Sheikh Mo and Bernardini

[Hwjb]

I just read through the thread regarding the retirement of Bernadini and, whilst I found some of the views aired within the thread pretty repellent, I'm not getting into a socio-politics now, don't worry Steve!

I'd just like to defend the Maktoum family from how I see the situation.

First, irrespective of how much money they have to spend, Sheikh Mohammed et bros have suffered some appalling luck with their horses, and it comes as on surprise to me when they have one who acts on dirt that they want to do whatever they can to ensure that he retires to stud fit and healthy.
A few examples of Godolphin horses alone.
Dubai Millennium, the best Flat racehorse I've ever seen, dies during his first year at stud.
Electrocutionist, so rare in that he was capable of high-class form on turf and dirt.
Modern Dubai, Storm Silk, Henrik, Majority Vote, Blue Mirage, Blues And Royals, Royal Proposal. The list goes on and on and I know there are more.

So they retired one in the hope that it doesn't meet the same fate. So what, it's their horse. To call into question the sportsmanship of Sheikh Mo on the back of that is absurd in the extreme. But to wish ill on the horse or the man because of it is just plain wrong.

Originally Posted by Hwjb

I just read through the thread regarding the retirement of Bernadini and, whilst I found some of the views aired within the thread pretty repellent, I'm not getting into a socio-politics now, don't worry Steve!

I'd just like to defend the Maktoum family from how I see the situation.

First, irrespective of how much money they have to spend, Sheikh Mohammed et bros have suffered some appalling luck with their horses, and it comes as on surprise to me when they have one who acts on dirt that they want to do whatever they can to ensure that he retires to stud fit and healthy.
A few examples of Godolphin horses alone.
Dubai Millennium, the best Flat racehorse I've ever seen, dies during his first year at stud.
Electrocutionist, so rare in that he was capable of high-class form on turf and dirt.
Modern Dubai, Storm Silk, Henrik, Majority Vote, Blue Mirage, Blues And Royals, Royal Proposal. The list goes on and on and I know there are more.

So they retired one in the hope that it doesn't meet the same fate. So what, it's their horse. To call into question the sportsmanship of Sheikh Mo on the back of that is absurd in the extreme. But to wish ill on the horse or the man because of it is just plain wrong.

Blahhhh.
He doesn't need that stud money for Bern, he could have raced him at 4.

[Slewbopper]

Originally Posted by oracle80

Blahhhh.
He doesn't need that stud money for Bern, he could have raced him at 4.

Blahhh is right.

I am tired of these bastards that have been raiding our yearling sales since the early 80s. They are a bunch of hypocrits who behave under the disguise of being sportsmen, when their only interest is their own glory and dominance of the sport.

[Betsy]

I would never wish ill-will on the Sheikh, but he can no longer claim to be a sportsman and his decision stinks. The horse, to this point, is sound - he is potentially a great horse (I think we'll see his best effort in the Classic) and he could do wonderful things next year. Regardless of the split fandom on message boards, Bernardini is clearly very popular with fans at the track -he's very charismatic in addition to talented. It would have been wonderful to see just how good this colt could be; now it's another in a long line of "what might have beens". Obviously I don't doubt Bernardini like most of the people on this board, but I'm as angry or even angrier and I'm not going to enjoy the run up to the BC because all I can think of his a horse unnecessarily being retired before he even hits his peak. I just hope that there are a ton of editorials taking the Sheikh to task for his decision; obviously it won't change his mind, but at least John Ferguson, etc......will know just how angry people are.

[blackthroatedwind]

" Dubai Millennium, the best Flat racehorse I've ever seen, dies during his first year at stud. "

Is this an example of why they should or shouldn't retire Bernardini?

[Hwjb]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

" Dubai Millennium, the best Flat racehorse I've ever seen, dies during his first year at stud. "

Is this an example of why they should or shouldn't retire Bernardini?

It's an example of the cruel luck Godolphin have experienced in bundleloads, and a reason as to why they might want to retire Bernardini as a champion 3yo and subject him to as few risks as possible.

[Hwjb]

Originally Posted by Slewbopper

Blahhh is right.

I am tired of these bastards that have been raiding our yearling sales since the early 80s. They are a bunch of hypocrits who behave under the disguise of being sportsmen, when their only interest is their own glory and dominance of the sport.

They're public auctions for Christ's sake. What do you propose? Banning foreigners from attending?

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Hwjb

They're public auctions for Christ's sake. What do you propose? Banning foreigners from attending?

