Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance - All Comments

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

Moodygirl — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:03 GMT

Perhaps this link to the October blog where this is an actual dissection of a thoroughbred should have been added to this article to demonstrate the science behind behind the article. thoroedge.wordpress.com/.../literally-dissecting-thoroughbred-performance

Scientific research with proper methodology, held up to peer review starts with someone making observations and asking questions and gathering the current information.

The training of race horses is largely anecdotal, experience and opinion passed down to others. Successful trainers are copied. Mr. Pressey's blog is one of the few that does examine the science behind the training trying to determine if the training methods hold up to scientific scrutiny. I'm glad the BloodHorse shared the information with a broader audience. I encourage others to read the blog to read all the information there before a "rush to judgement."

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

Karen in Texas — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:41:44 GMT

sceptre--- Apparently Mr. Pressey has a B.S. in Exercise Science. I'd like to see the actual studies on the correlation of blood chemistry norms/variations as they relate to exercise and maximum performance in equines, too. Where is the basis for what is being said? Are there clinically controlled examples? Just cite a few sources, please, Mr. Pressey.

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

El Cab — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:44:25 GMT

hmmmmm...sceptre seems to have an axe to grind here.

"...you don't have any meaningful answers as to how these "inside" variabilities-the various "numbers" for true norms, etc.- translate to individual performance in the horse" How do you know?

"This will prove nothing, and is not responsive to my point." I believe if one were to look back over history, probably all theories proven scientifically began with anecdotal examples.

I've been reading this blog for a while now, and it seems sceptre wants to throw out the baby with the bathwater in the name of "science".

I'd like to know what your (sceptre) qualifications and experience are with regards to this topic...I would especially be interested in reading any scientific papers you have published; or even any 'anecdotal' opinions you have expressed with your real name attached.

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

fb0252 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:29:38 GMT

possibly what the OP refers to--in human athletics exercise physiology can make certain measurements, e.g. stroke volume as it refers to cardiac output/heart lung function and efficiency, etc. and predict athletic performance. Elite human distance runners show superior measurements, though I'm unable to say what they are. Likewise elite human sprinters consistently show, by my understanding, superior fast twitch muscle percentages. Some of this results from training, but some is genetic and measureable and definitely relates to performance and injury prevention. I'd personally doubt the OP invalidates itself because horse racing is still in the dinosaur age in this regard and lacks "studies".

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

Terry M. — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:26:38 GMT

You should also consider hoof structure and how the horse is (or isn't) shod and how that affects the inside of the foot. Take a look at this video: www.youtube.com/watch and the other videos posted by this group.

Sceptre, I think the whole point that Bill is making is that you have to consider everything, not just what you can see on the outside, when evaluating a horse's "conformation". He is posting observations and comments to make you think, not to try and prove something for scientific peer review.

re: New Years Resolution: Learn About Internal Conformation

sceptre — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:27:58 GMT

Objective data-for example, what you label as "inside"-that is not adequately analysed/"tested" for its realtionships to end result function/ex. performance is worthless. What do I mean by adequately analysed?-By a strict scientific method, followed by peer review. Correct me if I'm mistaken, and then offer your evidence to the contrary, but I strongly doubt that your assertions meet that threashold. For starters, how about offering your credentials, degrees, etc. You know what's said about a little bit of knowledge. I'm not for one minute suggesting that the biology/biochemistry/physiology of each individual horse isn't crucial to their performance. My point is that you don't have any meaningful answers as to how these "inside" variabilities-the various "numbers" for true norms, etc.- translate to individual performance in the horse. I guess you'll now attempt to cite a few anecdotal "studies" of small pieces of this. This will prove nothing, and is not responsive to my point.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Karen in Texas — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:29:59 GMT

Charmingly written story, Jennifer! I had been watching Hansen since September and found him to be simply a "joyful runner". He transmits a lyrical spirit while doing what he appears to love to do!

Criminal Type----Who knows what any of these 2-yr-olds will ultimately accomplish? This piece is about the spirit or essence of this lovely homebred animal and how he brings that essence to the track.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Oldie — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:25:04 GMT

Nicely written, Jennifer. Hansen is indeed a beautiful colt and particularly beautiful in motion. I was impressed with his gameness in the stretch, and look forward to what his three year old campaign might bring!

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Zen4Zen — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:16:53 GMT

Beautiful writing about a beautiful horse!

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Grande Fan — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:18:57 GMT

When you love your job you never work a day in your life.....Go Handsome Hansen - you make it look so easy. Pre was pure fire on the track - maybe he's back with an extra set of legs.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

tonka — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:43:42 GMT

What a beautiful article. You are right in that Hansen does embody the spirit of the Thoroughbred. I told a freind not to long ago that I felt that the truly great ones just come to your everyday people. Seattle Slew, Secretariat, Zenyatta, people who don't try to command attention. Hansen is also in this category. I think that we can breed and breed for that truly great one but in the end they are a fluke. They appear when least expected and for a brief time they shine ever so brightly.Hansen is that shine right now. Again what a wonderful read.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

calico cat — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:14:36 GMT

Simply beautiful!!! Thank you for putting into perfect words the feelings that run through me watching Hansen run his masterpiece!

