Sheikhs Buy Thor's Echo
 

If you can't beat them, buy them up. This is turning into the Onion article from a couple years ago where the Yankees signed every single player in MLB to assure a championship.

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DRF

It is a free market. They can buy whatever they want. I do not know why people get upset about their purchases. Instead of badgering them for buying, badger the ones selling.

Who cares? The horse would have never been a good price again anyways. Glad I caught him on BC Day :D

Wish there was some oil below my feet instead of dead bodies.

Err I mean dirt!!!

There are actually a very small amount that actually sell. What many don't realize is that if you get a horse that wins his or her first race, or even has a visually impressive race, you are almost certain to get a call from someone looking to buy the horse. I can't tell you how many people I know that were upset that they didn't sell, because the horses never went on to make anywhere close to what they were offered. When you're running a business, you sometimes have no choice.

It will be interesting to see if this horse performs at the same level without O'Neil...

This horse doesnt have the kind of speed to win the Golden Shaheen. I am an expert on this race and believe me, he just isnt quick enough.

Proud Tower Too ran decent the other day and I wouldnt be surprised if they are just targeting that race with him as defending champ.

Also, O' Neill has Roi Charmant, who would be a great fit for the Shaheen as well. I doubt hes too worried and dont be surprised if he sends Roi Charmant over there for revenge.

I look forward to the day that they own every horse.

I'll sell them mine...give them my number;)

I understand free market and business etc. but this is getting ridiculous.

I'd respond, but I've just been purchased by Godolphin.....

Does anybody have any clue how much Thors Echo was sold for?

Not missing the point at all. I just dont like hearing people complain because they buy something. It takes a buyer and a seller to make a transaction.

I dont think it is complicated. They see something they want and they go get it. I actually like how they go get what they want. I have no idea what their fascination, but I see nothing wrong with them buying what the want. Again, the seller doesnt have to sell.

People would not complain about Wal Mart as much if they bought all the Mom and Pops that they put out of business for 3x what they are worth.

As for the Sport, 3 months ago NO ONE outside of Thors Echos connections were very interested in him. He is more likely to go back to losing as he is to continue to win.

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.