Breeder, consignor, owner Tom VanMeter used the “N” word in a conversation on social media. I guess he thought it was no big deal. :mad:
Fortunately it’s turning into a very big deal. You can read about it here:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/242179/owners-racist-social-media-post-draws-ire
He’s not the only one. I’ve had to clean house on social media. But I’m glad to see it acknowledged and condemned, instead of ignored or normalized.
I hope there are serious repercussions. Although that’s probably too much to ask. 
I’m shocked he hasn’t issued an apology or a statement, or done anything to try to mitigate the damage.
0% shocked.
I, too, would like to see action. I am not holding my breath. I’m honestly surprised the major organizations were so quick to condemn him knowing the snail’s pace at which they usually handle atrocities.
Slightly off track (pun unintended :lol:).
I also follow racing with more horsepower - NASCAR.
A month ago NASCAR banned display of the confederate flag followed by show of support for one of the drivers by the rest of the drivers and their teams and NASCAR officials prior to a televised race.
Now it appears that NASCAR is being called on the carpet for the confederate flag ban and the driver castigated for the ‘hoax’.
I’ll believe, unfortunately, anything at this point regardless of the venue for apparent racism :mad:
Hey, you too got a Paulick Report link approved! high fives LaurieB
Tom VanMeter is of a generation that should know better. If nothing else, is he not aware of how low-class his post sounds?
My heart goes out to Ron Hill and Cordell and the rest of the handlers at the Keeneland sales who do such a fine job of presenting VanMeter’s horses (and others). How can Tom look them in the eye?
ETA: VanMeter’s son, Griffin, seems to be a wonderful young man. It’s never too late to unlearn wrong lessons. I hope Tom is open to that.
:eek: How disgusting (the racist comment) and how wonderful (the response).
TDN will no longer accept advertising from VanMeter. Good for them. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/pdf/tdn/tdn200707.pdf
LOL, Mara! That’s why I put the Paulick link in a separate post–I was afraid it might get the whole thread unapproved. :lol:
I agree about Griffin VanMeter. What a thoughtful and intelligent response from him. Hopefully he and his father can have that conversation now.
Keeneland has banned him from sales and racing.
For once, I’m really proud of the public response from horse racing organizations. :yes:
Me, too. :yes:
Thank you, Keeneland! I did not see that coming, but I’m delighted that it happened.
More of a suspension than a ban, but still, well done. :yes:
His apology 
.
People with his views when caught exposing their racism always say, in so many words “I didn’t mean it” or “I was talking about those people over there, not the people I know and work with” and “that’s not who I am”. Well, yes, it is who you are. Try to work on that.
I hope that he will stop with the denial, realize that he is a racist and hopefully make an effort to become a more enlightened human being.
I wonder how many guilt donations the NAACP receives each year…
This absolutely! Who you really are comes out when you are being yourself and your defenses are down… relaxed, conversational, etc.
Change yourself, don’t just change the words that come out of your mouth.
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