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Davids — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:47:36 GMT

Careless Jewel, also by Tapit, was similar in hue and style but unlike Hansen, could be rather 'quirky' in her races. At a much younger age Hansen is more professional, if that is the correct word, than Careless Jewel ever was. Come May next year Hansen will more than likely appear saintly white, commanding a beautiful aesthetic beneath the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Criminal Type — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:33:37 GMT

I think Hansen is very effective up to a point. That point being 1 1/8 mile. In the very next jump under the wire Union Rags passed him like he was made of brick after running nearly 80 feet further then Hansen. So, his BIG win, wasnt nearly as impressive as people seem to think. Had Union Rags not had the wide trip, he would have passed Hansen midway down the stretch. People who are behind this colt conveniantly leave that part out.

re: The Coolest Racing App You'll Never Have

saharagold — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:52:30 GMT

What is DRF waiting for? Get the Formulator on an app! I'm tired of using expensive ink and paper to print out my PPs to take to the track with me. It would be worth paying for - I sure would!

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

saharagold — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:44:10 GMT

I, too, believed in him in the BC Juvenile, even though the "professional" handicappers didn't believe he could surmount the class challenge. He is stunning - and he provided me a nice little chunk of change in the process. Onward to the Triple Crown!

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Linda in Texas — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:27:11 GMT

The first time i saw Hansen race i had to recatch my breath! Amazing to watch him, just everything about him and Ms. Wirth you captured all of my thoughts

perfectly. He is simply glorious in his elegance of style.

I hope many wins will be written about this beautiful specimen and he comes home safely to his barn with each one.

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Dawn in MN — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:49:10 GMT

Loved this story. The sight of Hansen, a horse of humble beginnings winning the Breeder's Cup Juvenile was one I will never forget. Hansen is the 99%

re: Hansen Portrays the Art of a Thoroughbred

Stellar Jayne — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 06:02:08 GMT

Jennifer,

Thank you for the article about Hansen. I watched his BC Juvenile and he was just wonderful - he is beautiful to watch. I also watched his other races on YouTube and he is a solid performer, he knows what he wants. His blood lines are very good in my opinion - Secretariat blood line in his Dam and Sire. I hope he stays healthy and sound and is real contender in the TC races in 2012. Do you know how many hands he is?

re: Racetrack Closures Serve as a Monumental Loss to the Sport

merrywriter — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 23:26:03 GMT

You know how much I love this article and am glad to see that Bloodhorse had the sense to publish it. You are right about a fund to help tracks if needed. Tory

re: Racetrack Closures Serve as a Monumental Loss to the Sport

PomDeTerre — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:59:09 GMT

Are you forgetting Hialeah? I am glad that someone finally came to their sense before this landmark was trashed to make way for condos.

re: Racetrack Closures Serve as a Monumental Loss to the Sport

johnaugustwest — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:20:25 GMT

Ms. Wirth-Ice's article brought back many fond memories, including being at the Swaps-Nashua match race at old Washington Park. I was all of eight years old at the time, but to this day, I well remember the electricity in the air generated by the enormous crowd. And needless to say, I wish the place was still around. I'll have the same feelings, too, about Hollywood Park if it closes. I'll never forget standing three feet from Affirmed there and having him look me right in the eye.

But, as is said (because it's true), things do change and nothing lasts forever. So while I applaud Ms. Wirth-Ice's sentiments and her obvious respect for the history of the game, I hope she doesn't expend too much time and energy in trying to resist the inevitable. If the land a given racetrack sits on will be worth far more to its owners with houses or a shopping mall on it instead, more often than not, it will sooner or later be "Goodbye, racetrack."

re: Racetrack Closures Serve as a Monumental Loss to the Sport

Texohky — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:37:15 GMT

Thank goodness Hialeah hasn't closed and been demolished yet. Quarter horses are currently keeping it open; perhaps soon, Thoroughbreds shall return. Since Breeders' Cup has made it clear that they won't return to the "remodeled" Gulfstream, wouldn't it be something if they could return to South Florida at Hialeah, with those flamingos in the infield!!! I hope Brunetti, or whoever is running it, succeeds in doing just that. Naahh!! CDI and Magna would never let that happen.

re: Racetrack Closures Serve as a Monumental Loss to the Sport

fuzzbert — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:40:25 GMT

It is a shame to see such wonderful and historical tracks close and than, literally be wiped clean in place of new development. Horse racing has faced many major issues in recent years: unsoundness,drugs,purchase prices to name a few. We the fans need to do something to increase our fan base. Queen Z and RA really did help, but now they're gone and it will be several years before we see the foals. Not only have the tracks disappeared, but the breeding institutions as well. The Meadow where Secretariat hailed and Glen Riddle where the mighty Man O'War once trained. I guess most "non fans" would say it's progress - I say differently. I can only hope that what once was will be again...

re: Racetrack Closures Serve as a Monumental Loss to the Sport

Mary Zinke — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:01:46 GMT

Ms. Wirth-Ice. Why wonder? You could set up that foundation for the retirement and/or retraining of Thoroughbreds. You have a lovely manner of writing which if it is reflected in your speech would be a great asset in starting such a project. Just be sure to get some old-timey horseman or horsemen, maybe from Kentucky to back you.