Zenyatta Love-In Is Just Too Much, Dahling

[toetoe]

Vic Stauffer is in an impossible position as chief heroine stroker (after all, she did cure cancer), but must he so convincingly prove that he's the man for the job ? The accolades for Zenyatta that he's ... um, disseminating are seriously turning my stomach. A true cringefest ?


Y-Y-Y-YESSSSSSSSSSS.

[andymays]

I liked the first title better. :lol:

It was way over the top and I predict there will be some backlash from the voters. TVG went way too far in their promotion of Zenyatta.

Good for Zenyatta and it's not her fault but I don't think anyone helped her case today!

[slew101]

I turned it off before I could hear Todd Schrup go over the top, which I'm sure he did. Vince Young's 99-yard drive was a little better TV.

[PaceAdvantage]

As much as part of me agrees with some of the sentiments expressed within this thread, another part of me says it's NOTHING BUT A GOOD THING to see people out there with their Zenyatta signs, getting their giveaway DVDs and posters autographed by Mike Smith, seeing The Terminator in attendance along with a Perfect 10, all the while they play the theme from Superman (and really, shouldn't they have been playing the theme from Wonder Woman instead???).

People are always complaining that racing needs more stars, more heroes, more attention. Then, when we get it, in the form of Zenyatta Day at Hollywood park, people complain we've gone over the top.

Events like this are GOOD for racing...always remember that...no matter how much you might think (like myself) that Rachel Alexandra deserves an equal if not LARGER spotlight for all of her accomplishments this year.

BTW, does Zenyatta Day at Hollywood Park count as "West Coast Bias" when it comes to HOY voting? :lol:

[tzipi]

Racing itself is in DEEP trouble and they know it,so they are grabbing on to anything that is positive right now for publicity.
You would swear Secretariat,Seattle Slew and Cigar was in that Classic field. :D

[DanG]

As much as part of me agrees with some of the sentiments expressed within this thread, another part of me says it's NOTHING BUT A GOOD THING to see people out there with their Zenyatta signs, getting their giveaway DVDs and posters autographed by Mike Smith, seeing The Terminator in attendance along with a Perfect 10, all the while they play the theme from Superman (and really, shouldn't they have been playing the theme from Wonder Woman instead???).

People are always complaining that racing needs more stars, more heroes, more attention. Then, when we get it, in the form of Zenyatta Day at Hollywood park, people complain we've gone over the top.

Events like this are GOOD for racing...always remember that...no matter how much you might think (like myself) that Rachel Alexandra deserves an equal if not LARGER spotlight for all of her accomplishments this year.


Best thing I’ve read in weeks. :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

[juanepstein]

this thread is rick roll'd

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0

[joanied]

As much as part of me agrees with some of the sentiments expressed within this thread, another part of me says it's NOTHING BUT A GOOD THING to see people out there with their Zenyatta signs, getting their giveaway DVDs and posters autographed by Mike Smith, seeing The Terminator in attendance along with a Perfect 10, all the while they play the theme from Superman (and really, shouldn't they have been playing the theme from Wonder Woman instead???).

People are always complaining that racing needs more stars, more heroes, more attention. Then, when we get it, in the form of Zenyatta Day at Hollywood park, people complain we've gone over the top.

Events like this are GOOD for racing...always remember that...no matter how much you might think (like myself) that Rachel Alexandra deserves an equal if not LARGER spotlight for all of her accomplishments this year.

BTW, does Zenyatta Day at Hollywood Park count as "West Coast Bias" when it comes to HOY voting? :lol:


:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

PS...I missed :mad: the coverage of Zenyatta Day...is there going to be a repeat on TVG or HRTV...do they have it on the web someplace?

[Stillriledup]

All this Zenyatta love is going to turn off some voters. I mean, lets face it, if you were a HOY voter and watching this stuff on tv, would it make you want to jump on the wagon and vote FOR her, or go against her ?

[sandpit]

As much as part of me agrees with some of the sentiments expressed within this thread, another part of me says it's NOTHING BUT A GOOD THING to see people out there with their Zenyatta signs, getting their giveaway DVDs and posters autographed by Mike Smith, seeing The Terminator in attendance along with a Perfect 10, all the while they play the theme from Superman (and really, shouldn't they have been playing the theme from Wonder Woman instead???).

People are always complaining that racing needs more stars, more heroes, more attention. Then, when we get it, in the form of Zenyatta Day at Hollywood park, people complain we've gone over the top.

Events like this are GOOD for racing...always remember that...no matter how much you might think (like myself) that Rachel Alexandra deserves an equal if not LARGER spotlight for all of her accomplishments this year.

BTW, does Zenyatta Day at Hollywood Park count as "West Coast Bias" when it comes to HOY voting? :lol:

I second the earlier comment about how good the above post is.

I was there at the "lovefest" today, and two things struck me. One, the crowd booing like mad at The Terminator, almost to the point where he couldn't make his brief speech. Two, Ken Rudulph is ridiculous with his over the top bs. I don't think he would have been this way today if it wasn't for him hitting that bet on Giacomo; for some reason, he feels like he needs to be the Moss/Shirreffs/Smith fan club leader.

The crowd that was there today was way bigger than any other day during the holiday weekend. They may never be back, but it shows you what star power can do.

[maryforney]

... it's NOTHING BUT A GOOD THING to see people out there with their Zenyatta signs, getting their giveaway DVDs and posters autographed by Mike Smith...

Agreed... and talk about getting younger fans involved... Zenyatta has done so much for racing!

Here's a photo from Zenyatta Day, showing a young Zenyatta fan at Hollywood. (http://maryforney.blogspot.com/2009/11/zenyatta-day-at-hollywood-park.html)

[WinterTriangle]

BC Classic only ran 3 weeks ago. Z is only 3 weeks into her love-fest.

Rachel love-fest has been going on for better part of a year.

I'm enjoying both.

Zenyatta!
Rachel Alexandra!
Vodka!
Ventura!
Zarkava!

Clearly, if you want a female to beat the boys, make sure you add an "a" to the end of their names. :)

[v j stauffer]

Vic Stauffer is in an impossible position as chief heroine stroker (after all, she did cure cancer), but must he so convincingly prove that he's the man for the job ? The accolades for Zenyatta that he's ... um, disseminating are seriously turning my stomach. A true cringefest ?


Y-Y-Y-YESSSSSSSSSSS.

Thanks for posting. Thanks for loving our sport. All the best.

[miesque]

That was quite something to experience, most definitely made my trip worthwhile. I was still alive to the Pick 6 to Get Funky the race prior to the presentation and I was admittedly not that happy after the final determination was after the photo and inquiry, but all my dissatisfaction evaporated soon after the Zenyatta presentation took place. I was also more then happy I was wearing sunglasses at the time because it was a strong emotional experience to be a part of. It was great to see so many at the track beyond the usual hard core regulars with the casual fans and some newbies in attendence. I hope their experiences were positive and maybe, just maybe might have made a long term impression on a few.


Oh and while I may be a tad partial, I did enjoy the Superman soundtrack background music. :cool:

[Greyfox]

Zenyatta had no choice in today's activities.

[Mike_412]

Zenyatta had no choice in today's activities.

The way some people have talked about her since the Classic, you'd think she organized the thing.

[Greyfox]

The way some people have talked about her since the Classic, you'd think she organized the thing.

She did.

[Bochall]

BC Classic only ran 3 weeks ago. Z is only 3 weeks into her love-fest.

Rachel love-fest has been going on for better part of a year.

I'm enjoying both.

Zenyatta!
Rachel Alexandra!
Vodka!
Ventura!
Zarkava!

Clearly, if you want a female to beat the boys, make sure you add an "a" to the end of their names. :)

Can you say Goldikova? With an 'a'....;)

Are we surprised at this? After all, it is HOLLYWOOD Park. They promo everything like this...just look at crappy movies that they pre-hype and they wind up making money opening weekend before folks realize its crap.

[andymays]

It was way over the top and I predict there will be some backlash from the voters. TVG went way too far in their promotion of Zenyatta.

Good for Zenyatta and it's not her fault but I don't think anyone helped her case today!


That was my first reaction after the tribute. This is an email I received from a person who will vote on HOY.

Quote: "This was one of the worst displays of production of an event I’ve ever seen. The indiscretions are too numerous to even get into."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think your opinion of the tribute depends on who you're pulling for in the HOY debate. As I've said many times they should share it but I'd give the edge to Rachel.

Zenyatta is certainly great and all of her connections are a blessing to the sport and she will be remembered by everyone who follows the sport as I think Rachel will be.

In my opinion the tribute went too far and the TVG network went too far in basically declaring her HOY. If the tribute was on ABC or ESPN I would say it was good for the sport but having it on TVG and going so over the top is basically preaching to the choir.

The articles that come out in the next couple of days will be interesting and this debate will go on forever. I still haven't recovered from Easy Goer/Sunday Silence. :D

[Tom]

Why would anyone change their vote because of a TVG special?
Frankly, I think the ones who actually vote do not take this anywhere near as serious as this board does.

The whole thing is bordering on the ridiculous now.
This HOY thing is NOT a big deal in the scheme of things.

Get a life!
:rolleyes:

[andymays]

Why would anyone change their vote because of a TVG special?
Frankly, I think the ones who actually vote do not take this anywhere near as serious as this board does.

The whole thing is bordering on the ridiculous now.
This HOY thing is NOT a big deal in the scheme of things.

Get a life!
:rolleyes:


It's the same reason that some of them changed their minds after the Breeders' Cup despite saying on the record that there was no way Zenyatta could win HOY even if she won the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Maybe it aint right but it's reality.

