EXACTLY EXACTLY EXACTLY!!  Jason, I was completely taken aback by that same statement that Oxx made.  I could have understood if they wanted to stop on him for the year and bring him back as a 4-year old; but to say it's unfair to keep racing him is complete, utter, and total BS.

Hear, hear!  I know that each time a horse steps onto the track for a race, or even a workout, it risks a catastrophic injury.  And were I the owner of such a great racehorse, I might feel differently.  But as a fan already mourning the continued demise of racing as I knew it 20 years ago, I am very disappointed that Sea The Stars will not be racing in the US.

I just have one word for this column...AMEN.

your forgetting zenyatta

yo and a double yo

He's a horse that I really didn't start getting interested in until 3 races back. So, yeah, I'm disappointed too and you make a very good point about early retirements hurting the sport. But it's not anything new. Man O'War was retired while he was still 3 because security concerns were too nerve-wracking for the owner. So it's understandable why STS would be retired now. I don't think it's the money so much with these owners, they're already pretty wealthy, as much as it is the safety and well-being of the horse.

Draynay

Too bad your favorite horse was retired today.

I agree: blech.

It's similar to how I felt when Bernardini was retired.  Premature. Makes me appreciate even more when horses run through their 4th year, or beyond.

Sea the Stars - briefly brilliant. A career cut short if you ask me.

couldn't agree more. just how thick do they think racing fans are? the excuse for this one is that it is unfair on the horse, last year it was the horse had nothing else to prove. then of course there are the mystery injuries horses pick up that retire them.

the bold way sea the stars was campaigned this year, I honestly thought they would be going to the breeders cup. not kept in training at four, but a final swansong in america. this has just soured the whole thing for me a bit.  

It's laughable at best Jason, This whole thing. It seems that "doing right by the horse" is the phrase that all of these owners use wen they want to do what they think is best for them and there pocket.

Like you I was not at all supprised by the anouncement, It's sort of a relief, Now we can get to talking about the horses that are actually comming.

Well done Jason.  I agree with all of your points.  For financial reasons, if you are going to retire him, then retire him.  Do not say that it is unfair to the horse to run when he is the picture of health and has made only nine career starts.  A lame excuse for sure and an insult to fans of thoroughbred horse racing.  Fans are the ones who lose when champions retire so quickly, and potential new fans are never realized.

Jason... I cringed when I read that statement by the trainer. Was he paid to say that???? How do you pull a healthy, fit, happy horse out of racing and say it is best for the horse?? Atleast they didn't come up with a "fake" injury..that is even worse. It is all about money... but without the fans, what will the money mean? For all those who have been bragging about how much better the Europeans do everything than us Americans...huh....they do some things the same.........

Jason:  I totally agree, this is a blow to both American and International racing. To retire a champion like this when he is completely healthy, loves to run and could stamp himself as one of the all time immortals of the sport is just flat out wrong. Oxx is acting like an ox, trying to blow smoke up our you know whats. It;s all about the money, it's always all about the money. Just when horse racing was beginning to get a little of it's mojo back this happens. What's next, Jess Jackson holds a press conference telling us Rachel has been retired and will be bred to Curlin next year..............

I understand Jason's point, but is this any differant with the exception of the Breeders Cup, than when A.P.Indy's owner retired him after his 3 year old season.  You better believe it is about the money.  And since this game revolves around money, the owner is 100% correct in retiring HIS horse.  The "laugher" as Jason said is the "unfair" part.  Perhaps something was lost in the translation from British lingo to American lingo.  I doubt it though.  The trainer was being "P.C." in his comments.  That was his mistake.  He should have just said, the owner wants to retire him and not incur the $10,000 shipping fee of sending him 10,000 miles away to race on a surface he has never stepped on. He wants to start raking in the $50,000 a pop stud fee and live a life of riley.  We will never know.

Come on!  The horse has gone in his coat - taking him to the BC would be madness!!  He may well be fit and healthy, but he's been training and running and winning G1's for seven months straight, he deserves a break!

That said, I'm devestated he's going to stud.  I know they don't all train on at 4, but we never saw the best of him - the horses he's faced haven't really tested him.  They can say all they like he's got nothing left to prove, that's true in a way but he could also have had a 4yo season that proved beyond doubt he's one in a million.

Plus, of course, now all you Americans are going to bleat on about how he never raced against 'real' (i.e. US) horses.  Again, he may never have made it over there but it doesn't make him any less of a champion.

Enjoy yourself at stud, I for one won't forget you in a hurry and I'm sure in 20 or 30 years time I'll still be telling people just how good you were.

I've been following horse racing closely for only about 2 years now and while I love the sport, it is disheartening to see animals retire for no other reason than to get their owners richer than they already are. That's why I am a huge fan of horses like Zenyatta, Curlin and Harlem Rocker.

My proposal to stop owners from retiring their animals too early would be something to this effect:

If you retire your horse after his 3-year old campaign, then 50% of his breeding earnings goes to tracks/horsemen to increase purses.

If retired after 4-year old campaign, then 33% goes to tracks/horsemen.

If retired after 5-year old campaign, then 25% goes to tracks/horsemen.

After 5 years, there would be no penalties.

Of course, there would have to be contingencies.  If a horse were seriously injured, he or she could retire.  But there would need to be rules in place or a committee to review these horses to ensure there's no cheating.  This proposal could also work by incrasing purses drastically, allowing those horses that do stay on to race to earn much greater purses.  Figuring out just how to disperse the money could also be an issue, but I would hope this could be figured out by the horse honchos.

Anyway, it's just a thought but it would be great to see Big Brown, etc. running for a few more years.  

Well I guess there's less sportsmen in racing now.More and more they see the $ signs rather than trying the best one more time. Sad to see the business going that way.

I doubt there is even one racing fan who disagrees with you. If Sea the Stars and Rachel Alexandra were to show up at Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup there would be at least 80,000 people there. With both out there will probably be,at most, 50,000. Stars draw the crowds.

Racing takes another blow to the gut. I think it is clear the connections were afraid of our monsters Quality Road and Gio !  Better for him to stay in Europe and be thought a king than to come over here and get whipped and thought a prince.

Jason, I agree with your comments and the sentiment behind them.  Oxx's comments were just begging to be criticized.  Taking a horse in his prime and retiring him is, bottom line, unair to everyone.  I thought Sea the Stars had about a 1% chance of making the BC anyway - so didn't expect to see him this year.  I wouldn't have sent him if I were the owner.  What would it prove?  I would've put him away for the year to start on a new 4yo campaign.  So, this begs the question of: is it just true that racing fans are impossible to please?  We groan about horses running too much, too little, horses being retired too soon, past their prime, horses being run on medications, horses being overbred, sent to foreign shores, not to mention the issues within the industry re: the tracks themselves.  Can we ever be made completely and utterly happy?

I totally agree with you Jason!! Reminds me of last year with Big Brown, I know he has bad feet, but I think the racing fans would have liked to see him run at 4 or more. Could you imagine if they would have brought him back this year and he had run in the Woodward against RA?

Unless the global recession has bi-passed Europe, I would think Stars would be worth more continuing his racing than in the breeding shed -at least in 2010.

I get the impression from the Euros that after the blow out last year at the Cup on the polytrack that we aren't worth the effort to bring over their top star.

My thoughts exactly and its not just US racing that is affected its the entire world horse racing is a dying sport and this is one of the many reasons why.

The argument that new fans aren't coming to horse racing because stars retire is a red herring.  Yes, it stinks.  And for us hardcore fans, it's a major disappointment year after year.  But it has nothing to do with not attracting new fans.  

I have plenty of friends that are not horse racing fans like I am and I have never heard one of them ever say they weren't fans because stars retire early.  In fact, if I had to name the #1 reason that people tell me they don't follow or like the sport: on-track fatalaties and drugs...and it's not even close.  

Retirements suck for the current fans but are irrelevant to the "potential" fans.

Word.

Jason,

I know that Jess Jackson and others have suggested putting together a series of races for older horses in order to address this very issue.  Do you know whether anything is in the works for this type of series?

You could see (or is it "sea") this coming. They even prepared you for it. Let's face it, the world is driven by greed. There are only a handful of owners that care to further the sport. The Breeders Cup will produce its own "stars" & hopefully a few surprises. Horseracing will continue to produce more questions (aka, what if??) than answers.

Thank you! I was SO disappointed when I saw this, but sadly, I was not surprised. I knew he wouldn't come for the Breeder's Cup, which is fine. He has had a hard campaign, and he does deserve a rest; however, I don't think that he needs to rest for the rest of his life. I always wonder what might have been when horses retire at such a young age. The Worldcup will be on synthetics next year, which is very similar to turf. Can you imaginea Zenyatta/Sea the Stars meeting in that venue?? Neither has been challenged, and this would be a fantastic race! Also, the purse is substantial and the breeding market is not what it once was so why rush him off to the breeding shed? It is such a waste.

And not to get off track but wouldn't it be great to see Zenyatta in a 6 year old campaign that caps with a race in the Arc? That is the what horse racing needs!

I agree that it is sad that Sea the Stars has been retired, but to say it is because his connections are afraid of horses in the USA is laughable.

They have not ducked a single suitable race with him all year - 6 Group 1 wins in 6 months is not the campaign for a horse with timid connections.

The horse had gone in his coat at the Arc: he uncharacteristicly sweated up and pulled hard. He was letting people know that he'd had enough for this year.

I would love to see him run at 4, but it's not going to happen. Just don't forget that for every Sea the Stars that retires at the end of his 3yo career, there is a Yeats or a High Chaparral or a Fantastic Light or a Sakhee, etc etc.

I can understand the decision to not bring STS over for the Classic, on many fronts.  On no front do I think it has anything to do with the competition he would face.

The decision to retire him altogether I think is a stab in the gut to racing fans.  But it's what separates those of us that are fans from those that are in this as a business.  It's a totally different perspective.

These types of business decisions are made in racing every year.  It's what has made racing what it is today, compared to what it was 40 or 50 years ago when horsemen cared more about winning races and having the "best" horse.  It's why many of us commended Jess Jackson for letting Curlin campaign as a 4 year old.  

Amen, Jason, amen.

Sea The Stars: RIP

"Reproduce in Peace"

LOL.

Who are you to criticize the decision an owner makes about his horse?  I always shake my head when I read opinion pieces like this.  Who cares if Sea the Stars is retired?  The only one paying the bills, and taking all the risks, is the owner.  Stop bellyaching about what a blow this is to the sport.  It's nobody's business what an owner decides to do.  Period.

A foreign horse not competing in the American Breeders Cup is hardly the end of racing. While it would have been nice to see him run, he is no widely followed or know here and will soon be forgotten.

 Like most I wanted Sea The Stars

to run at Santa Anita but it,s not like the track was in his own backyard.I know Gitano Hernando came over in a week and won the Goodwood Stakes but that was different he was a fresh horse whereas Sea The Stars has been in serious training since early March

and who can ever forget the sad sight of another brillant Euro champion Dancing Brave run many pounds below his best at this very same Santa Anita.I for one want to remember Sea The Stars for what he was,a horse with a devastating turn of foot who won 6 grade I,s on the trot as a 3 year old and wish him all the best at stud.

The owners just want to cash in on a hot commodity during a down market.  If STS were to lose, whether it be BC or as a 4 year old, his fee would go down.  It would probably go down if time passes and his memory fades a bit.  Right now he’s all the fashion.   I find it dreadfully unsportsmanlike and frustrating:  all racing fans have to take a back seat to these breeders who really run the show.  

“Not fair to the horse”!  Let’s see how unfair it would be to keep him racing if he were a gelding..  Want to talk about unfair?  Race and drop them, race and drop, as my namesake, gelding Key Spirit endured, going from Breeder’s Cup Sprint at Churchill in ‘91 to $4000 claimers at Retama in ‘98 at age 11.

Look at Coolmore..The "Big Three" owners..Do they ever race their stars beyond their 3 yr. old year? Really never and some are even retired at the end of their 2 yr. old yr.  It's always about the money. They can't wait to get them churning out 150+ babies (and that's on one side of the Atlantic!) Please!!

In the end the fans are the ones who are left with the feeling of being kicked in the gut. How did the Cleveland fans feel when Jim Brown retired early, or when Barry Sanders retired in Detroit, the list is endless. Horse racing's stars only race 1 or 2 years so the highs need to be higher and the lows are gut wrenching.

Thanks Jason for a well written blog............

STS has proven himself to be an absolte champion winning 6 Group 1 races in 3 countries in 6 months. If he were mine, I wouldn't be taking him to this years Breeders Cup either. He is still a 3 yo and it would quite likely that 7 in 7 months would be a bridge too far at his age.However, I would have put him away and bring him back for 3 or 4 major races in 2010 including the Arc and the Breeders Cup. Winning those would prove beyond doubt that he is a superstar in the Ribot, Secretariat and Sea Bird category.

I will be at the BC and am dissapointed in not seeing Sea The Stars.  I am looking forward to seeing Rip Van Winkle and Mastercraftsman.  I'm not sure I blame the connections of STS though.  What if he came over here and did a George Washington?  Then everyone would be on their case for going to the well too often.  I would have loved to see him have a break and return next year.  The insurance premiums may make it tough to keep a horse like that racing.

But I do think that racing has a hard time attracting and keeping fans because the horses are retired so soon.  I took my kids to Santa Anita this weekend so they could see Zenyatta and Mine That Bird. Afterwards, we stopped in the gift shop and there were no posters of Zenyatta. If I wanted to buy and expensive print I could , but no posters or Zenyatta t-shirts. She is so popular, they could have sold tons of them. What a missed opportunity.

Jason:  You did not print the paragraph before the one you chose from the John Oxx quote.  Maybe you should have done, to have given a fairer picture:

"He's had a long season and has been in regular fast work from March 3, with his final workout on October 2. He's been in intensive training for seven months with only a three-week break after the Eclipse Stakes at the beginning of July."

Plus, the fact that, as Mick Kinane observed at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe:

"His coat has gone and he has got hairy. He got warm today as he is getting his winter rug on. I don't know what John and the owners have in mind, but what he has achieved now is phenomenal.Does he need to achieve any more? I don't know."

Why should the owners risk him on a surface that is not the safest, judging from the number of injuries and fatalities in the last two years.  Remember what happened to George Washington when he was brought over after a long season to run in the 2007 Breeders Cup?

To SamNotSpam...I agree 100%; the US does NOT have the monopoly on great horses.....for example, hmmm .....we do NOT have Sea The Stars! But I, for one, would give an arm to see him run live and in living color. THAT would be a Breeder's Cup for the ages. He certainly does deserve some time off and it's well earned, but the timing of the Arc with the BC and a looooong trip to California might not have seemed a good idea. He had an amazing season but I want MUCH MORE, DAMMIT! Just when you get to know 'em they disappear, and while the breeding shed may be an attractive option for the owners (as well as the horse!) Mr Oxx's statement is just a bit too much for me. The question still stands and remains unanswered: if the horse is fit and happy and healthy and running out of his skin, why isn't he coming back in 2010.......BC or not????

BLAH!!! I'm going back to my old favorite Presious Passion and his sheer joy in running. Poop on the rest!

Cheers and safe trips to all.

I have no problem with Oxx's comments. They are accurate. STS has had a vigorous campaign and has more than earned his stripes by achieving a nearly unprecedented resume.

Just because a horse comes out of a race in good form does not mean he will be able to continue at such a high level.(Getting him on a plane to fly 15 hours to the west coast has some enormous risk.) It just means there were no discernable health issues; and that is indeed a good thing.

And be thankful that this is all about the money. That money - especially the big money from the behemonths like Darley to Coolmore - keeps the sport alive, let's be honest. These organizations are the VCs of this business...

Yes, I get the romantic element of trying to keep horses - great horses - on the track longer. I enjoy it too. I love owners like Jess Jackson who try to give back to the sport with his management of Curlin and RA. But the sport has bigger issues than this and they start with the treatment of their most important customer base - the bettor. Until they get that fixed, and it broken, this is sort of a red-herring to me...  

I don't know about comparing A racehorse to a single human athlete.  I don't watch the Indianapolis Colts merely for Peyton Manning.  Sea the Stars retirement is more like the Colts making it to the Super Bowl and then as a whole choosing not to go.

There's always the chance that he'll prove infertile in the breeding shed...then, watch how fast racing him will seem "fair" again.

GEESH PEOPLE!

So what if Sea The Stars is retired. If we now need the euro contingent to help us with racing, we have deeper problems than what we do now.

I do not care if it is for financial reasons only that he will not race at four. I do not pay the training bills, for the feed , the vet, and the other costs that are incurred by race horse owners.  I also do not care if the owners are rich and still decide to retire, it is THEIR horse.  

 Since when is the best interst of the horse a phrase to get tired of?  It is true we do not now if the statements are actually true, or if something else is going on. Maybe the horse was becoming disinterested in racing. I saw his Arc win, but that does not necessarily dictate he might go on at four and progress. What if they decide Rachel Alexandra is done and retired? Whose business is it to severly criticize someone for how they handle their horse.

Pressious Passion is still racing, Fort Prado, and others.

Perhaps we should be excited about more horses that compete and win, then just hanging on to a few.

Maybe if we heralded more horses as champions fans would realize how great grass horses can be. Most people will only see dirt races, or the top tier of racing.

When I used to go to Remington Park to watch the races, I loved a race mare named Lady Biul.  She always won me money, not because she won all the time, but was easy to handicap.  My heart broke the day she broke down just before the wire.  I still remember her.

These are the horses that bring people to racing and the track, not glorified superstars.

This is why the young people are not fans of horse racing. They never get a horse they can follow more than a few races and they are retired. Never mind most of America only know about the Kentucky Derby.I wanted to follow this horse and see how great he is but now he will be out of sight and just a memory for some and unheard of for many. If horses are to fragile to race we need to change the way they are being bred.

They are "race" horses. I wish the horse well.But those like him are what is needed today to save the sport.

Why is anyone surprised, this was going to happen klike the sun setting?The horse will be worth millions at stud.Getting a $100,000 or more for each mating session sounds like a cash cow which nobody in their right mind would turn down.Dave  B what planet are you living on to make such proposal??? That made me laugh.

If he is a "dud at "stud, could he possibly come back to racing? I sure would like to see him run again.

Samnotspam - The point is NOT whether he runs against Americans or not, or whether he runs in the Breeders' Cup.

The point is the retiring of a healthy, sound, happy and successful 3 year old for no other reason than greed.  Doesn't matter whether he runs here, he should be given the opportunity to run in the Dubai World Cup series.  To win an Arc double.  To show he may really BE the best European horse ever.

Right now, he's a great horse, but best ever?  No way to know for sure.

Just because AP Indy retired at 3 doesn't make this right.  AP Indy had had injury issues, Sea the Starts does not.  

His connections did NOT use P.C. terms.  "Politically correct" is a denigrating term used for "being polite">  They weren't being polite.  They flat out lied.

At least John and Cherly Toffan have a nice runner in Color Of Courage 6f 23:4-46-1:o9:1

That 's race horse time for a 2 year

Maybe JuV breeders cup

Hoorah to John Oxx!!! I have followed the career of Sea the Stars and watched most of his races and I am GLAD he is not going to Santa Anita. The horse has had a long year of competing at the highest level.

Few American horse compete in Group 1/Grade 1 races all year long!!

The connections have done the right thing by the horse. Those who are saying that money was the reason for his retirement have not followed the program mapped out by his trainer.

When he missed the Irish derby, was it because of money too??? The trainer picked his races well, always with an eye on the horses' wellbeing.

John Oxx always stated that the horse would dictate what happened next.

The correct decision has been made and we the fans have enjoyed the ride while it has lasted.

California is 10,000 miles away and hot. The horse has turned in coat and has done all asked of him.

To ask him to compete in the the BC would be one question too many. We need to know when to say ENOUGH.

We all remember what happened to the wonder horse Dancing Brave. He too was asked one question too many in hot California.

After all Sea The Stars for all of his brilliance is still just flesh and blood.

It is about time the interests of the horse are put first.

John Oxx, Christopher Tsui and Mick Kinane are supreme horsemen and I salute them for a job well done.

There's no betting in Dubai, and the sport is very much alive!

I completely agree with you.  He's had what, 9 races total?  RA's won  that many in a row, and that's not only not all of her races won, but we will probably see her again next year.  I don't doubt that Sea the Stars' victories were impressive, but to me, that few races doesn't really give a horse "one of the greatest of all time" status. Some horses have proven to be spectacular in a certain year, but cannot maintain that greatness. I like to see a horse race more and over a variety of track conditions to prove just how truly great and versatile they really are.  RA has taken on many different horses and has not shied away from the slop.  I am disappointed and agree that this does not help build racing fans, but hopefully RA will help take care of that next year.

Ah yes, those two awful organisations Coolmore and Darley. They never keep horses in training! I mean, just imagine what we would have missed out on if they had owned horses like Yeats, High Chaparral, Hawk Wing, Duke of Marmalade, Daylami, Fantastic Light, Dubai Millennium, Singspiel, Halling, Cape Cross, etc.

Oh, wait a minute......

The only way to stop early retirement is for the industry itself to ban early retirement. I doubt any body now in existence has such authority to do that. Until some sort of ban or merit system is in place we are all only wishful thinking that this is going to stop. It certainly doesnt allow us the continuity of marketing our big stars year after year the way other sports do.

I sincerely think racing as we know it now is in jeopardy in the not to distant future.

Well, we can't knock STS owners for not bringing his horse all the way around the world to run in our BC, on a different surface, when JJ wouldn't bring RA to run on a different surface either. And RA is a few hundred miles away and has raced on this type of surface before.  No excuses, same situation just different day. If were going to condemn one, condemn both.

The Breeders Cup Classic Now belongs to RAIL TRIP-Dont blow it with those fast fast fast workouts-

You have the one -Ron ELLIS

Well said Jason it seems many forget it's the fans that make the sport possible.  To be honest STS is retired just like Big Brown or Point Given.  Time to move on.  Quality Road wins the Classic edging out Midshipman and Gio.

I caught that "unfair" line, too, and I just shook my head...

Runfast159, very astute: "Briefly brilliant"...

Key Spirit: very true, if he was a gelding he'd still be running, and I bet if he was a filly he'd run again, too. As Jason said $$$$

This is racing.....it's not right if you're a fan, but that's the way it is......If Big Brown would have won the Belmont last year and be an undefeted Triple Crown winner, you can bet he would have been retired immediately and never have raced again.

First off, Jennie, are you a racing fan at all?

I posted on the other blog, not knowing there would be a new one devoted to Sea the Stars, so I'll weigh in on this one too:

Agree with you, Jason, as does everyone else (except Jennie).  I don't get it.  The owner is a young man, described by the British press as "immeasurably wealthy,"  and I would think he's having the time of his life being the owner of Sea the Stars.  Why cut it short?  

My best guess is that the connections believe the horse would not be quite as good next year, and people's high hopes and expectations would be dashed.  It's a very conservative decision; of course a money-making one too.  

I hate to see such a talented and sound horse be here and gone so quickly, like a shooting star.  And you're so right, the trainer quote is maddening.

Sea the Stars had gone in his coat before the Arc. Part of the praise heaped on him after the Arc was due to the fact that he'd been on the go since May and had raced over a variety of distances. Nijinsky and Nashwan to name but two couldn't sustain their brilliance to the end of their 3 yr old careers.

Yes, it's sad that he won't be going to America but the days of champions like Ribot and Brigadier Gerard racing as 4yr olds are gone.

