I know, right?!? Good boy!!
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Does anyone off the top of their head know who that jockey and the horse were (the 1970 ones).
Mike Manganello, now 81 years old, on Dust Commander, according to the Facebook post.
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Eric Reed clearly stated in post-race interviews that turning around and racing again that quickly is 100% not their style (usually they come back and take at least 4-5 weeks off before considering anything more). That was the red flag that made me think that the Preakness isn’t their path.
Good on them. Certainly takes a set of stones to make a call like that and know where their horse fits best and with the greatest potential.
In all honesty; I could not care less if he wins, places, or shows in another Triple Crown race. I’d like to see this horse show up in the fall and in his 4 year old year. I am intrigued
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I think it is easy to be an armchair quarterback in situations like this. At the end of the day it was a supercharged atmosphere most of those horses had never been exposed to before, the horse is jacked on adrenaline and testosterone and is obviously extremely competitive. It was a massively dangerous situation unfolding rapidly. It’s easy to sit here and say everyone would have handled it better or “ABUSE!” but until we are each in a situation like this; you can’t add in an opinion as to how it should’ve been handled. Highly dangerous situation.
A horse and rider was being mauled by a racehorse. The pony riders was making an effort to protect life and limb. In that situation you do what you have to do, immediately. Had that horse gotten lose and dumped the jockey, he would’ve run straight into the crowd on the track awaiting him. At that point; the situation turns potentially deadly.
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He seemed a pretty spry 81 when he jumped down and dismounted. Good for all of them.
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I thought the same thing. Impressive!
And he’s on Facebook to boot!
I was also impressed about how quickly his feet found those short stirrups. My knees would have been creaking and I might have had to manually stick my feet in, or just let them dangle.
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I saw one clip that showed before the bites. I did not see Rich Strike being caught. Saw soon after he was caught by outrider who was then talking to the jockey. Heard a few words. With every stride RS was inadvertently being bopped by the bit. He moved his head vigorously to get it to stop. ( I’ve seen saddle horses do the same to try to get human to relieve discomfort/ pain). I really think the outrider did not see he was bopping RS’s mouth as he was talking to the jockey after a spectacular win. RS took the only action he could by trying to pull away from line, bopping continued and unfortunately it escalated. At that point, I don’t know what may have worked. Best to avoid a fight but if/when it happens, ???
Considering how in tune and maneuverable RS was with the jockey during the race, he is a wonderfully light and responsive horse. He most likely would have responded well to Leon if allowed - free of out rider. Hopefully, he will not be leery of being ponied again.
In response to some other posters : He was not a rank horse nor needing a “come to Jesus” moment nor warranting gelding. Really have to see the incident in full context.
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Right, pony man and horse and everyone there were in a very stressful environment all around.
Easy to say in hindsight, watching a video, what at that time and moment everyone was doing right and wrong and learn from it.
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Beautiful picture (and seeing the both of them after the Derby), it was easy to tell that the groom cared for him.
Note the (lead) chain hooked to his halter—it is probably running through his mouth. MIGHT need control, might not. I know it’s typical of how they handle the racehorses.
It’s smart to have good control of any fit 3yr old colt. You may never have to use the chain, but if you need it, it’s there.
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I know. But it bugs me when people treat (or want to treat) big animals like house pets. I have a wonderful barn owner and his wife, but sometimes their attitudes towards their own horses makes me want to grind my teeth in frustration.
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For some people it takes actually seeing a person be seriously injured by an aggressive horse to understand that horses, especially fit, entire horses, can be extremely dangerous. Thus the precautions.
There is a certain, somewhat understandable, ignorance shown by people who compare every racehorse they see on television to the horses they have known, when the horses being compared are very different animals.
And some people never “get it.” They can’t appreciate a 3 year old race horse is not the same as their 20 year old western pleasure quarter horse. They can’t appreciate why accidents happen. If they witness an accident or are involved in an accident themselves, they are quick to blame everything but the actual cause (which is usually their own ignorance).
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…and usually the accident that has happened is not trail or show horse that has purposefully savaged a human with their teeth or hooves.
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Nice article about Rich Strike’s regular exercise rider Gabriel Lagunes
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