re: 2019 Kentucky Derby

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In defense, I’ve been around plenty of claimers in my time that are also treated like rock stars. Are there some bad eggs? yes. But for the most part the people who work with these horses day in and day out are very attached to them

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Don't get me wrong, abject abuse is not the norm but there is a lot that goes on with these animals that is still ill treatment. Of course people get attached but there is a hard nosed attitude toward them as well. They are an investment, after all.

And, as I said, it's been a while for me, I'm 57. I grew up with it in the days of bush tracks and Evangeline Downs in Carencro with mixed thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, which is not very common anymore. But I grew up with some of the horses just down the road from me at my Paran's house and I saw and heard a lot that was not good. But I also saw my uncle cry when he had to put one of his rock stars (just above a claimer) down.

It is not a business for the faint of heart and I grew less fond of it as I grew older. But it still has a place in my heart because of childhood memories with certain family members.