[fmolf]

Of course it was over the top.....California racing is grasping at straws now holding on only by their fingernails......I believe rachel should get the hoy.California racing has a lot tied to zenyatta perhaps even the future of their polycrap experiment.Remember it is hollywood!I have no problem with their promotion of zenyatta that is how things are done in hollywood and it did pack the place with possible future players and fans.As far as the fawning and gushing of adult male hosts on tvg...quite comical in my opinion!.....
How would the racing experts who vote for hoy look if santa anita goes back to dirt next year after zenyatta wins the hoy! :lol:

[kenwoodallpromos]

I would love to see racing promote every winner from every race at least as much as they are Mrs. Z, as long as I remember to always cover up all horse's names while handicapping!!

[toetoe]

Thanks for posting. Thanks for loving our sport. All the best.


My Dear Roofgoof,

I know things would stay nice and quiet if I just stifled myself, but hearing you go on like a pandering pimpernel was just too much. Crikey, I was expecting to hear something about Zenyatta solving the Middle East crisis and saving the farm for Aunt May.

It's not about you (your personal decency notwithstanding :) ) or Jerry Moss or Ken Rudulph (I'm sure you and Ken are fat folks --- you're both just so cool) or Ex-Terminator. It's about my sport, hcap's sport, Light's sport, our sport, and the respect --- yea, reverence --- it commands. And please recall that I said yours was a tough position, so you have a slight built-in excuse; I acknowledge that.

I know you have it in you to slowplay it, to be understated, to show some class. But you know what, Mr. Big ? You never do. Your effusions and ejaculations during race calls are tolerable, and I want everyone to keep his job, but heavens to Mergatroid ! A first-class tribute to a beloved mare calls for --- look this term up, please --- subtlety.

Your tarring of me with the sporthating brush (I will be delighted to hear that you did not mean "loving" sarcastically, but that's just it --- the Romists always go for the cheap sarcastic blow) clearly draws the battle lines. If you love this sport itself more than I (I see love mainly for the trappings), I'm not seeing it. You, that spiritual midget Jim Rome and all his onanistic clones are this racing enthusiast's betes noires. Your ilk have managed to ruin the "major" sports for me, but I will fight the creeping Romization of horseracing to the wire.

A question, please ---what kind of a no-sense-having shill incorporates a Romism with inappropriate language into a race call, then subsequently solicits ideas from (read: panders to) fellow clones online, with no soulsearching, no second thoughts --- just damn the standards, full speed ahead ? An innovator that loves his sport --- or a laggard slaverer ? Shall we take a poll ? You would probably be vindicated here in Rome World (it's a small world, after all), but I have no fear --- your hijacking of racing to new depths is my call to battle.

[Jackal]

I hate to admit this but I entered a handicapping contest to win a Zenyatta poster. I won the poster - first cute female that says "she is so pretty" just won a poster. :p

The HOTY controversy is good for racing. I heard that wynn casino has a line out on HOTY. I have been unable to find a link to the line.

I think HOTY was over in September. No horse that never left their home state has ever won HOTY.

[joanied]

Ya know, we've had these special days to honor horses before...why everyone is jumping all over Zenyatt's Day is beyond me....and this is actually the 2nd Zenyatta day they had in CA....the first one was in Nov. 2008 (one of our very nice :) members got me a Z poster signed by Mike, and I treasure it!!)

I cannot believe that having a day like that would sway the voters...either way...

If they had a Rachel Day at Belmont or any other track she raced at...would we have the same reactions...I think they should have a day to honor Rachel, get the fans out to the track and have fun!

Zenyatta and her fans, deserved this special day...and I have no doubt, the mare enjoyed herself too...won't be long now that the race track becomes a distant memory in her mind...and her carrer, a distant memory in the minds of many people...if this day can cement memories of a great race horse, then why not.

As PA said in his post...we NEED stars, we need days like this one...it's a shame they didn't televise it on network TV...casual fans don't watch TVG.

Let's not knock anything that this sport can do to promote itself...if we want more seats filled in the grandstands, special horses and special days like this are just the ticket:ThmbUp:

[Greyfox]

I watched the tribute on a silent TV set at an O.T.B.
Someone asked what's Schwarzenegger doing speaking at Hollywood.
Not realizing it was s tribute to Zenyatta, I explained:
"He's there to tell the fans why he's raising the take out percentage."

After when we saw Mike Smith we knew the tribute was for Zenyatta.
Racing is a business. It needs promotions such as these. From what I've read here though I'm glad the TV sound was off.

[andymays]

I watched the tribute on a silent TV set at an O.T.B.
Someone asked what's Schwarzenegger doing speaking at Hollywood.
Not realizing it was s tribute to Zenyatta, I explained:
"He's there to tell the fans why he's raising the take out percentage."

After when we saw Mike Smith we knew the tribute was for Zenyatta.
Racing is a business. It needs promotions such as these. From what I've read here though I'm glad the TV sound was off.


:lol: :ThmbUp:

[DeanT]

Agreed... and talk about getting younger fans involved... Zenyatta has done so much for racing!

Here's a photo from Zenyatta Day, showing a young Zenyatta fan at Hollywood. (http://maryforney.blogspot.com/2009/11/zenyatta-day-at-hollywood-park.html)

Pictures like this are simply unaaceptable. Down with Zenyatta, down with Moss. :) Nice post Mike, and great picture Mary!!!!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__OVFW6hFlGw/SxMDg3Jfs7I/AAAAAAAABUQ/m7X3Dp5MZtU/s800/Zenyatta_Girl.jpg

[Dahoss9698]

My Dear Roofgoof,

I know things would stay nice and quiet if I just stifled myself, but hearing you go on like a pandering pimpernel was just too much. Crikey, I was expecting to hear something about Zenyatta solving the Middle East crisis and saving the farm for Aunt May.

It's not about you (your personal decency notwithstanding :) ) or Jerry Moss or Ken Rudulph (I'm sure you and Ken are fat folks --- you're both just so cool) or Ex-Terminator. It's about my sport, hcap's sport, Light's sport, our sport, and the respect --- yea, reverence --- it commands. And please recall that I said yours was a tough position, so you have a slight built-in excuse; I acknowledge that.

I know you have it in you to slowplay it, to be understated, to show some class. But you know what, Mr. Big ? You never do. Your effusions and ejaculations during race calls are tolerable, and I want everyone to keep his job, but heavens to Mergatroid ! A first-class tribute to a beloved mare calls for --- look this term up, please --- subtlety.

Your tarring of me with the sporthating brush (I will be delighted to hear that you did not mean "loving" sarcastically, but that's just it --- the Romists always go for the cheap sarcastic blow) clearly draws the battle lines. If you love this sport itself more than I (I see love mainly for the trappings), I'm not seeing it. You, that spiritual midget Jim Rome and all his onanistic clones are this racing enthusiast's betes noires. Your ilk have managed to ruin the "major" sports for me, but I will fight the creeping Romization of horseracing to the wire.

A question, please ---what kind of a no-sense-having shill incorporates a Romism with inappropriate language into a race call, then subsequently solicits ideas from (read: panders to) fellow clones online, with no soulsearching, no second thoughts --- just damn the standards, full speed ahead ? An innovator that loves his sport --- or a laggard slaverer ? Shall we take a poll ? You would probably be vindicated here in Rome World (it's a small world, after all), but I have no fear --- your hijacking of racing to new depths is my call to battle.

:lol: :lol: :lol:
Thanks for posting.

[v j stauffer]

My Dear Roofgoof,

I know things would stay nice and quiet if I just stifled myself, but hearing you go on like a pandering pimpernel was just too much. Crikey, I was expecting to hear something about Zenyatta solving the Middle East crisis and saving the farm for Aunt May.

It's not about you (your personal decency notwithstanding :) ) or Jerry Moss or Ken Rudulph (I'm sure you and Ken are fat folks --- you're both just so cool) or Ex-Terminator. It's about my sport, hcap's sport, Light's sport, our sport, and the respect --- yea, reverence --- it commands. And please recall that I said yours was a tough position, so you have a slight built-in excuse; I acknowledge that.

I know you have it in you to slowplay it, to be understated, to show some class. But you know what, Mr. Big ? You never do. Your effusions and ejaculations during race calls are tolerable, and I want everyone to keep his job, but heavens to Mergatroid ! A first-class tribute to a beloved mare calls for --- look this term up, please --- subtlety.

Your tarring of me with the sporthating brush (I will be delighted to hear that you did not mean "loving" sarcastically, but that's just it --- the Romists always go for the cheap sarcastic blow) clearly draws the battle lines. If you love this sport itself more than I (I see love mainly for the trappings), I'm not seeing it. You, that spiritual midget Jim Rome and all his onanistic clones are this racing enthusiast's betes noires. Your ilk have managed to ruin the "major" sports for me, but I will fight the creeping Romization of horseracing to the wire.

A question, please ---what kind of a no-sense-having shill incorporates a Romism with inappropriate language into a race call, then subsequently solicits ideas from (read: panders to) fellow clones online, with no soulsearching, no second thoughts --- just damn the standards, full speed ahead ? An innovator that loves his sport --- or a laggard slaverer ? Shall we take a poll ? You would probably be vindicated here in Rome World (it's a small world, after all), but I have no fear --- your hijacking of racing to new depths is my call to battle.

Huh?

[Cardus]

Huh?

I had it at 1/5 that you would post something like this.

Either you understood what that post meant and went the smarmy route, or that you didn't understand it at all.

It's probably the latter. And that is sad.

[FenceBored]

I had it at 1/5 that you would post something like this.

Either you understood what that post meant and went the smarmy route, or that you didn't understand it at all.

It's probably the latter. And that is sad.

Or, he could be taking the "where did that come from" route.

[Greyfox]

I had it at 1/5 that you would post something like this.

Either you understood what that post meant and went the smarmy route, or that you didn't understand it at all.

It's probably the latter. And that is sad.

Oh, no, no. toe toe , being a cryptologist, isn't always the easiest writer to understand. In fairness to Vic if I were in his shoes, I'd be wondering where such a high outpouring of anger is coming from and why. I'd be saying Huh? too.