I would have been nervous if Sea the Stars had gone to California. There have been too many times at the Breeders Cups when careers have been ended by something far worse than defeat.

Sea the Stars was a true champion, and over the course of his 3yr old campaign, he was truly tested and many of the horses that he defeated came out and won the Group 1 races that he didn't compete in.

His owner and trainer are entitled to retire him if they see fit.It's naive to think that financial considerations didn't play a part in their decision, but concern for the horse's wellbeing would have been a factor too.    

Remeber there used to be a series for older horses?  I used to watch Farma Way, In Excess, Black Tie Affair, Festin, and other top older horses battle it out.  Sadly, the series went belly up very quickly.

As for the comments about Sea The Stars not being able to keep running because he's growing his winter coat, give me a break!  Do a trace clip!  He has earned enough money to buy him a nice winter blanket to keep him warm until the clip grows back out.  

I don't blame the owners for wanting to retire him.  He's worth way more as a stallion than a racehorse.  But eventually the bottom is going to fall out of the high dollar stallion market if major racing dies because the fan base is gone.  Racing has a lot of problems to fix.  Early retirement of the stars is just one of them.  But Jason is right, to say Sea The Stars was retired out of fairness to the horse is silly and insulting to the intelligence of racing fans everywhere.

OK, I need some help understanding here...I really appreciate what Sea The Stars did this year, and I loved his dam, but I looked at his PP's and I don't get it.

Two 1 1/2 mile races, one in June in 2:36.3 and this last race 2:26.1 (which I'll give him is a very good time).

Two 1 1/4 races: 2:03 and change for each.

Two One Mile races: 1:42.1 and 1:35.4

What am I missing? Is it that he managed to win all of them in one year? Are these fabulous times for European grass?

I'm sincerely trying to understand why he's being heralded as the best ever in Europe.

Thanks to whoever takes the time to answer.

Perhaps "unfair" simply needed further detail.."unfair" as in the horse has been running his legs off in back to back races? Or "unfair" as in what he can make in the breeding shed?

I hope it's the first. If so I would wholeheartedly agree with his owner and trainer. Jess is doing it with Rachel- "we're done, see ya next year". Good on ya!! Good, sound, sane decision for your horses. The Breeder's Cup has lost ALL of it's sparkle, it's shine..heck it's signature purple saddle towels. Bigger isn't better. Plastic tracks aren't better.. (remember astroturf in football??? Same darn concept just applied to horses). Would you rather have a front end injury or a backend injury? How about just one of those "we don't know it must be a soft tissue injury"...

Put the BC back to one day, on the dirt (and turf) as it's founder's wanted it to be and watch the horses come. Keep this up and the BC will just be another meet.

To Sea the Stars- I am thrilled he's retired. He won't be hobbling on a track somewhere like Barbaro or Ruffian, he goes out on top- a legend in his own time. Such is how I will want to remember him twenty years from now. He's run these races back to back to back..where do you stop? When do you stop? These are personal issues that each owner and trainer must face. These are personal decisions. Let's respect that.

Finally, these folks were never committed to running in the BC. They made statements before the Arc like "his coat is turning" and were considering ending his year anyways.

Oh, brother; here we go again.

Retiring another perfectly sound colt at the pinnacle of his career, for no reason thangreed to get him off to the breeding shed.  He ran a whopping total of 9 races and so now he is all done.  Pathetic!

Do the Euopreans know about the current glut of throughobreds on the market right now and the growing movement toward breeding fewer mares and lower the number of mares in a stallion's book?

I guess not...

Yet another premature retirement. yet another another blow to the decreasing number of devout racing fans.

Qev, you  made a good point- if Sea The Stars is "a dude at stud"' it would be  amazing to see how fast he would be put back into training!

As mean as it sounds, you would almost like to see this happen.  You get so sick of this.

Jason, you just hit the nail on the head. I have been saying for quite sometime that our best horses were being retired too soon for breeding (money making) purposes which kept possible new fans from being created. At least some owners are starting to think about this as it only makes sense that if you have fans you have horseracing which in turn makes the money for the owners and breeders. It comes full circle but until the rest of the breeders and owners catch up we the fans and potential new fans will lose out. How sad for all involved.

Let him retire!  Zenyatta wins for funs against very weak older males!

Anyone remember George Washington? He was one of my favourite horses and his connections decided to run him in the slop at a sub-standard track.

Anyone see Rachel A in her last race? The sight of Calvin Borel beating the crap out of her was equally sickening.

I wonder how many new fans were attracted to racing on seeing that race.

The connection of Sea The Stars have done the correct thing.

Long may he rule the breeding shed!!!

Jason, when the entire quote is read as a whole, as it should have been, the quote that it would be unfair to subject the horse to another race -- entailing a 6,000+ miles journey there and back, to run in what could be 90 degree heat, on a surface he is not used to running on (and which may be unsafe), when he has already started to get his winter coat -- seems pretty accurate to me.

What is "unfair" is that you took half of a quote, out of context, to make an "unfair" argument.

I couldn't understand the "unfair" comment either. Completely agree the horse has earned a rest for the remainder of the year, but if owners want to preserve their lucrative breeding business they better start keeping their stars around a little longer. The tracks need them to draw the crowds. Poor attendance = fewer race days and lower purses. Maybe at the highest level it doesn't really matter. Those horses run for cred in the breeding shed and not the prize money anyway. But anyone interesting on making bank on stud fees or selling million dollar yearlings in the future would do well to remember that ROI has to be big enough to keep the small players in the game. These people are shooting themselves in the foot.

On a slightly different note, it's true that having superstars probably won't recruit new fans who have opposition to the sport's drug policies, injuries, etc. But most of the country doesn't know the first thing about horse racing and if PETAs reputation is any indication, I'd say most of the country wouldn't avoid the races in protest of said policies. Outstanding athletes get the attention of ESPN and other major media outlets. At least there would be a chance of finding new fans. Whether or not people like the sport is up to them, but they definitely won't like something they're never exposed to.

Just when is it ok for this great horse to be retired?  Mr. Oxx and the Tsuis could have retired Sea the Stars at any time this year following his Guineas-Derby double. They didn't. They took on the best horses in Europe all summer and into the fall.  They won the most important open-company race in the world and want their champion to go out on top.  

How dare anyone accuse these people of cashing in and hurting the sport. The horse has won at 8-10-12 furlongs in England-Ireland-France; his coat has begun to turn...but bring him to LA anyway...WE want to see him run...and if you don't, WE will question your motives and integrity.  Who is really being selfish here?

These folks deserve to benefit financially from the horse they bred-owned-trained to all-time great status.  Sea the Stars has done enough and deserves to live out the rest of his life in leisure.

John FaW - the point isn't that he's not going to the Breeder's Cup...it's that he's being retired all together!  I agree that after his strong campaign this year and in light of his coat going, sure, he should be stopped on for this year.  But for good?  Come on - your argument centers on the breeder's cup - the rest of us are lobbying for a return campaign next year after a well-deserved rest.

Forgot to mention, I don't believe a trip to SA would have been in the best interests of Sea the Stars and doubted it would happen, though I would have loved to see him.  Not questioning that, just questioning why they couldn't let him "rest" a few months, then see how he's doing.  Maybe, like Lava Man, he won't be so happy in retirement.  Maybe he could conquer America or go to Dubai in 2010, or just run in a few big races in Europe.  But I guess the answer is, he is the "hot horse of the moment" in a declining bloodstock market.    

I agree that the wording in the press release is not the best.  It made me wonder if he was thumbing his nose at the Breeders Cup in general.  I can understand why he wouldn't want to run on a synthetic track and if that is his reasoning good for him, I agree.  

But if Mr. Oxx is saying that his horse is to good for the Breeders Cup or America then we have a problem.  My bet is there is something wrong with the horse and that they would prefer not to adress it right now especially while they are accepting offers from stud farms.  Either way I hope he lives up to his reputation in his new venue as a stud...

While it is disappointing Sea The Stars is retired and will not run again, the critics who are against the trainer and owner for their decision are wrong.

Horse racing is a business and what is best for the welfare of the horse.  It is a business and welfare decision to retire one of the greatest race horses of our era.

Horses are not machines and only have so many races if not gallops in them.  They are highly susceptible to injury, high degree of which are life threatening.

Running again serves no purpose to Sea the Stars welfare or his future business endeavors.  He has acomplished more than most horses will ever come close to achieving.

Breeding is best for his welfare and business future.  He is immaculately bred colt and will no doubt be bred to the best broodmares in the world to pruduce future champions.

So let us look forward to his future as a stallion and his offspring.  The "Stars" stars will undoubtedly attract numerous new fans

Finally, Sea the Stars retirement was his owner's decision.  Aggree or disagree, when you are the owner, you make the decision(s), not someone else who thinks other wise.

PS:  As for Tom Brady and Kobe Bryant retiring after winning just one championship......... they wouldnt make near the money as a breeding stallion Sea The Stars UNLESS they continued to play.

This is a disappointing decision.  The owner, of course, can do as he pleases, but now instead of proving himself an extraordinary horse, Sea the Stars is a very expensive and unproven stallion.

He might be sterile, like Cigar.  He might have emotional issues, like War Emblem.  Or he might not sire anything approaching the promise of his pedigree or performance, and finish his days in exile in some TB hinterland, pasture breeding TB and grade mares.

Saddle57 - Yeah, Come back like George Washington??

Jason,

Are you looking for solutions or more mindless chatter?  To answer your question- a series for older horses where the horse with the most points at the end of the series wins a bonus of at least 4-5 million dollars.  This would be in addition to the purse money earned running in the races that comprise the series.  When you take into account the insurance premium for a race horse of top caliber and the assumption that even in a down market a horse of top caliber can command a stud fee of $30-$50,000, the only way to keep them running is to reward them for doing so.  A series for older horses is the key.

maybe jennie has a point about the crowds who will go racing in dubai without the need to bet , the majority at belmont and aqueduct are only betting numbers anyway and wont even have a clue who sea the stars is , so that argument is bogus compared to the crowds who have turned up to see the star this summer in europe, whilst paying exhorbitant admission prices!! they are the true fans who have reason to feel aggreived and are already booked to fly out to california!!

What will it take for the industry to stop these early retirements?

What if they banned breeding under the age of 5, no matter what the circumstances are (injury, early retirement).   Wouldn't this shift the financial incentive to racing?

>>Kim: You're "thrilled" he is retired?? Wow, you sound like a great race fan. Here's a thought? Why dont we retire them all now just so they dont get a "front-end" injury. They will all be safe for us to enjoy on the farm. Wow.<<

There are legions of horses that fit this description--"lead and feed" show horses that never do anything except eat and procreate.  They don't get hurt, but they don't do anything, either, such as being broken to ride.  

Breeds indulging in such animals tend to follow the demands of fashion with such absurdities of uselessly tiny feet, pretty (and empty) heads, and 'level toplines' (like cattle???).  After a few generations of fashion, the results can be dire--animals inherently unsound and useless under saddle, generating horror stories of breaking down on a trail ride.

At least most TBs, even those with the vilest cases of The Slows, have functional conformation and can do more than be led and fed.

Obviously, the colt's owner can do what he likes with his horse. What is unfair about this? Nothing, really. We got to see and read about Sea The Stars and his thrilling victories. At least he won't wind up like poor George Washington. THAT was unfair. This horse is entirely healthy and sound. Every time a horse steps foot onto a racetrack, there is the possiblilty of it's incurring a injury and many times these injuries are fatal. STS has nothing left to prove on the track. I look forward to hearing about his offspring.

"Money makes the world go round...the world go round...the world go round..."

Who cares about horse RACING anymore?  I thought the whole point was to see horses run against other horses.  Obviously, NOT.

Sad.

(Good comments, Jason)

I GUess most people did not want to lose more than $30 at santa Anita last sat.

Sea of the stars will be sold to Godolphin soon so he will come for breeders cup-dont worry

As someone who witnessed STS at Leopardstown i am very very disappointed that you guys wont see him. Oxx is amazing but his comments today annoyed me too.

Retirement is the only decision the owner can make with Sea the Stars.  It's a no brainer when it is quite difficult to recover the insurance bill by the purse of keeping him on teh racetrack for another few years.  What is the point when you are putting the colt at risk?  We are all human and want certainty.  The certainty is that he will breed 150 mares for at least the next 3 years.  Unless you are crazy, you would make the same decision to send him to the breeding shed.

Yeah, the "right by the horse" card is played way too often! I would've hoped the (declining) price of yearlings would maybe keep him out there---You can blame all of those writers, (many just stable shills), for playing the "one for the ages" card a little too often--So many horses retire on just one good year--It's chancy to come back not as good--chancy for male stud horses, I guess, but there was a real good chance he gets that 5 mil purse in Breeders Cup! Maybe at the very top you can retire, but I'm still hoping there's gonna be a resurgence in longer racing careers---there's a lot at stake for Sea The Stars continuing--he might have been a one year wonder, he might have gone wrong, which would hurt his breeding worth, I guess...We'll never see another Cougar II, a full horse running through seven, maybe an obscure bred McCann's Mojave, full horse through eight but I need/want to see two seasons of greatness at the top until I say "one for the ages"---that includes Sea The Stars.....horses like Bid, and Affirmed were tops at four, and because of that they are rock-solid all-timers----no conjecture necessary...

I'm shocked...shocked to find out that Sea The Stars is retiring I say mimicking Claude Rains in Casablanca.

It's the way of the world.  Not the US.  Not the UK.  The world.

Long gone are the days of the great family stables, except the Phipps, who bred to race.  Now its race to breed.

The only segment of the sport that keeps it stars is the jumps.  Ask any UK racing fan to name a horse and I'd almost guarantee, that they'd toss out a Kauto Star or Denman.  The horses that live in legend for the most part in that part of the world are the Red Rums and Desert Orchid's.  They run year after year.

I am not mad that he is retired.  Lets face it this horse is an ALL-TIME GREAT.  Undefeated this season, Derby-Guineas-Arc, quite simply never before and never again has it and will it happen NEVER AGAIN.  To have him come here with just a month out is ridiculous, if the Breeders' Cup was run in Europe I would be all for him running one more time this year but this is not the case and therefore I believe they made the right decision.  Retiring of top class three year olds is nothing new.  This horse is beyond a legend already, did anyone hear any quotes from previous riders, trainers of past greats??? Many say he is equal or superior to those of the past!!!!  Mill Reef's trainer himself said Sea The Stars is THE GREATEST OF ALL-TIME.  This is a from a man who trained an all-time great.  Lester Piggot said that Sea The Stars was just as good as Nijinsky if not better.  The horse is estimated to be worth 150 Million dollars, do you any idea how much that is even to the super rich.  Wonderful horse, wonderful connections, wonderful races and thrills, right decision.

I agree 110%  I hate it when potential superstars are retired sound. Just when a horse looks like they may go on to establish themselves as one of racings all time greats their careers are cut $hort.  I refuse to consider a horse as a "great racehorse" based on one season of racing.  JMHO.

Okay. An Owner and Trainer are been ridiculed here for "retiring" a champion!?! Does anyone really understand the statements, or are they just lining up to throw more dirt on the image of racing because it's easy?

The colt has achieved more in one year than anyone could have imagined. He was trained by an incredible trainer (and gentleman) at his best, ridden by a master, and owned by a true sportsman. They ran him every month since May 2nd and never tried to avoid anyone once the ground conditions were suitable. They took on the very best that Europe had to offer and made them look second rate. A year when an obscure 3 year old from England shames the best colts the west coast had to offer in the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes.

Look at the sentence in which Mr. Oxx states the word "Unfair"; it relates to running him again this year, i.e. the Breeders' Cup. Why would he run him there? Ship a 3 year old after a long season half way across the world, to race on a surface and a climate he has never faced? That would be "UNFAIR"! Maybe it is your wish to "risk" champions unnecessarily, only to turn around and ridicule them if something terrible happens!

I love to watch champions race as much as any true horse racing fan; but you forget that the cost of continuing is not small, the cost for his insurance premium alone will be "well above" $1m per year. Not to mention the unspeakable chance of loosing a horse like him to injury. They are all sportsmen and cost was not the primary factor, I can assure you that!

He is too important to the future of racing as a stallion; we need superstars in that part of the industry at a time when the old guard of sires are quickly retiring. His mother (also a champion) died in March, and his value to the bred is incredible.

I as much as anyone here hates to see an incredible horse retire, but the older division races at that level do not offer the reward/return to make any further "risk" feasible or wise.

This article is disappointing for an industry publication; the only one in the world I have seen that does not fully understand the facts. Taking statements out of context for the sake of making a story!

I applaud the team for a remarkable job, and wish Sea The Stars the very best in his next career!

Race times mean little to nothing in Europe - it is the quality of the win not the speed of the race that matters.

Each of StS races this year have seen him win comfortably and never at full stretch. Mick Kinane only had to use his whip 2 or 3 times in the Arc. He is a clever horse who never does more than he has to.

As for the comment about clipping the horse, when a horse goes in his coat his body is winding down to prepare for winter and he is no longer at his peak. If you read the statent in full you will know that StS has been in full work since March with one very small break in July - it IS unfair to the horse to keep him running this year.

Breeders' Cup is not the be all and end all. It no longer offers the most prize money and non-US horses are at an instant disadvantage as they are not trained on medication.

The only reason some European trainers use Lasix etc at BC is because they know their horses are at a disadvantage to the locals without it.

Does anyone know, if the colts who get retired early, do they get fertility testing before their fate is decided by the owners? Just curious...

Monica S.

I get your point about a campaign as a four year old. As a four year old only two races really appeal and those are the King George and the Arc.

It would be unrealistic to expect the same high level of performance for a three straight seasons.

He has already done more than enough. Done things no other horse has done. We do we want more? Why are we never satisfied? I say leave well enough alone.

I almost danced on the table when I heard the news of his retirement.

Lets us remember his great achievements. I have watched the Arc a dozed times, the derby and Guineas the same.

As a long time fan only Dancing Brave and George Washington have moved me as much.

I think I saw the Sprint Winner in the Ancient Title----now THERE'S an appropriate race-name--Ancient Title, one of my all-time favs, a helluva Santa Anita Sprinter! No way could he have beaten Sea The Stars but he is remembered because of the years and years he always tried, THAT is what pulled me into the sport, THAT is why I'd just like to see Lava Man one more time--THAT is why I root for Mine That Gold---he'll be around, he's 997 lbs, ran one of the all-time Derbys, home base ir a quarter horse track, a trainer named Chip, I'll take him! I hope he likes it out here, I'll take Mine That Bird for the next five years, I'll take it!---That is why I'll be there to see Zen, it's more than the racing, it's the whole process that brings the fan to the races---the stars aren't the owners, or the trainers--the stars are the horses, and the jocks....and it's a treat to be able to see your faves year in/year out!  

Did everyone forget about Einstein? He's 7 and he still has a career going for him, then he will be put to stud too! At least we got to see him this long! My point is, we have to enjoy the horses when we can, because who knows what will become of them next!!

Why is it that everyone wants that great horse, but the minute they get it, the whisk them off to retirement? Same thing last year with Zarkava. An absolute joke. This is horse racing, not horse breeding. We should all be thankful that we will get to watch Rachel Alexandra run next year as a 4 year old. At least she is owned by a REAL sportsman!

Maybe he'll come back like Bret Favre and Michael Jordan.  Horse racing is my favorite sport, but it's dying a slow and painful death.  Keep an eye on Kentucky the next 5 years.  It will not be pretty.  The 2015 Kentucky Derby will be held in West Virginia.

Top horses have been retired at age 3 in Europe for a long, long time.  Oddly enough, horse racing is doing just fine over there (and in Japan, and in Hong Kong) which goes a long ways towards defeating the entire premise of this piece.

Can somebody please explain how, exactly, a potential 4yo campaign by Sea The Stars is going to help racing here when he wouldn't have run here anyways during said campaign?  

The truth is, if we need a European turf horse to race once in America (at age 3) to help "save the sport" over here, then it can't be saved in the first place.

Vic ?  All time great ? Lol. you race 9 times and you're an all time great.  Sorry don't think so.  Career is incomplete without running as an older horse.  

This is a big loss to the Classic, we can only hope that the Zen camp comes.

Jason -

In reference to comment about the fans(betters) keeping the sport alive.  Without owners you don't have horses.  Horse racing needs to return to the Sport of Kings.  Get rid of low level claiming and owners who only care about a win at any level.  The racing fans will never save racing.  It can only be saved by high quality owners.

I was lucky enough to see Sea The Stars run three times, so for me I am not bothered that he isn't running in the BC, I think it would be a big ask for him so late in the year.

However, I am saddened that you won't see the Monster run in the US, and saddened that he won't run at 4.

ALB - I don't think insurers will allow fertility tests before a horse is retired. They are afraid of a horse being "retired" when the owner knows he is sub-fertile and making a claim on the insurance.

Most stallions will cover test mares in January to make sure things are working - these are normally foster mares that many studs keep in case a mare dies.

Sea the Stars 2009 half-brother by Invincible Spirit was himself fostered after their dam Urban Sea died earlier this year.

Thank God for the Breeders Cup! Because of The Cup, we don't have to listen to ceaseless bragging about Dancing Brave and Giants Causeway! By retiring STS, they can go straight to the "one for the ages" card!

Well said Jason

Well said Jason!  I have been arguing for years that the retirement of thouroughbred racehorses in their prime is probably the foremost detriment to growing the sport.  The question is, what can be done to halt this trend?  Many would argue for the implentation of across the board rules that would to prohibit racehorses from breeding until they are a minimum of five years old.  While breeders will groan in agony and support within the industry will (as always) be difficult to achieve, sounds like a viable solution for the NTRA strive for to me!

When the horse breeding industry stops driving the bus horse racing will get some traction. Racing is nothing more then where  breeders and owners put the "lipstick on the pig" and sell the critter before people find out the horse is flawed. Sea The Stars was magnificent for 9 races but the speculators don't want to know if he is really one of the all time greats. The risk in finding out could be very costly. If the money boys offer 30 million today and  the big horse goes to the BCC and looses is a question they didn't want answered. What complicates this picture is that breeders, owners, trainers and track officials are all co-mingled creating a huge conflict of interest. Bottom line, if  the horse market tanks, the good ones will race longer. In the past are greatest racing legends were owned by sportsmen not speculators. When the primary interest is money derived from breeding and sales racing will take a back seat.

"The point being made was that early retirements of 3YOs is hurting race in the U.S. If you cant see that, well, I cant help you."

Thank you for your offer of help.

Maybe you can explain why the phenomenon of 3yos retiring in Europe isn't hurting horse racing there when it is supposedly destroying the sport here.  Doesn't that strike you as at least a little bit odd?

Furthermore, if it is as big a problem as everyone here seems to think it is (I'm not convinced), there's a pretty simple solution available to the sport:  

Make the TC trail for 4yos and up, and the problem is solved on the spot.

But of course we can't mess with tradition, can we?  

People call his campaigne hard then some go and spit on the one RA has had. She has raced twice more than STS, and went from mid Feb to early Sept. That is roughly 30 weeks in which she raced eight times, an average of a race per 3.75 weeks. She has five consectutive Grade one wins which started at the begining of May, basiclly meaning she won those over a span of five months. When you include that three were against males and one of those three was against older males, keeping in mind that she is a filly, I would say that both campaigns are equal. The point though is not the toughness of STS season, it is the fact that he is being retired, when he could be brought back to do so much more. The comment "unfair" should've been made on how unfair this is to racing fans, not just in Europe, but internationaly. This is one of the reason the sport is going downhill, and I agree rules should be made to prevent horses from retiring so young. Why not make a rule saying no thoroughbred cannot be bred until it reaches full maturity, which I believe is five years old for the average horse. Injuries would be included in this rule for me. Really I don't care what is done, I just would like to see horses stay around longer.

