Golden State - By Dan Liebman

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Pam S — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:06:28 GMT

Zenyatta in one race did more to bring horse racing in its more pure form back to all people. There hasn't been a horse, with the state our nation is in since Seabiscuit who has rallied the American people on the race track. Many people involved with racing read horse related publications, but the general public reads their everyday paper, online posts, and information on TV. If the racing industry wants to gain a fan base back, I would suggest they go to the current media and develop it. The BC was a perfect example - gorgeous grounds, great commentary, a heroine with an entire 58,000+ cheering her on. It's a public relations person's dream - but how many of the general populace got to see it, feel the excitement, the emotion, see crowds surrounding the heroine and owners, trainers and jockeys. I think rotating the BC is something that is good for racing. But until people in this country can get back engaged with a live embodiment of sporting at its best, I don't know that we can continue. The West Coast needs nurturing - it never used to need this. Specials on the background of champions - their sires, broodmares, history of how this developed are the stories that need to be told. And by the way, Zenyatta is my pick for HOY - she's a PR person's dream.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

da3hoss — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:44:23 GMT

BMCRacing: quite a number of horses died before they got it right for the "important" horses, last year and this year.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Frankel — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:20:52 GMT

Dan Liebman,

It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Zenyatta will be the recipient of "Horse of the Year" honors:

The horse who shows up and runs in the Breeders Cup Classic is the front runner for the "Horse of the Year" hardware. Look through your history books, cowboy.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

SamNotSpam — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:31:05 GMT

So many people seem to be getting lost in the facts and figures. I've been an ardent Rachel fan all year, but not one of her races visually and emotionally matched what Zenyatta did to the Classic field, in my humble opinion.

That, for me, is what Horse of the Year should be about, not cold, sterile facts. Racing is about so much more, at least it should be if it wants to earn and retain a fanbase.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Ladorada — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:55:45 GMT

I too am interested in seeing what Rachel Alexandra does if she is not retired. Maybe in a year her lifetime career will compare to Zenyatta's.

Yes, HOY is for one year only. However, people don't vote that way. They remember a career. This goes for HOY, Oscars, etc. So you are all correct in saying just to focus on these two mares' 2009 records, but I hate to break it to ya, it ain't gonna happen!

I don't believe horses should win for one race. Zenyatta won the BC Classic, but AFTER A SUCCESSFUL SEASON, no matter how short. There are a lot of champions out there crowned after as short a season. Or even one race, which I disapprove of (Invasor? Am I the only one who never heard of him before he won the BCC? Zenyatta at least we knew!). Zenyatta capped off her season by beating a field of champions. It's like playoffs. Horses run all year, some emerge as exceptional individuals, and then these individuals compete in one race. The winner of that race really proves something. It's the Super Bowl of American horse racing. Rachel Alexandra was a true superstar this year, but she spent the final contest on the bench. How can we make her the champion of champions? Champion 3YO filly, for sure, but she didn't get her chance to truly shine IMO. We distilled talent all year and Zenyatta was the moonshine that dripped out at the very end.

As many have said, both mares are great and both deserving. I'm sure you can see I'm for Zenyatta, and a big part of that is no matter how great Rachel Alexandra was all year, she never won my heart. Zenyatta made me a fan last year and proved herself again this year. I know a lot of you are in the opposite boat, you love RA and don't connect to Zenyatta. That is ok. And the good thing is, the excitement isn't over! We will never see them go head-to-head, but there's one more race to be run - and I am rooting for Zenyatta!

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Mike Relva — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:57:03 GMT

PASTURELANDS

No matter how many rants you do regarding Zenyatta it doesn't change the end result!

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Rowner — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:26:26 GMT

I agree with Daniel that having The Breeders Cup at SA every year would be boring. I do believe that we do have to consider the weather in November where ever we hold it (remember Momouth). It used to be in October and we seemed to have better weather. I don't seem to remember that many rainy BC's. Any one know why they switched was it because of the Arc and the euros? I did enjoy the SA Breeders Cup this year and it was one of the most exciting in many years but 2 years is to many at one track. The surface debate is like what Daniel said above a straw man. We need to focus on better breeding and closer race day examinations and eliminate the drugs. I'm not sure all the euro's that were first time Lasix would have done as well W/O it. I am not a fan of the 2 day format but I really enjoyed the Marathon and I think they need to keep this race as it provides incentive to breeders to breed for more stamina not the speed freaks we have had for 10 to 15 years. I would love to see a program for these true long distance runners. We have made the TB into a jumped up QH in the last several years. No disrespect to QH's because I own them but they shouldn't be TB's.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Daniel — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:23:21 GMT

I don't think holding it at Santa Anita every year is a sound idea. Having it at one far west location prevents a lot of east coast and midwesterners from attending the races in person.