[Stillriledup]

I had it at 1/5 that you would post something like this.

Either you understood what that post meant and went the smarmy route, or that you didn't understand it at all.

It's probably the latter. And that is sad.

I'll stick up for Vic here.

If you understood what Tottoe said, that's the saddest thing of all.

[Dahoss9698]

I'll stick up for Vic here.

If you understood what Tottoe said, that's the saddest thing of all.

What was so hard to understand?

[v j stauffer]

I had it at 1/5 that you would post something like this.

Either you understood what that post meant and went the smarmy route, or that you didn't understand it at all.

It's probably the latter. And that is sad.

Huh?

[TiznowfaninNY]

Ummm...


Ok, the Zenyatta stuff has been a tad over the top.

But, all publicity is good at this point. And I normally have the so called east coast bias, but I think she should be HOY.

[Spalding No!]

Ummm...


Ok, the Zenyatta stuff has been a tad over the top.

But, all publicity is good at this point. And I normally have the so called east coast bias, but I think she should be HOY.

Whatever. It was an embarrassment. It was an amplified version of dressing up your dog in 'people' clothes and sending it to the 'doggy' spa.

The Superman theme song? Please. The idiot who came up with that one should be drawn and quartered. The only problem would be they probably couldn't get enough horses in CA together to get it done.

The speeches were the equivalents of either Pedro's bid for class president in Napolean Dynamite, your average Arsenio Hall opening monologue, or any typical grade school level oral book report (in which the student failed to read the book).

The only thing missing was Arnold in full Conan mode in a duel to the death with Zenyatta in the winners circle.

That was not a tribute, it was the Roast of Zenyatta.

[andymays]

Zenyatta was certainly deserving of some kind of tribute and handing out the DVD and parading her were fine.

No problem with the connections saying a few words. They are all fine people and a credit to the sport.

I could be wrong but I think even John Shirreffs thought it was over the top and felt uncomfortable with some of the stuff. Even though he has his superstitions it was surprising that he didn't get in the mix just a little.

When you have a star like Zenyatta her greatness speaks for itself. No need to go so far over the top and I doubt the connections had much control over the proceedings. Arnold didn't add much and looked out of place to me.

By the way how many Governors would have to speak at a Rachel Tribute? Answer: More than one! ;)

By the way John Shirreffs is one of my favorite Trainers and a class act.

[rwwupl]

[QUOTE=PaceAdvantage]As much as part of me agrees with some of the sentiments expressed within this thread, another part of me says it's NOTHING BUT A GOOD THING to see people out there with their Zenyatta signs, getting their giveaway DVDs and posters autographed by Mike Smith, seeing The Terminator in attendance along with a Perfect 10, all the while they play the theme from Superman (and really, shouldn't they have been playing the theme from Wonder Woman instead???).

People are always complaining that racing needs more stars, more heroes, more attention. Then, when we get it, in the form of Zenyatta Day at Hollywood park, people complain we've gone over the top.



Reading this thread, I think some posters are showing bad form. This controversy over HOY is a good thing for our game. Both R. A. and Z are worthy candidates.

I love it. :) :ThmbUp:

P.S. Go Zenyatta, "Its unbelievable"

[johnhannibalsmith]

Whatever. It was an embarrassment. It was an amplified version of dressing up your dog in 'people' clothes and sending it to the 'doggy' spa.

The Superman theme song? Please. The idiot who came up with that one should be drawn and quartered. The only problem would be they probably couldn't get enough horses in CA together to get it done.

The speeches were the equivalents of either Pedro's bid for class president in Napolean Dynamite, your average Arsenio Hall opening monologue, or any typical grade school level oral book report (in which the student failed to read the book).

The only thing missing was Arnold in full Conan mode in a duel to the death with Zenyatta in the winners circle.

That was not a tribute, it was the Roast of Zenyatta.

I'll come out and say that I found it a tad corny myself, but have no problem with the sport promoting its stars. On that level I think it was wonderful and can identify myself as being slightly too jaded to fit within the 'target audience'.

So while I disagree with the gist and tone of this particular post by Spalding No!... I must say it was an extremely entertaining diatribe with the kind of color and satire that all dissent should offer for my reading pleasure... :D

[joanied]

Man, oh, man...some of the stuff being posted in this thread is completley unbeleivable...and some of it is pretty damn hard to understand..."roofgoof" and what follows...sorry, but: HUH:confused:

That aside...I cannot understand what all the fuss is about...yeah, maybe some of Zenyatta's Day is considered 'over the top', but, IMO, those that are bashing this 'event' have no room in their hearts for anything that is emotional...and, IMO, if you think it was over the top, ridiculous, embarrassing...whatever...why not just look the other way and ignore it. Maybe those of you that are bashing this don't really care if we can get more folks out to the tracks...after all, you have the TV, OTB and online wagering...you don't need to attend the races, and thus, do not care about attendence...again, this is all my opinion of this silly argument over a special day set aside for a special race horse. When Secretariat retired, they did the same thing for him...OK, no music...but the fans turned out with their signs & banners, they cheered & they cried...as the colt was paraded past the grandstand...was all that embarrassing, ridiculous or over the top!

Zenyatta Day was good for the sport...it should have been part of every sports segment on network TV and ESPN should have aired it on ESPN News...because that day was something a lot of horse lovers would have enjoyed seeing...and thus, maybe decide to spend a day at the race track...any little thing that can be done to promote racing is nothing but a good thing...racing missed out on a fantastic way to promote the sport during the entire year...with Rachel & Zenyatta...but, guess that's moot now, and if Rachel holds her form, maybe 'they' will turn the spotlight on her and get her plenty of air time...

anyway...other than naming Lady's Secret's race for Zenyatta, which I think stinks...this grand race mare will soon become a memory, a page in history, a statistic in the record books...I think we should hold onto her for as long as we can...people love her, and if she can keep the torch burning for a little while longer...well, that is a very good thing.
:)

[Dahoss9698]

Man, oh, man...some of the stuff being posted in this thread is completley unbeleivable...and some of it is pretty damn hard to understand..."roofgoof" and what follows...sorry, but: HUH:confused:

That aside...I cannot understand what all the fuss is about...yeah, maybe some of Zenyatta's Day is considered 'over the top', but, IMO, those that are bashing this 'event' have no room in their hearts for anything that is emotional...and, IMO, if you think it was over the top, ridiculous, embarrassing...whatever...why not just look the other way and ignore it. Maybe those of you that are bashing this don't really care if we can get more folks out to the tracks...after all, you have the TV, OTB and online wagering...you don't need to attend the races, and thus, do not care about attendence...again, this is all my opinion of this silly argument over a special day set aside for a special race horse. When Secretariat retired, they did the same thing for him...OK, no music...but the fans turned out with their signs & banners, they cheered & they cried...as the colt was paraded past the grandstand...was all that embarrassing, ridiculous or over the top!

Zenyatta Day was good for the sport...it should have been part of every sports segment on network TV and ESPN should have aired it on ESPN News...because that day was something a lot of horse lovers would have enjoyed seeing...and thus, maybe decide to spend a day at the race track...any little thing that can be done to promote racing is nothing but a good thing...racing missed out on a fantastic way to promote the sport during the entire year...with Rachel & Zenyatta...but, guess that's moot now, and if Rachel holds her form, maybe 'they' will turn the spotlight on her and get her plenty of air time...

anyway...other than naming Lady's Secret's race for Zenyatta, which I think stinks...this grand race mare will soon become a memory, a page in history, a statistic in the record books...I think we should hold onto her for as long as we can...people love her, and if she can keep the torch burning for a little while longer...well, that is a very good thing.
:)

Huh?

[miesque]

With the plethora of problems and issues facing horse racing I find it interesting that a celebratory retirement sendoff of an undefeated champion mare, which by its very nature is being targeted towards her many fans and admirers, is what is getting a bunch of guys panties in a twist. An event that was purely optional in terms of attendance or watching on TV which prompted some fans to make their very first time to a racetrack for is getting nothing but scorn, disdian and a scathing review. I actually flew across the country putting up with tortorous Thanksgiving air travel and dealing with other people's bratty kids (who sorely need some serious discipline) screaming and running amuck on planes and through the airports to attend the races this weekend and also be present for Zenyatta Day and I enjoyed it and I can say it was an emotional experience to who attended the presentation. I am sorry those of you sitting on your sofa were so incapaciated by the holiday excess that you were somehow unable to hit the channel change button on your remote control and hence were forced to endure such trauma having to watch such an event. In addition, the drawn and quartered comment is duly noted.

[Cardus]

Oh, no, no. toe toe , being a cryptologist, isn't always the easiest writer to understand. In fairness to Vic if I were in his shoes, I'd be wondering where such a high outpouring of anger is coming from and why. I'd be saying Huh? too.

That post was "anger?"

[Greyfox]

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/Hollywood%20Park/HPIM1596.jpg


http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n291/UpInClass/Hollywood%20Park/HPIM1580.jpg.

Long live Zenyatta.

[Greyfox]

That post was "anger?"

If not, what would you suggest?

[Dahoss9698]

With the plethora of problems and issues facing horse racing I find it interesting that a celebratory retirement sendoff of an undefeated champion mare, which by its very nature is being targeted towards her many fans and admirers, is what is getting a bunch of guys panties in a twist. An event that was purely optional in terms of attendance or watching on TV which prompted some fans to make their very first time to a racetrack for is getting nothing but scorn, disdian and a scathing review. I actually flew across the country putting up with tortorous Thanksgiving air travel and dealing with other people's bratty kids (who sorely need some serious discipline) screaming and running amuck on planes and through the airports to attend the races this weekend and also be present for Zenyatta Day and I enjoyed it and I can say it was an emotional experience to who attended the presentation. I am sorry those of you sitting on your sofa were so incapaciated by the holiday excess that you were somehow unable to hit the channel change button on your remote control and hence were forced to endure such trauma having to watch such an event. In addition, the drawn and quartered comment is duly noted.

