Homage to George Washington
Just Another Horse with a Famous Name?
Was the late George Washington Ire (Danehill USA) exceptional? His form at two and high-rating at three showed a special colt of a fiercely independent nature. No one could doubt that he was powerful, riveting and charismatic.
He was also known for his personality, quirks and playfulness. The public relished his appearances, his speed, turn of foot and laughed at his cavorting antics. Punters never lost faith in his ability nor stopped betting on him.
At three, his owners whisked him off to the breeding shed where a low-sperm count ended Coolmore's hopes for a successful stallion career. How treasured will be his few progeny!
At four, he was returned to the public with entries in all types of races which did not suit him. For a fast, good-ground turf miler, he was thrown at dirt, soft ground resulting in injury and longer distances. His owners said they were free of commercial concerns and could have fun with him.
The public despaired and one European journalist voiced a common view that Coolmore's arch rival, Sheikh Mohammed, should buy George so that he would be as respected and cherished as the public wanted.
The ultimate ignominy was in sending him and two other Danehill progeny to flooded Monmouth Park for the 2007 Breeders' Cup. All Danehills are good-ground horses.
Sweet, obedient Dylan Thomas Ire (Danehill USA) struggled along in the soggy turf, but the quirky filly, Simply Perfect (Danehill USA), was smart enough to bolt right off the turf track taking two others with her.
The turf course was bad enough, but Gorgeous George was sent out on dirt in the Breeders' Cup Classic, Grade 1, lm 2f. He failed in that race last year under good conditions.
Though the sun was shining by the last race on Breeders' Cup weekend, the dirt track looked like a shallow creek over sucking mud covering a hard base.
Close to the finish, George's right front leg smashed in multiple breaks just in front of the stands. The horse kept himself upright to protect his rider said a choking Michael Kinane whose bleak exit epitomized our sadness. George was euthenased with hopeless injuries.
Before the races started, my American compatriots praised the Ballydoyle/Coolmore owners for their 'sportsmanship' in entering three Group 1 winners by Danehill and two other talented colts, Achill Island Ire (Sadler's Wells USA) and Excellent Art (Pivotal), both of whom are known for handling soft turf.
It was not sportsmanlike sending three Danehill horses out on ground they cannot handle. They should have been pulled.
Britain would have canceled all the races considering the flooding.
Ireland's outspoken trainer Jim Bolger said perhaps George Washington's death will serve to end harsh dirt racing and the use of drugs allowed in US racing (George was on a drug).
Europe does not allow drugs of any sort and only races on turf or All Weather surfaces for the protection of horses and riders.
Kinane said "...the kickback down the back was horrendous. He (George) was climbing into the air trying to avoid it and I couldn't believe how bad it actually was." Is it any wonder he broke his leg?
If only Sheikh Mohammed would have bought him or we chipped in our pence and sent him to trainer David Elsworth who brought such happiness to his retired icons: Desert Orchid and Persian Punch.
Instead we mourn.
Was the late George Washington Ire (Danehill USA) exceptional? His form at two and high-rating at three showed a special colt of a fiercely independent nature. No one could doubt that he was powerful, riveting and charismatic.
He was also known for his personality, quirks and playfulness. The public relished his appearances, his speed, turn of foot and laughed at his cavorting antics. Punters never lost faith in his ability nor stopped betting on him.
At three, his owners whisked him off to the breeding shed where a low-sperm count ended Coolmore's hopes for a successful stallion career. How treasured will be his few progeny!
At four, he was returned to the public with entries in all types of races which did not suit him. For a fast, good-ground turf miler, he was thrown at dirt, soft ground resulting in injury and longer distances. His owners said they were free of commercial concerns and could have fun with him.
The public despaired and one European journalist voiced a common view that Coolmore's arch rival, Sheikh Mohammed, should buy George so that he would be as respected and cherished as the public wanted.
The ultimate ignominy was in sending him and two other Danehill progeny to flooded Monmouth Park for the 2007 Breeders' Cup. All Danehills are good-ground horses.
Sweet, obedient Dylan Thomas Ire (Danehill USA) struggled along in the soggy turf, but the quirky filly, Simply Perfect (Danehill USA), was smart enough to bolt right off the turf track taking two others with her.
The turf course was bad enough, but Gorgeous George was sent out on dirt in the Breeders' Cup Classic, Grade 1, lm 2f. He failed in that race last year under good conditions.
Though the sun was shining by the last race on Breeders' Cup weekend, the dirt track looked like a shallow creek over sucking mud covering a hard base.
Close to the finish, George's right front leg smashed in multiple breaks just in front of the stands. The horse kept himself upright to protect his rider said a choking Michael Kinane whose bleak exit epitomized our sadness. George was euthenased with hopeless injuries.
Before the races started, my American compatriots praised the Ballydoyle/Coolmore owners for their 'sportsmanship' in entering three Group 1 winners by Danehill and two other talented colts, Achill Island Ire (Sadler's Wells USA) and Excellent Art (Pivotal), both of whom are known for handling soft turf.
It was not sportsmanlike sending three Danehill horses out on ground they cannot handle. They should have been pulled.
Britain would have canceled all the races considering the flooding.
Ireland's outspoken trainer Jim Bolger said perhaps George Washington's death will serve to end harsh dirt racing and the use of drugs allowed in US racing (George was on a drug).
Europe does not allow drugs of any sort and only races on turf or All Weather surfaces for the protection of horses and riders.
Kinane said "...the kickback down the back was horrendous. He (George) was climbing into the air trying to avoid it and I couldn't believe how bad it actually was." Is it any wonder he broke his leg?
If only Sheikh Mohammed would have bought him or we chipped in our pence and sent him to trainer David Elsworth who brought such happiness to his retired icons: Desert Orchid and Persian Punch.
Instead we mourn.
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