Just Rewards - by Eric Mitchell

re: Just Rewards - by Eric Mitchell

KG — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:33:45 GMT

Very good point, Mr. Mitchell. I was disappointed not to see a Triple Crown winner this year, but I did notice that the horses who won were fine examples of racing tradition handed down from generations. They had experienced trainers and riders who guided them to victory, making the teams almost invincible. In a way, the Triple Crown was won this year, only by three different horses that made each race as unpredictable as possible. If we see more horses on the tracks like Orb, Oxbow, and Palace Malice, with the pedigrees, power, speed, endurance, and historical ties to match, we will hopefully see a Triple Crown champion in the near future.

re: Just Rewards - by Eric Mitchell

Soldier Course — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:57:59 GMT

The title of this article brought something to mind. "Just Rewards". While not on topic with this article, I think everyone here should take a minute to reflect:

I think it's time for Ron Turcotte to receive an Eclipse Award. I was shocked to realize that this never happened. The year Ron rode Secretariat to his Triple Crown victory, Laffit Pincay Jr. received the Eclipse Award for outstanding jockey, something he did a total of five times (in '71, '73, '74, '79, and '85). Pincay also received a Special Eclipse Award in 1999. Lucien Laurin received the Eclipse Award for outstanding trainer in 1972. There's something unjust about the way Ron Turcotte has been passed over by the Eclipse Awards. While it is true that Ron was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1979, this other, this glaring omission, needs to be made right.

There is an Eclipse "Special Award" that is presented to worthy individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to Thoroughbred racing. Ron Turcotte did that 40 years ago, and he continues to do that today, showing up each year during the Triple Crown series to meet the fans and share his stories. He deserves an Eclipse Award.

re: Just Rewards - by Eric Mitchell

kincsem — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:37:22 GMT

datflippinrabbit,

Amen on Pletcher in the Brooklyn! And what a shock, that a bunch of milers stumble home in 54 in the only 12 furlong outing they will ever face. Meanwhile, it takes Darley to keep at least some possibilities for Animal Kingdom's stud career here at home. We need a BIG change in this dying sport.

re: Just Rewards - by Eric Mitchell

Agnes — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:43:50 GMT

Thanks for a great article. It's wonderful to read about all the history behind this year's Triple Crown winners. Watching Orb, Oxbow and Palace Malice continue to race against each other will make this an exciting year.

re: Just Rewards - by Eric Mitchell

Old Old Cat — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:22:47 GMT

Feel good wins for deserving race industry families.

re: Just Rewards - by Eric Mitchell

datflippinrabbit — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:36:48 GMT

To get back on track,yes it's alot of history involved and nice see three different teams get a slice of the pie.But this bunch looks ordinary but competitive among themselves,54 for the last half is really walking for this level not even the closers had a say,can you see any of them beating Fort Larned Wise Dan etc?

re: Just Rewards - by Eric Mitchell

datflippinrabbit — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:29:27 GMT

All those years put together to achieve the three winners this year cannot compare to the look on Todd Pletchers face at the end of the Brooklyn.Myself personally have never seen anything like it,i literally fell out of my office chair crying with laughter when the cameras swung over to him,priceless.