I find this very dissapointing but at the same time I'm excited. Since Stars isn't coming to town we'll more likely see Zenyatta in the Classic. As much as I like Stars he's done and I've moved on. The idea of the amazon running in the classic to me will be exciting enough. As long as Rip and Mastercraftsman come I'll be happy. For Oxx's comment, he could have phrased it better but I doubt he meant to get this kind of uproar.

I agree with the comments in this article but it seems as if the fans have nothing to say about it-as always. Arghhhhhhh!!  Funny part is the way the breeding industry is going it might cause more owners to race as 4yo's or up. Who knows????

That's fair enough JShandler.

Given that, I have to wonder why the author of this piece, provided he shares your opinions, would cite Sea The Stars' retirement as an example of what is wrong with horse racing here when the horse has never raced here.

I'm just not buying the argument.  Rachel Alexandra has done little, if anything, to increase the visibility of the game to non-horseracing fans in this country.  Do you really expect that to change if/when she races again next year?  Given that the American sports world virtually ignored Curlin's 4yo campaign (to the average joe he was a much bigger star at age 3 than at 4) I have to say I'm not terribly optimistic.

Your right that the best way to keep them racing is by making it more profitable to race instead of breed.

BUT, that will Never happen !!!

The only possible idea that I can even fathom is a "Purse Structure" based on Age.

2 year old "MAX" purses = $300,000

3 year olds = $500,000

4 and up = $1,000,000 or More

BUT, of course the Industry will never even allow such a thing as it might scare away New Ownership.

This colt is the undisputed best 3 year old in the world, had a daunting campaign the likes of which none of his fellows "across the pond" had. I dont think anyone can say he would have raced as a 4 year old, but then again he won everything that was thrown at him at 3. In sum, he will head to the breeding shed and deservedly rest on his laurels. In the meantime, lets see what else the British and French trainers have to bring over here, and get the Breeder's Cup started!      

Everybody relax! It's all about the money.If you don't like it than watch harness racing, they don't retire much.

And to johnFaw-I didn't know that Calvin Borel was weilding a crobar . Gimme a break, a whip to a horse is like a gnat on your ***.

HI JASON:

Nice work as usual. I agree w/ you but  it  underscores the fact that many of us are complaining that STS is now retired,when we have two "superhorses" w/ RA and Zenyatta whom many live only to slam at every turn. Makes no sense and I'll ALWAYS argue that! Many are too stupid to appreciate the fact that Zenyatta runs at five and RA will be running next yr. at four.

I think it is important now to look at the glass half full and focus now on a very good race between Gio, SB, QR, and Midshipman.  In the Ladies Classic you have the suspense of Zenyatta staying undefeated and taking on the best female currently running Music Note.  There is plenty to enjoy.  We can still have a great meal even though a few good things are off the menu.

Winning the Classic is the biggest thing in Horse racing-not Ky derby

Where's your evidence that she has?  Is overall handle going up because of her?  Did the television audience for her greatest race, the Woodward, make even a minor blip on the national radar?  Is there any tangible evidence, aside from the well deserved praise from people who are horse racing fans already, that she is increasing the visibility of this sport on the national radar?  If so, I have yet to see it.

She's a remarkable filly, perhaps the greatest I've seen in my lifetime, but she is not going to save the sport.  She didn't do it this year and she won't do it next year.  In fact, she'll receive less press next year than she did this year, because the only races that count in the national consciousness are the TC (there's a real problem right there) races and every once in a while, the BC (oops, she's missing that).

I think the problems this sport faces go far, far beyond whether or not horses are retired at 3, and in the larger picture I think the problem you are illustrating in this piece is extremely minor in comparison to the largest one, and that is that this sport is facing a demographic time bomb.

My apologies for missing that you are the author, it should have been obvious.  I'll chalk it up to a lack of caffeine.

Jason, this is not a debate you have here, this is a vehicle by which you are giving snide (and borderline nasty) responses to those who dare disagree with your opinion.  

"But without him and Rachel Alexandra--maybe the two best and most popular horses in the world--the World Championships just lost another opportunity to attract new fans."

What is even worse for NEW FANS is saying dumb stuff like that...Both Sea the Stars and Rachel ALexandra had wipe out campaigns that in today's world would have put lesser horses on the shelf after only 2-3 hard races nto almost a year of them. Focus less on what could have been and more on those stars that still are aattracting people to the Breeder's CUp like our undefeated Mighty Mare, Zenyatta; or our gutsy little Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird; or the ultra-flashy Summer Bird; or Einstien; or the two GRAET Euros in Rip Van WInkle and Mastercraftsman. I guess it is always better to look at the glass as half empty rather than half full. Instead of trying to explain tot eh "new fans" what is "unfair" to the sport find the silver lining and encourage them with all that remains. Your comments just sound liek ultera naysaying in a time when we move on from disappointments and ty and hightlight the beauty that is left. Sea the Stars and Rachel Alexandra are NOT the only two good horses in the world and instead of trying to convinve us that we shouldn't accept such "unfairness" you should be trying to convince the "new fans" (that read this site every day) all the reasons why they should still be on the edge of their seat with excitement for those superstars that WILL be at Santa Anita next month to thrill and excited them. While disappointed in every defection, I for one am still very excited to see all the talented horses and connections that will be there and nothing you can say to "naysay the sport" will diminish that for this new fan.

Phew! Even for me that's a dig! But Giants Causeway---cannot fault his record, and his Classic 2nd was one helluva run! He's becoming Sunday Silence, great racehorse/great sire! Jerome Winner nice horse! Another by The Giant....

Mile Relva and Draynay: AMEN.

This is tragic at best.  This sport is taking a beating with the ridiculous amounts of money people make at the breeding shed.  That is the source of the problem.  I figured Sea The Stars owner was younger and maybe he would take a chance of racing him, but alas it's all about the cash.  Oxx's comments were insulting and plain disingenuous.  As a horseman who's been around for a while, winning Breeders Cup races etc,  he should feel ashamed.  One does not retire when in peak form! It's oxymoronic and once again, tragic.

What's with all this talk about "well, the owners are doing the right thing. We all remember what happened to George Washington". No one knew that George Washington was going to break down. Horses run on the slop all the time and we don't see those kinds of injuries. You don't hear Jess Jackson talking smack about the slop RA has raced in, or Tim Ice complaining that Summer Bird has to run in it. Accidents happen on a daily basis. Human and Equine. If anyone thinks that by retiring this horse for the sole reason is because he's in the best shape of his life, why race him at all in the first place? Why have racing period? Horses should be retired based on a declining career, loss of will to race, or injury. Unless you strike it rich with a horse like this and you're living paycheck to paycheck. That would be the only other reason.

I think the fact that the Woodward was not nationally televised exactly proves Joseph S's point.  As brilliant as Rachel is, people still aren't watching.  The Woodward was Rachel's 8th race this year.  If 8 races aren't enough to garner national attention, what is?  

Joseph - You must not read Vogue magazine. . .  LOL.  Rachel was featured in one of the highest profile NY fashion magazines along with a series of women who are "making the news/making a difference".  

I want to add that I think the Europeans have really stepped up to the plate when it comes to sending horses over to the US - especially for the Breeders Cup.  Gee, remember all the hooplah about an American trainer winning so many races at Royal Ascot this year?  And when was the last time you saw a true American contender in the Arc?  (Curlin couldn't even make the race!)  You just don't see older American horses racing over there regularly.  Why?  Is it fair to throw stones then?  So, I give the Euros props for sending their horses over, though I will continue to be disappointed about STS.

As for new racing fans and how to bring them in...I just don't know that it's possible.  With so many high-tech entertainment options out there - there is a definite death knell sounding for the old school and sports like ours.  I just think it is nearly impossible to take our sport and hype it up and tech it up so much that it caters to the fast younger crowd - and still be able to recognize it as the sport we have all fallen in love with.  Let horses stay in training longer? Sure!  But, when the average reporting venues available to the public don't print the articles needed - so who's to know?  There wasn't even one word in my local newspaper (which also has an online version) about Zenyatta OR Sea the Stars recently.  Why?  So, my point is that the horses can stay in training (as STS could have) but maybe it's too late for anyone but us to really care?  

BTW-My 4yo son watches all the big races with me on TV/TVG/HRTV and I am always reading him stories about horses like Rachel, showing him pictures, and talking to him about going to the Derby some day to keep him interested.  I am thinking that fostering a love for these animals early will help in the long run.  Am I so off base?

Well said Glass Half FUll -  

There are plenty of great horses left to see in the Breeder's Cup.

Jason you spend too much time defending yourself on this blog.

Yes, Jason and others, it is always about the money.

GREED, (early retirements and DRUGS) in horse racing will continue the demise of the sport.

Ever since Eight Belles death, personal friends of mine refuse to watch the Kentucky Derby and never mind the Breeders Cup.  

They are convinced the horses are raised on drugs and raced on drugs.  All horses.

As for me, I will watch Zenyatta dance and race once more and pray she is indeed, drug free.

Retire the horse. Fine. Its your horse. But don't dare try to make a claim for all-time greatness. In cannot be achieved by a horse racing 9 times. He had a great year, but that is all you can say, nothing more.

John Oxx is being heavily critiscised on here even though the thread only takes into account half his statement, this is a man who has handled this horse excellently all season never once shirking a challenge, and to do it with intense media coverage constantly asking him about Santa Anita and the horses reputation is a testament to his professionalism.

Personally im ecstatic STS is retired, no need to run again, nothing more to prove. The Arc is the worlds premier race, what possible way would be better for the horse to bow out? Its a shame for those who never got to see him race, I was at York when he had a match race against 3 team mates and made them look like pit ponies, afterwards he was paraded the full length of the stands and given a standing ovation, which is hugely rare in Euro flat racing, like i said a real shame for those unfortunate not to see him. I must reiterate it was pointless to continue racing, 7f-8f-10f-12f on surfaces gf to Irish heavy on vastly different tracks every time and no horse fast enough to really push him, a true great who will enjoy his new career even more, I know i would...

for all of those people saying that cavin borel hurt rachel alexandra by whipping her over and again. he didn't hurt her in the least. the type of whips that jockeys carry. they don't don't hurt anymore than of a horsefly biting a horse and it's not so much the feeling as it's the sound that the whip makes since it makes a loud pop and that is what the horse worrys more about. the whips that actually would hurt a horse would be the lounge line whips or a driving whip that is used for driving horses or even harness racers. not a bat or crop

oh god,  yea and what if the horse gets hurt if ran in BC??  that would be last race anyway.

I myself dont look down aty the decision.

ITSA ALL ABOUT THE DOLLARS boyws and girls not winning races anymore.

You want to know how to generate new fans to the racetrack? Cancel all ADW sites. Force people to attend the racetracks. Reduce the amount of days within a meeting. Horse players would have no other choice but to go, and they would be able to save up a bundle to attend the races. This would at least generate a crowd at the hosted site of where racing is conducted. And by the time new fans arrive, maybe they'll get into it by the amount of people that actually attend the races on a daily basis, as oppossed to the 3-8 some odd thousand that head out there on a daily basis. I doubt Hong Kong or Japan have ADW sites. I can go on, but what are all your thoughts on this?

What b!s. I hate how these owners and trainers would talk about how strong the horse has become, how professional, how powerful and authoritative, and then they go and say, "Yep, he's retiring." He's not even fully mature! Other than money there is absolutely no reason to retire him so soon. Yes, he's been running once a month and mowing down everything in his path, but for the love god why not just turn him out for a few months and keep racing him next year?

God sometimes I really hate this sport, and that's the worst thing about it. Where's the sportsmanship? These horses are FIT and HEALTHY and SOUND. He's at his peak and he sure as hell can keep going if they let him.

Whatever. I'll be rooting for Zenyatta. At least she's still around.

I agree 100% - the early retirements are a major factor in racing's failure to keep fans and attract new ones.  I have spoken to several people who quit watching because they got sick of the "musical chairs".

Of course there are other major factors, too.  Maybe the down economy will help keep some on the track longer.  But my guess is most of the biggest stars will continued to be retired too soon.

You really have to appreciate Jess Jackson and Mr. & Mrs. Moss for racing their stars past age 3.  

He didn't win the English Triple crown!

He could have competed at 3 levels in the BC !mile, turf, and classic ?

It's not like his blood is special Northern Dancer on Mr P!

After 300 mares in two Hemispheres we will see?

It would have been a boost to an industry in trouble, can you see Florida not playing for the BCS after going undefeated?

RUNFAST159

Thank you!

DRAYNAY

Good points regarding looking forward.

I really would have liked to see the colt run in person.

He looked like he was sensational.

The crop we've had this year, even if some say they aren't the greatest, they've sure had some great moments. EACH and EVERYONE of them. From A-Z, they've given us something to remember for sure and those who DON'T follow the game are missing out.

To a certain extent what Joseph said is true, sad to admit it. We've gained new fans, through Rachel, through Zenyatta and the people's horse MTB (see all the cowboy hats at SA). But the few fans who have mentioned it or commented? Even if they are a few thousand or more, haven't made a serious impact on the televising of races or the handle.

The economy is down hampering gamblers cash flow and strictly 'fans' don't really wager impactfully.

But, kind of like an article on the BH about the integrity of wagering? The same holds true for racing itself "public perception" is the issue. Not EVERY horse is juiced up, not EVERY horse is unsound, not EVERY trainer is a cheat, not EVERY owner is greedy, not EVERY breeder is greedy, not EVERY jockey is throwing a race or over whipping their horse.

That's like a general condemnation of ANY industry and it's never true. It lies somewhere in the middle. Sort of like saying that EVERY baseball player is on steroids, EVERY basketball player shaves points, EVERY ref makes calls in order to help gamblers.

Sometimes it seems to me that the people who are supposed to be the games fans, are getting info out to the public in whatever format or are even IN the game are the worst enemies of the game. Pretty sad.

J,

I must agree when I first read the comments about STS retiring I too was excuse me..pissed! NOt that he's not coming here, I'm glad he's not, not even the fact that he's retiring, yawn, THAT was NOT a surprise AT ALL, nothing new there is there? again yawn. It makes me mad simply because this is exactly what we've all been talking about. Breed, sell, race, retire, 2 maybe 3 yrs. Sigh..Contrary to what others may think, not all claiming level owners and trainers desire to get over on people and run their horses to death. Believe or not many LOVE the sport, LOVE the horse and are in it because it is their calling, not to get rich, but to one day capture that lightening in a bottle, nothing more scandalous then that. What has been amazing to me is the sides that people take..there is NO side, not one leg of this sport can stand without the others. You can't race without the horse, you need owners, breeders, horses. To race you need sellers, trainers, vets, assistants, jockeys. Then you need the tracks, the purses, the employees', to have those you need the fans, the bettors, the lovers, the freaks, the bloggers, the Draynay's, and last but not least all the sub-departments. Like publications, equine hospitals, trackside cafe's, insurance co. I mean the list goes on forever. Take away the top, it falls down, take away the bottom, it falls down, take away the middle you have nothing to hold the top and bottom. We must have each other. Everything must change. Someone has got to break the mold, I think that's what many are screaming for. Fair enough?

I am very disappointed. He is a truly brilliant horse. But after only eight races total for his career? How is keeping him in training for another season unfair to him? It is unfair to the fans who wished to see him carry his brilliance on for another season. To say he may have been the greatest ever--well, they should put up their hand and keep him in training for a chance to win the Arc next yea, as well. Then we could truly see how great he is, measured against the feat of Ribot in winning that race twice.

For those of you who are blaming Jason for only using 'half of Oxx's quote' as you say - stop it!  No one is denying the fact that he had a long, arduous, brilliant campaign.  No one is denying that he has earned a break.  But to say it's 'unfair to him to keep going' (as in EVER!) is the part that irks us.  Why is it unfair to a horse to give him a long, freshening break and to run him next year - he's in good form, fit and healthy - Oxx even said so.  You've got a fit, healthy horse that needs a freshening?  Great!  Freshen him and bring him back.  

Also, to say he's got nothing left to prove is pretty narrow-minded.  Why not keep writing the record books?  Why not extend his legacy and tighten his grip on racing immortality?  Why not make it even harder for others to ever be compared to him?  There may not be something to 'prove' (to coin the phrase), but there is definitely something to gain.  If you've got a sound RACEhorse, why don't you RACE him some more?  That goes for all horses, not just Sea The Stars.  Otherwise we're going to have to start calling them Breeding horses.  

Anyone who is relieved that Sea the Stars is retired because that means he "won't get hurt" obviously knows nothing about horses. Horses die from accidents in their stalls (like stakes winner Nistle's Crunch who, earlier this year, was euthanized after breaking his pelvis in his stall). They die from accidents in their pastures, and even while walking back from the breeding shed (St. Liam, anyone?). Retirement from racing is absolutely no guarantee that the horse in question is no longer at risk.

Also, what the heck is all this talk about the horse's coat changing? ALL horses' coats change for the winter; I guarantee that every Northern Hemisphere-based horse who shows up for the Breeder's Cup will be in the process of "changing its coat" at the time. This is why clippers and blankets were invented, people. Growing a winter coat is a perfectly normal response to the change in daylight hours and temperatures, and has nothing to do with how hard the horse has been working or whether the horse is tired, as some seem to think. The fact that STS's coat is being used as a reason not to race is ridiculous, in my opinion.

All that said, I don't really care that he's not coming to the Breeders' Cup. I never expected to see him come over here anyway. I just think that some of the arguments that people are using to justify his retirement/not coming over are somewhat silly.

Jason, great blog, and this is very frustrating as a racing fan.  It was bad enough Ravens Pass, Henrythenavigator and Zarkava were retired at 3, but now this!  Maybe he will be a flop in the shed and come back like George Washington!

Go BRETT FAVRE!!!

In the game and STILL WINNING!

It's been interesting reading the Irish Times and the London Times, among others, on line today.  While not everyone agrees with the decision to retire STS, many point out the arduous trip to hot southern California is an issue, as well as past horses that "went to the well" too often, for example, the one I remember with the most sadness, Nijinsky.

Did money or the long season or a desire to go out on the glow of the Arc victory drive or a fear of risking injury contribute to the decision?  They may all have.

Was the trip and the artificial surface as off-putting to Sea the Stars' team as it is to Jess Jackson?  Maybe.  Consider - how many of our best horses race at the Curragh?  Ascot?  Longchamp?  Dubai?  Is it the grass?  The undulating courses?  It's a big change for many American horses.  But we expect horses to come here from Europe and Asia because we decided the Breeder's Cup is the World Championship.  And Europeans have done quite well down through the years when they come to visit!

But I think the handlers know Sea the Stars the best, and if they feel the season is enough, then let it go.  They've been right so far in managing his career and keeping him happy, so if they feel the "bloom is off the rose", so be it.

It's sad we won't see him at 4, and I think there's little doubt they'll change their minds after the winter, but for all their lives, and his, they can look back at 2009 and know he had a season to be proud of.

Jason, I love your blog, and respect your opinions ... but this is hardly an "insult".  Disappointing yes, but nothing more.

STS had started getting his winter coat.  None of us know better than his connections as to what is right for the horse.  

Plus, he would have to ship a long way, to a different climate than he is used to, to a surface he hasn't seen, and there are a multitude of things that could go wrong.  

Winning or losing the Classic wouldn't affect his breeding one way or the other imo.  From the rumors I have heard is Maktoum is dying to get a hold of him.  He still would be regardless of a Classic outcome on poly.  

If he were to come and get injured and be put down that would be a greater detriment to racing than him not coming.  

His bloodlines are extremely valuable and racing needs those to be passed on imo.  

His mother, Urban Sea, is now passed away.  Her bloodlines are phenomenal.  She won the Arc, along with a ton of other great races.  His brother, Galileo, is one of the leading sires, if not the leading sire over there right now.  And STS has potential to be better breeding than he is.  Racing needs that to get passed along.  

The risk is greater than the reward.  

I would love to see him come over.  But I believe his connections know what is best for him better than I do, and if they see fit to shelve him, then I will trust their judgment.  

And I certainly don't find it "insulting" by what they said.  

For the Euros their crown jewel is the Arc.  He won the biggest race, and the one that he was pointed to.  

Would it preferable for them to say that he has accomplished everything they needed him to ... and that the Classic isn't important enough to risk a potential dire outcome for?  Then it would be "they are demeaning our Classic".  He did everything he was asked for their important races.  To say its insulting that they don't see the need to risk it for the Classic, is off.  

If nothing else, this should really make us appreciate Jess Jackson and how he showcases not just his own horses but the sport of horse racing in fervent hope that racing will thrive on long after he has left us.

Think of what it cost him to race Curlin as a 4 yr. old. Even though the horse became the top money winner of all time, that year probably cost him at least what Curlin won, to say nothing of breeding fees that can never be recouped and horses that will never be born. I'll bet the insurance for his 4 yr. old campaign cost at least half of what he won, and probably more like 75 or 80% of it. This is a generous man.

I really like STS, but he's not in the same breath as a Ribot, undefeated in 16 races, 2x Arc winner, or a Sea Bird..JMHO

OR,  maybe it was the name Dancing Brave that retired him

Jason, if Tom Brady retired after which Superbowl? #1, #2 or...#3?

;-)

da3hoss: Honestly, times don't matter in European racing. Each track is so wildly different there that time cannot be used as a measure of quality as it can in the US. Also, the running style is different. Surely if you've watched Euro racing you must know they don't tend run flat out all the way?

Another one bites the dust.  

I am not surprised in the least Sea The Stars was retired. Disappointed, but not surprised.

It's a good thing the average racing fan has not warmed up to Standardbred racing.

Although I find them incredibly boring, they do race them, and often.

It's nothing for they're very best to race every week. AND, they race as older horses.  Yes, I know they don't carry weight which allows them to race more often, but, they do race them.

They have lots of them with millions of dollars in earnings, but they keep them racing.  Good for them.

A shame, and mostly for the Europeans who won't get to see him race again. Was there really any chance he was crossing the pond?

Anyway, who wants to join my Pashito the Che fan club? And can anybody tell me what his name means? lol

Jason,

Ever wonder why we have so many graded stakes at 1 1/8 miles? Especially in the male division. And big graded stakes as well. If the Classic distance is 1 1/4 miles, why not have the majority of grade 1 races conducted at that distance? Is the Goodwood really a true prep if its run a furlong shorter than the classic? Wouldn't you want to prep at that distance? Same as the Lady's Secret. 1 1/16? and so on... In France, I think all of the Arc preps are at 1 1/2 miles.

Great blog, Jason!  There are so many interesting comments.

I remember when most horses raced to 4 or 5 and even 6.  It was the norm back then.  Those horses proved their racing ability on the track which made them more valuable in the breeding shed.  In recent years, the trend is to rush 3 year olds to the breeding shed if they have a good 3 year old campaign.  I think partly because they don't want the chance that they may breakdown or that they might lose.  In my opinion, this is the breeding industry calling the shots.  They want the horses like Big Brown and Smarty Jones and they don't want to take the risk of them losing as that diminshes the horse's value at stud and any horse going into a race could potentially be injured and injured seriously.  They could lose a stallion prospect that way.

