If the race lasted somewhat over 4-5 minutes, nothing in this country could stay with these horses in a G1---it is closer to 8-10 minutes covering 4 miles or so and hellishly configured jumps and turns ... A fascinating lore behind this event, and it is very impressive ... That is the good news ...
MMSC has very good reasons for not wanting to watch ... A cavalry charge of more horses than we are used to seeing headed for those monstrous obstacles is daunting enough, but it is a rare thing that there are no falls, injuries, or fatalities ....
The first time I watched this race, the favorite--a fine, stout accomplished animal---wiped out at the first fence and received a broken back ...
While we are sadly used to seeing breakdowns, this race seems to court them for obvious reasons ...
It is a thing of beauty to see a good one jump the jumps and stay the course, but it is also a race of what can be viewed as a near demolition derby ...
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