Unusual race today

[Orangehorse]

I watched the racing today and there was a race for horses 10 and over.

There were some well known horses and they all looked as though they were enjoying themselves. What a good idea - for the older horse that has lost a bit of speed.

It was a good race, with about 6 horses all in with a chance over the last two fences, all jumped beautifully, there were no fallers.

The winner certainly looked a bit "iffy" in the paddock, I think it got held back to be looked at by the vet before the race, and it didn't look very good after the race either, but it obviously didn't stop it as it won by a reasonable distance.

 

[Flame_]

I watched it too. I suppose it is a really good idea but it also seemed to leave a bad taste in my mouth. I felt kind of sad for the horses, not that they're ancient or anything, and I don't know why it felt worse than other racing, but it did. Again I'm not sure why, but it gave me that same sickly feeling like when spot the difference won earlier this season and then it seemed liked he'd collapsed. I'm really interested in what other responses you get.

 

[Orangehorse]

I thought it was a lovely idea!

If eventers can go round Badminton in their teens it seems a shame to retire racehorses when they are fit and well and have just got a bit slower with age.

Sonny Summers was still winning at 15 and the Gold Cup was won by a 12 year old once.

 

[mrgoop]

I didn't see it so can't comment on the race itself, but i think that if they are still fit, and enjoy a run then it can't be all bad.

Look at dear old "Dessie", how excited did he get when he was at the track. I'm sure he would have loved to run round again, and if he had gone down doing so.... he would have been happy

 

[faerie666]

Spotthedifference slipping over and being winded had nothing to do with his age really, any horse would have taken a while to get up after such a long hard race.
Also , I've seen a fair few young horses (5, 6, 7yo) drop dead from heart attacks, aneurysms etc, nothing to do with age, sadly it's just something that happens.

I think the veteran chases are a really good idea, gives these horses that are getting a bit slower with age, but are badly handicapped due to past achievements, a chance to shine on a more level playing field.

As long as they're still enjoying it I see nothing wrong with it.
I own a 14yo who still point-to-points, he goes round the gallops every day pulling my arms out, jumps like a bunny and generally enjoys his job, but he's not competitive any more as he's competing against younger, better horses than him. I wish there where more veteran ptps.

 

[silversox]

I was at Newbury Races yesterday (Sat) and had a great day, but it was sooooo bl**dy cold and windy!! There were a couple of people there completely dressed/sprayed in gold, right down to their eyelids and fingernails who posed and looked just like statues. They were representing the first running of the Connaught Gold Cup. They stood absolutely still and never smiled or spoke a word but the gent did lift his hand as a gesture towards me as I stood next to them for a pic. They stood around all afternoon and must have been frozen.

I took a few pics of the veterans and they all looked pretty good going round the paddock. After all 10 yrs plus isn't that old and these horses are actually still in training, so they'd have to be pretty fit.

The winner, Tango Royal:-

IMO it's the parades that really bother me. Those where all the greats of the past get spruced up, plaited, bridled, led around the paddock whilst the PA recalls all their wonderful achievements. Then they are paraded in front of the stands with that wonderful feeling of turf beneath their feet. Most of them are so on their toes and eager to go that they have to have two handlers and a chiffney on them.

The crowd roar with delight as each one passes by, and then .......... they're taken back to the stables and un-tacked. I think that is down-right cruel, even if only mentally.!!

 

[Solstar]

[ QUOTE ]
IMO it's the parades that really bother me. Those where all the greats of the past get spruced up, plaited, bridled, led around the paddock whilst the PA recalls all their wonderful achievements. Then they are paraded in front of the stands with that wonderful feeling of turf beneath their feet. Most of them are so on their toes and eager to go that they have to have two handlers and a chiffney on them.

The crowd roar with delight as each one passes by, and then .......... they're taken back to the stables and un-tacked. I think that is down-right cruel, even if only mentally.!!

[/ QUOTE ]

i agree! its like mind games with them!

i think races for older horses are a good thing!