Obviously you are right, and that is just silly, as they have a right to spend their money as they like, and do as they wish with their horses. However, by the same token, we have the same rights to dislike their actions, and even them, if we so choose.

Sorry, people here are racing fans, and from most of our perspectives the possible retirement of Bernardini after this season is extremely disappointing and fustrating.

[Bernardini]

Originally Posted by Slewbopper

Blahhh is right.

I am tired of these bastards that have been raiding our yearling sales since the early 80s. They are a bunch of hypocrits who behave under the disguise of being sportsmen, when their only interest is their own glory and dominance of the sport.

but ist that true for most big players ??? Why single out SHK MO ??

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Bernardini

but ist that true for most big players ???

Like who???

[Linny]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Like who???

Coolmore...

[Linny]

Originally Posted by Bernardini

but ist that true for most big players ??? Why single out SHK MO ??

Every one of the major owner/breeders knows that breeding is where the money is. The racing (for all of them) is merely a means of establishing the breeding value of a horse.

This is true of everyone from Sheikh Mohammed to the Coolmore gang to Mr. Farish to Fusao Sekiguchi to Shadai Farm.

Sadly the modern racing fan needs to deal with the fact that the only reason for the racing career is to establish breeding value and once that value is maximized, the horse will leave the racing realm.

[Dunbar]

Originally Posted by Hwjb

So they retired one in the hope that it doesn't meet the same fate. So what, it's their horse. To call into question the sportsmanship of Sheikh Mo on the back of that is absurd in the extreme. But to wish ill on the horse or the man because of it is just plain wrong.

Hwjb, I don't think there is anything wrong with hoping Bernardini loses the BC Classic. Why should I hope otherwise? I hope he is soundly beaten. I'll root against any horse that is scheduled to be retired as a healthy 3-yr-old, no matter who owns him and no matter how rich they are. (even owners for whom a deal would be mean life-changing money can find ways to protect a good chunk of the potential money.) The sport needs stars much more than it needs yet another high-priced stallion.

I certainly am not wishing any harm on the horse, though if he's beaten I'm pretty sure they will find some physical excuse to hang it on.

btw, all of this is being said under the assumption that the initial report was true. I still haven't seen a confirmation that Bernardini will be retired. But I'll root against him just in case! I'm willing to take bets that Lava Man will not go to stud this year. ;>)

--Dunbar

[Seattleallstar]

I dont know why all the animosity towards the Godolphin crew, they singlehandedly saved horse racing and the breeding industry in the US

There's one small, itsy-bitsy little fact ... which has been left out so far ...

All of the Maktoum money is stolen.

They are kleptocrats who run an iron-fisted dictatorship wrapped in a velvet glove. Try going to Dubai and organizing a political party which believes in free elections and the sale of all state-held property to private bidders ... and see what happens to you.

Other than that ... they're really cool guys.

[Slewbopper]

Originally Posted by Seattleallstar

I dont know why all the animosity towards the Godolphin crew, they singlehandedly saved horse racing and the breeding industry in the US

BS. It is a group having fun playing with their lunch money while making already rich people richer.

Originally Posted by Slewbopper

BS. It is a group having fun playing with their lunch money while making already rich people richer.

Make that "other people's lunch money."

We are all going to seem foolish if Bernardini runs next year.

They did not make their money the "Old Fashioned way, by earning it". The Family sits on a huge commodity. Taking Bernardini off the track is off course their decision. But as far as Racing goes, and I mean people that like to watch great athletes perform, this absolutely sucks. So do they really help the popularity of the sport by pulling what may a great horse... Do they give a sh it. If they dont. Then they are worthless to someone like me.

And no BS they have ever right to do what they want, we know that. Im asking does this help the sport? Does the actually running really matter to them? Sports involve entertainment. Horses will always break down. If we have not come to that realization, quit supporting the sport. Its apart of the game.

[georgewashington]

Originally Posted by Seattleallstar

I dont know why all the animosity towards the Godolphin crew, they singlehandedly saved horse racing and the breeding industry in the US

Well said. They are responsible for putting a ton of money into the business and helping employ many americans.

There is no reason to continue racing this horse. He will start at $250K and he will have no problem filling his book. This is the horse they will depend on for their derby horses for years to come.

Remember, they have Discreet Cat for their big race.

What big race would Bernardini being going after next year. He can't run in the derby, so what would be the point? Once you win the BC Classic there isn't much to target.

The pedigree on this horse is the best there has ever been. He will have a huge impact on the breed.