Who is your pick for the derby today?

Pyro- He won two out of three preps very impressively. The Risen Star Stakes was amazing! He was last for most of the race and ROCKETED to the front in the last furlong! He has the closing kick to be able to rally in the Derby. He was impressive in the Juvenile last year. What could hold him back is his pedigree. It's a very nice pedigree, but not geared well to that final 1/4 mile. If he doesn't get boxed in, he could very well be the first across the wire tomorrow. He's definitely the colt of my choice.

Eight Belles- I love her, because she's a filly in the Derby! I'm all about seeing history made haha. I would love to see a filly win the Derby. I have never seen it done, and this would be a nice filly to become the fourth to win. She has raced very impressively, she is as big as any of the boys. She could have a shot! The question is: can she handle herself against 19 colts? She has yet to be started in a colt-race. I sure hope she can do it!

Who do you like?

lmbo.. just for the heck of it.. I'm going to say.. Eight Belles ;)

LOL! Are you a racing fan?

I try and watch ...every year. If I had the money... I'd go to as many races as I could. I love horses...have always wanted to own one (or more)...and live in Kentucky. My Dad lives there... at Manchester.. I just went to visit him a few weeks ago.

I feel the same way! I love racing and for that reason I would love to live in Kentucky, though I would never live in the states haha!

I think the filly has a chance, so good luck!

ah.... BC (British Columbia, right?)... I would love to see where you are. My Grandfather used to deliver motor homes.... and got to see many places in Canada. He used to drive Amish, too.... taking families many places.

Yes, British Columbia.

In my opinion BC is the most beautiful place in Canada, perhaps in the North America. There is nothing like it!

Hopefully, I'll be able to see all those things some day. If gas goes down again. Otherwise, I'm going to have to get a transporter.

Who is your pick for the derby today? I'm betting on Eight Belles. ;)



Eight Belles- I love her, because she's a filly in the Derby! I'm all about seeing history made haha. I would love to see a filly win the Derby. I have never seen it done, and this would be a nice filly to become the fourth to win. She has raced very impressively, she is as big as any of the boys. She could have a shot! The question is: can she handle herself against 19 colts? She has yet to be started in a colt-race. I sure hope she can do it!Yep, this is the first time she's ever run with the big boys, but I got a feeling she is going to come out of the pack and dominate the final stretch before wining the derby with a commanding lead. She's an amazing closer, and I would love to see her do what she has done best (all of 2008 that is), and that is win in a commanding way. She's got a great post position, and I guess we will find out later later on today if that helps her or not.

As you likely know, it's been 20 years this year since Winning Colors (the last filly to win the derby) won this race, and it's certainly time for another filly to wear the garland of roses.

I'd forgotten all about the Kentucky Derby! I usually watch it - it's the only horse race I ever watch.

Gotta check the TV listings!

I'm betting on Eight Belles. ;)



Yep, this is the first time she's ever run with the big boys, but I got a feeling she is going to come out of the pack and dominate the final stretch before wining the derby with a commanding lead. She's an amazing closer, and I would love to see her do what she has done best (all of 2008 that is), and that is win in a commanding way. She's got a great post position, and I guess we will find out later later on today if that helps her or not.

As you likely know, it's been 20 years this year since Winning Colors (the last filly to win the derby) won this race, and it's certainly time for another filly to wear the garland of roses.

Yes, it's been twenty years since the great filly got it, and we also lost Winning Colors this year on February 17. What a great tribute it would be to pass the torch to another deserving filly.

I agree with you. She is definitely a good filly, she's got as good a chance as any could today. The only thing I'm now really worried about is the condition of the track. Thank god it's fast right now, I just hope the rain has ceased. I really do like her position, she's off the rail, but not too far out and Jones has said that she likes the extra time to settle in the gate before the break. If she pulls a race like the Martha Washington, no one will catch her today!

How sad.... :( ..

I just hope the rain has ceased.
It has ceased. I live about 50 minutes from Churchill Downs, and it stopped raining before noon today. The sun has been out all afternoon, and it has turned into a beautiful spring day. The temperature right now is 73 F, so it really could not be much nicer than it is at the moment.

The radar shows nothing coming this way either, so the track conditions should only improve through the afternoon. ;)




If she pulls a race like the Martha Washington, no one will catch her today!I agree. If she pulls off a finish like that, I would be willing to bet that people will start talking about a potential triple crown winner with this horse. Granted, I suspect that you've likely seen as many horses that show triple crown promise as I have over the years after seeing them do great in the derby, so I do not want to give the impression that I would predict anything like that in this horse at this point. The Belmont is quite a long race as you likely know, and it certainly seperates the "men from the boys," so to speak. :cool:

However, since she''s a filly, and if she wins today like she did in the Martha Washington, I suspect many will be predicting that she could be the next triple crowner. Nothing would make me happier if she did just that. ;)

It has ceased. I live about 50 minutes from Churchill Downs, and it stopped raining before noon today. The sun has been out all afternoon, and it has turned into a beautiful spring day. The temperature right now is 73 F, so it really could not be much nicer than it is at the moment.

