Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Amanda — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:12:24 GMT

"Who would claim a 12-year-old stud? I think his owner/trainer probably feels fairly safe running him in claiming races."

I'm not familiar with racing in that part of the country, but I do know here on the East Coast, there are quite a few owners and trainers who relish the older-type, been there done that racer. I could see a few different trainers here snatching him up, then having him undergo their "miracle surgery" that makes them completely different horses.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Amanda — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:08:40 GMT

To JShandler:

Do you know of any scientific studies looking at whether older horses are more prone to break down than younger ones? I can see both sides here. A horse who is still sound at 12 probably has some pretty strong bones and good staying power, but maybe the continued wear-and-tear affects him some how? It would be an interesting study.

"If people fear watching horses break down, perhaps they should find another sport to follow."

Are you serious? What a heartless statement. GOD FORBID the fans of racing, which are becoming fewer and fewer and more far between, don't enjoy watching breakdowns and want to make it better. You have no business being involved in horse racing with a statement like that.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

sgillies — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:02:30 GMT

Another solid effort today for Eagle Time. Love the race commentary: gave way "grudgingly." (Race chart)

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

LAZMANNICK — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:02:03 GMT

If he likes it and he is sound, why not? But if he starts to show wear and tear and shows a dislike go get him a few mares and let him have a fun retirement.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Tammie — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:09:11 GMT

I think it's wonderful. I have always wondered why thoroughbred stallions are never used for breeding and racing at the same time. All other equine sports have stallions that compete and are used for breeding at the same time.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Susan — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:17:40 GMT

Who would claim a 12-year-old stud? I think his owner/trainer probably feels fairly safe running him in claiming races.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Noelle Driscoll — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:11:37 GMT

Ditto what others have said. What if he's claimed? What happens then when he stops making money? Mexico? Sickening.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

da3hoss — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:27:18 GMT

It was pathetic he's in a claiming race...

Anyone who reads my posts knows I love eventing horses who peak in their teens,am a diehard advocate for the return of the TB to its rightful place as America's Hunter/Jumper/Even horse, so age is not the main reason...this horse would not be returned to racing if he was a useful stallion making money, he's not, and he's not good enough except for claiming races..this time he escaped the claim, if he's still successful at this level he may very well be claimed...he doesn't deserve that.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Greg J. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:48:44 GMT

Great Race, Congrats to Eagle Time and Mr. Jordan, Thanks Scot, I am still on the fence, But, I have been known to be wrong before, I just wish I had more then $10 on him to win, But, I am not complaining :)

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

DAnylson — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:09:47 GMT

I love when people make our breed weaker? O he can't handle the heavy track, he is to young , not enough rest, he has too much weight on, he is too old....come on the thoroughbred was bred to run and with numerous starts until he is capable. We hinder the breed by all those "pathetic" comments. Last time I check, 1200 pounds of muscle and they look huge, I have been around them forever, this last generation, we make the thoroughbred weak!

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

longtime racing fan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:23:54 GMT

Hmmm... putting him back on the track is all well and good, but is it the best activity for a horse this age? I'm not so sure... why not teach him dressage, or jumping... he would enjoy both physical activities and though they both have stresses of their own I think they are a lot less than racing...

...and what happens if he gets claimed? What then?

This horse probably thrives on the daily activity around the training barns... he'd probably enjoy learning something new and there are lots of other things he could do.

Being a stallion doesn't preclude his earning his way as a trail horse or dressage horse or (fill in the blank)... I've had many stallions and they all were expected to do other things than just make duty calls to the breeding shed. I rode one until after his 30th birthday. He loved getting out and seeing things.

Good luck to this still useful horse... and hopefully many more foals.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Karen in Indiana — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:57:37 GMT

Wonderful! And it doesn't look like he got claimed.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Jason Shandler — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:56:03 GMT

Nice job Scot! You should be touting horses more often!

I guess it wasn't "pathetic" that they raced him after all, huh? Lol. I love when people tell owners that they CAN'T race horses, that they shouldn't do what they are bred to do. I love it when people think they know more about a horse's health than the trainer. Fact is, a millionare 2-year-old running at Keeneland has the same chance at breaking down as this horse does. If people fear watching horses break down, perhaps they should find another sport to follow.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Lmaris — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:54:35 GMT

"stark raving idiot ... the mare [his dam] was a nut ... he had some ability but his mind wouldn't let him use it."

I know far too many people like that, and have known a couple horses too. Best description I've heard of it yet.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

sgillies — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:34:39 GMT

THIS JUST IN: Eagle Time wins by daylight!

Taking the lead a bit before the six-furlong mark, Eagle Time scored by 6 1/2 lengths. His effort paid $35 even on a $2 bet... wish I'd put some money down on him!

Equibase chart for the race.

-- Scot

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Mike Relva — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:06:52 GMT

GREG J

Good points,thanks as usual!

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

diastu — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:56:07 GMT

Hey people: He's happy, he's running well, he's sound, he gets a girl or two, his owners are having fun. What is the harm? And please remember, eventers, hunter-jumpers, Olympic jumpers, polo ponies, all work healthy and happy well into their teens. Here are genes we NEED in the TB gene pool!

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Greg J. — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:39:56 GMT

I have been following Eagle Time since his return to the track, But, I just don't get it? What is the purpose of running him after the lay-off and at such a high frequency? He has made $160 in his last two starts...

Starts since return:

7/2, 7f

7/28, 1 mile

8/23, 1 mile

9/9, 1 mile

9/25, 1 1/16 miles

10/7, 6.5f

10/14, 1 1/16 miles

I know, "He missed the track", or, "He loves to run" are the standard replies, Still, To me, The negative's outweigh the positives, I wish Eagle Time the Best and I hope Mr. Jordan does right by his Eagle Time and that he stays safe, Thanks, and good luck to both...

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

Amanda — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:21:43 GMT

I don't know if I buy it. I hope and pray this owner/trainer is genuine and he's one of the guys who has his horse's best interest at heart. 5k claimers? Again...I don't know that I buy it, but I wish Eagle Time and Mr. Jordan nothing but the best.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

da3hoss — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:18:15 GMT

Pathetic. A claiming race. Age 12. After he did all that his talent allowed.

Oh yeah, I'll tell this story to my horse pals who don't like racing anyways, this'll draw 'em for sure.

re: Hard-Knocking Eagle Time Serves Double Duty

ezevans — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:48:10 GMT

Awesome!!! Thanks so much for posting this story. I love the older guys. I beleive it is horses like this that really help build the fan base. Its also horses like this that contribute to bettering the breed due to soundness. I'll be watching!