Videos To Stop Killing The Horse Racing Stars

Every year at this time racing fans turn their thoughts to finding the next champion, a new hero to lift the Sport of Kings onto the front pages of the paper - at least for the six weeks it takes to complete the Triple Crown. Last year, Big Brown captivated the American public with his powerful win in the Derby and now stands at stud at Three Chimneys farm in Kentucky.

Big Brown is undoubtedly one of the lucky ones. By now, many are familiar with the story of Ferdinand who won the Kentucky Derby in 1986 and accomplished co-star of the great battles with another Derby champion Alysheba. While Alysheba was recently returned to his Kentucky home, Ferdinand ended up a victim of horse slaughter in Japan. You can read Ray Paulick's version of the story here.

Ferdinand Winning the 1986 Kentucky Derby



In 1978, Exceller made headlines defeating Triple Crown winners Seattle Slew and Affirmed in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Ridiculously speedy early fractions set up a 22-length cavalry charge as Exceller nipped Seattle Slew at the wire by a nose. Affirmed was unable to even hold on for show money. Sadly, Exceller also met his fate at the hands of slaughter though this time in Sweden. You can read the details here.

Exceller Tops Seattle Slew, Affirmed in 1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup



To try and prevent tragedies like those listed above, Alex Brown is working with his Fans of Barbaro group to rescue all level of horses from claimers to champions. In an attempt raise awareness regarding horse slaughter, Brown has launched a video contest. The winner of the contest will have $1,000 donated to the rescue foundation of their choice. The details can be found here: YouTube Horse Slaughter Contest.

For background information, contestants should read the essay on Horse Slaughter that deconstructs the issue in detail.

If you need a little inspiration, check out the Alex Brown Youtube channel for some excellent horse rescue videos.

I know many of us are concentrating on finding a good price in the Kentucky Derby Futures Pool, but let's also take some time out to remember our past champs as well.
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If you don't have the technical savvy to make a video, you can always help out by donating to our good friends below.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Visit Alex Brown Racing and read about the issues and get involved.

Visit Long Run Thoroughbred Retirement Society and adopt a horse or volunteer.

Visit Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society and adopt a trotter or pacer.

Visit Phase 2 Thoroughbreds and help a race horse find a second career.

Get political with the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition.

DID YOU KNOW that you can donate funds directly from your HorsePlayerInteractive account to the Long Run Retirement Society. 1500 points can be redeemed for a $5 donation.

Racing Rivalries - Big Brown As A Modern Alysheba?

A lot has been made in the press in recent weeks about a potential match up between Curlin and Big Brown to decide who is the best horse in the world.

The idea of a rivalry between these two great horses is a bit premature in my opinion as Big Brown has yet to establish his reputation against anyone other than three year olds. Big Brown may be a great horse, however he has much to prove over the coming months to cement his reputation in racing history. Big Brown's legacy is suffering from the fact that in all of his wins, he has been so much the best horse that it's only natural to question the talent, right or wrong, of who he has been facing.

Consider the great battles between 1987 Derby champ Alysheba and Bet Twice, or the brilliant battles between Sunday Silence and Easy Goer in 1989. The stirring stretch drives of their triple crown runs did much to advance the legend of all four horses involved.



A comparison between Alysheba and Big Brown shows that both horses entered the Belmont on the verge of a triple crown. Big Brown has long been plagued in the press with regard to drugs thanks to his larger-than-life trainer Rick Dutrow. Dutrow was suspended earlier this year for use of the drug clenbuterol. Alysheba entered the Belmont having to race without lasix for the first time as it was not allowed in New York racing at the time.

Ultimately, both Big Brown and Alysheba failed in their quest to win a triple crown and as a result both horses were compared against more recent champions. Alysheba went on to face 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand in the Breeder's Cup Classic and lost in a stirring stretch drive that will endure in the memory of racing fans everywhere.



While Big Brown versus 2007 Derby champ Curlin would make for a memorable Breeders Cup Classic, I have no doubt that Curlin would be the prohibitive favourite and cannot shake my doubts that Big Brown's three year old compatriots just don't hold a candle to the rivalling class of past Derby champs. In order to launch Big Brown into the stratosphere of legends like Alysheba, Big Brown needs to face Curlin.

The end result may not be in favour of the handsome 2008 Derby winner, but Big Brown's team should push for a match up as even a gut wrenching second will do wonders for the reputation of an equine athlete looking to get out from under the shadow of his human handlers.