What Kind of Hit Will Racing Take If Barbaro Dies?

[Suffolk Shippers]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

I wonder if the outcry will be muted b/c he wasn't put down on Preakness Day. A little less fresh in the public minds.....Again, I'm being realistic here, I obviously hope he lives, but I think he's 1 in a 1000 right now.

I dont think the outcry will be much less. The fact is, if this had happened in the Tropical Park Derby or some pseudo obscure race, this would be less of a story. But, it happened before a LIVE nation wide audience with a huge crown in attendence and it happened to the sports newest golden boy. The story had faded recently because he was doing so well. However, now since his condition has slipped, you can see it bubbling back to the surface. For example, getting dressed this AM, it was mentioned in the same lead on Good Morning America as the Israel-Hezbolla conflict.

The media has its own agenda, and sensational stories get opening/top of the fold coverage. Sadly, this story has it all. Meteoric rise, powerful victory, terrible sadness and now maybe a tragic ending. If this horse cannot make it, it's top or just off the top news for a few days. And that may produce a deluge of bad PR that this sport just cannot deal with.

Regardless, Barbaro...I've cashed some tickets in my day that had some long odds on them. Right now, you are one of them and I hope I get to cash this one too. God bless.