Dear Readers,
Bummer! Oh well, that’s why it’s so
hard to run in all three Triple Crown races, let alone win them all. I’m not
going to comment on the verbal shenanigans going on all over the airways yesterday
and today. I would wager my odds, for garnering negative criticism, would be far
shorter than those of California Chrome. But having said that, it is my blog,
and I can say what I want. So I choose to take a look at some remarkable images
that have surfaced after the race.
If you want to write a script and
include the perfect excuse for California Chrome failing to win the Belmont Stakes
and thus the Triple Crown, start by going to Google and do a search using: California Chrome and Matterhorn start, and
then select images. Now look at the images frame by frame. Clearly there was
contact.
Matterhorn’s rider, Joe Bravo is
standing up in the stirrups and trying to pull his horse off of California
Chrome. Matterhorn’s left leg is stuck under California Chrome and behind his right
leg.
Next frame, California Chrome’s right
leg is at an unnatural angle, his head is going down and his rider is
desperately trying to pull it up and steady his horse. This would be where the inside
right bulb of California Chrome’s hoof was nearly torn completely off. From
what I can see, it is unlikely that they will be able to leave that piece
attached. It will have to be removed and it will take some time for it to grow
out. It’s not a life threatening injury and in fact the whole incident could
have been far worse.
Instead of criticizing Victor Espinoza,
people should be showering him as well as Joe Bravo with accolades. This
incident out of the gate could have, and it’s a wonder it didn’t, resulted in a
spectacular spill. Instantaneous reflexes by two very talented riders secured
the safety of both their mounts and tragedy was averted.
Just take the time to reflect on the
last seven weeks leading up to and through the Triple Crown. Try to remember
that for one brief shining moment, there was a country mesmerized by the glory
and wonder of a brilliant chestnut star.
California Chrome’s star remains
untarnished for me, and I hope for all of you reading this, that you feel the
same way. He is just a horse, a horse who gives his all every time he is asked
to run, and no matter what comments are said…California Chrome neither reads
them nor hears them.
Take
care,
Shelley
Riley, Author of Casual Lies – A Triple Crown Adventure
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