The high degree of competition that exists in the main racetracks of the world, have honored the winners of the different races that give fame and above all, a lot of money.
In this 21st century, we remember figures like Fusaichi Pegasus, first winner of this century’s Kentucky Derby; War Emblem who put the Americans and Arab owners as well as the Mexican horsemen (Víctor Espinoza) on the map.
Smarty Jones, undefeated winner of the Derby and the Preakness; Barbaro, who was awarded as the best three time winner despite his fatal injury in Maryland; Invasor, who honored the name, it was the steed that opened the gap to turn to see the South American equestrian and conquer the Dubai World Cup and the Breeders’ Cup.
Zenyatta, the unforgettable mare who earned her recognition as Horse of the Year, above the males. California Chrome, the unique sorrel that conquered the hearts of many fans. Of course we can not fail to mention American Pharoah and Justify, both recent winners of the Triple Crown.
It is a breviary, in which of course I have missed citing many more heroes, both human and equine. But now I am in a predicament, because I wish, I try to remember some rivalries that have made the horse races.
I can not find anyone to compare Affirmed and Alydar’s duels in the 70’s, that edition of the Belmont Stakes was considered the race of the century; or those of Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, in the 80’s, whose edition of the Preakness Stakes will never be forgotten by the duel that they staged in the final stretch in which the sorrel wanted to defend his leadership literally with tooth and nails, as they gave us a real treat with that electrifying ending in the last gem of the Triple Crown at the end of the 90’s.
That rivalry that causes expectation, the anxiety that causes the turf fanatic and see again his favorite, and simply do not find it anywhere, in this should be occupied by the equestrian authorities, they are more concerned about a series of unfortunate events in Santa Anita that will take that scenario to sunset, for so many precautions that they intend to impose in a short time. Horse races where the power should not be used? That being Kukulkan and many more will not return to the circle of winners.