Is it any wonder that horsemen get mad at the likes of Joe Drape of the New York Times, Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post, or Barry at Deadspin.com (whose second post on horse racing in two months simply read "Three Dead Horses at Saratoga) when people like them write insulting, slanderous, and seriously misguided articles about horse racing. What happened tonight at Colonial is an example of why I personally get mad.
After several months of training and waiting, Marcus was being prepared for his second race ever at Colonial. There were some very serious storms in the area, similar to the ones that happened a few weeks ago. He flipped out in the saddling area, kicked the assistant trainer to the ground and took off. .
He is caught 5 mintues later and then somebody did the one thing they shouldn't have done...they brought him back to the saddling area. With only half of a lead line, the assistant trainer (who is an experienced steeplechase rider) had no chance with Marcus. Marcus broke loose again and through the middle of the post parade.
Needless to say, he was taken out of the race. Though the blessings of God, despite all the acting up, Marcus came through with only two minor bumps. He was fit and ready to go. Our trainer had him ready and a fluke storm made the horse act up.
That is why I get mad at you Barry, Sally, and Joe. You have no idea how much we put into this sport and how much we have to put up with.
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