Huh?

[Greyfox]

Up to date results at drf vote for HOY

http://www.drf.com/news/great_debate/index.html

Rachel Alexandra (2288) 35%
Zenyatta (4297) 65%

[joanied]

Greyfox....Thanks:ThmbUp: for posting the photos...much appreciated by at least some of us here :jump:

Miesque...and thank you for kinda adding to my post...you maybe said it better than I did. Love the "panties in a twist":D ...
I am sorry I missed the event on TVG...if I'd known, I would have recorded it...I wonder if they will show a repeat?
If I'd been there...I am not embarassed to say I would have cried like a baby...very emotional, very touching and just what this sport needs more of.

Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap buildings in a single bound...
:p

[miesque]

Huh?

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Cardus]

Greyfox....Thanks:ThmbUp: for posting the photos...much appreciated by at least some of us here :jump:

Miesque...and thank you for kinda adding to my post...you maybe said it better than I did. Love the "panties in a twist":D ...
I am sorry I missed the event on TVG...if I'd known, I would have recorded it...I wonder if they will show a repeat?
If I'd been there...I am not embarassed to say I would have cried like a baby...very emotional, very touching and just what this sport needs more of.

Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap buildings in a single bound...
:p

We need more people crying at the racetrack?

[Dahoss9698]

We need more people crying at the racetrack?

Of course. Forget more people betting. It's just money. What will save the sport is more crying fans.

[Cardus]

If not, what would you suggest?

Dude expressed, using mild language, a disagreement that he has with Vic. That's anger?

Now, if he had threatened to break his legs or slit this throat or type that he doesn't have the balls to say something to him face to face or type an expletive-filled rant, then that would have been anger.

It's alright: lots of opposing viewpoints are labeled with such vitriol these days. That is not confined to any particular arena.

[freehouse2002]

I was there as well and the thing that struck me the most was that the people outside and in the grandstand were somewhat awestruck at this magnificent animal. I've seen many, many "special presentations" at the tracks where no one is paying attention. This time, everyone was paying attention to the ceremony. Even track workers from the concession stands came out to the grandstand to take a look. It was surreal, but great at the same time.



freehouse2002

[Spalding No!]

I It was surreal, but great at the same time.

You sure you weren't across the street at the Forum for WCW Monday Night Raw?

[098poi]

Here's a link to some of the fun. Looks like a great time to me. My only issue is the Superman music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkcGI2AZtPs

[joanied]

We need more people crying at the racetrack?

DaHoss;
"Of course. Forget more people betting. It's just money. What will save the sport is more crying fans."

I guess you guys are just cold hearted, hard core gamblers with absolutley no room for anything beautiful or emotional...you must look at these fabulous horses as nothing more than dollar signs. IMO, that is rather sad...
my admitting to being emotional about Zenyatta's special day, or about any great race just says I love the sport, love these incredible athletes that run with power and grace...like poetry in motion...that is what horse racing is...the excitment and the thrills, the goosebumps one should get when they wittness a great horse win...

my statement about getting emotional about Z's day had absolutley nothing to do with handicapping, betting, and for you to assume I am not aware of how important the betting public is to horse racing is an outrage...and to actually make fun of my emotions shows just how much class you have:ThmbDown:

Jeeze:faint:

[Greyfox]

Here's a link to some of the fun. Looks like a great time to me. My only issue is the Superman music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkcGI2AZtPs

:ThmbUp: Thank you. I loved the music.

[Dahoss9698]

DaHoss;
"Of course. Forget more people betting. It's just money. What will save the sport is more crying fans."

I guess you guys are just cold hearted, hard core gamblers with absolutley no room for anything beautiful or emotional...you must look at these fabulous horses as nothing more than dollar signs. IMO, that is rather sad...
I love the sport, love these incredible athletes that run with power and grace...like poetry in motion...that is what horse racing is...the excitment and the thrills, the goosebumps one should get when they wittness a great horse win...

my statement about getting emotional about Z's day had absolutley nothing to do with handicapping, betting, and for you to assume I am not aware of how important the betting public is to horse racing is an outrage...and to actually make fun of my emotions shows just how much class you have:ThmbDown:

Jeeze:faint:

:lol: :ThmbDown:

I actually didn't assume anything about you. :bang:

In fact, you assumed a lot about me in your post. This entire thing is all one big assumption. :(

I guess you guys are just cold hearted, hard core gamblers with absolutley no room for anything beautiful or emotional...you must look at these fabulous horses as nothing more than dollar signs.

You know the old saying about when you assume something right? :D

[miesque]

:lol: :ThmbDown:

I actually didn't assume anything about you. :bang:

In fact, you assumed a lot about me in your post. This entire thing is all one big assumption. :(

I guess you guys are just cold hearted, hard core gamblers with absolutley no room for anything beautiful or emotional...you must look at these fabulous horses as nothing more than dollar signs.

You know the old saying about when you assume something right? :D

What a wonderful ambassador you are of not only the sport but also of horseplayers as well. I would like to thank you and others of like mindset for all their great contributions towards increasing participation, attendance, interest and growing handle. With this sort of attitude we will be the most popular sport and gambling vehicle in no time.

And if you have something nice and witty to say to me, name the track and I will show up and you do me the honor of telling me face to face.:cool:

[Dahoss9698]

What a wonderful ambassador you are of not only the sport but also of horseplayers as well. I would like to thank you and others of like mindset for all their great contributions towards increasing participation, attendance, interest and growing handle. With this sort of attitude we will be the most popular sport and gambling vehicle in no time.

And if you have something nice and witty to say to me, name the track and I will show up and you do me the honor of telling me face to face.:cool:

Huh?

[Dahoss9698]

What a wonderful ambassador you are of not only the sport but also of horseplayers as well. I would like to thank you and others of like mindset for all their great contributions towards increasing participation, attendance, interest and growing handle. With this sort of attitude we will be the most popular sport and gambling vehicle in no time.

And if you have something nice and witty to say to me, name the track and I will show up and you do me the honor of telling me face to face.:cool:

I've never claimed to be an ambassador of the sport or horseplayers. I was at Rachel's Woodward, it was an experience I'll never forget. I've dragged friends and family members to the track against their own wishes dozens of times. You know why they loved it.....the thrill of cheering a horse they bet on and the thought of winning money.

Getting people to the track to bet will help the sport. Not getting people who will never bet, who show up to hold up a sign and cry. That's my opinion.

[miesque]

Huh?

I am sorry I should have known that was too much for your little brain to handle, my apologies. You are quite the little bully there from behind the keyboard and I know it its nothing more then hot air, because you aren't exactly bold in person.

[Dahoss9698]

I am sorry I should have known that was too much for your little brain to handle, my apologies. You are quite the little bully there from behind the keyboard and I know it its nothing more then hot air, because you aren't exactly bold in person.

Here we go again. I give an opinion and I'm a bully. Who exactly have I bullied here? Someone makes up an entire post making gross assumptions about me and I'm a bully. Gimme a break. I responded to your post.

You want to get personal, go ahead.

[Greyfox]

I've dragged friends and family members to the track against their own wishes dozens of times. .

I hope that's hyperbole. Otherwise it is bullying.

[miesque]

I've never claimed to be an ambassador of the sport or horseplayers. I was at Rachel's Woodward, it was an experience I'll never forget. I've dragged friends and family members to the track against their own wishes dozens of times. You know why they loved it.....the thrill of cheering a horse they bet on and the thought of winning money.

Getting people to the track to bet will help the sport. Not getting people who will never bet, who show up to hold up a sign and cry. That's my opinion.

So everyone that bets is not emotionally moved by a moment or a horse or appreciative of greatness. Just a bunch of bitter, cold hearted old men with no emotion whatsoever, kindness or positive thoughts. I guess those must be Phantom W2-Gs I have been reporting on my tax returns.:D

[miesque]

Here we go again. I give an opinion and I'm a bully. Who exactly have I bullied here? Someone makes up an entire post making gross assumptions about me and I'm a bully. Gimme a break. I responded to your post.

You want to get personal, go ahead.

I am calling a spade a spade.

[Dahoss9698]

So everyone that bets is not emotionally moved by a moment or a horse or appreciative of greatness. Just a bunch of bitter, cold hearted old men with no emotion whatsoever, kindness or positive thoughts. I guess those must be Phantom W2-Gs I have been reporting on my tax returns.:D

yep, that's clearly what I said. :rolleyes:

[Dahoss9698]

I am calling a spade a spade.

Nope, you're trying to play hero. There's a long line for that role. I haven't bullied anyone in this thread. I made an offhand remark and was accused of assuming a lot about someone.

In fact, i didn't and now you and said person are assuming an awful lot about me. It's hypocritical, but nothing new.

[joanied]

:lol: :ThmbDown:

I actually didn't assume anything about you. :bang:

In fact, you assumed a lot about me in your post. This entire thing is all one big assumption. :(

I guess you guys are just cold hearted, hard core gamblers with absolutley no room for anything beautiful or emotional...you must look at these fabulous horses as nothing more than dollar signs.

You know the old saying about when you assume something right? :D

The operative word there is...assume...you sound insulted:eek: ...then you admit the reason your friends & family loved the races was rooting for their horses to win so they would win money.
Let's say, for arguments sake (something you enjoy doing)...that on any given day there are 10,000 folks at a track...all handicappers, no one there just to watch the races and enjoy the color and excitment...that's 10,000 thru the gate...then let's imagine another day, where there are 10,000 handicappers at a track...and another 10,000 there just to watch the races for the thrill of it...now, that's 20,000 through the gates...and buying food and drinks...you don't think those 10,00 folks that aren't betting isn't going to help that track's finances?
Then take those 10,000 and think that maybe half of them will come back next time and bet money...see where I am going with this?

