Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Bob Angelo — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 05:22:46 GMT

Mr. Coburn showed very poor judgement. Drinking on and off camera during all three jewels of the triple crown. His apology did not appear genuine and he is very lucky that California Chrome's connections have been patient with him. This is not the man's first horse or disappointment. Dreams after the fact cannot be validated. The man didn't take a second to see that the horse came out of the race healthy. Coburn has been a huge disappointment to Chrome's fans.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Uncle Smiley — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 01:20:21 GMT

It appears he never knew there was not an event called the Tripple Crown.

No trophy, no purse. The Tripple is just offhand recognition of taking three particular races.

You can't make entries for events that never occur!

Nor can you schedule entries for suit.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Soldier Course — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 20:27:24 GMT

If Coburn and Martin should ever decide to sell California Chrome, I'd love to see Jerry and Ann Moss buy him and continue to race him.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Dootie — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 17:46:48 GMT

Personally, I understand Mr. Coburn's frustration. I never realized that other horses could rest up and join in on the races. At that point, a farm could just rest a good horse and keep anybody from getting the Triple Crown. His point is well taken. Maybe we should look into the value of the Triple Crown and only those who earn the points to get into the Kentucky Derby be allowed to run in those other races. Something to consider. I don't think he said anything real ugly, only showed his disappointment. Not near as bad as we hear on the news daily or from some of our "celebrities". I resent more the tone of this article and the judgmental attitude of the writer. I little understanding and compassion might be in order here.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Fran Loszynski — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 17:38:48 GMT

I was hurt as a racing fan by his comments also but the bottom line is he loves this horse. This horse grabbed his heart from day 1 and like Penney Chenery with Secretariat, he saw great things for this little foal. It's people and owners like this that keep spunk and heart in the race. I'm fortunate to know the greatest owners of a racehorse, Afleet Alex, they too love their racehorse, they would never say any derogatory words but I bet they do understand the love the owners have for California Chrome and it's time we started to realize it's a two minute race that grabs at your heart, head and voice.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Delmardaddy — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 11:25:10 GMT

No one likes to lose. But when you do lose you need to learn how too.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Soldier Course — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 19:48:52 GMT

Roadie680

Yes, research is key. How can you fix a problem if you don't really know what's causing it? There's no use changing the Triple Crown unless and until the industry can determine why today's runners keep coming up short. If a doctor misreads the symptoms and makes a wrong diagnosis, the treatment will not cure the problem and could make it worse.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Wamman — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:15:37 GMT

You are 100% correct. To call a gentleman like Robert Evans a cheater is a total disgrace, Evans has been a fantastic owner and breeder and a true class act. He had enough class not even to answer those stupid remarks.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Roadie680 — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:05:26 GMT

I think the Blood Horse should research the raceday meds of old versus today. If horses today were allowed to run on not only steriods, but the other meds that were allowed back then, we would probably see more triple crown winners.Yes they were great horses, but would they be that great today? I wish there was a virtual way to have the triple crown winners run today on today's meds. Could be eye opening. With that in mind, I don't think we will see another triple crown winner.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

fightonfig — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 05:22:15 GMT

1. Probably true, he will never see a TC winner. 2. Only

three have won under current format. 3. Steve took

horse racing in 2=3 month from the balcony to center

stage. 4. CC will go down like Spect Bid, most in the

future will assume he won Triple Crown !

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Alysheba4ever — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 20:18:11 GMT

That's it, I have truly had enough. Breeze10 if all you can do is bad mouth the horse and point fingers at those of us that liked this colt (I picked him at age 2 before the "hype" as you say) then let's talk about the Big Brown hype or all the countless hyped horses that have come and gone. California Chrome did make the distance in the Belmont,he was only 1 3/4 lengths behind Tonalist and Commissioner and was not backing up. Tell us who was your fave for the Kentucky Derby and where did he finish behind that Cal-bred horse?

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

SusieD — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 17:38:00 GMT

"The stewards should give him days." BRAVO!!

Thank you for saying what the professionals in this industry have been thinking all along. This was not a legitimate discussion--it was a vituperative tirade as an excuse for losing.

For those commenters who say it was just ill-advised comments from a drunk, he apologized so it's OK, etc.--perhaps you may want to consider the connections of Tonalist, who had a perfect day/memory ruined by being verbally (and unfairly) attacked on national TV. I realize in a Kardashian world it's OK to say anything, get drunk and spout off. But in the world of serious sport, it's nowhere near OK. If you can't take a loss and behave like a gentleman when the whole world is watching, then don't play.

Please don't take Steve Haskins' gentlemanly response to Coburn as approval of his behavior. Mr. Haskins realizes this was a sorry and disgraceful episode in racing, aired on national TV, and we should move on to discuss important issues and not give this man any further attention. Agreed. But Mr. Hammonds deserves to air his views as well, which are shared by every racing professional I have talked to. Sadly, Mr. Hammonds was not offered a spot on national TV to air a rebuttal to Coburn.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

breeze10 — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 17:25:32 GMT

ALL well said, Mr. Hammonds !!! Coburn's a DAP; horse just didn't it (no surprise to me ); and all who fell for the hype....well !!??

