[QUOTE=Track Phantom;2822886]When did this abrupt intimidation riding become a thing? I don't remember this from the '80's and '90's and, in fact, I saw a couple of older races recently and noticed how straight the riders were keeping their horses.
Actually, I believe the first time I really noticed it was Kent Desormeaux in the Belmont on Real Quiet.
[url]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I0iFI7aLsQY[/https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I0iFI7aLsQY
You gotta be kidding me. Irad rides old school. That’s the way it was done by many of the top jocks back then . The thing is back then most times nobody said or did anything about it. And before my time jocks were known to take a swipe at opposing riders if no one was looking. It’s just the opposite of what you’re saying . Now, they actually face more discipline. This video is the 1980 Preakness. Codex takes Genuine Risk out to get a hot dog on the turn. Herding was a way of life back then . When you’re at the top of any sport ….. many will push the limits. Being over competitive is usually the sign of the drive you need to be on top. The rules are way more enforced these days IMO. Yeah, he intimidated Saturday but he was never really near Happy Saver either. He was not along side , he had room to work with. Of course people don’t like it . But there’s a lot at stake and that SOB refuses to lose. People think these guys get to the top being nice? Yeah ok.