Every warm body that attends the races, wether they bet or not, can only help this sport survive...and if it doesn't survive...what are folks like you, the handicapper, going to do?
it all works hand in hand...so do not poke fun at the folks that can actually feel something for this sport besides getting to the windows and making money.

[Dahoss9698]

The operative word there is...assume...you sound insulted:eek: ...then you admit the reason your friends & family loved the races was rooting for their horses to win so they would win money.
Let's say, for arguments sake (something you enjoy doing)...that on any given day there are 10,000 folks at a track...all handicappers, no one there just to watch the races and enjoy the color and excitment...that's 10,000 thru the gate...then let's imagine another day, where there are 10,000 handicappers at a track...and another 10,000 there just to watch the races for the thrill of it...now, that's 20,000 through the gates...and buying food and drinks...you don't think those 10,00 folks that aren't betting isn't going to help that track's finances?
Then take those 10,000 and think that maybe half of them will come back next time and bet money...see where I am going with this?

Every warm body that attends the races, wether they bet or not, can only help this sport survive...and if it doesn't survive...what are folks like you, the handicapper, going to do?
it all works hand in hand...so do not poke fun at the folks that can actually feel something for this sport besides getting to the windows and making money.

Joanied, honestly I'm not insulted at all. I come on boards to talk to people, bullshit and talk about the sport I love. I'm opinionated (aren't we all if we are posting on a board like this) and I know I can be crude sometimes.

I just think it's hypocritical to accuse me of assuming stuff about you (which I didn't do). Then compose an entire post where you assume a bunch of things about me.

There is nothing wrong with fans and people who are emotional about the horses. But, in my opinion these aren't the people that are going to carry this sport to the next level or at least allow it to stay above water. That's not a shot on you, it's just my opinion. I could be wrong, but we'll see.

Gambling drives the sport. Without gamblers there is no sport. Concessions and what not certainly help, but not as much as the people putting money through the windows. I'm not saying one is better than the other. They are different. this is a money driven sport. Owners don't race for laughs and high 5's.

I'm not poking fun at anyone. I'm making a joke in a thread full of them. I also think it's short sighted to assume people who bet don't feel anything about the horses. It's just not true.

[joanied]

Here we go again. I give an opinion and I'm a bully. Who exactly have I bullied here? Someone makes up an entire post making gross assumptions about me and I'm a bully. Gimme a break. I responded to your post.

You want to get personal, go ahead.

I know this reply is aimed at miesque...but, since I am the one you decided to make fun of...
I did just reply to you, dahoss...and ya know, talking about assumptions...you assume I am nothing more than a warm & fuzzy fan...I assume you are a hard core handicapper that seems to be without any feelings, except to win money...if my saying I'd have cried if I was at Zenyatta's day made you laugh...if you thought...how foolish is this person...you should have kept that to yourself...and Cardus also...there was no reason for you to get sarcastic at my expense....and that is the bottom line.
As you say in the above reply to miesque...I responded to your post.

[Dahoss9698]

I know this reply is aimed at miesque...but, since I am the one you decided to make fun of...
I did just reply to you, dahoss...and ya know, talking about assumptions...you assume I am nothing more than a warm & fuzzy fan...I assume you are a hard core handicapper that seems to be without any feelings, except to win money...if my saying I'd have cried if I was at Zenyatta's day made you laugh...if you thought...how foolish is this person...you should have kept that to yourself...and Cardus also...there was no reason for you to get sarcastic at my expense....and that is the bottom line.
As you say in the above reply to miesque...I responded to your post.

Just so I'm clear, you can get sarcastic at others expense, but I'm not allowed to? Seems fair.

[riskman]

joanied:

These guys are just jealous of the beautiful animal known as the thoroughbred.
They look in the mirror every morning and they wish they could transform themselves into some of the unique characteristics of these horses:

Fine sleek hair
Long sloping shoulders.
Lean muscle
Deep wide chest provides lots of room for lungs and heart :.
Energetic and athletic

It is a tough beat to roll out bed, face the world like a bald eagle and overweight gorilla, head to the OTB/track and whine and complain when the 30-1 L/S runs up the track in the last race. Wad daya mean dat was a crummy bet.The horse showed early speed for 2F last race on a icy track, is going up in class three levels today, going ice to turf,returns in 3 days, apprentice jock up a former flyweight contender from Panama, and my son in law has inside information from the pizza man that one of his customers put a C note on the nose to win. Bad beat, that jock can't ride worth a damn -kept ducking punches from the horses tail in front of him.

All things aside, this is great theater for horse racing and Zenyatta's win in the Classic topped off a fun day of exciting Breeders Cup racing.

[Cardus]

So everyone that bets is not emotionally moved by a moment or a horse or appreciative of greatness. Just a bunch of bitter, cold hearted old men with no emotion whatsoever, kindness or positive thoughts. I guess those must be Phantom W2-Gs I have been reporting on my tax returns.:D

This seems similar to redboarding.

I like it: clever insertion.

[joanied]

Joanied, honestly I'm not insulted at all. I come on boards to talk to people, bullshit and talk about the sport I love. I'm opinionated (aren't we all if we are posting on a board like this) and I know I can be crude sometimes.

I just think it's hypocritical to accuse me of assuming stuff about you (which I didn't do). Then compose an entire post where you assume a bunch of things about me.

There is nothing wrong with fans and people who are emotional about the horses. But, in my opinion these aren't the people that are going to carry this sport to the next level or at least allow it to stay above water. That's not a shot on you, it's just my opinion. I could be wrong, but we'll see.

Gambling drives the sport. Without gamblers there is no sport. Concessions and what not certainly help, but not as much as the people putting money through the windows. I'm not saying one is better than the other. They are different. this is a money driven sport. Owners don't race for laughs and high 5's.

I'm not poking fun at anyone. I'm making a joke in a thread full of them. I also think it's short sighted to assume people who bet don't feel anything about the horses. It's just not true.

OK, then...I guess we got this sorted through...as I said, I realize that the gamblers are what drives the sport...I realize without the handle, racing will fade away...hell, when I was working at Belmont, I went over everyday to bet...and if I could afford to gamble now, I would open an account online...all that is obvious, about the betting...I simply took offense at you making fun of me for admitting to being emotional about this sport...ya gotta admit, it was not necessary for you to respond to that post...if it was a 'joke' it WAS at my expense.
but, that's OK...if I assumed the wrong things about you, I do apologize, it is difficult sometimes to 'read' someone via their postings...I just ask that you refrain from using my posts so you can be a comedian...it was rather sarcastic and IMO, not funny. This thread was never about what drives horse racing...it is about a special day for a special horse....so there was really no reason to get sarcastic towards someone that put her heart out there!!

So....that's it, over and done with...now I think go and turn on the TV, get my recorded race stuff, find Tiznow's 2001 BC Classic...watch it and cry like a baby;) :)

[Old Sparky]

These guys are just jealous of the beautiful ----------Take your pick :mad: I have had enough-- bow down toward west :eek: sing dirge -- ZZ where did go If only I had knowed????????????? what rhymes with Zennayatta. Oh thats right :bang: yourawanna OS out my brain hurts does anyone have a napkin I have drool--thinking Iam tingling :D remeber the sun rises in theEEEEE not theWWWW

[freehouse2002]

You sure you weren't across the street at the Forum for WCW Monday Night Raw?
Yes....that's exactly where I was :bang: (It's WWE by the way). In any case, if you're a FAN of horse racing, you would've liked being there, but many here are just GAMBLERS which is fine, because as we all know, the gambling is what got us into this in the first place. From a FAN'S perspective, this was great. It's always better to be there in person to see/feel the emotion.



freehouse2002

[Spalding No!]

Yes....that's exactly where I was :bang: (It's WWE by the way). In any case, if you're a FAN of horse racing, you would've liked being there, but many here are just GAMBLERS which is fine, because as we all know, the gambling is what got us into this in the first place. From a FAN'S perspective, this was great. It's always better to be there in person to see/feel the emotion.


You guys have lost touch with the crux of the critique here.

Parading Zenyatta is fine, but turning it into some Professional Wrestling calibur spectacle hurts the sport more than helps it.

Horse Racing shouldn't need to be injected with hip-hop, the Governator, cheesey movie soundtracks, and other pop culture references to be relevant.

If it does, then it needs to die.

What's next? They gonna start letting manes grow out into dreadlocks, tattooing gaskins, having intro music in the post parade? Is Gorilla Monsoon gonna do the racecalls?

Please.

I think Obama would agree:

Zenyatta was not treated like an exceptional athlete, she was patronized like a Special Olympian.

Yay!

[FenceBored]

You guys have lost touch with the crux of the critique here.

Parading Zenyatta is fine, but turning it into some Professional Wrestling calibur spectacle hurts the sport more than helps it.

Horse Racing shouldn't need to be injected with hip-hop, the Governator, cheesey movie soundtracks, and other pop culture references to be relevant.

If it does, then it needs to die.

What's next? They gonna start letting manes grow out into dreadlocks, tattooing gaskins, having intro music in the post parade? Is Gorilla Monsoon gonna do the racecalls?

Please.

I think Obama would agree:

Zenyatta was not treated like an exceptional athlete, she was patronized like a Special Olympian.

Yay!

I can really see this in big races. Lead them onto the track staggered by about 10-20 seconds, with a few bars of 'their' music.

[Old Sparky]

Parading Zenyatta is fine, but turning it into some Professional Wrestling calibur spectacle hurts the sport more than helps it.ding ding The flying elbow or atomic drop I know both holds ---- need help PICK ME PICK ME :( OS

[proximity]

Is Gorilla Monsoon gonna do the racecalls?


i don't think mr monsoon is with us anymore.:(

but the really sad part is that sitting by my computer, reading p.a., and munching on baby ruth bars was one of my favorite pastimes.... until you started posting!! :)

[DeanT]

You guys have lost touch with the crux of the critique here.

