Deprivation from work at Churchill Downs leads to intense emotions
It was on Thursday 3rd November that due to the heavy rain, not one but three British trainers, Richard Hannon, Sir Michael Stoute and John Gosden could not work their horses at Churchill Downs for the Breeders’ Cup.
They were all set and prepared for the work at 9:30 am American time but even after waiting for a good 20 minutes they were informed that the horses could not be exercised. This had to be the last chance at working before the Cup began.
It was Strong Suit, the fiercest rival for Goldikova who could not work along with Sea Moon and Elusive Kate staying deprived of the work out right before the race.
The refusal by the Churchill Downs’s staff for working the horses was taken very seriously by the British trainers specially Richard Hannon junior got infuriated and said:
"It is an absolute disgrace, and I now know why my dad won't come to America. He has always been a good judge and he won't have the Yanks at any price - and he is dead right. It has cost us £120,000 to bring Strong Suit to America, and we have been treated
like second-class citizens”.
According to the British trainers the rain was not so heavy that due to it the entire routine should have been distorted this way. Strong Suit’s connections had plans to let him breeze for around two bends on the Churchill track which now would be an impossibility.
It was quite crucial for the horses to work through the track as that would impact their performance specially, the British horses that are not accustomed to racing on the American turf. Furthermore, it was completely vital for Strong Suit as he is been
viewed as the obstacle between Goldikova and her fourth straight win at the Breeders’ Cup.
The incidence has have an impact even beyond the race as it has led to connections doubting and questioning the treatment of British in American and Americans in Britain which made Hannon junior add:
"When they (American horses) come over to us at places like Ascot, they get their expenses and every facility provided. We should we have to put up with this sort of treatment”?
Tags: