Postby geowarrior » Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:13 pm
I have to say I can't entirely fault Jordan for having a passion. I teach first year U students and although many are wonderful, in some I detect a jaded attitude which seems sad in people so young. Could just be my class though! My point is that it is good that he is enthusiastic, but I agree with everyone that he is worryingly unrealistic, and that parental guidance is needed since he is not listening to any of the experts who post to this forum.
I just bought tiny shares in three two year olds who race at Arlington Park. I'm thrilled to finally be involved in some small way in racing, but I am realistic in the sense that although these are far from being claiming horses, I won't be attending the Run for the Roses any time soon. I also know that this is likely to the maximum extent of my involvement in racing given my current financial situation. Jordan needs to understand the realities. Even if he found a partner weird enough to buy a quarter million dollar mare and give him the foal, he would not be able to afford to train and race it, and even if another weirdo chipped in and paid for the training and racing, the foal might be injured at any time, and never race at all.
Jordan not only needs to learn about pedigrees, but also about the cost of breeding, keeping, training and racing horses. If Jordan was truly committed, he could earn money mowing lawns, get his babysitter's license when he is fourteen (assuming he matures and becomes more responsible), and keep saving with the intent of buying a share in a horse through a reputable partnership outfit. He also needs to improve his communication skills if he wants to be taken seriously by any kind of employer who might pay the kind of adult wages he would need to indulge his dreams more fully. There was a partnership group at Emerald Downs, which is close to his location, but I don't know if it still exists. In any case, owning such a share would expose him to the realities of racing in which costs and risks are high, and it's a quarter of a century since any horse, let alone one likely to be owned by Jordan, has won the Triple Crown.
It's fine to dream, but by being realistic, one can sometimes realize just a fraction of the dream, which, with the right attitude can be utterly thrilling. But of course you all know this - this is aimed at Jordan whom we already know isn't listening. So why did I write this? Because it looks like all of you have tried to reach him, so I figure I ought to try once too.