dennis (9/26/2008 9:22 AM)
For getting people to the how about a fan friendly track that doesn't treat the little guys like crap.Take Keeneland and Saratoga and even River Downs that try and treat you right unlike Churchill Downs.I went there for 38 years but quit the Downs 4 years because of the way the jerks treated the regular guy out there.I live 6 miles away but won't go but will drive fo Keeneland or River.The crowd is usually less than 1/2 what it was in the nineties except Derby and Oaks.They had a new president named in 2000 that seemed to change things and run regulars away so I know what happened so quit blowing the smoke about trying to get new people when the good ole Churchill management since 2000 ran them out and now want to cry the crowds are gone.PLEASE!!!!!!

kevin morris (9/25/2008 5:15 PM)
I have to say just one more thing regarding horse slaughter-HR 6598 is just an attempt to close a loophole in already existing law. This country decided that horse slaughter is wrong and made it illegal in the U.S. The slaughter industry countered by shipping U.S. horses out of the country to avoid the law, and HR 6598 is designed to close this this loophole. It is illogical to make something illegal, but allow people to take action to do the same illegal act beyond our borders. How would the U.S. react if Mexico decided it was OK to ship drugs through Mexico to the U.S., as long as they didn't distribute them in Mexico?

Michelle (9/25/2008 3:06 PM)
I love horse racing because I love horses. Therefore, I am against horse slaughter. I am against horse slaughter therefore I must be a PETA wacko and my opinion doesn't matter. Give me a break! They eat dogs and cats in other countries we don't slaughter them here. I realize sometimes there are unwanted horses and homes cannot be found for all of them. Anyone ever heard of euthanasia?

Sally Bonneau (9/25/2008 2:26 PM)
Mr. Waldrop: It was both shocking and disheartening to learn of the NTRA's "no position position" regarding HB6598 (Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008). But, wait, the NTRA did take a position, didn't it? If you're not against horse slaughter, then you must be for it. All righty, then - we've got that straight now. What an absolute betrayal to: • those in your industry who have labored passionately to end slaughter, transport into other countries for purposes of slaughter - in fact, anything to do with the slaughter of our horses. I'm sure you've seen the letter submitted by Josephine Abercrombie, and signed by an illustrious roster of owners, trainers and jockeys. They get it. Why doesn't the NTRA? • the loyal fan base who continues to support NTRA racing by attending live action at their local tracks as often as they can, traveling many miles to enjoy racing at other tracks, and by watching the races when they are televised. We get it. Why doesn't the NTRA? (However, this brings up another point of contention I have right now: how can a race featuring the magnificent Curlin this weekend be relegated to ESPN News??? Most households do not get ESPN News or ESPN Classic. Curlin's final race leading into the BC should be on a channel accessible by everyone! - please work on a better TV package!) • the prospective fan base you are attempting to attract to modern-day NTRA racing. It isn't going to happen when they find out what happens to far too many of your equine athletes after their track careers end. (Believe me, they will get it - and stay away in droves.) • and, most of all, to those wonderful equine athletes. Let's be honest, you couldn't do it without them. Your "no position position" indeed is a betrayal to them - which leads directly to the Ultimate Betrayal. There are so many reputable and respected organizations working in behalf of the TB, and so many reputable and respected individuals, both in and out of the industry, who are dedicating time, effort, funding, and passion to anti-horse slaughter initiatives. I will never understand why the NTRA is not among this group. Please reconsider your organization's position, put the clout of the NTRA behind this legislation, and advise Congress accordingly. Thank you - Sally Bonneau Indianapolis

Patrick (9/25/2008 11:33 AM)
Hi I'm the inside the box, my space cadet you're all angy about. Thanks for all the discussion, good and bad, it's good to talk about it. There were others in the group, and we're now all writing about our experiences, please be sure to check us out, many are at http://thoroughbredbloggersalliance.blogspot.com/ and I'm writing yesterday, today and tomorrow about my experiences:http://handride.blogspot.com/ I'm fine talking about whatever anyone wants to talk about, so come on by.