NHRL: National Horse Racing League??

[Dunbar]

Projecting handle based on the current success of the Breeder's Cup is extremely shaky reasoning, IMO. The BC is successful because of its unique place and unique status in the racing calendar.

The analogy with golf is weak, too. In golf, you get to see the same big names battle it out many times during the year. And they stick around for more than 1 year, too. No one rushed Jack Nicklaus off to stud duty. (hmm, maybe Evening Attire would still be racing if there was a Seniors Tour for horses.)

--Dunbar

[Pedigree Ann]

A format similar to the Harness racing Grand Circuit, which travels from track to track, presenting major races. Unfortunately, the Grand Circuit hasn't survived the 'big race bulldozers' like the Meadowlands very well, only a few of the 'lesser' tracks retaining their week or so of superior racing.

A circuit for older horses was tried a few years back, with points being awarded for finishing in the money in a series of top handicap races. Back around the time of Criminal Type and Festin, I believe. Forget why it folded. (Old people forget things.)

[Dunbar]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

A circuit for older horses was tried a few years back, with points being awarded for finishing in the money in a series of top handicap races. Back around the time of Criminal Type and Festin, I believe. Forget why it folded. (Old people forget things.)

I don't think Criminal Type was ever involved. And people didn't get all that excited by the time Festin and Farma Way were meeting for the 4th or 5th time. Here's a link to one article with some good info.

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...9643/index.htm

All 10 of the races in the series were televised in 1991. Farma Way took top prize.

In 1992 Strike The Gold won the series and the $750K first prize. Best Pal was second ($375K). I'm not sure, but I think '93 was the last year of the Series. I couldn't find who won that year.

--Dunbar

[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by Dunbar

I don't think Criminal Type was ever involved. And people didn't get all that excited by the time Festin and Farma Way were meeting for the 4th or 5th time. Here's a link to one article with some good info.

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...9643/index.htm

All 10 of the races in the series were televised in 1991. Farma Way took top prize.

In 1992 Strike The Gold won the series and the $750K first prize. Best Pal was second ($375K). I'm not sure, but I think '93 was the last year of the Series. I couldn't find who won that year.

--Dunbar

I don't think people were too excited because, well because it was Farma Way and Festin. I thought the the series was a great idea though. Who were the top older horses in the country last year? Curlin, Commentator, Einstein, Heatseeker, and Tiago? How many times did they match up? Some matchups are better than none.

[Dunbar]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

I don't think people were too excited because, well because it was Farma Way and Festin. I thought the the series was a great idea though. Who were the top older horses in the country last year? Curlin, Commentator, Einstein, Heatseeker, and Tiago? How many times did they match up? Some matchups are better than none.

I thought the series was a great idea, too. I was at the Pimlico Special when Farma Way beat Unbridled, Summer Squall, Festin, and Jolie's Halo, setting a track record to boot. But by the time summer rolled around, I wasn't that excited to see Farma Way vs Festin again.

I just did some reading to remind myself how the series ended: Farma Way and Festin decided it in the Woodward, Farma Way coming away with 1st place money by finishing ahead of Festin; BUT, In Excess won the Woodward.

In the Breeder's Cup, Black Tie Affair beat all of them, and nailed HOY, too. Maybe that sapped some of the luster from the "Championship Series".

--Dunbar

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by Dunbar

I don't think Criminal Type was ever involved. And people didn't get all that excited by the time Festin and Farma Way were meeting for the 4th or 5th time. Here's a link to one article with some good info.
r

Hey, I said it about the time of Criminal Type (big year 1990) and Festin (big year 1991). That's close enough for government work...,