The radar shows nothing coming this way either, so the track conditions should only improve through the afternoon. ;)




I agree. If she pulls off a finish like that, I would be willing to bet that people will start talking about a potential triple crown winner with this horse. Granted, I suspect that you've likely seen as many horses that show triple crown promise as I have over the years after seeing them do great in the derby, so I do not want to give the impression that I would predict anything like that in this horse at this point. The Belmont is quite a long race as you likely know, and it certainly seperates the "men from the boys," so to speak. :cool:

However, since she''s a filly, and if she wins today like she did in the Martha Washington, I suspect many will be predicting that she could be the next triple crowner. Nothing would make me happier if she did just that. ;)

haha I certainly have seen as many potential triple crown winners as you have! Every Derby winner is touted as the next Crown Champion until the Preakness. Would that not be the most amazing thing if we not only had a Triple Crown winner this year, but a filly to boot?

Did you think that Rags to Riches would cross the Belmont wire first last year? She was my pick! I was working at Stampede Park Racetrack and put some money on her.

Thanks for the information about the weather!! That's good to know!

OMG.. I cannot believe it... :(

RIP Eight Belles
The gallant filly collapsed after running second to Big Brown. She broke both front ankles and was immediately euthanized.

I don't know if I ever want to say which horse I choose again. Last time I picked a horse.. that horse had to be put down too... :(

Aww :( *hugs*

Thanks... hugs back!

I was a little miffed yesterday because I forgot to watch the race - fell asleep watching a movie. :o

After hearing the news, :( it's sad enough just hearing about it, never mind seeing it.

RIP Eight Belles
The gallant filly collapsed after running second to Big Brown. She broke both front ankles and was immediately euthanized.

I was just sick when I heard the news. That is just horrible. I love racing (I even own an off the track thoroubred) but hate how the racing industry treats their horses. Two year olds are not ment to be ridden that hard. I garantee that would not have happened to her if they would have waited a year or two.

I was just sick when I heard the news. That is just horrible. I love racing (I even own an off the track thoroubred) but hate how the racing industry treats their horses. Two year olds are not ment to be ridden that hard. I garantee that would not have happened to her if they would have waited a year or two.


We like to think that and that accidents like that could be prevented but who really knows. I know of a number of older horses that broke their legs just out running in the pasture. We've turned horses out on 100 acres and found them severely injured. At those speeds, one misstep can literally end it all.

Also, a study in the UK showed that injury rates were higher for horses not ridden hard until 5 yrs old. The stress put on the ligaments and bones while they are still growing, causes them to grow stronger. Should you put that kind of stress on the more fully developed ligaments and bones of a 4-5 yr old, they never develop the strength and are more injury prone.

I hope I don't offend people with what I have to say, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion right?

I will admit, racing the horse before the age of 4-5 is wrong, but you've got to remember those horses are treated like kings. I mean, if you read what the jockey's say and how the horses are 'so eager and excited to race', it just makes you wonder how it's abusive? Horses love to run and go that fast and it's right for them to be out there. Whips have been used since who knows when, but now we see it as abusive? All I can say is, look at the horse who wins. Watch how he struts around. You can tell how excited and happy the horse is, it's unbelievable.

But like I said, it's wrong to race something that's underdeveloped. I see that as abuse. But if they wait and let the horse develop, I think it's perfectly fine.

I just can't stand how PETA is trying to ban the jockey. I mean, for what? Are you kidding me? The commentators said that Eight-Belles looked as strong as ever when she crossed the finish line. So I'm confused as to how the jockey was 'abusing' her.

And to some people who don't understand why horses are euthanized when they break their ankles, the pain w/ a horse breaking an ankle/leg is equivalent to that of a human being shot.

That's my 2 cents. I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I feel as if an anthill turned into a mountain.

I hope I don't offend people with what I have to say, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion right?

I will admit, racing the horse before the age of 4-5 is wrong, but you've got to remember those horses are treated like kings. I mean, if you read what the jockey's say and how the horses are 'so eager and excited to race', it just makes you wonder how it's abusive? Horses love to run and go that fast and it's right for them to be out there. Whips have been used since who knows when, but now we see it as abusive? All I can say is, look at the horse who wins. Watch how he struts around. You can tell how excited and happy the horse is, it's unbelievable.

But like I said, it's wrong to race something that's underdeveloped. I see that as abuse. But if they wait and let the horse develop, I think it's perfectly fine.

I just can't stand how PETA is trying to ban the jockey. I mean, for what? Are you kidding me? The commentators said that Eight-Belles looked as strong as ever when she crossed the finish line. So I'm confused as to how the jockey was 'abusing' her.

And to some people who don't understand why horses are euthanized when they break their ankles, the pain w/ a horse breaking an ankle/leg is equivalent to that of a human being shot.

That's my 2 cents. I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I feel as if an anthill turned into a mountain.

