Why I'm a fan, Part One

My least favorite question, one that I have been asked over and over by many people is, "How can someone who loves horses the way that you do support something as savage and cruel as the sport of horse racing?" When asked respectfully, this usually leads to a friendly debate where I acknowledge the dark side of horse racing while pointing out the moments that take my breath away. I go on and on about the passion behind the sport, and the fact that the horses have more pure passion for winning than their owners ever will. I talk about the yearlings in the field, running flat out to win with no prize in sight other than a nap in the shade. In the end, no one's mind is changed- they still view horseracing as inhumane, and I still see the beauty overshadowing everything else.

I understand this question, I really do. Mainstream media is more interested in the sensationalism of breakdowns than the joy of a new track record or a photo finish. Heartbreak sells, and this is what is sold to the general public. But watch a horserace, where you will hear things that would bring tears to the eyes of even the most grizzled old handicapper:

• “And here he is!... the incomparable, invincible, unbeatable Cigar!" (Tom Durkin, 1995 Breeders Cup Classic)
• “Secretariat is widening now. He is moving like a tremendous machine!” (Chick Anderson's, 1973 Belmont Stakes)
• “An amazing, unbelievable performance by this miracle horse..." (Chick Anderson's, 1973 Belmont Stakes)
• "With one....final...acceleration....and Sunday Silence HOLDS on and he wins by a desperate neck!" (Tom Durkin 1989 Breeder's Cup Classic)
• “Tiznow fights on! Here’s the wire! Desperately close! TIZNOW WINS IT FOR AMERICA!!!!!!!” (Tom Durkin, 2001 Breeder's Cup Classic in New York, shortly after September 11th.)
• “He’s a winner, he’s the winner!!! …. Mrs. Genter, I love you!” (Carl Nafzger to 92 year old owner Francis Genter, Kentucky Derby 1990)
• “It’s a filly in the Belmont!!! Rag’s to Riches has beaten Curlin and 100 years of Belmont history!” (2007 Belmont Stakes)
• "Oh, my! This is the greatest comeback since Lazarus!" (Tom Durkin, 1998 Breeder's Cup Mile)
  
  Hearing the excitement and joy in these words expresses more about the sport of horse racing than any written word ever could.
  
  When I was surfing through YouTube earlier today, I came across this:
  
  
  
  This video is a tribute to Secretariat, arguably horse racings greatest hero since Man O' War. This was shown to a grieving public at the 1989 Eclipse Awards, shortly after Secretariat died. How can you hear the call of a race, or see a loving tribute like this and find the sport cold and heartless?
  
  Stay tuned for Part Two...