Story today illustrates just what a farce of a sport thoroughbred horse racing can be sometimes:
Last year as 2 year olds Teofilo and Holy Roman Emperor had superb battles. Now in 2007 they are expected to be in their prime and eligible for the classics - 2,000 Guineas, Derby, end of season jaunt in America etc.
But because last year’s great Coolmore horse George Washington (who retired to stud at age 3 as is the norm for the great 3 year olds) has had fertility problems and isn’t making any money for Coolmore as a result so they retired this year’s great hope to stud instead - despite the fact he hasn’t done anything yet except show lots of promise.
It’s shite and it shows how much more of an industry flat racing is than a sport. A far remove from national hunt racing.
Emperor retired following Washington shock
10/03/2007 - 17:54:05
Holy Roman Emperor has been retired to stud at Coolmore to replace George Washington following the discovery that last years 2000 Guineas hero has fertility problems.
The Aidan OBrien-trained Holy Roman Emperor had been second-favourite for this years Newmarket Classic behind his old adversary Teofilo.
A statement from Coolmore said: In the very early stages of George Washingtons stud career, his fertility has been questioned. Coolmore today brought in veterinary expert Dr Dixon Varner from the USA to consult on the matter and are awaiting prognosis.
That’s gas alright. Not a huge horse racing fan but flat racing just doesn’t do it for me. Have been at a few meetings and it just didn’t hold any real interest for me.
On the other the jumps are a great day out. Gold Cup day in Cheltenham in 2005 was great laugh and Bettyville Park in Wexford on a crisp October afternoon never lets you down.
I was reading a couple of quotes from Aidan O’Brien yesterday and he was clearly angry at the decision to retire Holy Roman Emperor. He was quick to point out that they had every expectation that HRE would continue his progression (i.e. they weren’t trying to capitalise on a promising season with a horse that was now having difficulty).
2,000 Guineas will be a huge letdown now at the weekend. From the hotly anticipated showdown beteween Holy Roman Emperor and Teofilo both horses have now withdrawn (Teofilo through injury, HRE retired aged 2).
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On the other the jumps are a great day out. Gold Cup day in Cheltenham in 2005 was great laugh and Bettyville Park in Wexford on a crisp October afternoon never lets you down.[/QUOTE]
