More Fatal Triple Crown Races?
Thoroughbred Fans Hope for A Safe Preakness Stakes
What is leading to fatalities in the Triple Crown races? Thoroughbred fans are hoping for a safe Preakness Stakes May 17 and the possible crowning of a new TC champ.
Are there specific reasons for the rash of fatalities in Thoroughbred racing, including two fatal breakdowns since 2006 in the famed Triple Crown contests? Thoroughbred fans who have seen stars Barbaro and Eight Belles take fatal trips in Triple Crown races are hopeful that the Preakness Stakes on May 17 will be a safe run and lead to the crowning of a new Triple Crown champion.
No Breakdowns Between 1999 and 2006
In 1999, Charismatic's breakdown at the finish of the Belmont Stakes, ending the hope for a Triple Crown champion, was a shock. The robust chestnut was gliding to the TC championship, when he was suddenly overcome by Lemon Drop Kid and the turn of an ankle as the wire loomed above him.
The Crown was denied for the 21st straight year. The feat hadn't been accomplished since 1978, but Charismatic had looked like the fellow to change that right up to the last yard of the Belmont Stakes.
Two Fatal Triple Crown Races Numb Fans
Several more close runs after 1999 left racing fans still longing for a new TC champ. In 2002, War Emblem was turned away; in 2003, Funny Cide couldn't close the deal; and in 2004, Smarty Jones gasped away his chance in the final furlong.
An underdog, the greatest longshot in Kentucky Derby history at 50-1, Giacomo, out performed the 2005 favorite, Afleet Alex, who went on to win the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes after a near horrendous fall in the Preakness. He didn't fall down, and fans quickly forgot the event, discounting it in the celebration of a comeback victory. But the no-fall was a miracle.
Then came the fatal trip of unbeaten Barbaro in 2006. Not only was his injury a shock; it stands remembered as one of the saddest incidences in Thoroughbred racing. Last year, the sensational career of filly Rags to Riches, winner of one of the closest Belmont Stakes ever, ended after that epic struggle to the wire against eventual Horse of the Year, Curlin. She sustained a small fracture.
A short year later, the Thoroughbred racing world is reverberating with the most myterious breakdown ever. Eight Belles finished second to the fabulous trip fashioned by undefeated Big Brown, and minutes after driving under the wire behind the winner, the beautiful dark gray filly collapsed under inexplicable compound fractures in both front legs.
While fans ponder, and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) rages, explanations Eight Belles' breakdown are still being sought.
Is the breeding process concentrating solely on the speed denominator, thereby sacificing endurance and stamina genes? Are fillies strong enough to belong in races with the boys? Do Thoroughbreds endure too much in the way of training when they are still too young to cope?
Racing fans seek answers even as they hold their breath in the hope for a safe Preakness Stakes and another thrill from the undefeated favorite, Big Brown.