Parading Zenyatta is fine, but turning it into some Professional Wrestling calibur spectacle hurts the sport more than helps it.

Horse Racing shouldn't need to be injected with hip-hop, the Governator, cheesey movie soundtracks, and other pop culture references to be relevant.

If it does, then it needs to die.

There is nothing wrong with catering to a different type of fan. All sports do this, from hot dog cannons to cheerleaders. Hard core fans tune them out. The non hard core, out for a good time, enjoy them.

During the Zenyatta celebration I was handicapping the 8th - that is what I do, handicap. For the little girl in her homemade Mike Smith silks pictured on the previous page, loving every bit of the pomp and pagentry of the event, that is what she does.

There is room enough for both of us in this wonderful sport and it is nice to see some smiles on people's faces at the track for change - whether they were there to see this pretty mare, or to hit a tri in the last.

[Old Sparky]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgDm8VjH1IM&feature=related :lol: :lol:

[Cratos]

Before the BC Classic I made Rachel Alexandra my choice for horse of the year (HOTY) and wrote on this forum that if Zenyatta should win the Classic she would get a lot of votes mainly because of her undefeated record and this being her last year in training.

Well she accomplished the feat of winning the Classic and her performance in that race coupled with Trevor Denman’s call of the race has changed the HOTY landscape to the point that Zenyatta has not only become a contender for the HOTY award, but she appears to be the leader with all other horse distance contenders.

I am a huge Zenyatta fan and in terms of my favorite race mare I would put her in with Shuvee, but even with my admiration and sentiment for Zenyatta my mind has not changed about HOTY; Rachel Alexandra should get the award.

All of the hoopla about Zenyatta now being an “ambassador” for racing and that she is creating renewed interest in the sport is a short-lived religion. We have been here before with the charisma of Secretariat and Seattle Slew; and the historic races between Affirmed and Alydar. Racing was declining then and no one was doing anything about it. Racing problem in a nutshell is poor organization at the authorizing government level. How many times has government corrected the problem? The answer is almost never.

When government perceived that racing wasn’t putting enough funds in their coffers they authorized lotteries, OTB, and ITW. For those of you from New York might remember at the beginning, OTB had its own pari-mutuel pool and it wasn’t co-mingled with the racetrack’s pool. In Pennsylvania OTB is run by racetracks, not independent entities as they are in New York.

Therefore bestow all of the accolades that is due to Zenyatta and to Rachel Alexandra, but to say that this sudden “magic moment” by Zenyatta (and this is not demeaning her illustrious career) is what will save or bring racing back is pure folly.

[Spalding No!]

i don't think mr monsoon is with us anymore.:(

but the really sad part is that sitting by my computer, reading p.a., and munching on baby ruth bars was one of my favorite pastimes.... until you started posting!! :)

Baby Ruths? What?!

Everybody out! Don't touch it!

I want this entire post scrubbed, sterilized, and disinfected!

[tzipi]

Baby Ruths? What?!

Everybody out! Don't touch it!

I want this entire post scrubbed, sterilized, and disinfected!

:lol: :lol: Great movie and post!

[proximity]

I want this entire post scrubbed, sterilized, and disinfected!

lol, at this point we'd best hope bossman doesn't sweep in and opt to sterilize the entirety of this gem of a thread..... complete with hana execs challenging high rollers to face to face trackside meetings.... compelling reading to be sure!!:)

[WinterTriangle]

It was an embarrassment. It was an amplified version of dressing up your dog in 'people' clothes

Clearly, you don't know how to have fun. ;)

William Wegman's fanciful, anthromorphized photographs of his weimaraners, dressed in haute couture (people clothes designed by Gautlier, Issey Miyake, Helmut Lang), are such an "embarrassment" that they hang in the Smithsonian and other elite art museums.

Wish someone had thought of it!!!!! Zenyatta would look great in Dior...he designs well for the "curvaceous" lady.

Or, Prada, outfiitting the affluent working woman with a demanding job! :)

(Perhaps Miesque can consult here, could probably dress Zenyatta better than I could. I'm not up to date on this fashion stuff. Mink for Zenyatta? What do ya think? )

[Tom]

So tell all the people that showed up for Zenny Day how terrible it was!
This hurt racing how? :lol: Some people really need to find a life!

Hey, Big Brown pulling up in the stretch hurt racing FAR more than anything.
I still have people tell me the Belmont was rigged. And all that counts is their perception.

[Spalding No!]

I still have people tell me the Belmont was rigged. And all that counts is their perception.


Quote of the Year nominee.

[miesque]

So tell all the people that showed up for Zenny Day how terrible it was!
This hurt racing how? :lol: Some people really need to find a life!

Hey, Big Brown pulling up in the stretch hurt racing FAR more than anything.
I still have people tell me the Belmont was rigged. And all that counts is their perception.

Well put, Tom!

The reason I jumped into this thread is because racing is full of more than its share of tough beats, bad luck, pain and misery, and so the fact that some want to piss all over a feel good, positive experience that they were by no means forced attend or watch is not only surprising but frankly offsetting. If making fun of a bunch of gals showing up at the track with signs to show support for a horse they admire is important to you because it makes you feel better then all I can say is more power to you, you are a one strong macho man. :rolleyes: I quite frankly find that sentiment to be at first bewildering and then infuriating because this is an industry that desperately needs an infusion of new blood and if you say little girls don’t matter because they don’t add to the bottom line then you lack the foresight to understand that some of those little girls may well have the innate capability to be kicking your ass at handicapping in 10-15 years and just need some cultivation along the way. In addition, I want everyone to remember this “attitude” whenever the topic of “why aren’t there more women at the track” or “how do we get women more interested in racing and becoming a horseplayer” pops up again because it’s a very potent deterrent towards female involvement on a multitude of levels. If you like for there to just be a bunch of bitter old men at the track and very few women (just the total bitches like myself), then by all means carryon.


I will leave you with this last bit, which I know some will ridicule but hopefully one or two will appreciate. My friend brought her daughter and a friend of her daughter (both young teenagers) to the track for Zenyatta Day and when her daughter’s friend saw me come back from the Turf Club windows with a few hundred dollar bills and some twenties after cashing two tickets, her eyes got wide as saucers and she asked somewhat amazed “You won that?” I bring that up because her seeing me going through my notes and pps and then later walking back with money made a noticeable impression on her (which kinda surprised me since I am the type that just does my thing oblivious to the world when at the track, so I was pleasantly surprised someone else was not only noticing what I was doing but was actually impressed). Those two girls were there just because of Zenyatta Day, which they enjoyed immeasurably, but also had some positive exposure to the horseplaying side of it as well and there really needs to be a lot more of that occurring because you need to plant a lot of seeds to get a future horseplayer.

[joanied]

So tell all the people that showed up for Zenny Day how terrible it was!
This hurt racing how? :lol: Some people really need to find a life!

Hey, Big Brown pulling up in the stretch hurt racing FAR more than anything.
I still have people tell me the Belmont was rigged. And all that counts is their perception.

:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: My husband still beleives that BB's Belmont was somehow rigged... I cannot convince him otherwise...and this is from a man who's wife worked in the industry and offered an explanation for what occured...he doesn't buy it...so, can you imagine how many 'casual' fans got totally turned off to racing because of that one race!!

Racing absolutely, positively needs days like Zenyatta's...let's hope that Rachel can pick up the torch and carry it through 2010...we continue to tout that racing needs stars, that the good ones are gone too soon...here we have two horses that are stars, that are staying around (Z for 2 seasons, and Rachel is coming back)...and anything the tracks can do to get fans out to see Rachel next year can only help build the new fan/handicapping base that racing needs!

[FenceBored]

In addition, I want everyone to remember this “attitude” whenever the topic of “why aren’t there more women at the track” or “how do we get women more interested in racing and becoming a horseplayer” pops up again because it’s a very potent deterrent towards female involvement on a multitude of levels. If you like for there to just be a bunch of bitter old men at the track and very few women (just the total bitches like myself), then by all means carryon.


Nicely put, miesque, the whole thing, but this part in particular.

[joanied]

Nicely put, miesque, the whole thing, but this part in particular.

Originally Posted by miesque
In addition, I want everyone to remember this “attitude” whenever the topic of “why aren’t there more women at the track” or “how do we get women more interested in racing and becoming a horseplayer” pops up again because it’s a very potent deterrent towards female involvement on a multitude of levels. If you like for there to just be a bunch of bitter old men at the track and very few women (just the total bitches like myself), then by all means carryon.



Yes indeed!!!
:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

[Dahoss9698]

I hope someone comes out and sticks up for the bitter old men at the track. They seem to be taking it the worst in this thread.

That's always a good attitude to have. Make fun of the people who actually do go out everyday and support the sport.

[joanied]

Oh, I don't think anyone was making fun of those 'old men'...meisque was just trying to make a point....
but...I'm here to support those 'bitter old men'...because most of them are great characters and the grandstand wouldn't be the same without them...one of the things I miss most about being away from the track is going over and mingeling with those characters...like a big extended family:) ...one thing that makes the movie 'Let it Ride' so great and true is the characters Trotter associates with at the track.
But...we do need to get the younger crowd out there...anyway we can.

[Dahoss9698]

Oh, I don't think anyone was making fun of those 'old men'...meisque was just trying to make a point....
but...I'm here to support those 'bitter old men'...because most of them are great characters and the grandstand wouldn't be the same without them...one of the things I miss most about being away from the track is going over and mingeling with those characters...like a big extended family:) ...one thing that makes the movie 'Let it Ride' so great and true is the characters Trotter associates with at the track.
But...we do need to get the younger crowd out there...anyway we can.

Maybe, maybe not. Sure reads that way though, especially the use of the word bitter. But, I agree, these "bitter old men" are the people that make the track what it is. That is one thing all tracks have in common, lots of characters.