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

ksweatman9 — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:55:46 GMT

Horses don't have the luxury of choosing their owners. Enjoy California Chrome and try to forget the face behind him. We are fortunate, we don't live with Coburn. We can go home and never have to listen to him or see him again. Not the case for his poor wife and that gorgeous chestnut colt.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Arch the phoneman — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 01:51:37 GMT

The apology was a day too late.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

wjfraz — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 01:44:38 GMT

A truly pathetic article. Coburn ate humble pie on national TV. Would you have? Do you own horses or are you just an "oracle" of knowledge on racing? I believe it is said in the Bible, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Apparently you have never said or done anything wrong.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

wjfraz — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 23:17:10 GMT

I agree with many here that this article was very petty indeed with the apology, on national TV, by Colburn. This, though, is very much the mindset of you oracles of knowledge of the sport who cast dispersions about on those who are not the "true blue bloods" of horse racing. It was refreshing to have "blue collar" people show people like you, who rarely have good things and most likely don't have a dime invested in owning or training, to say trash about the very people who are the backbone of the sport. All one has to do is read this tome or listen to the talking heads on HRTV and TVG who say negative things about owners and trainers who are putting their hearts and money into the sport against gigantic odds, but who have their collective heads deeply entrenched up the posteriors of those who deem "great". That in my opinion, is one very bad thing about horse racing. These folks are good for horse racing. Perhaps you aren't.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Mel 2014 — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 22:25:24 GMT

I love the classy owners of horse racing. My all time favorite photo is the connections of Black Onyx celebrating in the winner's circle of the Spiral Stakes in 2013. It was published on page 44 of the March 30th 2013 edition of The BloodHorse.

Here is a copy of the link to the photo:

www.patlangphoto.com/.../28608115_Gk8Skj!i=2426227715&k=p8pcc8K

I get a chuckle every time I see it!

Suzanne

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

doc holt — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 06:08:22 GMT

I agree with Mr. Hammonds!!!!

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Alysheba4ever — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 18:51:43 GMT

This east versus west has been going on since racing began here in the states (Seabiscuit vs War Admiral) plus elite vs blue collar. It is an unfortunate fact. It all boils down to the horse and what a great horse California Chrome is, such heart. I was born and bred in California so I have watched for years (will admit I am turning 56 this month) how the east has treated west coast horses whether they were foaled here or not. Mr. Coburn reacted with his heart and showed how much he loves this horse especially by turning down huge amounts of money for him. Were his words the right ones? Time will tell but he had me (who is a tradition lover) into rethinking how we run the TC races. I dont agree with rescheduling the races but did like the idea of restructuring the purse money, that my make some owners reconsider. Only 3 horses ran in all three of the TC races, I wonder how it might have been if this purse structure was in place.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

doc holt — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 21:40:54 GMT

mR. COBURN IS A NICE MAN.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Your Only Friend — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 21:01:08 GMT

Mr. Hammond some things should not be said or written...think those who watch Mr. Colburns comments knew right from wrong...your column was wrong.....Few think we should have pre race programs too give history of Belmont etc.....we have enough of that kind of programing when the Sportscasters try too show us how smart they maybe and do not know when to stop telling us how smart they are ....how about going behind the scene at barns in morning like they did few years back ...giving us the inside what it takes to get top horse ready for big events.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Margaret Ann — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 20:59:18 GMT

I was sorry to hear what Mr. Coburn said, almost as sorry as seeing California Chrome loose the Belmont. But I really think Dreams and reality hit Mr. Coburn hard right after the Belmont. He had a DREAM and it was coming true. He BELIEVED, he had a DREAM. The horse was born on his sister's Birthday. Mr. Coburn decided his Sister was the guardian angel for the horse, for his stable. He BELIEVED. Whether it was the cut on his leg, his pedigree or the 1&1/2 miles of the Belmont, California Chrome did not win, Mr. Coburn's DREAM was shattered and rubbed in his face. More so by the NBC reporter asking him how he felt, even as the horses were still coming off the track. Everyone had seen through the Triple Crown, how emotional Mr. Coburn had been. Why would he be any different after loosing this most important race, this DREAM. I am sorry he lost his temper, his mouth ran on terribly, he shoved his wife and made a truly bad impression. I am also happy he apologized. I have trouble holding what he said against him. His DREAM was broken and so was he at that moment. I think I have the most respect for Mr. Evens. He did not rise to the bait of a reporter asking how he felt about being called a coward. "No Comment." Wise man.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Soldier Course — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 19:20:29 GMT

Danmccall:

Why blame Kenny Rice for interviewing Coburn immediately after the Belmont Stakes? When was he supposed to conduct the interview? There would have been an outcry if no one had interviewed Coburn after the race. Kenny Rice gave Coburn the opportunity to conduct himself either like a gentleman or like a bully. Don't blame Rice just because Coburn made the wrong choice.

re: Dumb Ass Partner - by Evan Hammonds

Soldier Course — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 18:23:47 GMT

Someone else has already mentioned this, but I'd like to see NBC use some of the pre-race programming educating the viewers about the nature of the "Triple Crown" concept. It is not a process of elimination, but rather it is a process of assimilation. The horses meet new contenders and face new challenges as the series progresses, and they have to incorporate and absorb these circumstances. Many viewers may not understand this. There was further confusion when Triple Crown Productions marketed the series as a unified event with common elements, including the $5M bonus to a winner.