No Breeders Cup for Ben's Cat .

[Blue feather]

Most of us are in the racing business for the love of horses and the competition. If you're in it for the money you need to find a new business. I find it hard to swallow that King T. doesn't have the guts to give Bens Cat a shot. I'm suprised he paid to ship him to Philadelphia Park to run in the Turf Monster. He has done an injustice to all of us who dream of having a horse that has the ability to compete at this level. He chose green paper over an experience that damn few are lucky enough to have. I am shocked that a man of his advanced years has not learned about the illusion of materialism. It takes courage to seek greatness. Their is always risk involved when seeking greatness. To let an opportunity for greatness pass without trying speaks volumes of a man content to live a life of mediocrity. Millions of people have the ability to earn 100k, only a handful of people have won a Breeders Cup race. I can imagine King T. on his deathbed saying" My one regret is I don't have another 100,000 dollars in the bank".

[DDT]

Blue Feather

First, if you loved horses you would not subject them to racing or the environment necessary to be competitive.

Second, if you love competition more than horses, you will race your horses.

You have continued to lambast King on this subject and because he decided that the 100K risk is not worth the reward somehow that makes him the bad guy.

I am still searching for a reason why Ben's Cat not running in the Breeders Cup is an injustice to all owners who dream of having a horse that has the ability to compete at this level. Sounds a little like "ego" to me, which by the way is neither love of horses or competition.

I have an idea, get 100 fans that think the same as you do, each put up $1,000.00, and if Ben's Cat wins or runs 2nd or 3rd you will make a nice profit for your faith plus get your name up in lights.

DDT

[casallc]

Most of us are in the racing business for the love of horses and the competition. If you're in it for the money you need to find a new business. I find it hard to swallow that King T. doesn't have the guts to give Bens Cat a shot. I'm suprised he paid to ship him to Philadelphia Park to run in the Turf Monster. He has done an injustice to all of us who dream of having a horse that has the ability to compete at this level. He chose green paper over an experience that damn few are lucky enough to have. I am shocked that a man of his advanced years has not learned about the illusion of materialism. It takes courage to seek greatness. Their is always risk involved when seeking greatness. To let an opportunity for greatness pass without trying speaks volumes of a man content to live a life of mediocrity. Millions of people have the ability to earn 100k, only a handful of people have won a Breeders Cup race. I can imagine King T. on his deathbed saying" My one regret is I don't have another 100,000 dollars in the bank".

What a load of crap! More power to King Leatherbury for his common sense, a quality that you fail to comprehend. It's a fools bet to pay the penalty - King knows it. There are other horses, other races and other days.

[Blue feather]

DDT
My comments are directed toward the horseman that get up at 4am, 7 days a week, 365 days year because of their passion for thoroughbred racing. The thrill experienced in the 2 minute span of a race involving their horse is unsurpassed by most experiences in life, at least for the horseman. Ego is a vital component involved in the pursuit of any goal or acheivement, winning races is no exception. The injustice is the fact that horses like this come along so rarely. Leatherbury himself said it is likely the best horse he has ever owned and Leatherbury has won over 6000 races. The decision not to run is not logical considering the risky nature of racing. If you need to search for a reason why Bens Cat skipping the BC it is an injustice to owners, you have never experienced owning and racing a horse. I believe most horseman understand my disappointment.
Lastly, I would only need 100 fans to come up with 100k nomination fee.

[DDT]

Blue feather

You are correct, in my haste to post I added an extra zero, but still, your last post sums it all up, and I am glad to see that others share my opinion that it is not an injustice to any horseman, owner or fan, but it surely seems to be an injustice to you, and really, it is not up to you to decide that King is making a mistake by not running. You are entitled to an opinion, but in my opinion, you should not be allowed to pass judgement on him or attempt to speak for other horseman, owners or fans, they can speak for themselves.

DDT

[Terrapin Flyer]

As an owner, trainer, breeder and fan I agree 100% with you Blue Feather. Money is just paper that comes and goes. Getting a horse good enough to run in the BC doesn't come around too often.

[DDT]

Terrapin Flyer

As an owner, trainer, breeder and fan do you also think that other owners, trainers, breeders and fans have a right to second guess your decisions about when and where to run your horses, especially if your decision not to run involves payment of a 100K for a chance at a winner's share of 600K?

DDT

[DDT]

Blue feather

How about Winter Memories, Toner announced before her lack luster performance in the QEII that she was not going to the Breeders Cup but I did not see any talk about injustice to breeders, owners, trainers or fans because her owners and trainer decided to keep her off the big stage.

DDT

[Blue feather]

Winter Memories is owned by John Phillips who owns Darby Dan Farms. He has already had several successes in the Breeders Cup among many other achievements. We are talking about an obvious once in a lifetime opportunity for this man and he is passing on it because of a financial risk. If Leatherbury had similar successes I would be closer to seeing his view. This is the biggest race of his life and he is passing it up. Bens Cat is the hottest horse of the Turf Sprint field. For Leatherbury, their will likely be no other horses, no other races and no other days that could possibly equal the Breeders Cup. If by some miracle he happens to come across another contender for the BC, I'm sure he would pass that one up too.
To clarify, my view is strictly about Leatherbury's racing decisions not about him as a person. He deserves respect for his accomplishments and his decision. I just fervently disagree with this one. DDT, I also respect your opinion but, I couldn't disagree more.

[DDT]

Blue feather

Obviously you have the opinion that this race is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it would be worth the $100K gamble to you. Again, it is how King T. feels about it, not you, that is important here. Whether or not he has been there before or will never have another chance at a Breeders Cup victory, it is still his decision to make and he made it, why you find it difficult to deal with is beyond me. Quite frankly, it is none of your business, and in my opinion, very childish and cheeky to continue to complain about it.

DDT

[Blue feather]

DDT
Instead of having a problem with my opinion, why don't you voice one of your own. Seems you have more of an issue with me voicing an opinion than with the topic. You have discribed me as egotistical, childish and cheeky. It is unfortunate your comments are directed toward me and not the topic. I am blessed and grateful to have passion for the sport of racing. If you can't understand my view at least stay on topic and don't reduce it to a personal attack.

[Marsalon]

It's the Internet . . . where nobody's opinion matters and nobody cares, especially me and mine.

[Bast]

Different people have different notions of what is desirable and wonderful.

If I had a top classic horse, my most wished-for goal would be winning the Arc de Triomphe, not the Kentucky Derby and not the BC Classic. That's just me. As far as I know, no American-trained horse has ever won it; very few have tried. (Jack Price had guts.)

[DDT]

Blue feather

I apologize, I thought I was on topic, again, you are entitled to your opinion and I thought I made my opinion on the matter clear, if not, it is my opinion that King T. can do whatever he likes with his horses.

DDT

[Blue feather]

You are a good sport DDT. I will be rooting for Bens Cat in the Laurel Sprint and hope Leatherbury has continued success with him.