Her point is understood, but I think it could have been done without denegrading the people that support the game daily.

[miesque]

Maybe, maybe not. Sure reads that way though, especially the use of the word bitter. But, I agree, these "bitter old men" are the people that make the track what it is. That is one thing all tracks have in common, lots of characters.

Her point is understood, but I think it could have been done without denegrading the people that support the game daily.

You either really don't understand the point I was making or are just set on being argumentative for the heck of it, perhaps its both. Whatever it is, I frankly don't care because its totally irrelevant. And I apologize for not being as sensitive, supportive, positive, kind and gracious as you are with your posts. On a side note, it has been pointed out to me today that you have an interesting tendency of sniping at female posters, which I found rather interesting.

[chickenhead]

I feel this thread has devolved to the point where I feel safe posting my own bit of nonsense.

This debate is good, but pretty useless. Any crossover blockbuster type of event is by definition one consumed by non-traditional fans. What makes a blockbuster play? People that don't normally see plays going to see it. What makes a blockbuster book? People that don't normally read books reading it.

Are those blockbusters generally the best example of the traditional form? No. They are something a little different, that's why they appeal to those other people. But they of course have enough elements of the traditional that they are recognizable.

I didn't watch Zenyatta Day. Was it over the top? Probably. Did it still have elements of the traditional form, that we all know and love. I'm sure it did, it was a horse after all, and it was at a horse track.

It's all baked in. Arguing around about the margins doesn't really matter -- I guess we could all hope it becomes a really big concern for us all, if these ever become such a regularity I'm sure the proper treatment can get dialed in.

[andymays]

I feel this thread has devolved to the point where I feel safe posting my own bit of nonsense.

This debate is good, but pretty useless. Any crossover blockbuster type of event is by definition one consumed by non-traditional fans. What makes a blockbuster play? People that don't normally see plays going to see it. What makes a blockbuster book? People that don't normally read books reading it.

Are those blockbusters generally the best example of the traditional form? No. They are something a little different, that's why they appeal to those other people. But they of course have enough elements of the traditional that they are recognizable.

I didn't watch Zenyatta Day. Was it over the top? Probably. Did it still have elements of the traditional form, that we all know and love. I'm sure it did, it was a horse after all, and it was at a horse track.

It's all baked in. Arguing around about the margins doesn't really matter -- I guess we could all hope it becomes a really big concern for us all, if these ever become such a regularity I'm sure the proper treatment can get dialed in.


2 parts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F2ejg2RrsI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkcGI2AZtPs

[Spalding No!]

You either really don't understand the point I was making.

Your point was ridiculous. You seem to be championing this event as some sort of milestone in the Woman's Rights Movement.

No one should be concerned with Zenyatta's gender here, nor the fans that came out to pay tribute.

The problem is the way she was presented and the people who were behind it. They basically, however unintentional, made a mockery of both the horse and the sport.

As for the assertion (made by another poster) that "we" must promote the sport "any way we can" is ridiculous.

Suckering people into coming to the races under false pretenses and hoping that they somehow stick around or become entranced is not a healthy course of action.

Guess why there are so many failed marriages in this country?

[johnhannibalsmith]

...Guess why there are so many failed marriages in this country?

Condoms are inconvenient and compromise technique?

[andymays]

Your point was ridiculous. You seem to be championing this event as some sort of milestone in the Woman's Rights Movement.

No one should be concerned with Zenyatta's gender here, nor the fans that came out to pay tribute.

The problem is the way she was presented and the people who were behind it. They basically, however unintentional, made a mockery of both the horse and the sport.

As for the assertion (made by another poster) that "we" must promote the sport "any way we can" is ridiculous.

Suckering people into coming to the races under false pretenses and hoping that they somehow stick around or become entranced is not a healthy course of action.

Guess why there are so many failed marriages in this country?

Pro Ride? :confused:

[chickenhead]

Guess why there are so many failed marriages in this country?

Tiger?

[miesque]

Your point was ridiculous. You seem to be championing this event as some sort of milestone in the Woman's Rights Movement.

No one should be concerned with Zenyatta's gender here, nor the fans that came out to pay tribute.

The problem is the way she was presented and the people who were behind it. They basically, however unintentional, made a mockery of both the horse and the sport.

As for the assertion (made by another poster) that "we" must promote the sport "any way we can" is ridiculous.

Suckering people into coming to the races under false pretenses and hoping that they somehow stick around or become entranced is not a healthy course of action.

Guess why there are so many failed marriages in this country?

I was not championing the event as being some sort of Women's Right Movement and where are on earth was I writing about suckering people in under false pretenses?

Forget everything I brought up in this thread. I know absolutely nothing about women, what women prefer, being a woman at the track, being a woman horseplayer and I have absolutely nothing worthwhile to add. This game doesn't need any new people involved in it in any capacity, doing just fine as is.

[Spalding No!]

I was not championing the event as being some sort of Women's Right Movement and where are on earth was I writing about suckering people in under false pretenses?

Forget everything I brought up in this thread. I know absolutely nothing about women, what women prefer, being a woman at the track, being a woman horseplayer and I have absolutely nothing worthwhile to add. This game doesn't need any new people involved in it in any capacity, doing just fine as is.

Thanks for the close reading. I noted that the "false pretense" bit was in response to another poster (joanied).

Meanwhile, you used a form of "woman" 4x in your last paragraph and yet you claim not to be making points related to a feminist agenda. Whatever. Again none of this has anything to do with gender.

At least you can't pull the race card.

No pun intended.

[chickenhead]

Meanwhile, you used a form of "woman" 4x in your last paragraph and yet you claim not to be making points related to a feminist agenda. Whatever. Again none of this has anything to do with gender.

I don't understand why it shouldn't. Some people liked the book The Lovely Bones, some people liked the graphic novel "300". Most people didn't like both. How can the book industry possibly survive, with people liking different kinds of books! I mean, the stories are totally different! And what a disservice they both do to Ullysses! That is the best book, yet neither of them are even like it, not all all!

It's a mad mad world.

[Spalding No!]

I don't understand why it shouldn't. Some people liked the book The Lovely Bones, some people liked the graphic novel "300". Most people didn't like both. How can the book industry possibly survive, with people liking different kinds of books! I mean, the stories are totally different! And what a disservice they both do to Ullysses! That is the best book, yet neither of them are even like it, not all all!

It's a mad mad world.

Read the thread again.

Miesque only chimed in because she decided that anyone who was against the way the Zenyatta Tribute was put on must obviously be a misogynist.

Maybe her sapphic perspective is what brings her to enjoy racing and that's fine, but that is not the topic at hand.

If I were you, I'd stick to the comics.

[chickenhead]

Maybe her sapphic perspective is what brings her to enjoy racing and that's fine, but that is not the topic at hand.

If I were you, I'd stick to the comics.

I don't really care what "topic" is in your hand -- who what appeals to is well within the topic of the thread.

[Spalding No!]

I don't really care what "topic" is in your hand -- who what appeals to is well within the topic of the thread.

...says the person who didn't watch the Zenyatta tribute but is posting in thread entitled "Zenyatta Love-In Is Just Too Much...".

You're like the invariable person sitting in the live studio audience during a taping of Oprah, Springer, etc. that stands up and says "You all need therapy!"

Thanks for coming down the mountain, Moses.

[miesque]

Racing is facing an uncertain future with plenty of obstacles in its path and it is going to take a lot of very major steps in different areas to reverse its decline. This thread has been quite revealing in that it illustrates how much deeply ingrained negativity and hostility there is to overcome. In addition, that negativity is accompanied with a lack of willingness or even desire to change because its pointless to do so because racing is doomed, its a fait accompli. Lets all be miserable and bitch and moan about how terrible everything is, its a lot easier then actually trying to make any changes or God forbid make a positive difference.

[chickenhead]

...says the person who didn't watch the Zenyatta tribute but is posting in thread entitled "Zenyatta Love-In Is Just Too Much...".

You're like the invariable person sitting in the live studio audience during a taping of Oprah, Springer, etc. that stands up and says "You all need therapy!"

Thanks for coming down the mountain, Moses.

Huh?

[Dahoss9698]

You either really don't understand the point I was making or are just set on being argumentative for the heck of it, perhaps its both. Whatever it is, I frankly don't care because its totally irrelevant. And I apologize for not being as sensitive, supportive, positive, kind and gracious as you are with your posts. On a side note, it has been pointed out to me today that you have an interesting tendency of sniping at female posters, which I found rather interesting.

I understand the point. I was showing you that while you were mad at me for mocking something.....you were doing the exact same thing. Only you pulled the gender card. It has nothing to do with gender to me.

I don't care who comes to the track, males or females, as long as they enjoy themselves, learn something, bet and come back again and again. Some of the best handicappers I know are women. Again, it has nothing to do with gender.

In case you haven't noticed, I think I'm pretty blind when it comes to who I debate with. I don't pick and choose based on gender. If I disagree with something, I say something, regardless of what the gender of the person is. As much as you'd like to paint me as a misogynist, it just isn't true. Should I not call out something I disagree with because the person that said it is a woman? Seems kind of silly, no?

[Spalding No!]

Racing is facing an uncertain future with plenty of obstacles in its path and it is going to take a lot of very major steps in different areas to reverse its decline.

Yep. Obstacles like synthetics, drug violations, and Ken Rudolph.

[miesque]

Actually now I really don't give a rats ass what anyone say because after five legs I am still alive in the Hollywood Park 6 with :7: and :8:. :cool:

[johnhannibalsmith]

Actually now I really don't give a rats ass what anyone say because after five legs I am still alive in the Hollywood Park 6 with :7: and :8:. :cool:

You go girl!!! errr... person!!!

