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Originally Posted by cj
But I don't see how anyone can deny that increasing purses well above the value of the horses in question doesn't further the incentive to not do right by the horse.
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That's a theory, not established fact. A theory I'm challenging someone to validate. And it's a specious theory with me, because I've seen LOTS of horsemen propose lower bottom purses with a thinly-veiled agenda to keep rival barns from dropping SOUND superior runners. And I've been at this a long time, myself.
Want theory? Here's mine:Most cripples on the verge of breakdown will be class-dropped REGARDLESS of bottom-purse levels. Barns don't require much incentive to "squeeze one more start" from a deteriorated animal. Disproportionate bottom purses, however, tempt outfits to drop SOUNDER horses as well, ones still functional at higher levels.
Thanks for the response, btw. It's always fun when we square off.