The breeders want them early so they can avoid any such problem.  I certainly understand that reasoning but.....racing is dying a slow death.  We can't keep the true stars on the track because of this early retirement.  Curlin raced at 4 but his 3 year old foes were gone.  Can you imagine what a great year that would have been if Street Sense and Hardspun had raced at 4?  I should think that tested durability would be an attractive attribute for a stallion.  Big Brown had bad feet and ran valliantly in his last two races.  Curlin was a very sound horse and he stayed sound through his 4 year old year. It's rare for a horse to be undefeated, very rare.  That's why we appreciate it so much when it happens but when a horse is not undefeated but has a great record that is also a trait one would want in a stallion.  They will not always win but if they race well why would a loss diminsh a horse's value?  Secretariat lost 4 times and I really don't think that was an issue for anyone wanting to breed to him.  He was retired early because of the circumstances, I realize, but can you imagine what he would have been at 4?

I think that if this current trend continues in the US, the breeders won't have to worry about getting a 3 year old to the shed because there won't be any need for it.  If racing dies, who will buy all those race horses?  I understand that there are other things thoroughbreds can do but racing accounts for most of them.  If we don't save racing, why breed so many horses?

Crafton,

We got enough of his bloodlines going around as it is through Galileo. What's knocking off one year out of 22 for breeding in exchange for racing gonna hurt? How many great horses ever reproduce what they've accomplished? Its usually the horses that we just a cut below the best that seem to produce the best. Cape Cross, Northern Afleet, Elusive Quality, Smart Strike. All these owners talk about owning a great race horse. And when they have it, they're so quick to retire it. Wouldn't you want to enjoy that moment a little more than just a year?

Of all the things that are hurting racing in America, retiring 3YOs is way, way down on the list.  There is an arugument that Rachel Alexandra has attracted tons of "new fans".  Doubtful.

Retirements are a bummer, no doubt, but they are not killing the game.  Seriously, how many of you bet less money because of which horses retire?  I have not bet one dime less because some owner decided to prematurely retire a race horse.  I bet less when I tire of crappy fields, trainers that can't live without a needle, and watching horses die on the track.  

Curlin came back as a 4YO, did he really generate any interest outside of the already hardcore fans?  Most non-fans probably never heard of Curlin and could have cared less that he raced as a 4YO.

Well Said Sunday Silenced... and by the way..Sunday Silence was one of my all time favorites!!! I hated that he was sent to Japan after he retired. HATED IT.... still do.

Vic ?  All time great ? Lol. you race 9 times and you're an all time great.  Sorry don't think so.  Career is incomplete without running as an older horse.  

Draynay 13 Oct 2009 3:36 PM

Draynay you make NO sense.  So your saying that Sea The Stars, Secretariat, Count Fleet, Man O' War, and others aren't great because they didn't race at 4?  Any and everyone who knows ANYTHING about racing will tell you that these are all GREAT horses.  All-time greats to be more precise.  Sea The Stars won EVERY prestigious race in Europe except the St. Leger, and that isn't even a big deal in European racing, it isn't as important as say the Eclipse, ICS, Guineas, Derby, and Arc.  Point being he won every single race of importance in Europe.  He has the single greatest season in the history of European racing!!!! Are you saying that isn't greatness?!?!!?!  Stop kidding yourself, get off your Rachel Alexandra high horse and recognize another great horse, a greater horse.  Sea The Stars owns racing EVERYWHERE.

I swear I was just reading a day or so ago about how Sea The Stars wasn't that great, he isn't coming to the BC anyway blah blah blah. Now those same people condemning his retirement?

What if Oxx would have said we are going to keep running him but will NEVER bring him to America?

Would anyone give a flip? Only to say he was dodging their own favorite.

LOTS of Euros never ran in America. Moving right along.

LOL good one Vic.

Plus you're addressing the guy who was in LOVE with Big Brown. Guess he's not as great as DNF was proclaiming last year?

If Rachel doesn't come back as a 4 year old guess he'll have to include her as one who isn't great?

Sorry Vic but it just makes them great 3 year old horses.  Having NEVER run as older horses who knows if they would have been great as older horses.  We can call The Bid, Citation, Affirmed, and Seattle Slew All time greats because they ran as older horses and proved themselves at 2,3,and older.  Proving yourself at just 2 and 3 and not as an older horse leaves your career incomplete.  Besides if you wish to compare STS or any other horse to Citation at 2 and 3 you would lose.

It's all about the differential between stud fees and race earnings.

Until we get that sorted out nothing will change. Horse racing will still survive though, and next year another class of three-year-olds will keep the sport alive.

Bet Twice.  I live 90 minutes north of Santa Anita but saw NO media coverage on either the Kentucy Derby winner or Zenyatta racing at Santa Anita.  Much like RA these are our national treasures and should be promoted as such.  I'm sure many would pay $5.00 to see THE KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER and while they are at it put two bucks on the nose.  Perhaps the Mayor of Arcadia can proclaim October Zenyatta Month or something.

I have worked at a racetrack for over ten years, in nearly every department, so I've heard my fair share of customer suggestions.

Essentially, with each passing year, customers are paying more from the time they get to the track to the time they get to their seats. The price of DRF increases regularly...and by a substantial amount.

Casinos are able to roll out the carpet for their high-rollers, but most racetracks don't have the funds to compete with that. Unfortunately, rude customer service doesn't help. Employees at my track are unionized, so it's nearly impossible to fire someone even if they are horrible to customers.

The biggest complaint I hear from customers is that GI races are not being covered on national television anymore. Alex Waldrop of the NTRA explained that time slots must be mapped out a year in advance and that they have limited marketing funds. That is why RA's Woodward wasn't televised...because they didn't know she would be participating. However, when I was much younger (I'm 30 now) I recall seeing most of the big GI races from NY televised...big races from all across the country televised. Sadly, that is not the case today.

Without CONSISTENT exposure, few new fans will be created. That's why well-known companies pay millions of dollars to keep their names in the limelight, to keep their brand current.

A recent complaint is that Breeder's Cup is being held at Santa Anita two years in a row. That drives people crazy and makes them question the fairness and motive of said decision...at least at my track.  

When you combine lack of mainstream media exposure, the early retirement of champions, poor customer service, increasing cost of handicapping materials, and exclusivity contracts that make wagering on certain tracks more difficult...on-track wagering and phonebetting...you get angry customers.

Having said that, there are still many of us who eat, sleep and breathe horseracing despite the industry's shortcomings. We love it no matter what, but we are rare. It's the others we need to work on.

Here's a thought, Sea the Stars gets to the breeding shed and turns out to be a dud. How much money will the connections lose then? This sport is a risk, no different then football being violent. That's what makes both sports great. No risk, no reward.

It is what it is. Sea the Stars may be considered by the Euro's as one of the all time greats, but please, after only 9 races and no 4 year old campaign I don't see it. You bloggers wanna see great, go back in the day and look at Ribot's stats, that was a monster.............

Again Jason excellent article and I agree............

the fact is the horse owes no one anything and yes it is a shame that he isn't racing as a 4 year old but fact is the connections have made the right decisions for this horse his whole career and i believe even this one is right, as sad as it is it is still right. i have loved watching this horse through his career and i for one wish him a long and happy retirement. also the whole statement by john oxx should be read to truely appreciate what he said

ruffian316, good points. But even the casinos in Vegas are struggling now. I hear that from a family member who is a pit boss at a major casino there. A lot of people get free nights and cheap cheap room rates offered to them and they haven't been to Vegas in several years, not like they're high rollers either.

So it's tough in any entertainment business right now that requires discretionary income. There isn't a whole lot of that right now and people are nervous about spending.

As a fan and student of the Thoroughbred for 40 years, I am very disappointed that neither Sea the Stars nor Rachel Alexandra will be at the Breeder's Cup.  

Secretariat and Man o' War both raced 21 times in two years (and public disappointment at their early retirements was quite vocal), and Citation raced 20 times as a 3-y-o alone-with 19 wins!  What's happened to make today's horses so ...wimpy for lack of a better word?

In the last 30 years we have bred for precocity rather than durability and the promise of a quick buck at stud after a short racing career has seemingly transformed the Thoroughbred industry from primarily a sport (racing) to a business (breeding).  Horses of dubious soundness are rushed to stud and trumpeted as the best thing since sliced bread (think Big Brown and his foot issues) and the market glutted with more stock than it can support.  It's little wonder that many casual fans have drifted away and new ones are hard to find when few true stars stay around long enough to fully capture public imagination.

The term "great" has been thrown around so freely in the last 30 years that it has almost lost its meaning.  Old-time racing experts would never have used "great" to refer to a horse with as few starts as RA or STS.  Maybe we need to get back to more restrained language when discussing the brief careers of talented horses.  The sport could only be the better for it.

I believe when STS's trainer used the  term "unfair" for him to continue his training, he was trying to say that the horse has nothing more to prove, thus retirement to

stallion duty became apparent. We will now have 80-100 STS's new babies every year starting in 2011. Not such a bad deal after all!

     First off, I agree Jason, The whole problem is by Mr. Oxx using the "unfair" comment in his statement.  I am not surprised in the least, First of STS not coming to the Breeders, Second, Of him retiring.  It is the point this sport has gotten to, While sad and disappointing to us fans, One must be very naive if they don't understand it. If Mr. Oxx had just been honest, The outrage wouldn't be at the boiling point that it is(IMO). This sport will never go back to the days when the stars ran 10-12 times a year for years, It just will not happen.  Of course, You have the claimers that have run over 100 times and are 12 years old,  But, Besides myself and a minority of others that know about these sad cases, The superstars are what drive the sport and make it grow, To be able to follow your "favorite" for 3-4 years and have those develop a huge following is what this sport needs, It will NEVER happen with the current status quo of the Breeders and Owners.  The succesful owners aren't stupid, They know the money is in the breeding and not on the track, Breeding is what will, in the end, bring this sport to its knees! Let me explain how dire and sad the situation is getting, The mare is bred early in the year, foal is born early the next year.  Stud fee is due once foal stands and nurses, in most cases.  The following September, the yearling is sold at auction.  This year, between 50% and 75% of yearlings sold for less than the stud fee paid.  As a result, breeders do not have the cash on hand to pay the stud fees for mares that are now in foal.  Mares are being put down(Killed) so that the foal cannot stand and nurse, and the stud fee is then not due.  Sounds great doesn't it?  It is sick but it is happening more then most of you know, I know the majority could care less about this, But, It is a reality and until it is put in check, This sport will die!  Being a fan of this sport my whole life, Situation's like Sea the Stars, while sad and disappointing not getting to see the best compete against the best, It will continue to happen until the breeding practices and the greed is put into check...

I doubt if the flight to California would have been much of a problem for Sea the Stars.  Just last weekend a 3-y-o colt from the UK with only a placing in a G3 race won the Goodwood Stakes after stepping off the plane a few days before.

I agree with the comments about American-trained horses NOT venturing to Europe.  Planes fly both directions.  The same bloodlines are found on both sides of the Atlantic, so the inherent ability is there in the American-trained horse.

For those old enough to remember, try to imagine what you would think of Dr Fager had he been retired at the end of his 3-y-o campaign.

Television is key to expanding the fan base.  Current tv programming is completely unsuited to that task.  In the 1960s, a 30 minute program ***at the same time every week*** came out of NY.  You knew what channel it would be on, you knew when, and you did not have to endure 90 minutes of Women's Water Lacrosse and the World Series of Bocce Ball to get to the races.

Billy,

   This is what kills me, I just wrote a comment, Hit enter, The first comment I read?

Billy:,

   "We will now have 80-100 STS's new babies every year starting in 2011. Not such a bad deal after all!"   I really wish some people would realize, What the hell do you think happens to those 80-100 foals born each year? Are you really that naive that you think they all become champions on the track?  Overbreeding people, Do the Math, 30,000-40,000 foals born each year, Only a handfull make it to the track, What do you think happens to the rest?  I really wish people who loved this sport would educate themselves a little more rather then just think of these horses as numbers on a betting ticket, UGH...

To the blogger that questioned the times of STS races.  In Europe they race up hills, down hills, up hills again, and on thick grass on tracks that are not configured as a perfect oval.  In the states, they race on synthetic racing asphalt stips.  Do you now understand the differences in times?

>>We will now have 80-100 STS's new babies every year starting in 2011. Not such a bad deal after all!<<

If you have access to them, thumb through a few editions of the Stallion Register from 20-30 years ago, and note all the well-regarded, high-priced young and unproven stallions who went trotting off into the sunset without leaving much of an impression on the breed.  Look into the stud records of full brothers to very good stallions, like Bold Ruler or Northern Dancer.

Stallions aren't sires until their kids commence to run, and run well.  They aren't proven to make a lasting impression on the breed until their sons or daughters begin to sire or produce good horses.

I've followed Sea The Stars ever since he won the English 2000 Guineas. For months I had hoped he'd run in the Arc; he did and won. I personally am satisfied.

As far as the remark that it would be "unfair" to race him again, I usually respect the decisions of the connections, even if I don't always understand some of the factors. The Europeans perhaps look at things differently, their race spacing may generally be different, and we might be looking at this through American eyes, not European eyes. For a horse to run every month since the Guineas, all against top competition and all Group 1s, win Europe's most prestigious race, then expect him to travel across the Pond and race again in another world caliber race, and on a surface he's never tried, may in fact be "unfair" from a European perspective.

The great Sea-Bird also was retired at the age of three, having made only eight starts, with seven wins, and he raced in the mid-sixties. So retiring horses young or with a limited number of starts isn't anything new, what make this seem more of a big deal now is due to the state the industry has been in for so long, its popularity on a constant or static decline, and the big focus now on breeding from a monetary view. And when I say decline, I'm speaking about in the U.S., not in other countries. Perhaps we could learn something from others.

I don't feel the Man o'War comparison someone made earlier is a good one either. Yes, Man o'War retired at the age of three, but he had already started 21 times, and nine times carried 130 or more pounds. I don't recall his retirement being because of "security " issues either, but rather because of the high imposts he would have been assigned as a four-year-old.

Sea The Stars has nothing left to prove, so whatever the reason for his retirement now, I thank this great horse and Mr. Oxx for an amazing ride.

Jason,

How come you weren't annoyed when Steve Asmussen put Rachel Alexandra away for the winter?

I'll answer that for you:

HOY honors are not threatened if Sea The Stars comes out for the Breeders Cup, but if Rachel took a Tex Sutton flight out to Santa Anita and challenged this older mare they call "Zenyatta", then HOY honors could be in jeopardy. Zenyatta going 15-0 and beating Rachel would make many writers question who deserves HOY.

Jess Jackson is "absolutely" convinced that Rachel would go backward on that Pro-Ride surface.

Curlin was absolutely winded and blowing extremely hard when he returned to his groom after the Breeders Cup Classic last year.

The best speed in the world does not hold on this track. They go backwards at the 1/8th pole and their East Coast beyer figures are reduced approximately 10-14 points.

Those East Coast mares have tried to open up on Zenyatta and give her alot to do, but how come they can't sustain their run?

I'll answer that one for ya too:

Because you don't open up on this track or you "pay" at the 1/8th pole.

The bottom line is that the owner makes the decision. And I commend a man who thinks in the interest of the animal rather than his own ego, or to "attract more fans" to the sport. It actually attracts more fans when a safe and sane rational is used to dictate the animal's career, rather than pushing until there is an issue, or the horse becomes so sour, it cannot compete at the level it has in the past. Give the man a break - it's not all about you. If Oxx feels that Sea the Stars has earned (and argue that he hasn't - go ahead: I dare you!) his retirement, I am behind him 100%.

All this moaning and groaning of horses retiring early.  It's never going to change - so just get use to it people.  I'm as frustrated as everyone else - but the horse racing industry doesn't care about the bettor, the fan.  Keep throwing your ideas out there - but they'll never be used or even considered.  The entire industry is archaic! You can keep the "superstars" - I'll stick with the 5k claimers.

Greg J. shows again why he is consistently the class horse on this blog.  I still go to the Derby every year, but I have started to pass on the Breeders' Cup.  It's harder to keep track (no pun intended) of who will be running, the two day format doesn't work as well for those of us with real jobs and have to travel.  I went out for the last Breeders' Cup prior to last year's addition in Santa Anita (around 2003), but I have had a hard time getting up the excitement to travel across the country to do so again.  Fake tracks... yuck.  They are not pleasing to the eye, just like other fake things.  I guess my point is this sport is starting to lose me, even though I love it, and I am probably in the perfect geographic they are trying to reach.  The sport is screaming for leadership and nobody is stepping up.

Yes you are right Shawn P I also don't get how one can say such greats as Sea The Stars, Man O' War, Count Fleet, Secretariat, etc. aren't great that is ridiculous.  Makes no sense.  Most americans, like the ones writing on here know NOTHING of EUROPEAN racing.  Hello, people heard of Sea Bird yeah better go google him, made 8 starts won 7, considered Europe's all-time greatest racehorse on timeform.  Thats right only 8 starts, 1 less than STS and he too only ran up to 3 years old, and didn't win the Guineas or Leger.  I myself don't believe Sea Bird is the best, but many Euros rank him pretty high.  So get off your high horse about things you know NOTHING about.  Sea The Stars just had the SINGLE GREATEST SEASON IN THE HISTORY OF EUROPEAN HORSE RACING.  Think about that for a minute and now have the grief of saying things that make no sense.  History can't be denied thats a fact, Eclipse, Judd. Inter., ICS, 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and Arc.  That will never happen again, and it has never happened before.  I guarantee had Citation only raced at 2 and 3 he would actually be higher on most lists of greats, so to say that a horse needs to race at 4 is a moot point.  Best thing about Sea The Stars is we never ever saw his best.  When someone came to him he hit another gear never did he have to literally win by a nose, he did just what was needed to win, and did it effortlessly.  Now go and watch Rip Van Winkle and Mastercraftsman go 1-2, either way, in the BCC.  Ian Balding himself, the trainer of the All-Time Great MILL REEF  said Sea The Stars is the greatest of all-time.  Yeah you better go look up Mill Reef now too because the Americans know nothing of him either.  Ian Balding's quote gives me chills "I've seen Dancing Brave and Mill Reef and I just think he(Sea The Stars) is the best of them all.  He's just an all round, brilliant, middle-distance horse and thats miles, mile, mile and a quarter, mile and a half, thats amazing.  I think he would have won the Leger had they opted to run in that.  It was just wonderful."

>>Rachel locked up HOY months ago.

Rachel does not need to "carry her (dirt) track" with her.  She has won on many different tracks, and she has beat colts in Grade 1 races.  I have not witnessed a comparable filly in nearly 50 years.

Zenyatta is no slug, but she's been running against fillies and mares only--Rachel's wins against other fillies are even more impressive.

If Zenyatta wins against a field much the same as the Goodwood, she'll have to do it in stunning style to even be considered Rachel's equal.

Agree Jason.  Oxx's comments of "unfair" on the heels of "He's come out of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in his usual good form. He is fit and healthy and has been cantering since the race," are a bit disingenuous.  If he would have said, we decided he'd had enough, he's tired, etc. would have been more palatable.  

Well now hopefully Rip Van Winkle and Mastercrastman will come, but without Sea The Stars, I agree that there is a void in the horseracing fan excitement.  

I too am as much of a fan as a player, even more so.  I've seen Dr. Fager, Buckpasser, Kelso, Secretariat, Ruffian, Go For Wand, and recently others come and go, but it's hard to get excited, just when the "Stars" become so bright, they quickly fade away.  

Zenyatta and Goldikova will make it all worthwhile, along with Zensational and Lookin At Lucky, but the lack of Sea The Stars will surely make the BCup Classic less of an International "Super Star-studded" race.

Jason and Qatmom-here we go again, Lets review RA accomplishments-She beat 3 yr old fillies(oh boy), She won in the mud (wow), and beat a bunch of no nothing older horses (can you say claimers). Oh by the way her Preakness win was validated by MTB.  If the Big Z wins the classic she deserves horse of the year hands down.

Sooner or later the Zen slagging has to start.....I don't know what she has to do with STS retiring, other then she is five and is still racing, and guess what.....she hasn't lost yet.....And if she goes into the BC Classic and wins, she would have accomplished enough to put Rachel's "HOY LOCK" in jeopardy.  So to say that her being considered for HOY after a feat like that is laughable is way off the mark.

Like someone else said, this is hardly new.  Man O War and Secretariat both retired at 3.  I believe Secretariat was syndicated before his first race as a 3yo.  I am kind of ho-hum about the retirements at this point because I would probably do the same.

You think a deal wouldn't have been in place for MTB after the Derby if he weren't a gelding?  Or Summer Bird will come back as a 4yo if he wins the BCC?

We were lucky Jess Jackson is a "B"illionaire and he kept Curlin in training as a 4yo.

If you ask me though, this is a dying sport only being kept alive by slot machines.  At its apex, Horse racing was one of very few legalized gambling outlets.  With the advent of casinos, state lotteries, internet wagering on the NFL and NCAA people have options that don't require a whole lot of homework.

Who is going to invest the time to read PPs, try to make sense of workout patterns, look at AWDs for sire and damsire, and do all the math it takes to handicap a horse race?

If Big Brown had come back at 4 and Curlin came back as a 2x HOY 5yo, it would have been a blip on the back page of the USA Today sports section.  Probably wouldn't even have made your local newspaper.

Retire them at 3.  Retire them at 6.  Losing one horse doesn't matter because we all follow a niche sport at best.

You want to bring fans back to horse racing?  Get rid of the NFL, NBA, NHL, state lotteries, casinos, internet wagering sites, OTBs and make horse racing the only form of legalized gambling.

The stands will be packed again and purses could be jacked so high it would make racing the best horses almost worthwhile.

Or get Miley Cyrus, Jay Z, Kim Kardashian, and Ashton Kuchter to become owners with 50 horse stables and tweet everyone to go see and bet on their horses.  Human star power would draw more fans than equine star power.

Why are we talking about Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra on a blog post about Sea the Stars retiring?

Geez Jason

Do you want to repeat that.

Jason, I could not agree with you more!  You have completely nailed it, in my humble opinion.  From what I have been able to learn, the racing is simply a way for the breeders to showcase their future stallions for a few races and then start raking in the big bucks in breeding fees.  The peons - the bettors, plus those who simply love to watch the horses run in all their beauty are being shortchanged by this because we cannot get too attached to any particular horse because he won't be around long enough for us to really know how good he might actually become.  Another reason I always love those galloping geldings who have no choice but to stay on the track.  New people need time to learn the game, figure things out and by the time they have decided, "Hey, I really like such and such horse, when's his next race?", the horse is retired to the breeding shed.  It's sad.  Of course, you said it much better than I did - lol!

Sea The Stars the greatest horse ever?

The phrase "Eclipse first, and the rest nowhere" has an indelible place in Turf history and no horse will ever come close to dominating its contemporaries so completely as he did in the 1700s.

A century later there was Kincsem (1874-1887), unbeaten in 54 races in Hungary, Germany, Austria, France and England, including 41 classic races(!) whose unbeaten record will surely never be approached, let alone beaten.  

But of horses I’ve actually seen race in the flesh two are comfortably ahead of the field.  One was Sea Bird II (1962-1973), rated by Timeform as #1 horse of the 20th Century, whose 1965 Derby win was the most impressive I was present at.

However Ribot (1952-1972) - unbeaten in his 16 races in Italy, France and England from 2 to 4 years, in going from firm to soft, from 5 furlongs to one and a half miles, including two Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes by 3 lengths and 6 lengths (distances were estimated then and photos suggest the latter was closer to 8 lengths) and the supreme breeding influence of modern times - will always get my vote.

