Yes, I did cry when I watched the magnificent Barbaro break down during the 131st Preakness Saturday. And I had a lot of good company ? old railbirds, young children, people of all ages and walks of life and stations of society. The sad spectacle was just as affecting to a television viewer in Pasadena, Calif., as to those in the stands. Hardened horsemen, even though they know it goes with the sport they love, nonetheless choke up when describing what could have been.
Thoroughbred racing is more than a sport. It is a highly emotional experience. This is partly because of the beauty of the horses; the brilliance of the jockey silks; the thrilling speed with which the winner will be determined; the variables such as weather and post position; and how the horse is feeling that day. Partly, it?s the appreciation of man and horse working together as one to succeed. Mostly, though, it?s the inescapable elegance, the almost indefinable emotional rush which comes from seeing a creature do what it was created to do, and to give it his or her best.
