Kentucky Derby

[surveyor]

Stakes winners are well treated so long as they have breeding value. When they lose that value they are as likely to be turned into dog food or steaks in Japan as to retire with grace and dignity.

Ferdinand is unfortunately the poster horse for those atrocities. Ferdinand won the Derby in `86 and the Breeder's Cup in `87. He went to stud in 1989, but was sold to a Japanese breeding farm in the early-mid 90's.

In the early 2000's Ferdinand was unceremoniously sent off to slaughter and became dog food and/or steaks for human consumption. In the aftermath, there have been several charities set up to provide better housing and conditions for retired thoroughbreds, particularly those less successful that don't have the advantages of the more successful horses.

A few that were noted during the Derby coverage are "Friends of Ferdinand", "Old Friends, Inc." and "Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation".

[KevinHall]

So that was Ferdinand who said upon opening the glue jar "Wilbur, get me out of here?"

[Matt Dillon]

I didn't watch the Derby, but I'll now become interested in the Preakness and, if American Pharoah should win it, I'll be even more interested in the Belmont.

[KevinHall]

The horse racing season for me and many others is three races long. If the Derby winner doesn't win the Preakness then its only two races for me.

[Blue Heaven]

Horse Racing and Boxing are two sports that have completely dropped off the sports map during my lifetime.

Baseball is getting there. It's really a shame too, and I've never been a baseball fan. Unfortunately, the attention span of most folks anymore has shrunk considerably in the last decade or so.