Having it at variety of tracks is the best way IMO because they all offer a wonderfully unique experience. One of my favorite years was when it was at Woodbine and I'm not Canadian. It was interesting to see their beautiful sites and their way of doing things. The same track or two over and over would get boring real fast.

The breakdowns argument is a straw man. The BC went over a decade without a dirt breakdown. Having the vets examine, examine some more, and then reexamine the horses the last two years played a major role in reducing injuries. Last I heard they're going to permanently continue with that no matter where it's held.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Rowner — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:09:14 GMT

As a racehorse I would take Zen over Ra any day. The fact is though both deserve HOY. I f you look at the facts both ran against some suspect competition. Ra appears to have distance limitations and Zen never left Cal this year but Zen did something Ra wasn't allowed to do and show up on racing's biggest day and beat one of the deepest fields ever assembled for the Classic. That something no ever filly or mare done so I give the edge to Zen.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Pasturelands — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:50:31 GMT

Dan, you are a real professional. and you are a good person. Your article is just a SPOT ON reminder of how professionals judge any contest around here-- HOY or not.

To Cgriff, be careful yourself. You ARE NOT a HOY voter, but Mr. Dan IS. Don't get TOO CARRIED AWAY.

To KYFan, sidekickflats, et al:

GLORIFYING ONE RACE-- IS THIS WHAT HOY BOILS DOWN TO??

RACHEL ALEXANDRA is the ONLY deserving HORSE OF THE YEAR 2009.

No horse can become HOY just because of winning ONE flashy race. Even if it is the biggest race in the whole wide world (NOT REALLY. The Dubai cup is bigger).

HOY has to be EARNED through an ORDEAL OF FIRE. ONE-HIT wonders are NOT QUALIFIED for HOY. Maybe Moss knows this that's why he's gonna DRUM BEAT for Zenyatta by having a parade for her in Sta. Anita.

HOY is NOT A CIRCUS, Mr. Moss. If your horse deserves HOY, he/she will get it. No FANCY SHOW OR FIREWORKS WILL SUPPLEMENT HARD WORK AND TALENT. If your horse DID NOT work hard ALL YEAR, then WHATEVER show or act you put on will not MAKE UP for what was missing -- the WILL and talent of champions.

I realize Mr. Moss is QUITE RICH, and he can PAY ANY PRICE to compensate for WHAT ZENYATTA LACKS -- a SOLID campaign in 2009. But its WAY TOO LATE for FANFARE or HISTRIONICS now. IF he was serious about HOY, he should have given Zenyatta a TOUGHER 2009 CAMPAIGN starting February, Instead of racing her just 5 times for the last 11 months..

To give Zen the HOY now would be to DISREGARD Rachel's sacrifices and accomplishments ALL YEAR LONG.. and just GLORIFY ONE SINGLE FEAT done in THE SAME LOCATION, IN THE SAME SURFACE.

Heck, it doesnt matter if Zen defeated ALIENS or EVIL MARTIANS in the BC Classic, she still won just ONE RACE. That's it.

It DOESN'T prove anything and..

PLEASE dont bring up Zen's accomplishments LAST YEAR 2008. They belong IN 2008 ALONE, and CANNOT be ADDED to her credentials for HOY 2009.

Fact is: Zen was UNDEFEATED IN 5 RACES in 2009-- Rachel was UNDEFEATED IN 8 RACES in 2009. Zen is SHORT by 3 wins to match Rachel's record.

Rachel, therefore, IS the UNDISPUTED HORSE OF THE YEAR 2009. Zen doesnt quite get there, even with that FLASHY BC win.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

BMCRacing — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:20:04 GMT

Next year we will be at Churchill and I’m sure we will see the normal slop of either an unsealed dirt track that has taken quite a bit of rain prior to the event or a sealed dirt track that is probably hard as heck and unsafe for horses to ride on.

The constancy of Santa Anita these last two years during the Breeders Cup was truly unbelievable. Now it’s back to horses breaking down in the slop of dirt racing at next years Breeders cup.

