The Mad Genius: Mike Dickinson at it again

From the Bloodhorse Chat transcript:

Las Vegas, NE
Other than synthetic tracks, what other changes
would you recommend to make horse racing safer?

Dickinson: I would like to see the starting gate replaced
by the Standardbreds type moving truck. The starting gate
can be scary for horse and rider, and we’ve all witnessed
some horrific scenes when the horse is upside down.

Even if the horse is standing correctly, there is always a risk
for even further injury when he pushes off with so much power
from a standing start. It is dangerous to stifles and the injuries
are not uncommon due to force needed in a starting gate.

The drawback in this plan would be the loss of jobs for the gate crew
who, along with the farriers, are the unsung heroes of racing.
The gate crews are brave, skillful, and compassionate --
and I would hate to see any of them without a well paid job.
Two is to abolish anabolic steroids and three is the change the whip rules.


What do you think?

TRANSCRIPT
http://www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses/MD120706.asp

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

Definitely agree with number two. They should be abolished from racing, except for those cases where horses absolutely need them for issues other than enhancing their performance potential.

Originally Posted by kentuckyrosesinmay

Definitely agree with number two. They should be abolished from racing, except for those cases where horses absolutely need them for issues other than enhancing their performance potential.

I like all 3. I dont like the starting gate at all.

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

I don't like the starting gate either, but thoroughbred racehorses who gallop are not like Standardbred pacers and trotters. I don't like his idea of using a running start either.

[Gander]

It would be hysterical to watch. Can you imagine a horse like Proud Tower Too breaking from a running start

Listen to the Mad Scientist. He will never steer you wrong.

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

He feeds his horses eggs. Enough said.

Originally Posted by kentuckyrosesinmay

I don't like the starting gate either, but thoroughbred racehorses who gallop are not like Standardbred pacers and trotters. I don't like his idea of using a running start either.

I dont think they should start like Standardbreds. Maybe if the starting gate was somehow safer then I would be for it.

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

Originally Posted by eurobounce

I dont think they should start like Standardbreds. Maybe if the starting gate was somehow safer then I would be for it.

I've never been near or in a starting gate, although I figure that the ones at the major tracks have plenty of padding in them.

You're right though. I hate it when a horse rears or flips in the starting gate.

I have a question: Why is it that the fillies always seem to be worse than the colts in the starting gates? I work around youngsters all of the time and have never figured that out. I will admit that fillies always tend to be more sensitive than the colts though. Perhaps fillies are just more tempermental overall.

[Gander]

Not sure about the logic of keeping a starting gate that is currently used now around just to keep the gate crew gainfully employed. Thats sort of like saying that cigarettes are a good thing because the tobacco industry employs thousands of people.

If these things are that dangerous to horse's well being than it needs to be improved or removed. I'm all for gainful employment but at the expense of horse's lives?

[KirisClown]

He should be embarrassed for that starting gate comment....

I wonder when Cetewayo will be back racing again....