On the TunneySide of Sports December 13, 2021 #878 Up next… From Tragedy to Farce
After further review… I write this on Dec. 7, 2021, exactly 80 years since the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, starting World War II with our country. Most of you may not remember where you were that day since, perhaps, you had not been born. I remember it vividly as I was an altar boy at 11 a.m. Mass when Father Patrick announced that tragic event. Indeed. It was tragic that day and for the next four years. Moreover, wars or “conflicts” involving the US have been happening throughout my lifetime – some of these farcical. It was Karl Marx, the German (actually Prussian) philosopher, economist, sociologist, author who said: “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” No loss of life is farcical, but their occurrences may be farcical. This brings me to the tragic death of a thoroughbred horse.
Medina Spirit, a 3-year-old colt, died of a heart attack on Dec. 6 after a workout at Santa Anita Race Track on Dec. 5 – a tragedy! He won the 2021 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 1, in a time of 2 minutes, 1.36 seconds. Here’s a colt born in a dirt-filled field — the worst of conditions and was claimed by Gail Rice for $1,000 –unheard of!
Wait just a minute – Medina Spirit is under investigation for possible doping since he tested positive for betamethasone, a legal medication not allowed on race day! Medina Spirit’s trainer, Bob Baffert, claims the drug administered Medina Spirit was in an ointment to treat a skin rash – not through an injection! Some, if not many, veterinarians say no matter, it’s in the horse’s system. Bad news.
Why was Baffert chosen in the first place? His thoroughbred racing record is suspicious at best. While he has won more Kentucky Derbys than any other horse trainer and now Medina Spirit’s dispute is hanging over his head. The Kentucky Derby has suspended him throughout their 2022 and 2023 racing dates. Will this notoriety about his horse-training limit his future?
Baffert, 68, grew up on a ranch in Nogales, Arizona. His father gave him a horse when he was 10 and he’s been around horses all his life. He is the winningest trainer in thoroughbred racing today. Unfortunately, he is, perhaps, the most notorious trainer having been penalized for his desire to win at all costs. That’s tragic – to the level of farcical!
Will you keep integrity first and foremost in your life?
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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home.
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