:)

[DeanT]

Zenyatta day was all about women - a chance to attract an audience. The NFL - who does not have their head up their ass - tried and succeeded in doing this long ago. They made the game more appealing, catered to the 50% of the audience that was not. Currently more women watch the Super Bowl more than the Academy Awards, over 45 million women watch football each weekend at some point, and millions are spent by women on pink and fashionable jerseys and other NFL apparel. As well, more women attend the live games more than anytime in history and in higher numbers than any other mainstream sport.

Zenyatta Day about women? Yes, and we need more of it.

[Spalding No!]

Actually now I really don't give a rats ass what anyone say because after five legs I am still alive in the Hollywood Park 6 with :7: and :8:. :cool:

Good to know redboarding at least crosses gender lines...

[miesque]

You go girl!!! errr... person!!!

:)

Thanks, it was a much less sweet victory with the nine going down in the stretch.

[joanied]

Maybe, maybe not. Sure reads that way though, especially the use of the word bitter. But, I agree, these "bitter old men" are the people that make the track what it is. That is one thing all tracks have in common, lots of characters.

Her point is understood, but I think it could have been done without denegrading the people that support the game daily.

And now, after reading the posts added after my last post...and yours, dahoss...I see this is now turning into a men vs women thing...and, IMO, that is really ridiculous...(not aimed at you...just what this thread is becoming)
I don' think the start of this thread had anything to do with so called 'girl power'...and that is a 'tag' I simply do not like...this thread was about Zenyatta's special day, and just because she's a mare, does that make this a 'girl thing'....I'd bet 90% of the gals at that event were very young...it's the gals in their teens that go for this girl power stuff...and the reason they were there is because 90% of young gals just love horses...colts, fillies...don't matter...they are horse crazy...and like the color pink:D (I hate it)...
but, if it takes a filly or mare to get them to the track, then why question it...many of these young women may become handicappers, grooms, trainers...and that is a good thing.

This gender thing just needs to be dropped...and as far as my place in this thread...all I thought was that, other than the Superman music, Z having a special day is wonderful...that it brought nearly 8,000 bodies to the track...is wonderful...men or women, boys or girls...who gives a $hit...they came, enjoyed and there is maybe a 3-1 shot that they will come back:jump:

IMO...any excuse to get folks out to a race track must be veiwed as a good thing...
besides those crusty old characters:) that inhabit the first floor...we need as many warm bodies as possible...men, women and anything in :eek: between!!

[FenceBored]

HRTV will host Zenyatta on Opening Day at SA.
All fans in attendance will receive a full-color poster of Zenyatta, courtesy of HRTV, and will be treated to a winner's circle ceremony honoring the great mare, which will be emceed by HRTV's Kurt Hoover.
-- (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=17073)http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=17073

[FenceBored]

I understand the point. I was showing you that while you were mad at me for mocking something.....you were doing the exact same thing. Only you pulled the gender card. It has nothing to do with gender to me.

I don't care who comes to the track, males or females, as long as they enjoy themselves, learn something, bet and come back again and again. Some of the best handicappers I know are women. Again, it has nothing to do with gender.

In case you haven't noticed, I think I'm pretty blind when it comes to who I debate with. I don't pick and choose based on gender. If I disagree with something, I say something, regardless of what the gender of the person is. As much as you'd like to paint me as a misogynist, it just isn't true. Should I not call out something I disagree with because the person that said it is a woman? Seems kind of silly, no?

Huh?

[Dahoss9698]

Huh?

Well played. Keep it up and I'm going to try and lure Ghostyapper to this thread.

[WinterTriangle]

If racing as we know it "ended" tomorrow, people would still get together, like they have done for centuries, in the desert, on the beaches, and in open fields.....and race horses. :ThmbUp:

My sister went to New Zealand last year to the races. Country-fair type setting, families on blankets in the grass, lawn chairs. Wagering, buying food and drinks. I got a great hat! sis and hubby made enough to go out for expensive dinner.


My first horse race was the Carolina cup 25 years ago. I was a college student. Dressed up in my finest linen. There were tailgate parties and picnics. Moving to the grandstands, I sat with a group of lawyers, and we tossed money into a hat. I walked away with all their money, more than my month's salary, just lucky. Beautiful day, celebratory crowds, beautiful horses, pretty dressed up ladies and even men in tophats, great food, went home with a fat wallet. What's not to like?

98,000 people at the track in Japan for the Cup last week.


I love horse racing. There are better ways to make dough, but not bring me more enjoyment.

If racing dies, it will only happen because an inherent appreciation of it's very nature dies.

There was a poster last year who talked about missing time with family, missing birthdays and holiday dinners, (missing out on all the joys in life), 'cause he was involved in the "hard grind" of making money in horse racing. He sounded tired, stressed, and bitter. I used to go to field trials and there would always be "the guy" who beat his dog for under-performing. :( Those who have lost any semblence of JOY in what they are doing.

I love the track, everything from the grumbling old geezers to the teenagers out for a day of fun. Sometimes I meet young couples on their first date. Very cute. Women, men, children, teens.......but mainly HORSES!!!! I love that if I play from home, there's internet now to play along with buddies, and forums like this to exchange information and opinions. Data at our fingertips and software programs spitting out refined information, and making money.


But-----if every day, you feel like you're being taken for a ride, that it's all ultimately hopeless, that you are treated like dog-poo, feel threatened by changes and new things, and ultimately, you can find little positives anymore, it's time to find a new line of work/entertainment.

The worst sign, however, is when you start to actually dislike THE HORSES THEMSELVES. And resent the love and affection and fanfare they receive. They are horses! They run for our pleasure and our pocketbook. (Last year, the seething hatred for Big Brown by some was beyond the pale. )

Z had her day......... she did not ask for it. If you get to the point where you begin to hate on the horse, then it's time to get out of this sport.

[Bochall]

Hey fencebored, were you quoting the Ramones earlier?! 'Second verse same as the first'...yeah!

[eastie]

Hey fencebored, were you quoting the Ramones earlier?! 'Second verse same as the first'...yeah!


If you're not in it, you're out of it.

[FenceBored]

Hey fencebored, were you quoting the Ramones earlier?! 'Second verse same as the first'...yeah!

Didn't know Joey and the boys used the line. What song?

I was thinking "I'm Henery the VIII" (an old British music hall number) as covered by Herman's Hermits.

S5Z8pwoserU

Picked this version since they use the "Hey ho, let's go" line to start off the number.

[Bochall]

That Ramones line is from 'Jackie Is A Punk' where the final verse begins: "third verse different from the first-Jackie is a punk,Judy is a runt..." and so on. The funny thing is that the 3rd verse isnt different from the 1st (or 2nd)...just another 2.5min Ramones classic! Not to morph into another thread, but the Ramones were pure American punk geniuses...Rockaway Beach, Sheena Is A Punk Rocker, Blitzkrieg Bop, Teenage Lobotomy, I Wanna Be Sedated, and on and on and on.

[joanied]

Winter Triangle...:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: great post!!

[CincyHorseplayer]

If racing as we know it "ended" tomorrow, people would still get together, like they have done for centuries, in the desert, on the beaches, and in open fields.....and race horses. :ThmbUp:

My sister went to New Zealand last year to the races. Country-fair type setting, families on blankets in the grass, lawn chairs. Wagering, buying food and drinks. I got a great hat! sis and hubby made enough to go out for expensive dinner.


My first horse race was the Carolina cup 25 years ago. I was a college student. Dressed up in my finest linen. There were tailgate parties and picnics. Moving to the grandstands, I sat with a group of lawyers, and we tossed money into a hat. I walked away with all their money, more than my month's salary, just lucky. Beautiful day, celebratory crowds, beautiful horses, pretty dressed up ladies and even men in tophats, great food, went home with a fat wallet. What's not to like?

98,000 people at the track in Japan for the Cup last week.


I love horse racing. There are better ways to make dough, but not bring me more enjoyment.

If racing dies, it will only happen because an inherent appreciation of it's very nature dies.

There was a poster last year who talked about missing time with family, missing birthdays and holiday dinners, (missing out on all the joys in life), 'cause he was involved in the "hard grind" of making money in horse racing. He sounded tired, stressed, and bitter. I used to go to field trials and there would always be "the guy" who beat his dog for under-performing. :( Those who have lost any semblence of JOY in what they are doing.

I love the track, everything from the grumbling old geezers to the teenagers out for a day of fun. Sometimes I meet young couples on their first date. Very cute. Women, men, children, teens.......but mainly HORSES!!!! I love that if I play from home, there's internet now to play along with buddies, and forums like this to exchange information and opinions. Data at our fingertips and software programs spitting out refined information, and making money.


But-----if every day, you feel like you're being taken for a ride, that it's all ultimately hopeless, that you are treated like dog-poo, feel threatened by changes and new things, and ultimately, you can find little positives anymore, it's time to find a new line of work/entertainment.

The worst sign, however, is when you start to actually dislike THE HORSES THEMSELVES. And resent the love and affection and fanfare they receive. They are horses! They run for our pleasure and our pocketbook. (Last year, the seething hatred for Big Brown by some was beyond the pale. )

Z had her day......... she did not ask for it. If you get to the point where you begin to hate on the horse, then it's time to get out of this sport.


Wow.Excellent post.I could literally add nothing to it and it echoes my sentiments nearly verbatim.:ThmbUp:

[CincyHorseplayer]

That Ramones line is from 'Jackie Is A Punk' where the final verse begins: "third verse different from the first-Jackie is a punk,Judy is a runt..." and so on. The funny thing is that the 3rd verse isnt different from the 1st (or 2nd)...just another 2.5min Ramones classic! Not to morph into another thread, but the Ramones were pure American punk geniuses...Rockaway Beach, Sheena Is A Punk Rocker, Blitzkrieg Bop, Teenage Lobotomy, I Wanna Be Sedated, and on and on and on.

I have them in my CD collection but actually still have a cassette of greatest hits in my truck that I pop in and blast,and quite a bit lately.Good stuff!!