Man we wonder why we can't attract fans? Read these blogs and a potential fan would want nothing to do with this game. The bi**hing and moaning and groaning about the greedy owners, breeders the cheating trainers and jockeys. Griping about horses running TOO long, not long ENOUGH. The partial truths, total inaccuracies? It sounds like a dysfunctional bunch of people with OCD because YOU guys are the FANS???????????

The turf writers, the bloggers and the people who SUPPORT the industry????? Thanks but NO thanks.

Believe what Jason says about the HOY. Hopefully SOON we'll get a system in place where POINTS determine the champions and NOT the personal criteria/preference of people who write the condition books or write about the game.

    Jason is right 100 percent on this one people, No matter what happens, Even if Zenyatta wins the classic by ten lengths, Rachel will and is the deserving Horse of the Year, Hands down.  I love them both, But her campaign this year is one for the ages, All the put downs of her campaign have no merit at all...

Sometimes Jason it is not what is said, but it is the way a person says it. I agree with you that Zenyatta can not win HOTY, only Summer Bird has a chance and that is remote, but a lot of us folks out here in the west love the big Queen Mare as she is lovingly called and so many people on these blogs have put her down. Here she is still racing at age 5 when horses like Sea the Stars, Big Brown, Street Sense, Bernardini, etc etc are rushed away to breed. Maybe folks are just fickled and judgemental. Nothing seems to make anyone happy anymore.

steve s may be on to something with the comment about STS being sold to goldolphin...I look forward to the BCup whether the Euros come or not. Nothing will be more exciting then to hear that Zenyatta is in the Classic. My exacta will be Zenyatta and MTB. Zenyatta by a nose. I still get sick about George Washington so if STS were infertile perhaps he could retrain for steeplechasing. I have a question for any of you very capable horse people. What happened to Snaafi Dancer? That long ago highest price yearling the sheik bought. I know he was slow and infertile. He popped into my mind with the mention of goldolphin.

Jason, you are spot on in EVERYTHING you said. Jennie, Jason's comments were funny, appropriate and totally accurate.  

To me, the worst part of this is not giving a horse like STS another year of racing as long as he stays healthy. We need to keep these superstar horses around for at least 4 seasons if they are healthy. Being a true sportsman sometimes means doing what's good for the sport and not the pocketbook.

Unfortunately, you cannot compare the 3 year old seasons they used to have, with the three year old seasons we have currently. Horses raced much more frequently, resulting in more exposure of the horse to the general public and more significant legacies/records. More races=more viewership=more media coverage either in print or on t.v. Back then, people had time to build a "relationship" with their favorite horse. They had more emotionally invested in "their horse." As stated by Jason, there are alot of other factors effecting horse racing right now but the short career/fewer races by great horses is an important reason for the decline in popularity.

Sending the horses off to the breeding shed after 6-8 races is bad for the sport, at least in the good old USA. The fact that they plan to race Rachel Alexandra one more year gladdens my heart and I believe it will be good for racing. The Jacksons are to be commended. Ditto the Moss's for keeping Zenyatta out there for her fans. It's not bad for a healthy horse to race and it is good for the sport.

If they had run STS for one more season, there would have been no discussion that he was the equal of or better than Ribot or Sea Bird. Not anymore. It is now a moot point and Ribot reigns supreme for Euro horses. So for me, the issue isn't so much the Breeder's Cup but the fact they are retiring him to stud now. Great for their pockets, but it does not enhance the horse's legacy or the sport.

One last thought, as someone stated above, this may increase the possibility that Zenyatta runs against the boys. I think she would have run in the distaff if STS had shown up in Santa Anita. So maybe this will give us the Zenyatta race we are all clamoring for.

What do you know Jason ? You act like you have a vote.  What don't you understand ?  She runs in a few races facing the same horses as last year and wins one important race at the end of the year and that is suppose to top one of the greatest 3 year old seasons by any horse ever. Don't you get it ?  Geez.

Sea the Stars was never seriously considered for the Breeder's Cup by his connections.  For diehard racing fans, it would have been would have been a real treat to see him run in the Breeder's Cup Classic. Yet, I doubt that his presence would have increased the US television viewing audience for the event since his name most likely means little to the casual racing fan who tunes in for the Triple Crown and possibly the BC.  What is surprising and disappointing is that his connections retired him so soon and we as racing fans are denied the opportunity and pleasure of seeing him run again.  Regretfully, this is becoming the new trend in horse racing.  There is more money in breeding than in the sport of racing and money is the "name of the game" now.  I fear that the sport is fading and I doubt that we will ever recapture the magic and glory racing once had.

JASON

As a big Zenyatta fan I have no problem in sharing your point that she has zero chance of winning HOY. I will tell you that without any doubt I admire her connections that they followed their plan and didn't let media pressure or fickle fans that whine they"should do this or that" influence their decisions. Putting the horse first trumps anything else.

Yes we get it. But didn't YOU just say that because certain horses didn't run beyond 3 they aren't great??? Wait and SEE if she runs.

Jason does act like he has a vote. That's the problem in the eyes of most people in the game. NOT that Jason has a vote, but that it's VOTED on period. Jason is a rarity in that he says he owned horses. The rest of the majority of those VOTERS are observers.

Anyone remember that scandal of the Ice Skating judge at the Olympics? S-U-B-J-E-C-T-I-V-E!

Goodwin, horses are not done at 4 years. No one is saying don't look out for the horse's best interest. Racing horses at 4 and looking out for their best interests are NOT mutually exclusive.

Vic S. as great as STS is, I don't think he beats Ribot at 16-0-0 with two amazing Arc wins against tough competitors. Or Sea Bird or the greatest of all SECRETARIAT (and Man O'War).

My Opinion of these Eclipse Awards every year are stupid. I think any racehorse that races at all deserves an award. They need to do away with these stupid awards. All these horses work hard,so give all them the same award.

Greg J.

Of course I know that not all of STS

foals will  go on to become champions

but several will become very competitive and athletic individuals. Do you think that when they bred STS dam to Cape Cross they

were fearful that Cape Cross book was

too big for the year? The owner took a chance and has been richly rewarded. I put my money into our sport by racing,breeding and playing polo on a few ponies that are coming off the track and starting a new career. Are you involved in any equine activities or do you just blog.

Excellent, excellent points and I could not agree more.  When I read the news I was having the exact same discussion and comparing it to other sports.  

In addition, I don't like any part of the game that is cruel to these great animals and the overbreeding contributes to a tremendous amount of it behind the scenes.  Combine that with fans not being able to follow their favorite horse for more than six months and it is hard to grow your fanbase. There has to be a balance in all of it somewhere.  

It really would have been a treat to have Sea The Stars make the trip and I am disappointed they are retiring him so early.    

Shawn P - I think it is an interesting idea to introduce a point system.  Not sure it will ever happen but it would contribute even moreso to strategy and the entire year of racing. Could be an exciting alternative to bring in.

Jason, I agree with you completely about the retiring of the 3 year olds.  It hurts racing VERY much!  To fellow bloggers:  obviously "his" retirement does not affect us here but the meaning I got was referring to OUR 3 year olds that are retired sound like he was.  STS did enough this year IMO but if he is still giving the appearance of being race ready, another race this year would not be "unfair" to him.  Seven races this year is hardly a grueling campaign! And a 9 race total career does not an all time great horse make!  I however would probably not bring him all the way over here.  I actually took the trainers statement to mean unfair in the sense of ANY more future races since he did not say it would be unfair to run again THIS year or unfair to run in the Breeders Cup - just unfair.  Of course it is the owners decision what he wants to do with his horse.  But that does not mean that the fans cannot express their feelings about it.  In fairness to the trainer though, what could he say?  He cannot be negative publicly about the decision regardless of what his personal feeling are, if he ever wants to train another horse for that owner. So he was in a spot and had to be a diplomatic about it as possible IMO.  I for one have been saying that I wish races for older horses could be improved and promoted to try to give owners of top 3 year olds a reason to keep them racing.  Even maybe an "early retirement" penalty of some sort.  Like horses must be 5 years old to begin breeding (unless they retired due to a "real" injury) or the foals cannot be stakes eligible.  Never will happen I know but that would sure cause a change I believe!

Draynay,

     Question for you, Can't you appreciate a Great Mare for what she is?  Rather, You feel the need to be sarcastic and minimize her accomplishment's?, When it isn't needed or warranted?  Rachel will be Horse of the Year, There is no need to keep putting down others to build her up.  Zenyatta is one for the ages and will be remembered as so, It would be refreshing if you could be consistent and be positive on all the good colts and mares, You don't need to diminish one to build up another.  Also, Regarding your comment on Sea the Stars, "connections were afraid of our monsters Quality Road and Gio", I mean, Please, you couldn't be farther from the truth, Sea the Stars is great and another for the ages, To say his connections were afraid to come here, After Sea the Stars took on all foes and beat them all, I know you can't believe what you wrote, If so, Why don't you really educate yourself on Sea the Stars campaign this year, THEN  compare it to Gio and Quality Road's campaign's this year and you will honestly see how far fetched your comment was, Thanks...

Jason,

Have I ever told you, you're my hero? lol

First, I agree with you on retiring horses early is tearing down our fan base.  New fans can hardly get into horses that are gone after a few of the big races.  The races with TV coverage are the only ones that typically draw in new fans.  Unlike the majority of your bloggers who have watched some of the young stars rise from maiden races to such races as the BCC, most people START watching them in the BCC. If they all retire that soon, where is THEIR rooting interest to continue to follow our sport?

Second, I love reading your blog.  Stirring the pot from time to time is a good thing sir.  Keep the opinions coming :)  

This has a lot more to do with STS getting warm before the race (never happened before), being warm and rank during the race (nhb), and, perhaps, in coming back to the field late, STS has made the decision fairly automatic for his handlers. Don't forget that the owner was very eager to win the Classic  - so the case had to be compelling to retire him. Top horses go off form occasionally, a similar type of situation occurred with War Emblem, who was giving off the same types of expressions - getting hot, rank, etc. - before imploding in the Belmont. He was never the same. Given what STS expressed, this is probably the smart decision, and of course they aren't going to come out with the truth of it, if in fact it is true. There's too much money involved, but it's easier to retire now than have to explain a dismal performance in the BC, a very costly projection. It's simply not worth taking the chance from their pov.

Agree that the trainer comments on Sea The Stars retirement were less than credible! The solution to premature retirement is limiting stud books to the old syndication rules of 32 per year, plus one for the trainer and the farm. Mares were screened for conformation as well as race abiltiy and pedigree back then. Yes it kept the best in the hands of the wealthy, but it also gave us better racing and more fan interest. Commercial breeding and making racing a poor partner in casino gambling is a large part of the sport's decline. Today most people think of racing as a form of gambling on a par with roulette or poker - not as a SPORT. Sad!

Please read Tom LaMarra's BH article Status Quo.  In light of the contents of this blog, I find these few paragraphs pertinent to the discussion:

“It’s very unlikely this industry will voluntarily undergo change,” said Jeff Gural, chairman and owner of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, two New York harness tracks with video gaming machines. “(The racing industry) is dominated by breeders for some reason, and I don’t get it. Unless the breeding business collapses, we probably won’t see any change.

“Breeders have had it their way for so long. They have no incentive to change anything.”

"Gural earlier floated an idea to mandate Standardbreds race as 4-year-olds rather than retire to the breeding shed. He noted the sport’s top 3-year-old trotter and pacer, Muscle Hill and Well Said, respectively, won’t race next year at 4 because they are standing at stud.

“I couldn’t get anyone to return my phone calls,” Gural said of his proposal. “It’s like Tiger Woods playing golf, or the New York Yankees. That’s what people want to see. Breeders want to retire horses the customer wants to see."

There are some points in the article I agree wholeheartedly with, and a few I don't. But the point is, the industry is in dire need of change and is largely in the hands of the people with the least incentive to make changes.

I LOVE Zenyatta, I LOVE Rachel.  HOY belongs to Rachel and would still belong to Rachel if Zenyatta beat her at the BC.  Zenyatta did not run enough, nor multiple times against tough competition, this year to win the honor.  It belongs to Rachel.  Hands Down.  She won 3 grade 1's against the boys-including older males-she won on different tracks in different states.  Pimlico, Monmouth, Saratoga....  Zenyatta, while brilliant, stayed at home in Cali and only raced the girls.  Amazing she is, but not HOY this year.

As for the retirement of STS, disappointing, but not surprising.

I have to say, this news made me mad. Though, at least it wasn't another top US horse hanging up his tack for the breeding shed. And that the Trainer said... wow...

I live in Japan right now, and I have gotten to see Vodka, who is basically Japan's Rachel, might not be able to beat Rachel, but definitely has a large and very loyal fan base. She is 5. There is currently a 50% chance of her coming back at 6. Race horses that in Japan race till 6, 7, and 8 on a regular basis. TOP horses too. That is based on the small size of the country and the newer number of graded races to run in. But horses get very intense followings here. At the GII Mainichi Okan the other day there were tons of people wearing mock Vodka jerseys. It was like watching a Baseball/football/soccer game anywhere else. WE NEED that to survive. I don't see why healthy horses can't race. They wont be worth a dime in the breeding shed if the sport flounders. At some point there needs to be balance, between running and breeding. It's just such an obvious problem. I don't know why people can't do something about it.

Gammyp6, here's a George Washington video for you:

www.youtube.com/.../seggymon

This girl does some really good horse videos, she did the Super Freak Zenyatta video, and I hope she goes into marketing because she would do some really good P.R. stuff for horse racing.

I have 2 questions for everyone griping about STS being retired:

1. How easy would you sleep at night if you owned a horse like him and had to be responsible for his security?

2. What would you as fans be saying if they brought him over here and he broke a leg and had to be put down? He's had a long season with a 3 week break, his coat has turned meaning he's ready for a rest and a tired horse is more likely to hurt himself. What were people saying after George Washington broke down?

ShawnP, a points system would be the best way to make sure the ones that are called champions really are. The way it's set up now, it's a popularity contest just like in high school.

We all knew that if he won the Arc he was done.  You are right Vic in your assessment of his season.  He had the speed to beat milers and the stamina to beat distance horses and he won 4 races that no other horse had ever been able to win in the same year.  And his vanquished foes were a rather classy bunch, if you want to look them up and compare.  And yet is just isn't enough for people.  But we pile accolades on our three year old, and call her one for the ages, and say she had the greatest 3 yr old season ever.  But not STS.  He just doesn't rank up there because he's turf and European.  I forget how European accomplishments don't really mean much.  If RA is one for the ages, then STS is too.  He has as much right to that title as she does.

sorry guys being from the west coast i could not join the show.

it is very sad that we donot get to see our stars at their peak form, as in a 4 year old. May be its time the racing industry try a lure by offering some kinda top prize for 3 year olds returning as 4 year olds. Just like some tracks trying to attract winners of a triple crown race, names escape me now.

For the racing industry to survive we and the rest of the world need to see the stars prove beyond their 3 year old campaign. Maybe HOTY title is very easy to get. Rachel may get it this year but what if ZEN pulls the same kinda trick she did in the ladys secret in any of the breeders cup races. are we going to tell her sorry ZEN you were too late the title is locked up.

Greg J - I AGREE completely with you.  Rampant over-breeding is a serious problem. 80-100 STS babies every year is nothing to cheer about, nor would it be for any stallion in my opinion.

Stallion fees are a 600 MILLION dollar a year business though (just in the US), so no time soon do I see breeders putting any limits on how often their stallions are bred. Which is unfortunate.

Also, I have never heard that breeders have culled mares to avoid the stud fee.  I always assumed the stud fees were paid up front, and reimbursed if there was no live foal.  I know about LFG, but is it industry standard to collect the fee after the foaling?  Interesting that there would be no clause limiting the stallion owners liability in the event of the mares death while in foal.

paula i did not read your comment before i wrote mine but you are on the money.

now its upto the industry to lure the greedy to race the real stars further.

Would you think it would have been a good ideal to retire "mind that bird" as a superstar after the kentuky derby.

in case of rachel and Zen. there i factor that is becoming greater. that is before we had only dirt & turf, but, now we have dirt, turf, and many variable artificial surfaces.

so maybe to be fair to all horses we need to have the breeders cup for a whole week. like one day for dirt, another day for turf, another day for tapita(excuse the spelling) and another day for pro ride, etc.

On DVD, I have a race run in Mongolia about 18 miles long!  That's farther in one afternoon's race than most G1 winning TBs run in their careers!

I'd read about these races before, and assumed that the pace had to be sedate, maybe even partly at a trot, the gait at which the Mongol armies marched.  NO!  They gallop from the beginning, and the lead changes many times.  

Each race takes about 30 minutes [do the math;  average the speed for each mile & be surprised].  These races are not conducted on any kind of formal track--it looks like they just go outside of Ulaan Bator.  The starters follow a truck to the finish, over grassy, uneven ground.

These horses [the Mongols don't like their sturdy little horses called ponies] are about 12-13 hands high.  They spend their lives outside.  Children ride in the races, but even so, the races are remarkable.

Back at the beginning of TB races, winning "a" race commonly meant winning 2 heats at 4 miles ***each*** with 30 minutes between heats!  If 2 heats had different winners, there would be a third heat! Heat racing continued in the US up until approximately 1850.

In the 1970s there was a brief fad of 4-mileish races on the flat.  The times were comparable with winning times of the 1800s.  This convinced me that there is a lot of residual toughness in the Thoroughbred that we assume is long gone.

The incentives have to be there to justify keeping a top horse in training (the contracting averages at auction might take care of this) but we also need an attitude adjustment, and expect better things from our best horses in the form of longer racing careers.

One of the easiest places to start would be the BC 2 y o races, making them all 1 1/8 miles.  This distance means something.  Check out the history of horses who have done well in the 1 1/8 Remsen Stakes and what they did later as 3 y o's.  Why not have the BC juvenile races have greater correlation with 3 y o form?

Greg J, keep talking!  You are being heard.

Vic S is right. Most Americans - and that includes most of you lot here - know nothing about European racing. But then again why should anyone be surprised? Most Americans think dinosaurs were around at the same time as humans Should we really expect too much from them? I hope Zenyatta runs in the Classic. If he runs to his best, Rip van Winkle will win that race at a nice enough price. He is a great horse in his own right. US networks are advertising a win a dinner competition with Mike Smith. I just hope they schedule it for the day after the Rip crushes that overrated mare Zenyatta - name one absolutely top, top class horse she has beaten ??? Music Note maybe but that was last year.

Like most on here, I think that we need to "encourage" owners to race their star horses past the age of 3.  

The best way, in my opinion, is for the Jockey Club not to allow any foal to be registered if either the stallion or mare were under the age of 5 at the time of breeding.  There is already precedent for the Jockey Club to make decisions for the benefit of the sport (such as not allowing AI).  This would still allow the owner to make any decisions about his/her horse but would certainly give "encouragement" to race at 4.  Other options like a prestigious series for older horses or penalizing owners that retire their horses early have already been shown to be either ineffective or possibly illegal.

While I do believe that action needs to be taken to keep the stars racing longer for the long-term good of the sport, I do understand the thinking about retiring the horse early.  If they run Sea of Stars next year, they would probably lose money because the insurance premiums would be in the millions.  Many of those on here decrying the decision as due to greed would probably make the same decision to retire the horse if they owned it.

This year more than any other year I think there are more quality horses  missing (not due to injury) the Breeders' Cup than actually participating in it. This is really sad and now trainer Stanley Hough won't be sending his two-year-olds either. Thank God Godolphin is still sending their horses or there really wouldn't be much left.

Now we can all cheer Zenyatta in the Distaff (LOL, as poor Personal Ensign must be rolling over after being mentioned in the same breath as her) Also, Don't be fooled there is zero chance she is running in the Classic. Which is also interesting because the Zenyatta crew wants to be considered for horse of the year, but they want to wait to see who's in the Classic before entering. You would think it you were confident that your horse could be horse of the year your wouldn't really be worried about running against anyone.

Bottom Line is the Breeders' Cup USED to be such an event to look forward to. It's going to be interesting now that they have added more races (Isn't their like 20 now over two days - and your main remaining star, Zenyatta, won't even be running on the main day of the Breeders' Cup) while more than half of the quality horses are staying home. Now you even have turf horses entering the Classic because of this fake track...Wow...Can racing do anything else to screw things up more?

I think my jaw hit my keyboard when I read that headline and I had to do a double take.  Wow, what a shot in the foot for racing right there.

He is healthy and cantering, if he is fit enough send him to Santa Anita then give him an extended vacation and back to training for his 4 year old season.  I was really looking forward to seeing this horse at the Breeders Cup too :(

I don't know, Jason. The NTRA polls now have Zen ahead of SB, GP, et al and only 4 points behind Rachel...I love Zen, but I don't get it.

Petrovsky, thanks for answering me..no, I don't watch or follow European racing at all, except for replays I can find...so it was just the fact that he won these particular races all in the same year? Kind of like what Rachel's done?

jamesb, they wanted to run Man O'War as an older horse but the imposts by the Handicappers would have been the most ever assigned to a race horse in oreder to "level" the playing field and had he kept on winning the weights would have just gotten higher.

A perfectly healthy, fit, 3 year old colt is being retired to start his carreer at stud. And the industry wonders why they can't keep fans..........

Anyone who has witnessed  The Jockey Club Gold Stakes that featured Affirmed , Seattle Slew and Exceller knows what a true great race and horse is all about.

A name I haven't heard mentioned and he raced @ 4 if you haven't seen it find it, watch it, and oh by the way the truely great one lost by a nose! Sea the Stars might lose but he could win ?

I have been thinking this same thing for years. It is so hard to get behind our favorite equine athletes when they race for only a short time, and then the next year you have to start all over. It's a bit exhausting at times to keep up with it all and disappointing to lose horses to retirement so early.

Jason, your argument has merits.  don't sweat the small stuff-- let these guys split hairs...just chill out.  You have the upper hand.

With horse fans like Lazmannick and Rhoward (the duck??), who needs enemies??  haha.

We cannot sure bring back the good ol' days of horse racing-- they're gone (like the wind) but that doesnt mean today's horses are no good.  RA is the greatest filly in racing in 20th century North America.  Ruffian is BELOW her in many respects-- why?  well, not because RA is better looking.  RA won against colts TWICE, and older horses ONCE, IN A ROW.  No female HOTY has done that, and certainly not Ruffian.  Though Ruffian did set some stakes records when she was still alive-- but no use dwelling on what could have been.  

Not even the beloved LADY'S SECRET-- who won only ONCE against four tries with the colts-- could match RA.  Zen??  well, she's BETTER OFF where she is right now.  Believe me on this one..don't let her try the colts.  If she had what it takes, the first people to know would have been her trainer, Shirreffs.  If Shirreffs didn't race her THEN against colts, what makes you think he would race her NOW?? A bird in the hand, is worth two in the bush.  Right, Dray?

As for SEa the Stars-- well, we are only spectators and like Dray said, we can only "enjoy a meal even with the best dishes missing".  

Unless the "racing people" get their act together, and make rules, nay, LAWS to regulate the Breeding of horses, there would always be greedy horse owners more than willing to EXPLOIT even ABUSE their beloved champions in exchange for millions that they don't deserve (cash cows):

1) Put Laws stating that only 5 year old HEALTHY males can go to stud;  Injured horses, no matter what age, CAN'T

(This way they can't use the INJURY EXCUSE to retire their horses to stud early)

2) Laws that give tax breaks to owners that race horses older than 3 years old.

