Rhoden on the Triple Crown

William Rhoden has been a sports columnist for the NY Times since 1983 and covered most major horse races for decades. In my opinion, his is one of the most eloquent voices in the sport. When he writes, I pay attention.

His column in last Sunday's NY times was one such example. He is not sure that a Triple Crown would redeem a sport he has renounced.

"Racing still lacks accountability," he writes. "The problem that existed in 2008 exists today: racing is a sprawling, disjointed industry with no central leadership. It is untamed and will remain so until the federal government forces this renegade industry to establish a central governing body. Until then, the blood sport will continue to be the province of a handful of powerful people — others in the industry whom Porter calls self-appointed commissioners — who resist uniform, meaningful reform."

The Porter he refers to is Rick Porter, owner of Eight Belles, who was euthanized on the track after almost beating Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby. Since then Porter has pushed for the reforms that would bring enforceable rules and regulations to a sport that has run the animals on which the industry is based, into the ground.

"Four years ago, Rick Porter seriously considered getting out of the game, but he found that racing, despite the loss of Eight Belles, was in his blood," continues Rhoden. "Moments like this one with I’ll Have Another, with the excitement generated by a possible Triple Crown, rekindle the fire and remind Porter why he didn’t leave."

"Will thoroughbred racing have its historic moment?" Rhoden wonders.

"The more appropriate question is, does the industry really deserve one?"