Old men with a competitive bent prefer to destroy each other through other means. Unfortunately, some old horse owners don't have the fire in their ulcer filled-bellies, leaving the sport without the 1950s undercutting snide remarks that old people are famous for.
(Photo: Seattle Times)The sport needs some owners to slum it a little and start backhand slapping each other. Figuratively or physically. Owners vs. owners is another rivalry that can improve horse racing.
Lady Dunbar once forced me to watch the movie Dreamer. In the movie, which was based on a true story, a sheik ends up fronting the money for the horse to enter the Breeders' Cup. Why? Because his rival brother had the favorite horse and he was up a crick without a paddle.
These are the kinds of storylines we need for races. Two competing stables hating each other so much that they would do almost anything to beat each other or make the other lose.
However, there are downsides to an owner vs. owner rivalry. Usually, the owners let their money do the talking, resulting in astronomical auction prices, making the sport cost prohibitive to others. Also, once you are reminded of who the owners are, you understand why it is called the "Sport of Kings" and off putting to the common man.
I can't say this is the most exciting rivalry that could be developed in horse racing. It's hard for a fan to root for a billionaire, but who wasn't pulling for the high school buddies that owned Funny Cide? Who doesn't cheer for the startup stable against a $16 million horse?
The sport could use some more average joe owners that actually want to be a part of horse racing rather than owners needing something to do with their millions. Then, we can have some more lively competition.
One more topic in the rivalery episodes then we will move on to a new series and get ready for the Breeders' Cup.
-posted by CR Dunbar
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