bigmack
05-24-2006, 05:26 PM
I can’t find the post anymore of the person that wrote so eloquently of the Preakness shortly after B’s breakdown but it was terrific. After assimilating the dialogue in the past few days I thought I’d throw in a ditty. I trust I’ll have to endure the wrath of those that feel there’s no place for sentimentality but hey, I’m a fool for that stuff…
A better part of the civilized world has seen the replay or observed live, Barbaro take that tragic bad step resulting in a potentially life threatening injury or with Gods help, a career ending injury. It was there for all to see.
There we were, an expectant audience poised for the second chapter of a potentially great triad with an undefeated character who in his previous outings exhibited real moxie and drive. Some watched for the thrill of the pageantry of the big event. Others, as many of us, to be witness to a slice of greatness as no one of us could easily dismiss this colt.
For those unfamiliar with the game they saw the records in fleeting glimpses of video delivered by reporters who had quickly boned up on racing history informing the public that the last Triple Crown was achieved in the same year as the Camp David Accord or when Pete Rose hit his 3000th major league hit. In essence - a long, long time ago…
All the while we remembered the back to back triumphs of the greats. Secretariat – Affirmed - Seattle Slew and the few giants that attained that marvelous feat. Some felt this was the evident year to crown another champion while others reviewed data revealing vulnerability of his effort in the face of this Herculean task.
Since then boxers have died from fatal blows, skiers have tumbled to their deaths, NASCAR drivers have met their death on the track Multitudes of deaths have transpired in various sporting endeavors while hundreds, thousands, millions watched.
From my recollection each tragedy warranted a pause - a moment of reflection.
This is our time of reflection. Those among us that revel in the love of the game and stand together in grief and reflection and those that approach the game merely as a series of numbers; speed figures/pace ratings and the like. Still others point a finger and accuse this glorious game of abuse and entanglement as they will when a tragedy strikes another sport and accuse those of not protecting the participants in a responsible fashion.
Should we examine the game and ask those parties involved to ensure the well being and safety of all parties: horse/athlete, jockey, handler, bug boy, and so on. To ensure the safety of all -how is that even remotely possible?
Asking questions of those involved in the handling and process of this game regarding procedures, meds, training, race distance, layoff time etc… sure why not. Discussion of such matters can’t hurt and may improve the game for the better, or may not.
So, here we sit. Involved in a game we love, being asked questions from friends and family of this tragedy, and in the end we know in our heart of hearts, to little surprise, that it’s a high level game – with high level animals running like the wind.
For what it’s worth, the next time you see a horse running, at any level, giving their best displaying the sheer love of the game and bearing down with an intent drive- feel the whisper in your heart and the spirit in your soul as you recognize that kindred spirit with them and you - To give it your all…
Long live this magnificent game……
A better part of the civilized world has seen the replay or observed live, Barbaro take that tragic bad step resulting in a potentially life threatening injury or with Gods help, a career ending injury. It was there for all to see.
There we were, an expectant audience poised for the second chapter of a potentially great triad with an undefeated character who in his previous outings exhibited real moxie and drive. Some watched for the thrill of the pageantry of the big event. Others, as many of us, to be witness to a slice of greatness as no one of us could easily dismiss this colt.
For those unfamiliar with the game they saw the records in fleeting glimpses of video delivered by reporters who had quickly boned up on racing history informing the public that the last Triple Crown was achieved in the same year as the Camp David Accord or when Pete Rose hit his 3000th major league hit. In essence - a long, long time ago…
All the while we remembered the back to back triumphs of the greats. Secretariat – Affirmed - Seattle Slew and the few giants that attained that marvelous feat. Some felt this was the evident year to crown another champion while others reviewed data revealing vulnerability of his effort in the face of this Herculean task.
Since then boxers have died from fatal blows, skiers have tumbled to their deaths, NASCAR drivers have met their death on the track Multitudes of deaths have transpired in various sporting endeavors while hundreds, thousands, millions watched.
From my recollection each tragedy warranted a pause - a moment of reflection.
This is our time of reflection. Those among us that revel in the love of the game and stand together in grief and reflection and those that approach the game merely as a series of numbers; speed figures/pace ratings and the like. Still others point a finger and accuse this glorious game of abuse and entanglement as they will when a tragedy strikes another sport and accuse those of not protecting the participants in a responsible fashion.
Should we examine the game and ask those parties involved to ensure the well being and safety of all parties: horse/athlete, jockey, handler, bug boy, and so on. To ensure the safety of all -how is that even remotely possible?
Asking questions of those involved in the handling and process of this game regarding procedures, meds, training, race distance, layoff time etc… sure why not. Discussion of such matters can’t hurt and may improve the game for the better, or may not.
So, here we sit. Involved in a game we love, being asked questions from friends and family of this tragedy, and in the end we know in our heart of hearts, to little surprise, that it’s a high level game – with high level animals running like the wind.
For what it’s worth, the next time you see a horse running, at any level, giving their best displaying the sheer love of the game and bearing down with an intent drive- feel the whisper in your heart and the spirit in your soul as you recognize that kindred spirit with them and you - To give it your all…
Long live this magnificent game……