karlskorner
02-12-2007, 09:52 AM
Portions of an article by Bill Finley for ESPN, entire article can be found at www.handicapping.com (over on the right)
"Frank Stronach is known for being a demanding, profit-driven businessman, which doesn't exactly conjure images of compassion or warmth. But there's obviously a soft side to the owner, breeder and racetrack operator buried somewhere beneath the tough veneer. He is someone who cares about the animal and is determined to do the right thing by his horses once they are done racing. To be owned by Frank Stronach all but gurantees a horse a safe, happy and healthy retirement.
Taking care of their retirees is a major priority for the Stronach family, said Mike Rodgers, the business manager for Stronach's Adena Springs breeding operation. This is something that is not financially beneficial to anyone. It is all about the love of the animal, caring for the animal and believing that you have a responsibility to them.
The Stonachs have always been interested in the welfare of retirees, which includes hundreds of horses who have either been gelded or have not done well enough on the racetrack to become sires, they have taken extraordinary strides to see that no Stronach-owned horse is neglected or sent to slaughter once their racing careers are over.
Stronach races some of the most talented and best bred horses in the world, but not everyone of his horses is a success story. Those who have injuries that preclude them from racing or those who simply aren't cutting it on the racetrack won't be allowed to slip through the cracks or slide down a slippery slope that too often leads to the slaughterhouse.
Some might argue that Stronach can afford to do this. But so can a lot of others in horse racing and FEW do." (end)
"Frank Stronach is known for being a demanding, profit-driven businessman, which doesn't exactly conjure images of compassion or warmth. But there's obviously a soft side to the owner, breeder and racetrack operator buried somewhere beneath the tough veneer. He is someone who cares about the animal and is determined to do the right thing by his horses once they are done racing. To be owned by Frank Stronach all but gurantees a horse a safe, happy and healthy retirement.
Taking care of their retirees is a major priority for the Stronach family, said Mike Rodgers, the business manager for Stronach's Adena Springs breeding operation. This is something that is not financially beneficial to anyone. It is all about the love of the animal, caring for the animal and believing that you have a responsibility to them.
The Stonachs have always been interested in the welfare of retirees, which includes hundreds of horses who have either been gelded or have not done well enough on the racetrack to become sires, they have taken extraordinary strides to see that no Stronach-owned horse is neglected or sent to slaughter once their racing careers are over.
Stronach races some of the most talented and best bred horses in the world, but not everyone of his horses is a success story. Those who have injuries that preclude them from racing or those who simply aren't cutting it on the racetrack won't be allowed to slip through the cracks or slide down a slippery slope that too often leads to the slaughterhouse.
Some might argue that Stronach can afford to do this. But so can a lot of others in horse racing and FEW do." (end)