I understand where you are coming from. I was in a situation with a horse that the Dubai boys wanted and my owner did not want to sell. As it turned out, the horse never won another race and now you probably could not get 10% of what they were offering. So it sucks in the terms of the 'sport', but there are a whole lot of other things that are detracting from the sport more than Shiekh Mo and co.

You know, I was a little mom and pop store that got bought up by a larger company. I didn't have to sell but I did because I didn't want to be in the tire business all my life. I have no problem with companies buying up smaller businesses. I also have no problem with the Sheiks buying up what they consider top horse flesh. There is plenty of flesh to go around. From a racing standpoint, I don't see how they are ruining the sport. Now, I completely see how they are hurting the sport from a breeding standpoint.

Breeding has completely ruined horse racing from a spectator's and bettor's point of view. If you are one of those people who get their rocks off looking at pedigree stuff, then more power to you. Frankly I find it as boring as watching women's basketball. I want to bet and watch the top horses race. Dont care at all how much this horse or that horse gets in the shed. Why should I? How could that ever benefit me?

I agree with you 1000% regarding women's b-ball. I am getting interested in the breeding side of the game. But I like it as another tool in my handicapping. I could care less who costs what etc etc. I want to see the best race, however I also understand that this is still a business and people need to make money when they can.

Was it not a business 10-15 years ago when the sport was alive and kicking? When it captured the attention of people who werent just gambling afficionados? I mean have you watched some of the horses in the mid 90's run? They were amazing and for each one, their was 2,3 and sometimes 4 rivals depending on which division you are talking about. Now its all too predictable who we will see as the favorite for races like the Donn, Dubai World Cup, Met Mile, etc etc.

Its 2007 and can you even name 5 horses and or rivalries that are truly "memorable" from this decade?

Yes it was a business 10-15 years ago, but the business has changed quit a bit in those 10-15 years. Could you imagine what Silver Charm, Pleasant Colony, Silverbulletday etc etc would go for these days. Plus it also depends which owners own a horse. The people that owned Alex are not in the breeding game. They got into horse racing as a hobby and found that they could make money. People like that almost have to take the stud money these days.

Could you imagine what Silver Charm, Pleasant Colony, Silverbulletday etc etc would go for these days.

No, nor do I care. What i really care about is cashing tickets and being able to see competitive graded stakes. Not 4 horse fields where one horse thats 2/5 wins by 6 lengths, that isnt even all that great of a horse.