Lets just skip the next few years and wait for the event to be back at Santa Anita where it belongs each and every year, where an international field joins up to compete in a fair and safe environment.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Elaine — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:05:39 GMT

To Lou in Tx,

Being a new kid on the block I'll just say that there IS a difference between East and West coast horse racing. This isn't about mean spirited people Lou but about the fact that once a horse matures, age 3, and begins his racing career the owners and trainers decide where the horse should be placed. For example, Lava Man was distinctively a West Coast horse. That's just the way it is. The cream of the crop horses are pointed toward one coast or the other (Churchill Downs is considered East Coast).

Personally I like that system and I hope it never changes.

Lou you might be interested in the quarter horses and their tracks in the western areas of the country as

well as thoroughbreds. Also spend some time listening to jockeys and you'll find that they themselves have a preference for one coast over the other. The racing is different on West Coast tracks versus East Coast tracks. Just an historic thing about horse racing.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Theresa S. — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:33:21 GMT

I like the two day format. I also like it being held at different tracks every year.

I think the idea to have it at SA for 2 years "to attract Hollywood stars" was ill advised. Even if they'd met that goal, I've never met anybody that watches a horse race to see celebs. Just the opposite, I've heard probably hundreds of complaints about the Kentucky Derby pre-race show devoting way too much time to celebs.

And remember when the BC did attract "stars" back in the 80's? The only thing the celeb interviews were good for was bathroom/snack breaks for the TV viewers.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

DB — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:27:09 GMT

I love both girls, but at the end of the day, Zenyatta was capable of doing what Rachel did if put on that path. There is NO way RA could have done what Zenyatta did against that field (Summer Bird is not the same horse in November he was in May & June and SA is not on a track that suits his running style), those tough race circumstances, that distance (RA was clearly vulnerable one step past 1 1/8 miles), at that time of the year (Zenyatta was peaking).

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

The Beav — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:33:02 GMT

I read a comment in another space in Bloodhorse.com that asked if there could be an exception made this year so people have the coice to vote for both Rachael and Zenyatta for horse of the year if they so choose. It seems that rules are made to be changed when the need arises. How can you not vote for both of them? They both took our breaths away, they both broke records that are unatainable by most horses. It has been since Seattle Slew that we have seen this greatness and to have been able to see it on both sides of the country is remarkable. These two mares gave this sport the magic again.

I was able to get to the Breeders Cup and I knew as soon as I saw that gorgeous mare, Zenyatta, she was going to win. You could see it. She was majestic. I did not get an opportunity to see Rachael live but she must have left the same impression on fans. Both these mares took my breath away.

I say, let's have both mares share the "Horse of the Year" honor. They both deserve it.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

MonicaV — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:27:45 GMT

Arliss,

Zenyatta is 5, Rachel is 3. Rachel has had 8 straight wins at 3. Z raced once at 3. She started on her 4 year old campaign and was brilliant and undefeated. Let's wait to see what RA does at 4 and then judge the two. Right now Rachel has 9 wins, 5 less than Zenyatta at 5.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

DonW — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:23:48 GMT

The BC days were wonderful, with great races at a beautiful location. But it's time for the racing industry to own up to the fact that as a promotional vehicle, the BC has failed utterly. TV ratings were an embarrassment. Attendance was mediocre, when one considers that 10 million people live within an hour's drive of Santa Anita and many more than 58,000 used to attend just the Santa Anita Handicap. After all, this was the "world championships". Sorry, but we need a new model, because the current one is not selling outside of the core fans who simply are not enough for a viable business. Let's start thinking "outside the box". Maybe have most of the races for those numerous divisions at different locations around the country and have just three: Classic, Ladies Classic and Turf on a single Big Day program at a major track. But heavily promote these three races, and make it a two hour program to attract network TV. This is just one of many ideas that smart racing people could come up with.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

MRO — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:11:37 GMT

I agree with the comment made above; "Rachel is an amazing filly and in most years would deserve Horse of the Year. But not this year." This is Zenyatta's year.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Lou in TX — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:37:51 GMT

Being a fan from Texas, it's really amazing how all you fans of horse racing divide yourselves. East Coast vs West coast! I always thought horse racing was about the HORSES not the PEOPLE who live on different sides of the USA. What does it matter what type of track they race on as long as they race? I'll admit that I haven't been a race fan for very long. It was Barbaro who got me interested. And now I'm anxious to see how his 3 brothers and his sister to be do in their racing careers. It doesn't matter where they are from, which coast they live on, it's the horse that matters. Why can't you people be nice to each other and enjoy the horses you love and root for them no matter where they run or where they're from or what kind of track they race on. You all are acting like children. Grow up and enjoy the sport of horse racing like adults. All this bickering gets old really fast.