3) Petition the State to give subsidies for Purses in Major horse racing circuits like Kentucky and Louisiana (Dubai did away with betting, coz the Sheikh himself is funding the prize money for the Dubai cup.  Aint that peachy?)

4)  Petition the State to have horse rehabilitation programs to benefit retired horses (aka. use the retired horses in police duty or crowd control duties)

5) NTRA should widen its mandate:  it should have a more pro-active role in "booking" all its G1 races on TV, and in subsidizing more promotional activities (like "Rachel Alexandra day") for ALL its G1 race contenders/horses.  RA is fortunate to have Jackson to drumbeat promotions in her behalf.  Other horses are not that fortunate.  NTRA should SHOULDER this promotional cost on behalf of its participating horses, if only to boost the WORTH of its G1 races on TV. What NTRA is doing now is still NOT ENOUGH, IMHO.  

6) Laws should regulate Insurance on horses.  Too many horses are dying MYSTERIOUSLY these days, and i do hope its not because of the insurance money.  I heard STS is insured for about 2 million dollars.  Man, I'll kill anything just to have that money...haha

Just my two cents worth, Jason.  Think about ALL THESE folks.

RA rules!!!!!

too bad you guys missed watching him run all year.

the european championship season started in the spring, not at santa anita in november.  the BC is not recognized premium racing any more and the courses it is run over is considered 2nd rate, including the turf course.  get with it!

Great blog! However, as one who has been a racing fan for over 30 years now, I accept the decision to retire STS. British racing is different from American racing in many ways and although the Brits also live the business-sport (fans) dichotomy, they also are very respectful of their animals in general. John Oxx was a genius to keep STS happy in himself from March 7 to the Arc -- a feat the great Vincent O'Brien could not, for example, carry off with Nijinsky. People who never owned thoroughbreds tend to not really understand this, or else they dismiss it as irrelevant if the horse comes out of it in good shape. But watching STS in the Arc, brilliance aside, was worrisome -- he was NOT the horse who ran the Derby & had he not had the benefit of Mick Kinane, I doubt he would have taken the Arc at all. He was "hot" & tough to manage for the first 2 furlongs or so; John Oxx & Kinane (who is also a thoroughbred breeder) would have seen that immediately and understood that it meant STS was beginning to go over the hill, or meltdown. When horses start that, they are more at risk to injury. Why risk it with a once-in-a-lifetime horse?

I do agree, as well, with those who have indicated that racing is hurting because the market is overriding the sport. I would just add that the two facets of racing are clearly complementary. The impression I have, though, is that certain racing stables/enterprises are only in the game to breed & sell, as though the sport itself is meaningless. I don't see that the connections of STS are in that league at all. I am also sad to not see him race again, but I must also say that those closest to the horse made the right decision.

"TV is everything in today's society."

No - immediacy is everything.

I, too, remember when races were on every weekend out of NY.  I remember when the fall classics were on national TV (Marlboro Cup, anyone?).

TV is great, fine, wonderful and has fantastic ad money - but immediacy, whether by YouTube postings or tweeting or whatever device you'd like can also be supported with ads and gets tremendous exposure.  Bloodhorse is one of the suppliers of information to the iHorseRacing app at the iTunes Store.  Expand it, promote it, improve it and promote it some more.  Show the product in as many venues as the customers use!

Fans are never satisfied. First off, after 6 group 1 wins in 6 months, 10-12 furlongs, large fields, and huge races, the horse has done enough, in the owners eyes. If they brought him to the BC, and he got seriously injured, you all would be saying, they should'nt have raced after such a grueling campaign. Sure it would be nice to see him race, but get over it, there are lots of talented horses running in the BC this year, they won't cancel the race because Sea The Stars retired.

www.bloodhorse.com/.../52964

Good article with an unsurprising conclusion.

Agree 100%!  That comment about it being unfair had me going too.  Maybe the horse doesn't like running which is why he always won, he wanted to get the "horrible ordeal" overwith.  What a joke, he's not even in his prime yet.  

And one other thing.  Sea The Stars winning just six races, no matter how prestigious, in one year does not compare to the greats of the past.  A great three year old season yes, but not one of the greatest of all time!

Draynay, I bet you are hoping that Zenyatta doesn't run in the Classic as if she wins it, then she will have a very good chance of beating out RA for Horse of the Year.  Anyway, I agree with the statement that someone made that since Sea the Stars won't be in the Classic, Zenyatta more likely will be.  I hope so!

Unfortunately, the connections of Sea the Stars are just like a lot of other modern day owners--they race to breed. There is so much money involved. Why race, when he can make so much more in the stud barn? I am also a fan of harness racing, and I am very in love with this year's top trotter Muscle Hill. He is once defeated in 20 starts over two years, and his campaign this year has been amazing--the Hambletonian, World trotting Derby, American-National, Canadian Trotting Classic, and Kentucky Futurity. But his people, too, are whisking him off to stud afer the Breeders Crown at the end of October. I for one would love to see him in training next year and go to Europe to compete in the Prix d'Amerique in France and the Elitloppet in Sweden, but it won't happen. Once a major breeding farm, Southwind Farm, bought into half of him for $3 million, Muscle Hill's fate was sealed. I realize horse racing, no matter what breed, is a major business, but it is also a sport. I so wish owners would remember the sport aspect of it and keep their healthy horses in training for the enjoyment of the fans. Without the fans, there would be no need for breeding farms and yearling sales. We are the drivers for the sport, but the owners, a good majority of them, either don't care or don't realize it. They see only the pot of money in the semen collection cup.

He has nothing left to prove.  Retiring him now is good for the horse and he will have a happy life

as a breeding horse.  Why not retire at the top of your game?  Makes sense to me.

3 cheers for Lord Derby, Ouija Board, and 75,000 miles worth of world-wide, world-class racing.

I wish Zarkava would have stayed, but you can only foal a mare a year so time is a little more precious.

For me, Ribot is the #1 horse of the 20th Century.

I am annoyed I wont get to see this horse race again, or in America for that matter. What a shame to retire him at 3. To hear someone say he could be the best horse ever I cant agree. If he were mine I'd give him the rest of the year off then run him again. He isnt even fully developed yet for bleeps sake!! Greedy people make me want to throw up and these connections are nothing but that. Not true racing lovers one bit....Jerks!!!

Its Quality Roads Classic to win baby. The beast will return to glory on a fast track and own the euros in the classic. QR will win the classic hands down no one will catch him, his is finally in racing form here comes another track record for QR in the classic!

While I completely understand everyone's views in keeping champion horses going, let us not forget that, ultimately, it's about the horse. STS may have come out of his races in good order, but lets face facts, how many times can you go to the well before it runs dry. You can say what you like about it being about the money (since when is it not?), but retiring the horse is their decision, not ours, and personally I think owners/trainers should do what is always in the best interest of the animal. Not for nothing - if it weren't for the horses, there would be no racing. One more thing - it's always someone's prerogative to change their mind - does Brett Favre's retirement, then un-retirement come to anyone else's mind?  Great column as always. Even when we don't agree, it is always good to see that there are many people who are passionate about racing.

Quit picking on Euro's for not sending their STS  over here, Why come we didn't send RA or one of ours to the ARC or one of their races. DON'T GIVE ME BECAUSE SHE/or they IS A DIRT HORSE, WHEN YOU WANT HIM TO RUN ON A DIFFERENT SURFACE OVER HERE. LEAVE ZENYATTA ALONE, SHE IS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, SHE IS A 5 YEAR OLD MARE, AND A DAMN GOOD ONE AT THAT. SHE IS PERFECT IN EVERY WAY.  I love her and RA equally. One ain't no better than the other. They are both thoroughbred racehorses. They both run where their connections send them. It's not their faults,leave everything up to their connections. Neither one of us pay every year to insure any of these horses and we don't pay to take care of them. I guess some of you all are fussing because JJ gave RA the rest of the year off.   geez, get on with it, these connections/ trainers can't please all you whiners.

The connections always said the BC Classic was likely a fallback position in case the rains bogged down the Arc...The horse was only going to run in one of the two races all along, so why get so upset over it.

Abigial from Canada, my family bred and raced Thoroughbreds for generations.  I worked at my grandfather's T-bred stable from early childhood until age 26.  Your assessment that Sea The Stars was "beginning to go over the hill" because he was "hot" in the Arc is incorrect.  His behavior that day was an indication that he was ultra-fit, not going over the hill.  A few months rest and a feed adjustment would have taken the sharpness out of him and prepared him for another great run next year.  Retirement was not the only option as there was zero indication the horse was even approaching "over the hill" status.  

Now like Sadler's Wells, he will probably be OVER bred to 200 mares per year.  

As a fan as well as an owner one sided arguments are silly.

Of course as a fan it would be great if he were to come here race in the BC and continue next year. BUT!!!!

No mention here was made of even how much just the insurance on such an animal costs a year--on a horse like him it is break even if he wins a number of stakes. Also watch a few BC replays and see how many horses have not finished races--does a Euro Champion called George Washington ring a bell????? How quickly he forget.

Now to comments of the trainer being called insulting? You have a professional speaker in the Vice President and he has been known to make a few gaffs and he is hardly the first or only public figure to make some--yet you want someone that talks to horses (yes trust me horse people do that) and backstretch help more than press to make no mistakes????

Jason do you ever review your comments of the past on these blogs and articles? Not trying to chastise you, but I find more than a few that insult people in the game and have good knowledge of it.

When you are an owner---nowadays--it is a business!!!! You that want to think of it romantically for the love of the game-think revenue sharing and contracts in sports--name one professional sport other than pro football where the playing field is level for putting a good team on the field? Even college football--Alabama pays Sabin $4.5 million to coach--college! How many good players who are taking scholarships from A+ high school students jump to Pro--wouldn't you like to see their 4th year also?

Take the money and run when it is there. I don't blame kids offered millions nor an owner.

I have never owned a great horse, but when I have had a nice horse that has given me great joy, but can't compete anymore at a top level. I have never had a problem losing he or she in a claimer. Its not breeding but there are similarities. Business is business.

One last note--is anyone looking at his family? A great mare racing that won the Arc herself--great sibs and one that is a great sire---I want to see what he can produce---This is a mainly breeding based magazine isn't it?

His record and family cries out Secretariat is some ways (also retired early)only STS mare was a truly great racehorse as well as a blue hen---hopefully his stud career will be better than the aforementioned.

Carolyn R., Curlin would have been there in the Arc had he shown an affinity for the turf...don't be surprised to see them try her on the grass next year and if she shows the same form, I bet she'll be pointed in the direction of the Arc!

Janesville Liz, I really like MH.

Cindi and Karen. Can't take credit for the points idea. That was published from an interview with Frank Stronach. Who won the Eclipse right before he said that. An Eclipse that caused people to fall off their chairs pretty much.

Karen, you hit the nail on the head. Basically, never in any other industry or sport do you see the people who DON'T pay the bills, DON'T have a DIRECT vested interest either emotionally or financially, trying to run another persons business. Sure they may say don't sign this guy or don't trade this guy but NEVER with as much vehemence and so stridently.

The 'fans' who don't wager? They're in love with the animal. But, another one will come along that they'll fall in love with and THEY don't have to bear the responsibility of that ONE horse.

The gamblers? For the most part just care about the horse as a number a $ amount.

People like Pastureland? What makes you a better fan than Laz? That you are in love with R.A.?

That, as a fan, you have a set of rules that should be followed even though you have no practical experience in racing?

Laz is always on here, talking about his/her experiences and attendance etc.Whereas all of us may not agree, you come on with a list of requirements that are the SOP of all the 'activists' and not much else.

As for Christopher and STS?

Doesn't this guy and his family have enough money to not even give a da** about the breeding or the stud fees or the syndication of his colt?

Who, but HIM should have any sayso in it? From my understanding it's not like he needs the money so actually THINK about why he's retiring him, leaving THAT out of the equation.

This is a guy who PASSED OUT from a combination of STRESS and the heat at one of STS' races this summer. This is a horse who is being called 'the perfect specimen' over in Europe. This horse is the son of a mare that Chris' father won the Arc with and a mare who died this year, leaving this superstar to carry on her line. How much pressure is there on this guy, a 20 something one at that?

Let me tell you from practical experience. You get one of these special horses,even one that is half what STS is, you worry, you imagine everything that can go wrong. Like a couple of big trainers who have had them have said, you wrap them in bubble wrap, you never get very far from them. You drive your trainer crazy checking up on them constantly. You read into every look or body language of ANYONE who is even near the horse.

Truthfully, what is left for a Euro horse like him?

Is it selfish to want to quit now? Maybe to the fans, but not the U.S. fans, but to the Euro fans.

As for the BC? After watching what has happened at SA so far, there are a LOT of nervous people not wanting to take their horses there.

I can ONLY imagine the outcry on here and other places if he came here, broke down. It's getting to where all some people want to do is trash racing for whatever decisions are made. Think it comes down to the fact that people who have no control over their own lives want to try and run that of other people.

If the BC races are the World Championships why are they only held in N.A. on tracks biased for U.S. runners? Other then Woodbine the Euro's aren't competing on a level playing field to call these races World Championships. One Classic win at SA doesn't change the opinion. So the real name should be North American Championships therefore STS appearance at SA this year dosen't make any sense. What does make a difference is the non appearance of RA! Why are her connections applauded and she is given HOTY without competing in the "Super Bowl"? If you want to create new fans by attracking them to BC races explain to them how a horse can be Champion of the U.S. without being in the championship races!

the bettors have spoken loud and clear that the product is not good.

Most of the time it is a guessing game

Bettors want to rely on something that works and pays off

I know I am extremely dissappointed when horses are retired as 3 year olds.  You just get a favorite to root for and then they are gone.  I think horse racing does need its stars to stay around to keep the fans it has and to gain new ones.  People who had hardly ever watched a horse race talked to me about Rachel and Big Brown. I know it's all about the money, so whoever's in charge of such things really needs to make it worthwhile to owners to continue to race their horses, whether that is through incentives to race or fees/fines for not racing.  

On a side note, I'm reading Man O' War by Walter Farley to my son.  I know it's a fiction book, but it is based on fact.  I was struck by how ofter they raced Man O' War, sometimes with just a week inbetween.  Why were the horses then so much tougher than the horses of today?

$$$$$$$! IT'S ALL ABOUT MONEY!

THE OWNERS DID NOT BECOME WEALTHY

TAKING UNNECESSARY RISK. COMING TO U.S. TO RUN AT THE BREEDERS CUP

INVOLVE SO MANY UNKNOWNS.

BUT I DONT REALLY CARE IF HE RUN

AT SANTA ANITA OR NOT, I JUST WISHED FOR HIM TO CONTINUE RACING FOR A WHILE AT LEAST. I WAS HOPING HE WILL

TRY FOR THE ENGLISH TRIPLE CROWN.

NOW WE WILL NEVER KNOW HOW GREAT HE REALLY IS.

LIKE MANY OF YOU, I AM SO DEEPLY DISSAPOINTED.

SO SEA THE STAR HAS RETIRED, RACHEL ALEXANDRA NOT RUNNING IN BC,

RACHEL ALEXANDRA AND ZENYATTA NOT

RUNNING AGAINST EACH OTHER,

ANY MORE DISSAPOINTMENT IN STORE FOR US PUNTERS, THE BACKBONE OF RACING INDUSTRY?????

Sea the Stars who??????  I haven't seen anything he's done accept on paper, so he is nothing.  He's proven nothing but that he has been lucky a few times in my book.  Put him against older horses, etc... He is nothing unless they put him against some American greats. Just my opinion.  

In response to the statement by FourCats about many on here decrying the retirement decision as due to greed would do the same thing themselves....

Me personally?  If by some miracle I woke up tomorrow as the owner of Sea the Stars and some stud farm wanted to give me $50 million or $150 million for him, I'd take it and the fans be damned.  It would change my life!  I could pay off my house, my husband would have a secure instead of shaky retirement, we could travel further than 200 miles, etc. etc.

BUT -- and this is a huge BUT, hence the caps -- if I were ALREADY VERY WEALTHY, the decision and what motivated it would not be the same.  Paying for insurance, security and whatever for the horse, well, if I had the wherewithal I would do it and just consider it the cost of having a once-in-a-lifetime ride.  Few things in life are free and everything shouldn't be about what will make the most money, esp. if you are ALREADY WEALTHY.

Racing is a business at its core and a sport only peripherally, and I think we can all see why.  

Now, I will be attending the Breeders' Cup with my husband.  I don't have to attend, which entails paying for gas, parking, tickets, motel, overpriced food, etc.  I could watch it all on TV and wager, if I wish to, at the South Point casino, about 2.5 miles from my house.  But attending the BC will be fun, at least I hope, and I am willing to pay the costs associated with having fun, as long as they are consistent with my personal financial circumstances.  

The future worth of foals by STS or any other stallion is highly dependent on the willingness of fans like me to spend money enjoying this sport or quasi-sport.  As far as the well-heeled owners, I say "From each according to their means."

It's a straw man argument to invoke George Washington when talking about Sea The Stars and the Breeders Cup.  George was retired, then un-retired because of fertility problems.  When he came back to racing he was obviously not the same horse.  His best finish after his un-retirement was third.

When they ran him on real dirt in the 2006 BC Classic his jockey said his "stamina simply ran out".  So even though George was in poorer form in 2007, his connections inexplicably decided to again try him at 10 dirt furlongs and on a very sloppy track to boot.

Sorry, but I don't see that situation as a harbinger of doom for Sea The Stars running in the Pro-Ride BC Classic.

With that said, I never expected to see him in the BC after he won the Arc, but it still would have been nice to see him in European races again next year.  

NIJINSKYTOM,

Your question is one that is easily answered, as championships are decided all year long not just on a specific day, in football a team has to play well all year long to get to participate in the championship, the same is said for basketball, hockey and baseball, this leads to a great debate about a governing body who would not have allowed for the Moss’s to allow Zenyatta to sit in her stall for the first 6 months of the year, race in 4 preps spread so far apart that you didn’t even know she was still in training and then win the B.C. Ladies classic or Classic and be given a HOY trophy.  How much sense does that make, for example Midnight Lute ran only once last year before the B.C. and he won the sprint in a route, but does that trump the full championship year of Benny The Bull who races a number of times from Jan-October or November.  It’s a matter of preference and in that case a horse like Midnight Lute because he won on championship day would have easily been crowned champion sprinter because of his win, but he only won 1 race, and again a championship is won throughout the year, Rachel raced from Feb through Sept and she did more in 1 year than Zenyatta has done in her whole career, therefore there is no need to lead her out of her stall on B.C. day other than to graze.  

Take the B.C. off of synthetics where horses are breaking down 2 and 3 at a time during a graded race and her schedule maybe changes a bit and she is prepped for the B.C. but not this year and not on synthetics.

Is it too late to give HOY to Lure?  

Can we get another blog about the Breeder's Cup?  

How about an update on the Divisional Leaders.  There are a lot of other horses besides Zenyatta!

But Native Diver-you have to open up on zen-you have to get big big lead to beat her

Magical Fantasy...anyone care to comment on this Breeder's Cup contender?  Looks to be the best filly/mare on turf out west.  Consecutive graded wins at Hollywood, Del Mar, and Santa Anita.  

It would have been so great to have STS come back at as  an even stronger 4 year old.  

I am glad I decided not to attend this year's BC; there are too many horses injured or breaking down.

I witnessed Grazen being pulled up and that was just miserable.  At least, he can go on with his life;  can't say the same for Blackbriar.

For Greg J and many others on the blog, I am disgusted and sickened about the disregard for the lives of thoroughbreds and the lack of integrity by the owners, breeders, and trainers who participate in the sordid practices you described previously,

Shawn P. as someone who has followed figure skating and knows it well, the result of that pairs competition at the Olympics was correct based on their scoring system at the time. Unfortunately, to the uninformed, average viewer, it appeared skewed and the deal making between judges didn't help either. The judges still thought the Russians deserved it over the Canadians and in my opinion they were right. It is important to note they did not vacate their original decision but made them co-gold medalists (which was to placate the viewing public and ultimately devalued the award for both pairs). But I digress.

Yes, you can have a point system to determine HOTY but to me, it is unnecessary. The people who vote know who is HOTY and truly, have they ever gotten it wrong? We are not talking CAREER of the horse, but Horse of the Year. One horse always stands out as having a spectacular year. If there are two horses in contention, the voters will see the race or body of work that tips the scales in favor of one horse. It's kind of a no-brainer. Yes, there are people who will be fringe voters and that is their right to vote for the HOTY from their perspective. But the majority rule and the majority get it right.

Also, if you have a point system, how do you weight each race? Each race, every year would have to be re-weighted depending on who shows up to race. In other words, if the equivalent of Flossie and Mr. Ed shows up to race against your horse in almost every race, and your horse wins, it won't mean that much in the long run. It would be a nightmare similar to what is happening right now, in yes, figure skating with their unwieldy and difficult to navigate point system. You lose the average viewer when you start jerry-rigging point systems. The most popular sports are the easiest for the viewing public to grasp i.e. the ball goes over the goalpost or into the net. The public wants to be able to "get it" right off the bat. We want to bring viewers in, not alienate them.

Got my Breeder's Cup tickets in the mail yesterday.  $55.00 to sit at the top of the stretch...section V.  Includes admission.  

LOL, THEY didn't become rich running RACE HORSES, that's for sure.

Sordid practices? Just like anything in life there are the people with a thorough disregard for what is appropriate, lawful, moral and correct. We don't condemn EVERYONE in ANY profession when a minority of them do these kinds of things. Lets talk about the honest decent ones who if something happens it may just be lousy crummy luck. BUT when all is said and done, let's let the folks who own, pay and care for these animals make their own decisions.

Sad as it is to say this, horses that are perfectly healthy, drug free and in their prime can break down. It happens and sometimes nothing can help or prevent it.

If it's too difficult to bear as a fan, then I think it's the wrong sport for you.

What my gripe with the BC is, having it at the same track for 2 years in a row on synthetics that people who are casual fans think are the end all and be all for preventing these breakdowns. Then the number that they've had, the high profile and worldwide exposure of the races and the people who own them being called out for not running their own horses where THEY don't feel comfortable.

Of course we aren't trying to get other horses to come run against us (ala JJ) in our neck of the woods.

To those claiming to have knowledge that STS owners aren't retiring him for the money, I suggest you read the articles about this subject in the UK press.  The talk is about breeding him to TWO OR THREE HUNDRED mares a year, that's 100-150 in the UK and another 100-150 in Australia.  Any American owner who even considered that would be rightfully blasted for their greed.

You should also look into the breeding history of STS dam and her cause of death.  She was owned by STS owners.  

Yes Paula, that's exactly what everyone saw, collusion.

Truthfully? Even Jason said he didn't place that much emphasis on HOY in an earlier blog comment.

If you think it isn't political and personal criteria and preference????

Just like horse shows. There is a set of criteria but it all depends on a certain amount of bias.

Whether that's conformation, color etc. The basics are set down in the rules but then it all becomes political.

Basically what happened was a LOT of people were p.o.'d when Stronach won Owner award and he came up with a formula for Owner and Breeder which could be used for the horses running as well. It was something like qualifying for the big races on a point or earnings system where the G1 races count for the MOST points then on down. Similar to the BC point system. He included claiming horses for the O/B part of it.

Maybe it's not the right formula exactly but it could be based on placings in a G1 etc. Whoever shows up, shows up and frankly they aren't penalizing anyone who 'showed up' in the crop this and last year.

The Graded stakes committee has graded these stakes, they can lose their grading for a variety of reasons or gain grading the same way.

