Michael Gill is back - is he good for racing?

[AppJumpr08]

[QUOTE=USAGPJumper;4095657]
I have neither edited nor removed anything from my posts. You are a Suffolk Downs groupie and I wouldn’t expect anything less than for you to attempt to draw this thread off-topic and away from the discussion about Mike Gill and his influence on racing. The ancillary points I cited relate directly to the problems at Suffolk Downs overall, including Mike Gill.[/QUOTE]

My apologies, the reference to the horse flipping over was on the thread about Suffolk. Since you posted on two of them with much the same information, I combined it in my brain. My bad.

I am not a groupie - I am someone who is Very active in working towards the common goal of making Suffolk Downs a better place for the horses who run there. I have spoken with several of the key players (including Mr. Fields) about efforts being made, and continue to keep in contact with them. I take horses that need to be rehomed, and I have worked closely with both CANTER and the TRF, and will continue to do so. Instead of sitting on the sidelines and whining, I’m choosing to do whatever I can to make a difference. Are all of Suffolk’s ducks in a row yet? No. Are they getting closer all the time? Yes. Is it perfect yet? No. Do I think that the efforts being made will bring us closer to a better situation, and even perhaps (gasp) perfection in the years to come? Yes.

You keep referring to tracks who have on-site retirement barns, and I think that those programs are AWESOME. And perhaps Suffolk will have one someday. But you have to remember, those tracks have CASINOS and SLOTS and therefore, MUCH more money coming in. In an ideal world Suffolk would have bottomless pockets (or slots). In the real world that isn’t the case.
If you took the time to walk around the backside, I think you would see that there are already improvements evident - there is one trainer in particular who has a lovely looking shedrow this year (and had one last year as well) - the first year I set foot in the backside, his horses looked awful. Now they are all in good flesh, and continue to be in good condition through the end of the meet. Largely in part to both Lorita’s efforts, and the efforts of Sam Elliot.

People who can do nothing but sit on their thumbs and whine about how awful situations are make me batty. How 'bout DOING something about the things you see that need changing???

[USAGPJumper]

[QUOTE=Barnfairy;4095660]
You have no one but yourself to blame, dear.[/QUOTE]

So I guess what you’re saying is that there are trainers at Suffolk Downs who are not using the retirement options suggested by the management because of something I’ve said… What kind of an excuse is that for not making the best choices for their horses? It makes no sense. I had no idea you thought I was so influential. I wish I were.

This has turned in to some real off-topic banter; that seems to serve no useful purpose at this point. I don’t know what your affiliation is with Suffolk Downs but you’re clearly a groupie as well. You might consider some of the issues discussed here with a more open mind… Consider the issues and be willing to learn.

[AppJumpr08]

Yes, Barnfairy, drink the Kool-Aid… it’s good! Really!!
:lol::lol:

[USAGPJumper]

[QUOTE=AppJumpr08;4095740]
Yes, Barnfairy, drink the Kool-Aid… it’s good! Really!!
:lol::lol:[/QUOTE]

However that applies here…?

It sounds like the two of you have been drinking the water in East Boston…

[USAGPJumper]

@AppJumpr08;4095731

• there is one trainer in particular who has a lovely looking shedrow this year (and had one last year as well) - the first year I set foot in the backside, his horses looked awful. Now they are all in good flesh, and continue to be in good condition through the end of the meet. Largely in part to both Lorita’s efforts, and the efforts of Sam Elliot.

Do you realize what you’re saying here? You find it remarkable that there’s a trainer that keeps his stable up and has horses in good flesh. Do you realize what you’re saying???