As for HOTY....OUR opinons don't matter, we don't vote so all the facts and figures you are throwing out really don't count. Make up your own mind who you want and quit criticizing those who don't agree with you. I love both Zen and RA but MY opinion doesn't matter so why get all worked up about something you have no control over. Cool down everybody and have a great weekend.

Dan thanks for the nice article.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

KYFan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:32:31 GMT

Johnny, her races WERE chosen carefully to assure success. The older crop running at Saratoga? Two horses that should have been retired before they were, a hard knocker and nothing more, who ALMOST beat her.

You obviously know NOTHING about Jess Jackson if you don't realize how calculating he is and that HE, not Steve, planned her campaign.

Go in the Travers, nope gonna get beat at that distance, run against Summer Bird in the Haskell, he likes a distance there's a winner. Run agains D'Tara and Commentator, both done a long time ago.

The Mother Goose? The Preakness after a breeze in the Oaks, Please. That comment about choosing her races carefully is in response to those who said Zenyatta's camp planned her races carefully.

Both camps did that. Jess after he wanted to buy the Horse of the Year title.

Zenyatta's camp after they decided the Breeders Cup is SUPPOSED to be the biggest event in racing and the Classic is the BIGGEST race in that series.

If Zenyatta ran against chopped liver, so did Rachel. The only real comparison to make is how they beat common opponents.

SB could only manage 4th, he's apparently a-ok and headed to the Japan Cup. Clement was pleased as punch with Gio.

My whole point is if Zenyatta is excluded based on the fact that she stayed in California and ran on 3 very different synthetics? How are the voters possibly going to explain the rest of their selections.

Ever been to the Eclipse Awards? Boring.............

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Mike V. — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:49:19 GMT

Both RA and Zenyatt are great filly's and had remarkable campaigns. But will say the arguments made by RA supporters are among the dumbest I would think you could put on paper. She did not show up? She did not show up because JJ did not want to lose as he did with Curlin. RA had run and won on synthetic, what was the reason to not run? Safety? give me a break. It was to sit on the lead, and it backfired. I am sure JJ sat home with a picking needles into the Zenyatta voodoo doll he made up, just did not work. Next year RA can gets hers, not this year.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Pete M — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:45:47 GMT

"a horse should not get an eclipse for winning one race" Are you Serious??, that has gone on since the BC started. Would list you about 20 but it would bore you. Zenyatta should and will get HOY.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

da3hoss — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:51:22 GMT

I love Zen, but it makes me crazy that people want her to be HOTY for her Career not her Year...that is NOT how the Eclipse awards are done.

It's what's been done all the current year.

Not one race, or else Well Armed should get the award...he won the BIGGEST race in the world and has made the most money this year.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Elaine — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:51:47 GMT

Um...whatever happened to the old school rules....East Coast horse West Coast horse?

Most thoroughbreds are sorted through at the end of their 3rd year and pointed to either east or west coast tracks. Nuthin' wrong with that. Forget all the glitz of the Santa Anita, let's see the East Coasters run at Belmont Park or Churchill for the B.C.

Can't imagine if Lava Man had been an East Coaster once he was declared a West Coast horse.

re: Golden State - By Dan Liebman

Johnny — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:48:57 GMT

Did I read some statement that Rachel's races "were chosen very carefully"? You've got to be kidding. OK, sure her races were chosen carefully alright, to be sure that she got to face tough opponents in major races.

Rachel took on the boys right after the Kentucky Derby and beat them in the Preakness, the first filly to do that in how many decades? Since when is putting a filly in the Preakness, choosing a race "very carefully"? She took the boys on again and won the Haskell, beating the Belmont Stakes winner by six lengths. I suppose this was being careful to. This Belmont Stakes horse went on to win the Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup before finishing a respectable fifth in the BC Classic. Rachel wasn't through yet and took on older males in the Woodward. I guess they were still being careful. She entered the race with a huge bulls eye on her back; they threw everything at her, pressured her into a torrid pace, and this three-year-old filly, all-heart, talent, and courage, beat them, becoming the first female to win that race. Oh, and did I mention that these three races, against males, are all grade 1s?

Rachel has started in several racing jurisdictions, on several different tracks, and in my opinion, has a more extensive and striking body of work this year than any horse. But I guess that was being careful to. If anything, others have ducked her. Who's really been careful?

I recognize Rachel, as I recognize Zenyatta with awe and gratitude. I see absolutely no reason to diminish the extraordinary accomplishments of either. Each, in her own way, has energized American racing, something we can celebrate.