Yesterday's Breeder's Cup Classic race was won by Curlin, winner of the Preakness. It was a significant display of talent on a sloppy track. Only moments before they loaded the horses into the starting gate, I thought to myself that the slop looked deep and heavy and I hoped that all horses and riders had safe trips.
Sure enough, George Washington, who also ran in the Classic, broke his ankle and was humanely destroyed on the track. His injury blocked the blood flow to his limb, in which case, there is nothing to be done to save the horse. In a tragic, ironic twist, George Washington was bred by none other than Roy and Gretchen Jackson, owners of Barbaro.
The Jacksons sold the horse to Sheik Mohammed a few years ago so there were no ties other than sentimental to the late horse. Nonetheless, I am sure it was heart wrenching for them to watch one of their "offspring" (so to speak) meet such a tragic end. Of course, the television announcers pointed out the connection to Barbaro, proof once again of the longevity of this story.
I personally do not understand why George Washington was running in the Classic and not in one of the turf races, the surface on which he ran in Europe. Perhaps the longer distance of the Classic suited him better.
Nonetheless, it was a tragic reminder of the fragility of these magnificent beasts and it was especially heartbreaking to see one go down who was a sentimental favorite. I am sure the Jacksons did not needed to be reminded of either fact, especially in such a public arena.
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