[AppJumpr08]

[QUOTE=USAGPJumper;4095811]
Do you realize what you’re saying here? You find it remarkable that there’s a trainer that keeps his stable up and has horses in good flesh. Do you realize what you’re saying???[/QUOTE]

Are you reading for comprehension?!!? My point was that the new management is making efforts on all levels to improve the situation. NO I don’t think it’s remarkable that he’s keeping his horses in good condition -I think it’s how things are supposed to be. But the fact that he now cares for his horses better then before BECAUSE he was told he HAD to by upper management is an EXAMPLE of IMPROVEMENTS that HAVE been made.

Do you realize how foolish you look twisting my words?

[spooky01]

Don’t forget me, I’m a “groupie” too!

[Barnfairy]

Would you like to try the Kool Aid? (asks Barnfairy, pitcher in hand, with a Stepford smile and a glazed over look in her eyes)

[spooky01]

Oh shooot!!! I saw her this morning but was too busy to ask;)

[Louise]

I speak as a volunteer for FLTAP, but not as any kind of official representative for the organization. I work with a group of people, on the backside of Finger Lakes every weekend. We all have the utmost admiration for AppJumpr08, Canter, Lorita and all of the people who work so hard to insure the well being of the horses at Suffolk Downs. The Finger Lakes Trainer’s Listing is modeled directly after the listings that the Canter NE group uses, and that group was always willing to give us help and guidance in setting up our own backside operation. I know that I, personally, am very glad to see the direction that Suffolk has taken lately.

Is Suffolk perfect? Of course not. Will it ever be? Probably not. Find me one organization, anywhere, that is. To expect anyone, or any organization, to walk into a situation and immediately be able to turn it completely around is unrealistic. In fact, to try and move too quickly would probably cause more harm than good. Improvements in any situation come slowly and painfully, with many setbacks. It is the general direction that Suffolk and other tracks like it are moving in that is encouraging.

I’m on the outside of the Suffolk situation, looking in. I don’t know everything that is happening, so I would not presume make any kind of adverse judgement. It’s all too easy to denigrate a place like Suffolk. But, without being there, without seeing how things are now to how they were a few years ago, it is impossible to pass said judgement on the way things are now.

There are Michael Gills at every track. Even at the big tracks, the fancy tracks with the fancy horses. But to focus on them, to the exclusion of all the trainers who are trying, and learning, to do a good job, is narrow and unrealistic.

[AppJumpr08]

Louise, thank you so much. Very well said.
Having seen some of the FL Lovelies you deal with in person, I am also a huge fan what you are doing with FLTAP. I think it’s so important for All of the rescue and retirement groups to work together - so much more is accomplished that way.

[AppJumpr08]

[QUOTE=spooky01;4097836]
Oh shooot!!! I saw her this morning but was too busy to ask;)[/QUOTE]

I KNEW there was something I forgot to give you!! :lol: I had a bottle in the truck!! :winkgrin:

[2boys]

[QUOTE=USAGPJumper;4095060]

I certainly don’t find it hard to believe, however, that Suffolk Downs’ trainers “have become exceedingly wary of dealing with any of the retirement groups.” [/QUOTE]

If I am understanding this quote correctly, I would like to add my super valuable 2 cents. As an adopter of a former MG horse, I must say that I found his background information ON MY OWN with zero bad-mouthing from any rescue. If trainers aren’t doing anything wrong, what would they need to be wary of?

[Barnfairy]

@2boys;4098331

If trainers aren’t doing anything wrong, what would they need to be wary of?

Valid question. There have been situations in which trainers have been falsely accused in writing by a retirement facility of running horses on “broken legs” and “fresh bows” – what is the motivation to work with a retirement facility that is looking to drag your name through the mud?

Thank you Louise for a beautifully written segue back to the original topic.

[2boys]

[QUOTE=Barnfairy;4098413]
Valid question. There have been situations in which trainers have been falsely accused in writing by a retirement facility of running horses on “broken legs” and “fresh bows” – what is the motivation to work with a retirement facility that is looking to drag your name through the mud?
:)[/QUOTE]

Fair enough. Nice pun, right?

