Triumph and Tragedy at Breeders' Cup Classic

Three-year-old Curlin, jockeyed by Robby Albarado, won the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic yesterday after finishing the 1 1/4 mile race with a home stretch run that ended with a 4 1/2 length victory. Curlin set the track record for the distance at Monmouth Park, despite conditions that were left sloppy after days of rain. It was an exciting race, with Curlin even with Street Sense coming out of the final turn--both chasing front runner Hard Spun. Unfortunately, a great race was marred by tragedy. Irish import George Washington, who was a turf runner competing on dirt for only the second time, severely broke a bone in his right front leg. It was necessary to euthanize the animal on the track.

Raymond Haddad was at the track Friday and Saturday and captured some great pictures of the races that can be seen here. More photos after the jump.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Dave Hogarty on October 28, 2007 3:30 PM

Comments [rss]

horse143

how sad. i hope this horse would be fine . i saw this article where they actually abandon the horses which are injured in the race. i hope this horse would have a better owner next time.

JRod5417

Ban horse racing NOW!!!

Tim N.

We should add that the owners of George Washington were Roy and Gretchen Jackson, the owners of Barbaro. Ugh.

latb

Completely irresponsible on the owners' part to run that horse in that race. That's all it comes down to.

On the flip side, Curlin is one heck of an impressive horse.

rtd2101

"It rained last night"

"Yeah, but he's a mudder."

"Really?"

"His father was a mudder."

"Yeah?"

"His mudder was a mudder."

superterrific

Dave - thank you for covering the BC in the "mainstream" media... but don't worry Gothamist, I don't really think of you as mainstream :)

Peter

It can be argued that the selective breeding of racehorses has left them with unnaturally fragile legs.

spoon

Actually, race horses have a pretty good life and are treated extremly well, there is no abuse in general. I agree though, poor horsey, sad ending.