Jerry rigging points?  Those point/earnings systems are in place already.

Viewership? Of what? The Eclipse awards? Ask your friends if they know who won the HOY in 2006, or even 2007 or probably even 2008. Then ask them who won the Derby in those years. I bet you every one of them probably figures whoever won the Derby also won HOY.

Anytime ANYTHING is 'judged' or voted on it's ALWAYS subjective and personal preference. That's why people prefer games, sports or events that are decided on the playing field. W-L, scores, accumulated point totals. Lots of sports do that. How many people do you hear SCREAM when allstars are selected or MVP's voted on? It's a stacked deck.

DRAYNAY IS REALLY A WOMAN:

Let's see how "overrated" you say ZEnyatta is after she wins the Breeders next month.  lol

Draynay Is A Woman, probably more  Americans know that mankind and dinosaurs didn't co-exist then Europeans follow American horse racing. Geesh.

One last analogy about figure skating and horse racing (o.k no eye rolling). Michelle Kwan was the premier skater for 8 years in figure skating. When she skated, t.v. viewership and attendance was off the charts, nationally and internationally. Especially when her rivals showed up i.e Lipinsky, Slutskaya, and Cohen. When she left the skating scene, figure skating TANKED in this country. The ISU and AFSA had to beg a network to carry the competitions for this upcoming season. In short, Michelle Kwan carried the sport/figure skating for 8 years. There is a lesson here. Longevity and superstars promote the sport and build a fan base. Ditto horse racing. We want to root for our favorites.

As people have said, owners and trainers can disregard this fact because "the horses are their own to race when they want." But they do so at their own risk, because the public pays the bills. So second guessing the owners and trainers isn't the issue here. Common sense is and the concept of sportmanship is as well.

Theresa S what are you talking about?! Plenty of US stallions shuttle to the Southern Hemisphere and cover hundreds of mares a season.

As for Urban Sea's death, she was not bred to death - mares in the wild have a foal every year from 18months of age. Urban Sea had 11 foals in 14 years.

Shawn P., collusion was a side issue here. I have watched and studied figure skating for 45 years and those of us who know the sport, know what happened there.

My friends don't watch horse racing, they watch football and baseball. They couldn't tell you who won the Derby, never mind HOTY. It seems to me you are very cynical about sports in general. I prefer to believe that people use their best judgement and arrive at a reasonable and legitimate determination as to which horses  get the Eclipse Awards. Ditto figure skating, ditto the Heisman, ditto gymnastics......They primarily base their decisions on facts on the ground and less so on who their favorite horse/player. They do this because it is the right thing to do and also because they know they will receive incredible flack from people who do not agree with them. They know they have to be able to substantiate their decisions.

I will be honest Shawn, I don't much care about who gets what awards. I love them all, even though I do have my favorites-Zenyatta, Rachel, MTB, Summer Bird, and Quallity Road. As Carolyn Rogers said, they are all deserving in their own way for just getting out there and running their hearts out. They are just not all as equally talented.

Theresa, breeding 200-300 mares? Nice gig.  

Seriously though the market will dictate that, it always does and is making a correction here right now. They're astute enough to realize that. Some of the major farms here are cutting stud fees and limiting their stud books to 100. So they must have been close to what you are scandalized by. Note the prices and RNA's at the sales as well.

Most wealthy people can never have enough money (most poorer people can't either, but just don't get it). However I don't think the owner (who is the SON of the dam's owner) of STS was seeing $ signs when he was so stressed. That was earlier in the year and the horse was just STARTING to garner the accolades and label of 'super horse'.

Some of the stuff you read out there is just as biased and uniformed as some you read on here.

As for the mare? We had one who died at 8 with her first foal.

We also had one who had her first at 12 and her second and last at 17. Did MUCH better with the second one. Fact is she dropped it before we could even get out to the barn.

Guys, on Draynay Is Really a Woman? I couldn't get past the handle. Laughed too hard to even try to read the comment.

Paula, it was fixed. They just didn't like Michelle or her coach.

LOL.

But really? They just didn't like such and such a trainer so they gave the TOY to a different trainer or didn't like the Owner (Gill) so gave the Owner OY to a more 'likeable' or more influential one. Right now JJ is the one they all are, well I won't say it.

As far as the PUBLIC paying the bills? HUH? The bettors have a takeout of the handle (which they b**ch about constantly) a % of which goes to purses. The OWNERS put up the nomination and entry fees that go into the purses in the big races. IF we don't hit the placings that payout how does the public pay for anything?

Can we tell our trainer that your check is in the mail? (kidding, but not by much) You run a horse every 4-5 weeks, maybe get a ck for the purse and guess what, that isn't enough to pay for much UNLESS it's a BIG race which can carry HUGE nom fees and entry fees and starting fees.

Mike, you have better odds of hitting the lottery while getting struck by lightning than Zenyatta does winning the Distaff.  Her times have been very slow this year and she will be facing talented older horses for the first time this year and they are 5 to 8 lengths better than what she has seen.  Zenyatta loses I guarantee it Mike.

Da3hoss--Muscle Hill is a wonderful champion. And I am fortunate, I have seen him race in person twice--at the Trotting Derby and the Kentucky Futurity. I only wish I could see Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta race in the flesh, but California and New York are out of my traveling budget. Hopefully, the Mosses and Jess Jackson remember the loyalty of the fans and allow these two wonderful mares to be visited when they retire to their respective breeding farms.  

Shawn, uh everyone loved Michelle and her coach. I don't know what sport you were watching. She was the most beloved skater in the history of the sport.

As for horse racing, oh sure you are right. They could race horses without people buying tickets and betting and attending. They could run horses without breeding them for GOD knows how much so they can have the next Secretariat, so PEOPLE CAN BET AND BUY TICKETS to watch the horses run. Yeah, it doesn't matter whether the paying public pays attention.

Shawn, so your point is that you have to spend some money to compete and pay for the upkeep and training of a horse. Oh well, ditto for alot of sports. Figure skating for instance is a minimum of $20,000 a year. There is no free ride anywhere unless you live in Obamaland.

Theresa S- they did it with Danehill and he was an amazing sire. Some sires do well and some do not.

If they brought STS here for the Classic, and he broke down, the owner would be criticized for bringing him!  His horse, his decision!  Same for Mr. Jackson for not running Rachel on synthetic!  He says the horse does not like it! His horse, his decision!  Why race a horse on a track he doesn't like, especially a super horse like her?  An earlier blogger said maybe the Sheik will privately purchase him, who would certainly bring him here for the Classic!  He LOVES the limelight!

Shawn P- very right on the voting being a popularity contest many times.  Just like all judged or voting events.  And I have heard how difficult it is for the "average" meaning 99% of stables to make it and pay everyone.  I grew up and live near Arlington Park, and I have seen the ups and downs there, so I know it happens across the country- probably the globe.

posted earlier saying how disgusted I was at the decision not to send sts to the bc. however, in hindsight must say that if they don't think the horse is at the top of his game, then I think the decision is ok. I was just convinced that he was going to turn up and was very disappointed, especially following the defection of rachel alexandra. the oxx comments came across poorly but I don't think too much should be read into them. perhaps he just thinks the horse has had a long tough season and enough is enough.

as for horses retiring at the end of their 3-y-o careers, well welcome to it people. last year we said goodbye to zarkava, henrythenavigator, ravens pass and new approach. just the way it is these days. but what a race that would have been against sts if that lot had stayed in training. why single out sts for something that happens at the end of each season to horses that have achieved a lot, lot less?  

just a few other points. da3hoss: yes you can compare sts season with that of rachel alexandra but sts competed and won 6 of the possible 7 genuine group 1 races available to him over a distance ranging from 1 mile to 12 furlongs. and he did all this without prep races in between. the horses he beat won most of the other group 1 races available. ra has won 3 top races over 9 or 10 furlongs punctuated by soft races against her own sex. ra's record is good but it just doesn't compare.

as for people saying that they were scared to come over and face the likes of quality road. well, all I can say is that it is time you upped your medication. the drugs are clearly not working.

but who is going to win the bcc now? the main hopes seem to be a filly that has never run againt the colts, a turf horse, a 7-y-o. one question, why is summer bird not favourite for this? he is 7/1 in britain. he seems to be the only one in there with proper group 1 form.  

I'm sorry this is off topic, but I would like to know if anyone knows of a place where I can find the replay of the Sometime Thing stakes. It was run October 3rd, it was the first race. If anyone can tell me or post a link to the vid I would really appriciate it.

Sorry the date was Sept 27

Paula- skating is a great analogy.  You can't find it on TV anymore. And before it seemed like it was on every week.  And Kwan and  Slutskaya were both robbed, as were the Russian pairs as far as I'm concerned

by the way, american racing is very popular in the uk at least. just check the coverage of the breeders cup and the kentucky derby. us racing has a lot of fans.  

Jason, sorry, I can't agree with you. And whining about "unfair" is juvenile.  What you forget is that in addition to the fact that Sea the Stars had already had a long and full campaign---with a good deal stronger competition than what he would face here---in order to come to the Breeders Cup, he would have to add the burden of travel. And finally, with the Pro-Ride, and compete on a surface with which he is unfamiliar.  And then if it's all more than he can handle, some fool over here would bleat about how he wasn't so great after all. Heavens, let's get real.  

Yes, this is about money---among other things.  It is also not only about taking care of the horse physically, but about respecting his record.  If it was so all-fired important to face Sea the Stars, why didn't some of America's stars travel to France or England or Ireland this year?  The Arc has been run for years, but Americans rarely give it a try, and that was true even before the Breeders Cup came on the scene.  I have always wondered if we were a) scared of the competition, or b) provencial in thinking we were automatically the best.  The Europeans should be respected for their willingness to travel, and more Americans should consider competing over there.  Or---oh yeah, the purses aren't usually as good in Europe.  Back to money here . . .

Paula, I'm not cynical at all. Fact is I'm the one who keeps saying all the negativitiy and assumptions of trying to beat the system for ANY sport isn't the norm.

What I am cynical about is the media, talking heads and people trying to sell opinions actually deciding the award winners. I say let them win it on the field, track etc.

Besides that? Michelle Kwan is the greatest skater EVER to not win an Olympic gold medal. Grace, athletiscm, style and a joy on the ice like she loved what she was doing. She was robbed, robbed I tell you. I'm dead serious too.

Like my gran when she talks about skating, she LOVES it gave it up at 76. Says that one competition Tourville and Dean were totally robbed. Shows me the tape of them skating to Bolero whenever I visit her and is totally serious when she says "Aren't they the greatest you've ever seen? How could they have EVER lost ANYTHING? Crooked judges."

Sorry everyone, I'm off track here.

Theresa S, thank you. I didn't want to bring it up but it still burns me that Urban Sea died of foaling complications after having 11 foals. It just doesn't seem right to breed mares EVERY year. This mare was a success on the track, and then produced foal after foal until her body finally gave out. And now her son will be bred to 2-3 hundred mares a year? What a lovely solution to the overbreeding problem that is plaging the industry.

I do want to commend Claiborne Farm for capping each stallion's book at one hundred mares. Still too high for my taste but at least they won't be breeding 150 mares to one stallion. Be thankful for the little victories I guess.....

I really am offended by Jason's post.  

Oxx's use of the word "unfair" is clear in the context of the full quote and justified as outlined in many postings here.  Oxx's use of the word "unfair" is unrelated to Sea The Stars retirement despite Jason's best efforts.

One would have to suggest that Secretariat, Ruffian, Smarty Jones and Sea The Stars (to name but a few) have done their part to attract new fans.  All of them left the track (or us) at age 3 and how you could you really ask them for more?

It has been suggested that if Sea The Stars raced at age 4 he would race 2 or 3 or 4 times.  We would love it but really, Jason, how many new (and importantly, how many long term) fans would that bring to racing?  Your analysis is naive.

You should be applauding Zenyatta and her connections.  If Sea The Stars retirement is to blame for not attracting new fans then why hasn't Zenyatta's campaign saved the industry?  A little under researched, Jason and again, naive.

Finally, let’s take a look at the professional sports analogy.  Sports teams play a lot (perhaps too much).  Are you suggesting that we require every TB run 30, 40, 50 times a year as a solution?  How many games do the Yankees play?  Silly and unrelated, Jason.

But wait.  Baseball's Chicago Cubs and Hockey's Phoenix Coyotes are in Chapter 11.  This despite the fact that each sport's established stars, superstars, grinders, goons and all else visit those cities again and again over the course of a year.  So Jason, it is just unrealistic to equate stars with industry success.  What was the point of that?

The connections of Ruffian and Eight Belles made gutsy moves and were not rewarded.  Fully realizing that George Washington was returned to racing for different reasons, he is still gone.  He and many more.

I would not want to be denied access to Sea The Stars wonderful pedigree because he raced too long.

Householder- I like Magical Fantasy. She seems to be another horse who gets knocked instead of praised.  I hope she does well in the BC.  

Any idea if Yeats is coming here?

Pastureland

Ever heard of a horse named Melair?  Surely someone with your knowledge must have heard of her…..She only raced five times because her career was cut short by injuries.....All her races were at Hollywood park in 1986 (pre-synthetics) between Apr. 25th and July 5th, 11 weeks:

• 6-F Mdn……..1st…(3-1/2L)…..1:10

• 6-F Allw NC…..1st…(9-L)…….1:08.3

• 7-F Railbird Stk (G-3)….1st…(7-1/2L)…..1:22.2

• 1-M Princess Stk (G-2)….1st…(3-1/2L)….1:34.1

• 1-M Silver Screen Hdcp Males (G-2)…1st…(6-1/2L)…1:32.4

In 11 weeks this filly was unbeatable…..her times were dynamic and she beat males…..Finishing third in the Silver Screen (with 12 horses running) was Snow Chief who was voted 3 y-o champion male that year and who won the Florida Derby, The Santa Anita Derby and the Preakness, all Grade-Ones and counted among his victims in those races, Ferdinand, Broad Brush, etc. and etc……This filly was so good, Snow Chief couldn’t even warm her up and was defeated by 11 lengths…..There are others like her.

You’re coming on here and saying that Rachel is the greatest filly in the 20th century……WOW.  I’m not trying to diss her or Mine That Bird, but she barely beat the Preakness winner this year and MTB hasn’t won a race since the Derby…..You want to call Lady’s Secret out, that just shows that you really don’t get it…..As far as Ruffian, your comments about her are too lame to even think about them for more than a second or two.

As far as Zen is concerned, last I heard she’s doing fine…..and by the way she hasn’t lost a race yet.

And of course, to people like you, if the Classic was on dirt all Rachel would have to do is show up and she would win it…..after all, she defeated males three times this year didn’t she?

(LOL)

I always appreciate differing opinions, so I will offer mine.  

As an American who probably like European turf racing more than American dirt racing, I was not at all frustrated by either Zarkova's or Sea The Star's retirments.  I know this may come as a surprise to some people, but they literally didn't have anything else that they could have done to increase their value or substantiate their claim to greatness.  Sea the Stars had a very long year in terms of European standards, and he won every major race in Europe that he could have won.  He won the world's biggest and toughest turf race, the Arc, in conditions that were almost impossible to win under.  I was crying tears of joy as he ran under the wire in the Arc because I knew I had witnessed a legendary performance...it was a perfect way for him to end his racing career.    

I've never seen a horse like him, and I thank my lucky Stars that I was able to watch him.  The owner may not have retired him for the money.  The horse may of had soundness issues that they don't want to alert potential breeders too.  Or they may really care for the horse and know that they are risking his safety every time they put him on the track.  Also, I'm sure the insurance on the horse is astronomical, and a loss down the road would have decreased his value as a stud.  If I were the owner, I would have done right by the horse and retired him after the Arc as well.  Not because of the money, but because he's more than earned it.  So thank you Sea the Stars for being so extraordinary.    

Regarding STS.....has anyone heard what kind of stud fee they are considering?.....Ggiven the economic times, this should be interesting.

I like to think that, like George C. Scott and Marlon Brando with the Academy Award, Zenyatta likewise would snub the Eclipse Award.  If presented with the HOTY, she would send out a 5,000 dollar claimer to reject the trophy.  She's that cool.  

Paula, I don't think her coach was tremendously popular with THE JUDGES. I'm agreeing with you about her as a skater. That being said WHY didn't she win a gold? SHE deserved it. Not that little pipsqueak that jumped around but only got 2 inches off the ice.

My POINT is that you said the PUBLIC supports (i.e. pays for) racing. I was telling you the ONLY way they actually support the owners FINANCIALLY is by BETTING, the % that is taken out for the purse and then divied up as purse money and breeders fees. Then the owners start divvying it up to the trainer, jockey, barn help.

The attendance and ticket sales? At most tracks it goes to upkeep for the TRACK OWNERS NOT the HORSE OWNERS.

ONE upper echelon horse with a big time trainer costs 75-100 plus the variables like shoes, entries etc. So you're talking about $23,000-30,000 PLUS per horse per month JUST for the day rate at the big tracks with a top traier. Think rates start around $35 per day at smaller tracks.

Vet bills run about 200-300 a month, farriers 85-120 every 4 weeks, Dentistry, transportation. Trainers % sometimes a barn %. Jockeys fee, jockey's % of  1st-3rd. Pony fee. Tax on the purse.

Then nom fees, entry fees, fees to start.  

THAT doesn't count the price of the horse, stud fee, the farm day rate when they're layed up, in foal or being broke and trained on the farm (if it belongs to someone else). Insurance on the horse, if you're smart.

You really have to love it to be in it, just like anything but it's a wee bit pricier.

Hey come on, you're in a professional field yourself, just like my Dad, where everyone thinks the cost is being covered by other entities when in reality it isn't.

My whole point is that the Eclipse awards are like every subjective selection. PERSONAL opinion. Plus WHO that votes on it is ever questioned? Fact is does anyone really even KNOW who votes?

As far as what an OWNER does with THEIR horse? That's THEIR decision, they own it and owe nothing to anyone but the horse.

lol Jason, now if you could just get that 60% to wager, you could have some juicy Pick 6's to shoot at.

Shawn, the reason Michelle lost the gold at the Olympics is because she skated her program, Lyre Angelica, "lights out" at Nationals and then skated it tentatively at the Olympics. Everyone could see the difference, most importantly the judges. Tara proceeded to skate after her, flawllessly, with joie de vivre, and then threw in a triple loop-triple loop (an exceptionally difficult combination jump). It was close to a toss up, but I fully understand why they gave it to Tara. Michelle's coach, Frank Carroll, understood that as well.

Thanks Footlick. I imagine not too many people care about figure skating on this blog so I appreciate it that you get the analogy.

Laz- I've mentioned Melair before and you can imagine the response.  That filly was just wickedly fast.  Don't know how far she would have eventually run but there are very few who could have challenged her at 8 furlongs or under.  Her Silver Screen was sheer speed and dominance over males.

Footlick:

Melair’s splits in the Silver Screen were:  22 1/5, 44 3/5, 1:08, 1:19 4/5, and 1:32 4/5 and she broke from the 12-post. (Notice the 7-F time of 1:19 4/5)…..Also, her time in this race was the fastest ever for a filly/mare for the distance and was later equalled by Bayakoa.  To think that she ran that fast, that far against top quality males is mind-boggling……Personally, I think she could have gotten 1-1/8M, but I guess that’s something we’ll never know…….My point in bringing her up is that even though Rachel’s accomplishments are exceptionally good, there have been and will be many other exceptional fillies/mares…..To say that Rachel is better than all of them IMO is doing a disservice to her.

helsbelles - That's funny. :-)

Looks like I've started a trend with the HOTY. Wow.

-You are right Draynayisreallyawoman, although I don’t think Zenyatta is overrated, I do think she is not of the same caliber as Sea The Stars.

-Paula I never said STS is greatest of all-time, yes he is definitely an all-time great, but I have yet to say he greatest of all-time truth is I don’t know of what to think as Euro’s all-time greatest with what has just incredibly happened; until the dust settles give me sometime to analyze and reanalyze and I will tell you.  I must say though he UNDOUTABLY had the greatest season in the history of Euorpean racing. FACT.

-Fourcats you can’t put laws or penalties on retiring a horse that is crazy.  An owner gets to chose what a horse does.  EVERY HORSE in the HISTORY of the WORLD would rather be a stud or broodmare than race that is a FACT.

-Brian A the horrible ordeal he was talking about was the stress of always having to be aware of every single thing that was going on with Sea The Stars, you can’t imagine the stress.  Also, to say just six races, no matter how prestigious doesn’t compare to greats is crazy.  To have the greatest season in the history of European racing solidifies his greatness.  LEGEND, that is what Sea The Stars is.

Written in the straw horse style-set em up then knock em down. Overall theme everything is just unfair. Sea the Stars will not race in the breeders cup and I am O.K. with that. I watch the major Euro races if you can call them that. They look more like the Tour de France. The big horse is escorted to the 1/8 pole, the seas part and we have another expected winner. Someone breaks the script your going to have a disqual.Yes we have had Euros race impressively without escorts in the BC races. Sea The Stars, if I'm reading his connections body language correctly, he would not be one of them. I'm o.K. with him being the best horse in the world, if they say so. Zenyatta runs in the classic and seals the deal,I say Sea The Who?

Zenyatta is a star and ya cannot take that away from her....If she goes in the Ladies she'll have to beat Music Note, also a beast, well beaten by Big Z last year but we'll see, this time.....but what an odd horse, that just spots them many lengths right away, every time--Music Note had better get the jump on her cuz if she doesn't, does Draynay, or really anyone, think she can be outkicked?...Sea The stars--good horse!--But I'm in SoCal, where Zenyatta works---a few time zones to the East is where Rachel Alexandra and her "missed a spot" blaze--works! Good for the Euros but we're doing pretty good over here, I think!

LAZMANNICK,

    Regarding Sea the Stars at stud, bookmaker William Hill was offering 6-4 odds that his fee would end up in the $133,000 to $163,000 range...

LDP,

    Regarding the replay of the Sometime Thing stakes at Belmont on Sept. 27, I don't know if you are on Youbet.com, Any replay of any race is on there, I just watched it and it was an exciting stretch run with four wide in the mud, I don't know what type of membership level you need to watch the replays, but I would try Youbet, Since I couldn't find it anywhere else...

Melair---grey Cal-Bred--won all five....1:32 and change (one turn) mile which completely blew away Snow Chief--of course Snow Chief was tired by then and came back great the next year for the "Three Amigo's" Ferdinand/Broad Brush/Snow Chief and some monster races!

Kate--Vodka is a great filly! One of the world's best !

Why does just about everyone on this blog drift from what Jason originally wrote about "Sea the Stars Too Early Retirement" and start dogging other peoples favorite horses. You can love which ever horse is your current favorite but geez why all the anger at poor Zenyatta who has raced well and unfortunately this year her owners decided to run her only in California. That's not Zenyatta's fault that blame lays with her owners. I say run her in the BC and if she wins great it should put her under consideration for HOY as we all know other horses are already under consideration even with RA the likely winner. If she should lose I think that it would still show her gutsy ability as I don't think she would be worse than third or fourth. As for Sea the Stars I just wish that they would have kept him running next year. It would not be necessary for him to run in the BC especially with him being a tired horse.

The point about wanting to see horses race as older horses is right before our eyes--I'd rather move the 2yold races to Friday, and on Saturday get to see Zenyatta, Music Note, Careless Jewell, Ventura, Indian Blessing, Informed Decision---those are horses who've been around long enough to make it more compelling! I mean the greatest two year old in the Breeders Cup was Arazi! The real interesting horses in any championship setting are the proven ones!

Helsbelles, that is hilarious!!!!!!!! Loved your comment about Zenyatta snubbing the award and sending out a claimer to accept it for her. But the truth be told, Rachel deserves it and I am happy for her connections.

See my post above Shawn about the Olympics and why the "pipsqueak" got the gold. LOL. The triple loop-triple loop has not been done in competition since Tara did it during her performance at the Olympics. It's that hard to do. To complete that particular combination, you have to get serious height coming out of the first loop. Two inches wouldn't quite cut it, LOL.

As for Frank Carroll, he is the most highly regarded coach in skating and that includes with the Euros. Carolina Kostner of Italy just hired him to help with her consistency, jumps, artistry, so she be more competitve against the Asian ladies Yu Na Kim and Mao Asada.

It was only a matter of time before Draynay put his proverbial foot back inside his overly large mouth which I might add is almost as big as his ego. Draynay a woman? That would insulting to all women out there in my mind. If I remember correctly Draynay guaranteed a Quality Road, Dunkirk i-2 finish in the Kentucky Derby. Maybe some folks are really just too stupid to learn any lessons in life............

No stud details (fee or location) has been announced yet for StS, and no news is expected till next week at the earliest.

There are many rumours circulating about where he may go, with the Irish National Stud, Kildangan Stud, Dalham Hall Stud and Plantation Stud being the frontrunners.

Fee wise, I personally can't see him standing for more than £75k. His brother commands €150k but he is a proven sire and there are many good, proven stallions in the £50-£100k bracket, so StS cannot justify more.

As for Yeats, he was also retired after his run in the Prix du Cadran on Arc Day. No details have been announced regarding a fee, but he will go to Coolmore Stud where (I expect) he will become a National Hunt (jumps to you guys) stallion.

Most long distance horses become NH sires these days as breeders are more interested in sprinters and milers. If you look at the first year stud fees for middle distance (1 1/2+ miles) winners you will see they are much lower than for horses running over shorter distances.

Tammie;

Of the horses of today bred in the U.S., there are not as many bred for stamina.

Come on. Please give up on the ice skating. Yeats wont be going to BC. He has retired. As a Euro, here are some horses for you Americans to take to the bank.

Zacinto. If he goes in the Dirt mile and takes to the track, he wont be beaten.

If Conduit runs to form, he wins again.

Rip Van Winkle is a certainty in the Classic - forget your mare Zenyatta. Zenyatta has never faced a decent horse. She is like that show off British boxer from a few years back - Naseem Hamed.

As we all know,Sea the Stars aka Louisville's Ali has retired and wont be making the trip.

If Ventura takes on Goldikova in the mile, she will get destroyed.

Lets hope Jimmy Clausen and the Irish can get their act together on Saturday and beat USC. Wishful thinking perhaps.

Shawn P...get a life! your blog posts are longer than Jason's (or mine).  Sheesh.  AND PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF MOM, STOP this argument over Figure skating! its not funny anymore. Try to remember, This is a horse racing Blog!

Lazmannick.. stop with the history lessons please. Didnt you see the third paragraph I wrote:  "We cannot sure bring back the good ol' days of horse racing-- they're gone (like the wind) but that doesnt mean today's horses are no good.."

Melair (though great champion indeed) was in the past--as Dray said, stop being the Guardians of the Past.  Give yourself the chance to fall in love with the present-- because today is yesterday's tomorrow.

Learn to let go of the past-- Secretariat aint comin back from the grave, and Melair aint gonna REINCARNATE really soon.  Great horses they WERE, great horses they will always be.  But they can't run in the 2010 Kentucky Derby or the BC.  That's a fact.

But RA is HERE AND NOW, and she CAN RUN in 2010.. so just be a man and take it as it is... sheesh. NO MORE WHINING, THAT RA IS NOT THIS.. OR NOT THAT.  Rachel IS the best RIGHT HERE AND NOW. PERIOD.

MIKE RELVA..Dray is right.  The odds of Zen winning the distaff is quite small, if you really think about it..

LAZMANNICK...

Imagine that you have an all-breeds dog race:  Zen is a German shepherd and other horses are poodles.  You'd think that since Zen is such a BIG dog (German Shepherd) its only logical she would be in front say, 6 feet of the nearest poodle runner.  

Fact is, Zen the German Shepherd wins by only 1 feet ahead of the second place Poodle.  How great was that for a German Shepherd?

The analogy fits for Zenyatta the racehorse-- she is a giant mare (17 hands) racing against tiny fillies (15 hands).  Its like racing German Shepherds and poodles.  And you say she is great coz she ALWAYS WINS.  How laughable.  OF COURSE SHE WILL WIN-- Her size alone guarantees it.  

BUT ... the one that bakes your noodles is ... WHY Zen the giant mare wins ONLY by less than 2 lengths (Lady's Secret Stakes)??  

That kind of winning margin is ONLY for mares of smaller sizes.  You would think that she should win by MORE... RA is only 16 hands and therefore SMALLER than Zen, but she wins by more than 15 lengths... and you tell me you don't agree RA is the best.

Are you living under a rock?  Its one thing to say that one horse is undefeated.. its another thing to say that a horse is the best.  

THE BEST HORSES ARE NOT NECESSARILY "UNDEFEATED".  You, of all people, should know that.  Afterall, you people have all the horse experience that I don't have.. according to you.

SHAWN P..

And please, RA deserves the HOTY.  Jackson didn't PAY anybody to give her that award, so dont go around saying the HOTY judges are biased.  We all saw the same races, didnt we.. unless you have seen a different version of the Woodward 2009..

I will tell everyone what horse deserves the HOY awards this year and every year, It's the poor horse/horses that are euthanized on the track, that were doing what their owners and trainers wanted them to do, thats make a name for himself and them and pad their pockets well. Some horses I know have these accidents and the humane thing to do is put them down and I know thats what they are bred to do. But in my opinion, they are the ones that gave their lives and their all doing what was asked of them. They deserve the awards. Yeah, I know you're going to say that insurance takes care of that, well, yes it does, but it don't bring the horse back. Maybe I love these animals for being a majestic beauty that each one is. I don't bid on races.I love them for being what each one is. And these awards are hogwash, people can't remember HOY winners as much as they remember derby winners. If you are going to award something for a job well done, award the one that gave it's life at only 2 or 3 years of age, it gave the biggest sacrifice of all to please man, it gave it's life. Now they are the true award holders.

I have thought a lot about that statement "unfair" to keep him racing. Maybe the trainer is right, maybe this is a horse who would win no matter what, and wasn't really trained to the races. I have heard many times that Secretariat or Man O'War would have been great race horses no matter who trained them. Maybe the trainer doesn't know how to keep this horse to be he's best, and that would be "unfair" to the horse. How many horses (usually two years going to three) can't stay at top?

I for one am not disappointed that Sea the Stars is not coming to the BC.  I am not a big fan of European horses. What about Goldikova not coming? I can understand if he had done like Jess Jackson and said that he was not running Sea the Stars on synthetics.  I agree with you Jason, it is ridiculous to use the excuse that it is not fair to the horse.  Give him a rest and let us enjoy a few more races. As it is now, He will be just a memory in my book.  I once again applaud Jess Jackson bringing Rachel back to race for the fans another year.

It used to be HOY was for the bestest hoss at 1 1/4 dirt---just like HOY in Euroland is at 1 1/2 turf---it's called "classic distance".....if there'e no standout at 1 1/4 THEN you get the Lady's Secret type, or the Favorite Trick.....but only then---my point is Gio Ponti and Summer Bird should get some big time love if either of them win the Classic!

Pastureland, time to be put out to pasture. I'm a fast typist tech equip to post between other things. YOU are a drive by poster. Probably a sock.

Not saying anyone PAID anyone. However most writers, racing secretaries don't want to alienate one of the wealthiest men in the world and definitely oe of the wealthiest in racing. But what I'm saying is the awards are voted on by WRITERS. Plus they are VOTED on. I'm advocating a POINT system and frankly within the industry I'm not alone. The WOODWARD? Please..... I saw it in person. But that isn't even the race I'd award it for as far as Rachel is concerned.

It isn't about the HOY, Rachel or this YEAR just a comment about the voting system PERIOD.

The skating was mentioned along with horse show judging, Paula, because she is very familiar with skating selected that voting system to discuss. No skin off of your back.

Long post? Yours are long and saying nothing but to insult others you haven't even been communicating with before, well as Pastureland anyway.

You sound VAGUELY like a couple of other posters who use EVERY blog to PUSH RA for 'HOTY' (blech).

What? You being paid to campaign for her? Climb back on the school bus,  read another book.

I completely agree, Jason; early retirement of our champion horses is giving potential fans no-one to follow, and if they are not a lover of the sport in the first place, we are giving people no incentive to be interested in horse racing. With Rachel Alexandra coming back next year, our industry would be fools not to capitalize on her fame and star-power. Instead of only televising her races on niche networks (beloved though they are to our industry), to reach more fans, Rachel needs to be covered on national network TV. Heck, even a TV special about her on a major network station would help bring in new fans. I know that there's a lot of politics that are keeping this from happening, but sometimes money has to be spent to bring more money in, and with the state of the industry as it stands, we cannot afford to sit on our hands.

Pasturelands

I read your third paragraph…..it doesn’t make sense to me that it is okay to diss the past because of the present.

It seems to me that Zen is in the PRESENT, not the past.......If I was so concerned with dissing Rachel, I could make a case for just about every race she has been in, but if I did that I would be like you.

Your dog race analogy is just that…..for the dogs.  You make that comparison about Zen and the manner in which she wins, but conveniently think that Rachel blowing away inferior 3 y-o fillies is a monster deal.  Read what Steve Haskin said about Zenyatta……”And she wins the exact same way – her 1 1/2-length victories, while taking one stride to everyone else’s two strides, are accomplished with the same ease as those who win by 10 lengths.”

Of course she only wins by short margins.  She only runs from the mid-point on the far turn to the finish line.

Great horses don’t have to blow away the competition to be great…..In Buckpasser’s 14-race winning streak, his largest margin of victory was 2-1/2L and his shortest margins were a head and a neck……his 1-1/8 times (Rachel’s optimum distance) were: (1:49.2; 1:49.1: 1:47 and 1:48.1), not great, but to show that he was fast if he had to be he also threw in a mile in 1:32.3, which he needed because he came from well out of it and only won by less than two lengths.……My point in saying this, is that as great as Buckpasser was he didn’t blow away the competition and he didn’t have to run a hole in the wind…..he just had to win and when it came to winning he did what he had to do, which by the way is what Zenyatta does.

I like Rachel for what she is…..a very good horse who is living up to her end of the deal…..she is winning races and I am cheering for her…….that’s what true fans do......Cut Zen some slack.  She may be the one horse that is going to be the saving grace for the Americans against the Euros on Breeders Cup day.

Oh, by the way, I guess the Poodles won’t be wishing you a happy birthday anytime soon.

carolyn, that was a sweet, poignant post.

We all need to be reminded of Penny Chenery's comment "It's all about the people's love affair with the horse"...

Dennis - are you for real?! European races aren't interesting?!

Sure, because galloping left handed round an oval racecouse covered in dirt is far more interesting than galloping on a NATURAL surface travelling uphill, downhill left and right.

Sea the Stars has never raced with a pacemaker. If you'd watched the Arc you'll see that the gaps weren't coming, he made his own way through and won easily. Most other horses wouldn't have stood a chance from that position.

I don't have a problem with people having an opinion on whether a horse deserves to be called great or not. But I do have a problem with people making blanket statements like "no European horse could beat an American horse" or "European racing is dull". It makes you sound uneducated and unreasonable.

Please respect our racing as we respect yours. Don't forget that Breeders' Cup cannot call itself the "World Thoroughbred Championships" without European participation. It certainly isn't attracting runners from Asia, Australia, etc.

I observe the Standardbred game with full fields running one mile over dirt each and every race on every card at every track The number of turns are the only variable. Why not apply that thinking to the thoroughbred game. Sprinting is America's game; why not card just four to eight-furlong races over dirt or turf at our meets. We're breeding horses for this style of racing, why not write that style of race on our cards. Breeders don't want cup horses; they breed for speed anyway. How many mile and one- quarter races are written for 3-year-olds before June? Few. Why not do what we do best? Breed for speed? How many quality sires are milers? Most of them.

Pasturelands,

       What?  I think I read your post three times, I still can't find one thing that makes any sense?  Oh Well, To each their own, I guess...

Carolyn Rogers,

      So true!, Very Well Stated and Thank You...

My Dad and a couple other horsemen were talking. The gist of the conversation was: As this country becomes less and less agrarian, that is a fact since most of the younger experienced horsemen such as jockeys, grooms and even trainers on the track are now coming from other countries,there are less and less people to fall in love with horses and therefore racing'. Young kids, girls in particular love them. However, they don't gamble and they seem to grow out of it in most cases.

Just like kids grow out of hero worship for athletes if they have any to begin with.

People follow 'teams' and those 'teams' change constantly. Nothing much that racing can do about that. It's really a different situation than most sports in that it is driven by gambling and even a horse with longevity doesn't run more than 5-6 years. People don't really follow the breeding lines unless they're hard core fans.

To ME I really wish we could sell the game itself. The beauty, tradition, history, majesty and so forth. That way superstar horses could come in and run and their accomplishments would be appreciated in the time frame. Just like a team isn't winning the World Series every year or the Supebowl and just like the same players don't hold a fan to a team forever, the TEAM or idea of that team or particular game does so.

I know for me that commercial showing racing as not just a game but a way of life is very touching.

The movie Seabiscuit and Dreamer were as much or more about the people involved and the feelings of those in the game as it was about the horses. Insert just about any horse into the story and you have a great story. Casey's Shadow, Phar Lap, National Velvet. They all are about the human element, how they love the horses, how the horses touch their lives etc. Seems to me THAT is what we need to be selling.

Pasturelands,

Just because one horse is taller than another, doesn't mean they should win by more. Surface and running style play a big role in how much a horse wins by, and Zenyatta and Rachel are on completely opposite sides of the table.  I'm not here to argue about which horse is better; it's a discussion of opinion that has been beaten to death. However, saying that Zenyatta is inferior because she is taller and therefore should win by more lengths than Rachel is one of the more poorly constructed arguments I've seen. To the best of my knowledge, weight-for-height is not in the conditions book. If a true correlation between height and win margin exists, shouldn't we be handicapping for it?

Really enjoy the blog and the issues raised even if I don't agree with them all but am a bit taken aback by the arrogance of some US racing fans. It was nice to read Footlick's posts: he/she was gracious enough to accord some respect to Sea the Stars for his brilliant season.

Just because I am a huge fan of STS it doesn't mean that I'm unaware of Rachel Alexandra or unable to appreciate her achievements. I really don't like the attitude displayed by some bloggers: "I've not seen STS and he's European so he's rubbish compared to American horses."

I've loved horse-racing since I was a child and part of the joy, for me, is to watch and savour great champions from around the world. Denigrating the achievements of a wonderful animal, simply because he raced on another continent is rather insular and childish.

Greg J,

    Thanks. I ended up finding it on the DRF. I know the owners of Cuvee Uncorked, and saw them yesterday. When they told me about how she did I wanted to see the race for myself. I was rather impressed with her, being beaten only half a length to a fresher and more experienced horse. Also little fact, Cuvee Uncorked had run just 15 days before that race. It's not that often you see that kind of a turn around, especially with a young inexperienced horse who is shipping for the first time. I used to work for the owners and know that if this filly has the talent they and I think she has they won't have any trouble running her in grade ones or even males. Cuvee is a good filly and if i were any of you I would keep an eye out for her.

To Shawn P:  Yes, horse racing is hard for me at times, because of what I have learned and continue to learn...  And yes, I understand, injuries can happen for the jockeys and the horses.  

Of course, I respect and admire those in the game who I believe are ethical, and I still love the sport.  Shawn, there are people in every sport who shame themselves and darken the perception of what's really happening behind the scenes.

To get an example of where I'm coming from, please consider reading "The Headless Horseman", by Jim Squires.  Its an eye opener, for sure.

Freetex, I've read it. What's that old adage, believe half of what you see and nothing that you hear?

I've been going to the races since I was 5 weeks old. My family has been in the game for generations, LOTS longer than Squires. I've seen the good and the bad. Even though I'm young, my parents and my grandparents aren't, yet I've still been involved longer than Squires has. Like you said EVERY SINGLE THING IN LIFE has good and bad. A dark side, that if you search hard enough and that's what your focus is? You'll find it.

I know Squires bred Monarchos etc, but his true business isn't something I hold in high stead, no matter how many Pulitzers he's won and his former employer has/had issues of their own. Chapter 11....

You know don't you that he's a breeder who 'sells' some of his horses at the sales?

His 'beliefs' about putting a breeders name on a horse at the sale and doing just the opposite himself?

You are aware HIS was the Larry Jones trainee that tested positive?

Maybe damage control, just a bit?

For most of our opinions on the guy? See Indian Charlie (the publication).

Carolyn Rogers, you touched me with your post.  I'm right there with you weeping when horses are hurt on the track and die.  It would be interesting to know the percentage of people that actually care.  If this sport should go away, I won't be completely sad.  But... on Saturday when I arrived at SA, the sight of the jocks in their colorful silks parading around in the sunshine of the scenic Santa Anita walking ring on these magnificent creatures... it's so alluring.  I admit it.  My wish is that things could get BETTER... just get better.  

Carolyn - thanks so much for adding an important perspective.  

Thanks Maisie- I grew up following European racing because owners/breeders like the Phipps, the Mellons and the Galbraithes ran horses in Europe.  I do think the European champions get short changed here, but then many of our horses get short changed there too.  People are just passionate- sometimes too passionate.  I'm sure they don't mean any disrespect to a horse like STS or last year Zarkava.  Europe runs a different type of season than the American racing season.  But there are many on this blog who are very respectful.

Thanks Footlick - I grew up following American racing as well as European because I used to get Pacemaker magazine when I was a teenager in the 80's and I've always been a fan. I have Beanies of Barbaro, Secretariat and Smarty Jones sitting on my desk as I write this as well as many biographies of your "greats".

I know that the majority of bloggers are respectful: it just rankled a little to see STS dissed by a small number.His season was stellar. It's never made much odds to me where a horse was raced as greatness is a rare, but universal quality.

I hope Rachel Alexandra wins your Horse of the Year. I'm afraid I've had to rely on youtube for most of her races but she was inspirational and I'm glad she'll be back next.

Matthew W - It may interest you to know that Giant's Causeway was far from the best colt of his generation across the Atlantic. He wasn't even the best miler, having lost both the 2000 Guineas, the Irish 2000 Guineas, and the Queen Elizabeth II S. He picked up a few G1s at 10f while the real star of his generation, Sinndar, was winning the top races, i.e. the Derby, the Irish Derby and the Arc. Giant's Causeway passed on the Arc because he didn't stay 12f and therefore came to the BC.

Wendyg, you willful ignorance hurts no one but yourself. You can find his races at YouTube and other sites. In particular, look at the Irish Champion, wherein Coolmore and Aidan O'Brien ran four horses, two pacemakers and two classic winners, trying to beat STS.

I forget who said STS had to meet older horses, but all of his races since his Derby win have been against older horses and mares. The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is the weight-for-age championship of the world; why else would top horses from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc. try to win it?

You are right on the money! Here's another set of connections who haven't figured out yet that it's the HORSES who are the stars and the FANS (yes, even the ones who don't bet thousands of dollars) who fund the show. Retiring our stars before they've had time to reach their zenith leaves nothing for the public to get interested in. Look at the following horses like Commentator and Better Talk Now and my hero, The Tin Man, had - and the legion of fans who loved John Henry - because they were out there long enough for us to fall in love with them! Rachel at least has made a lot of starts and proven herself among the best of all time and has taken a break with the promise that she'll be back next season. Sea the Stars? Well, yeah - he ran some brilliant races and PROBABLY was a terrific horse ... or not. Heck, we don't even know if he's got some genetic blips that might cause unsoundnesses in his progeny. If I was a mare-owner, I doubt if I'd breed to him. After all, what good does a winning family tree do for my horse if he can't stay sound enough to race? Hats off to the owners/trainers who send out the oh-so-beloved oldies and give us someone to bond with and cheer for - and thumbs down to those who whisk 'em off to stud at 3 just in case maybe they aren't sound enough to last! Yeah, I know it's about money - but the shrinking fan-base should be telling us that it won't matter either way if there aren't enough fans to fund this game we love so much.

Shawn P, thank you for your comments.  I will read Indian Charlie.

Carolyn Rogers, your words are the most poignant I have read for quite awhile.  

The best idea I have read so far regarding how to keep horses in training instead of having them retired before the end of their 3 or 4-year-old campaign is this one:

Tax the stud fees of those stallions that are younger than 5 years of age, and channel such tax revenue to purses in the state or country where the stallions are serving.

A horse such as Sea The Stars was retired at his peak, after just a handful of races, to the detriment of the sport, the same way Smarty Jones, Bernardini and others have been retired.

Theses horses commanded stud fees that average around $100,000; if bred to 100 mares, that's a cool $10 mill. If a stud is only 3, tax the revenue by, let's say, 40%. That would mean $4,000,000 to be channeled to purses. Lower the tax to 30% if they start at the breeding shed before they turn 5, and there would be no tax if they are retired when they are in fact 5.

This way, there would be a better balance between purses and breeding earnings, that should result in keeping horseracing stars in training longer.

Someone named Paul in DRF suggested this idea...What do you think Jason?

I agree 100% with what you say.  Horseracing is really all about the folks who own the animals, and they get to make the decisions.  This one was lousy, but theirs to make.  I don't think many of the owners really care about what the general public thinks, they buy the horses for their own pleasure and profit.  Based on what I see happening today in the HR industry, the fans are the least respected, so how is interest in the sport going too be sustained?  Eventually horse racing is going to go away, and that will be a very sad day for me.

PEOPLE PLEASE: Give those who love the horse a break. It may surprise you but THERE ARE some people who care more than just about money.

Be proud of Mr.Oxx's decision for no matter how you cut it he has put the horse first! And my dears

THIS HORSE has earned his way to retirement amoung the STARS!

Emily

Everyone assumes that Sea the Stars is a legend already.  To me, he is just the best "three year old firm turf" horse going in 2009.  Who knows (or will ever know) how he would measure up next year?  

Thank heaven for the far-sighted Jess Jackson that gave us another year of Curlin  as well as a chance to see Rachel Alexandra compete against males.    

Emily,

I understand that people love their horses, BUT there a large majority of people who buy horses for profit,  Horse Racing is a BUSINESS and what I was saying is that the owners of the horses have the last say about the horses future.  Example, Rachel Alexandra, I'm sorry i won't see her run, but understand and AGREE with the owner's decision to let her rest.  But really, it's none of my business what he decides to do. From what I'm reading in this blog, a lot of people are saying that HR does not have enough equine stars to generate interest in the sport in any enduring, sustaining way and that's a shame.

I cannot believe how much rubbish people take the trouble to write. Among the former there are about 5% who are true horse people and understand what's going on.  No one has any right to expect a horse to go on til he drops! It's good that, at the end of his career, STS is still healthy and looking well.  What do you want? That he is raced  til he starts to have wear and tear injuries or becomes distressed  and then be given bute or some other toxin to mask that and keep running to please the people who missed his early career because they did not know/realise that they were lookng at something ultra special and missed the boat?  PLEASE!!! Give us a break and go and study some breeding books.