[USAGPJumper]

[QUOTE=Barnfairy;4098413]
Valid question. There have been situations in which trainers have been falsely accused in writing by a retirement facility of running horses on “broken legs” and “fresh bows” – what is the motivation to work with a retirement facility that is looking to drag your name through the mud?

Actually, I’m surprised you would draw attention to this stallion and the circumstances he was saved from.

I’m familiar with the horse and trainer you’re referring to above. The horse is actually a stallion. His breeder thought it was important to get him out of the situation he was in and purchased him to retire. The vet that saw him at the retirement farm was “appalled” that he was running on the injuries he was suffering with. Soon after the stallion left Suffolk Downs, I was volunteering at the farm where he’s retired. I actually helped care for him. I’ve moved and don’t live close enough to the farm to volunteer anymore but I know the stallion has made a good recovery and is now comfortable.

What you referred to was not an accusation. It was a statement of facts; a broken bone, a bowed tendon and even more issues that you perhaps do not know about. Those facts are indisputable, particularly by you who seemingly just wishes they weren’t true because of who the stallion’s trainer was.

The stallion’s owner-of-record at the time of his retirement was delighted to participate in his retirement under the circumstances and I believe he inquires about him regularly. The trainer was furious that the owner wouldn’t let her enter the stallion in one more race after his retirement had been arranged. It’s no secret who the stallion is and who his last trainer was.

[USAGPJumper]

[QUOTE=USAGPJumper;4099355]

@Barnfairy;4098413

Valid question. There have been situations in which trainers have been falsely accused in writing by a retirement facility of running horses on “broken legs” and “fresh bows” – what is the motivation to work with a retirement facility that is looking to drag your name through the mud?

Actually, I’m surprised you would draw attention to this stallion and the circumstances he was saved from.

The stallion’s injuries that you apparently read about were in fact “a recently broken bone and bowed tendon” not “broken legs and fresh bows,” as you stated. There’s no need to exaggerate in this case ma’am. The truth is bad enough…

I’m familiar with the horse and trainer you’re referring to above. The horse is actually a stallion. His breeder thought it was important to get him out of the situation he was in and purchased him to retire. The vet that saw him at the retirement farm was “appalled” that he was running on the injuries he was suffering with. Soon after the stallion left Suffolk Downs, I was volunteering at the farm where he’s retired. I actually helped care for him. I’ve moved and don’t live close enough to the farm to volunteer anymore but I know the stallion has made a good recovery and is now comfortable.

What you referred to was not an accusation. It was a statement of facts; a broken bone, a bowed tendon and even more issues that you perhaps do not know about. Those facts are indisputable, particularly by you who seemingly just wishes they weren’t true because of who the stallion’s trainer was.

The stallion’s owner-of-record at the time of his retirement was delighted to participate in his retirement under the circumstances and I believe he inquires about him regularly. The trainer was furious that the owner wouldn’t let her enter the stallion in one more race after his retirement had been arranged. It’s no secret who the stallion is and who his last trainer was.

[AppJumpr08]

[QUOTE=USAGPJumper;4099355]

@Barnfairy;4098413

The stallion’s owner-of-record at the time of his retirement was delighted to participate in his retirement under the circumstances and I believe he inquires about him regularly. The trainer was furious that the owner wouldn’t let [B]her[B] enter the stallion in one more race after his retirement had been arranged. It’s no secret who the stallion is and who his last trainer was.

Since she is highly involved with the retirement of many horses at SD, I would say not the same person.

[USAGPJumper]

[QUOTE=AppJumpr08;4099412]

[QUOTE=USAGPJumper;4099355]

Not the trainer Barnfairy and I are referring to. That would happen to be a gentleman, and it wasn’t Watchtower.[/QUOTE]

So is there another horse with injuries? I thought she was making reference to Watchtower’s website…
Tell us more if it’s true…

[Barnfairy]

Here comes Kool Aid. Oh Yeaahhhhh.