian was great, but she was a "paper doll". She broke down and left her life on the track as many other have. The fact that Goldikova is still in one piece is unmeasurable in value. How long would Zarkava have run without succumbing to physical problems? We'll never know, a champion who graced the track 7 times with her presence leaves too many unanswered questions. We know what Goldikova is made of, she's not a mystery, she's a marvel.
Win, lose or tie Monday, Goldikova is in a class by herself. Even as great as Zarkava seemed to be, comparing a horse like Goldi to a horse who ran a total of 7 times is utterly ridiculous. In horse racing longevity and stamina determine greatness. 7 races doesn't make a great champion. Losing doesn't prevent a champion from being great. You are great Goldikova, kick ass on Monday.
How shallow of me, but I'd love to see another gray pony ride to the top. Yes, I'll always love you Spectacular Bid.
In response to the top comment, Goldi struck me as an ugly duckling too the first time I saw her. Then after I learned of her NASTY disposition, I've figured it out. She doesn't want to be a pretty girl, she thinks she's one of the boys and her sole purpose is to kick ass. I see her differently now, "pretty is what pretty does" that makes Goldikova one beautiful horse.