I'm not offended... it's interesting to see everyone else's viewpoint. Thanks for sharing yours.

It's been a tradition of many decades in my family to watch (and bet on) the Kentucky Derby.... after seeing Eight Belles collapse, this was the last year.

So, so sad.

I'm not offended... it's interesting to see everyone else's viewpoint. Thanks for sharing yours.

I agree, that the horses that make it as winning racers are treated like kings.

I just feel sorry for the many that don't make it as winning racers. The Jockey club registers how many foals a year? And how many make it? At two, many of these horses are worth $10,000 to unlimited amount of dollars, 75% can barely be given away by the age of 4. Just google OTTB rescue or OTTB adoption and you can get a horse cheap, cheap, cheap. If you are an experienced enough rider to handle one.

My horse's grandfather is Seattle Slew and his Father is Capote, I bought him for pennies of what the previous owner had paid for him. But, they could not wait to get rid of him, because he was not earning any money for them. I have had him for four months now and he is just now learning that people can be loving to him. :( He has ulcers from stress and like most race horses, freaked out when turned out into the pasture. After racing for 2 years, he had forgotten what a pasture was. General rule of thumb with OTTBs are to turn them out for six months if you get them directly off the track so they can get back to being a horse.

I am not against racing, there are some great people in the racing industry. But, like every horse industry, there are the bad one's that give the rest of the industry a bad name. Don't even get me started on Tennesse Walking Horses.;)

First I have to say:

HOLY HELL!!! I would adore having a son of Capote in my barn! I'm a big fan of Boston Harbor and Surfing Home!

Yes, that is definitely a good rule of thumb for an OTTB. I've seen some right after they are off the track or during the off season. They are nuts! It's pretty sad that they forget how to just be horses.

I know quite a few great people on the business, and like anything, as you said it's the bad ones who ruin it for everyone else.

So, on a better topic than the tragedy of Eight Belles, what do ya'll think of the chances of Big Brown in the Preakness?

From his record.. I think he has a good chance.. only I don't want to say he will... after the last 2 times I've chosen...and both had to be put down. I cried for ages after last weeks race.

I know I will be cheering him on!!!!! But lately I am too scared to watch.

I dont know why I read this thread as I didnt know what had happened. Boyfriend pointed out AOL header and I said dont tell me. Go to any livestock sale and see the OTTB that are run through there and finding out what really happens to most of these horses is absolutely horrifying. The Triple Crown races have horses that have qualified and are worth a fortune and because of this they are treated better. There are many races going on all the time that must have horses for this industry. Most of these horses dont earn their keep and if they are not fast and are a mare or stallion they usually dont make it to a breeding program. I always wonder what the average person thinks happens to them. I have heard so many theories from people who have never had a horse grace their lives. I would like to believe that the general public just doesn't know any better and has no idea that horse slaughter exist, where they slaughter the horses now, how they are hauled there, and how they are treated at the auction. The reason these horses are run so early is that the owners dont want to spend money to keep them longer. It is not for the welfare of the animals.
Not to offend anyone but continually whipping a horse that is running it heart out does what??? Watch a race and watch them use the whip continually. There is a difference between a training aid and a butt whipping. And people used to whip their children with belts in front of anyone not so long ago. There is a reason things like this stop, its called more evolved thinking.

I dont know why I read this thread as I didnt know what had happened. Boyfriend pointed out AOL header and I said dont tell me. Go to any livestock sale and see the OTTB that are run through there and finding out what really happens to most of these horses is absolutely horrifying. The Triple Crown races have horses that have qualified and are worth a fortune and because of this they are treated better. There are many races going on all the time that must have horses for this industry. Most of these horses dont earn their keep and if they are not fast and are a mare or stallion they usually dont make it to a breeding program. I always wonder what the average person thinks happens to them. I have heard so many theories from people who have never had a horse grace their lives. I would like to believe that the general public just doesn't know any better and has no idea that horse slaughter exist, where they slaughter the horses now, how they are hauled there, and how they are treated at the auction. The reason these horses are run so early is that the owners dont want to spend money to keep them longer. It is not for the welfare of the animals.
Not to offend anyone but continually whipping a horse that is running it heart out does what??? Watch a race and watch them use the whip continually. There is a difference between a training aid and a butt whipping. And people used to whip their children with belts in front of anyone not so long ago. There is a reason things like this stop, its called more evolved thinking.

I can tell you where they go. A double decker to Mexico or Canada!:mad: The adverage person can not just buy one of these horses and use them as a pleasure horse. I have been riding for 20 yrs and I had the brains to know, my guy needs a trainer who specializes in OTTB's. So, you have a BIG, Fat horse that nobody bids on because it is crazy and or lame. Hummmmm:rolleyes: I wonder who is going to buy it for $50? And what is the double decker for it is being loaded on? :confused: Must be a huge retirement program for racehorses the racing industry pays for with all the money it makes off these horses. Yea, thats what it is.