Who cares if you win the Triple Crown?

[Ron]

We've been discussing lots of issues in the wake of Barbaro's accident, with some focus on the time between TC races. With no Triple Crown bonus, why even try to win them or race in them all? Could the Triple Crown be losing its luster? Is that what people want?

[alysheba88]

Cant understand the idea of it "losing its luster" when you look at the attendance at the TC races in recent years. Have had great interest and turnout

[cj]

Breeder's would care. I would imagine a Triple Crown could double the syndication price of a horse that only wins one leg, and be a lot better than even the winner of two legs.

Oh, and maybe the owners just are competitive. Who wouldn't want to own a TC winner? For some of these guys, the money is secondary, they are already rich.

[Valuist]

We've been discussing lots of issues in the wake of Barbaro's accident, with some focus on the time between TC races. With no Triple Crown bonus, why even try to win them or race in them all? Could the Triple Crown be losing its luster? Is that what people want?

Its not about the money. There are plenty of races worth more money than the Kentucky Derby but it still the most famous race in North America, and arguably, in the world. And once you win that, the focus becomes winning the next two races to be thought of alongside the Affirmeds and Secretariat's of the game. 25 years from now those names will still be remembered but its doubtful anyone will remember Bernardini.

[Wiley]

25 years from now those names will still be remembered but its doubtful anyone will remember Bernardini.
Oh come on Valuist, you'll remember who won the 2006 Preakness off the top of your head 25 years from now! :)
Pleasant Colony.

[JackS]

Bernardini? Who's Bernardini? Will admit, the name sounds familiar

[Ron]

I think it was Bandini.