Yay!

[Mara]

I wonder how Steve Coburn is feeling? In 2014 he made the infamous remark that there would never be another Triple Crown winner in his lifetime because of fresh horses being allowed to run in the Belmont.

Now there have been two since…

[RPM]

@Sparrowette

^^ This. Thank you. In the grand scheme of things “Sh!t Happens”, and as a result we either win or lose. Yes, “deity” makes note of the lilies of the field, but I’m sure doesn’t make millions of dollars rain on one particular person, unless it’s a test of some sort.

God/Deity: “Here’s a few million dollars and world acclaim. What are you going to do with it? Remember, I’m still judging.”

Recipient: “oh, damn…”

It’s not for me to critique the speakers’ theology. Seeing and hearing them publicly declare their thanks was refreshing.

[dacasodivine]

There’s nothing wrong with giving thanks either for the win or for finishing with a sound horse even if you didn’t win.

[Brigid]

@findeight

Exhuberant change of lead? Or jumping some tracks left by a grounds vehicle in the muck? That wasn’t supposed to happen, he was a little distracted a couple of times in that race, probably cost him a couple of seconds time wise.

No, he was jumping a trailer-track/ boot marks in the track, as you know.
I LOVE his pinned ears “I am taking thing this in stride, as yet another thing I do.”

[tinah]

@RPM

It’s not for me to critique the speakers’ theology. Seeing and hearing them publicly declare their thanks was refreshing.

why? Used to be, people kept sex, religion, and politics to themselves. It was only those of poor breeding who would comment on them in public.

[susanne]

I, too, doubt that any supreme being would concern herself with a sporting event, but I loved Mike Smith’s comment that Justify was heaven-sent. Even this old agnostic teared up at that.

[RPM]

@susanne

I, too, doubt that any supreme being would concern herself with a sporting event, but I loved Mike Smith’s comment that Justify was heaven-sent. Even this old agnostic teared up at that.

Why? If a person is not sure about the existence of a supreme being, about God as Father who dwells in heaven, why would the person tear up at the idea of a horse being heaven sent? What is the logic in the idea of heaven without the idea of God?

[susanne]

I teared up because of his obvious love of his horse, even if his way of expressing it is different from mine. Heaven does not belong solely to Christianity; to me, nature and thus animals ARE heaven.

I describe myself as an agnostic because I doubt and I question, but I don’t claim to know the answer. On the other hand, I have no doubt whatsoever about love.

[Palm_Beach]

@Mara

I wonder how Steve Coburn is feeling? In 2014 he made the infamous remark that there would never be another Triple Crown winner in his lifetime because of fresh horses being allowed to run in the Belmont.

Now there have been two since…

:yes::lol:

[Palm_Beach]

@Mara

I wonder, if Justify hadn’t won, would Smith and Troutt have blamed the Lord??? Before anyone accuses me of snark…this question crosses my mind every time a sports figure credits God for a win. They always blame themselves for a loss, however. I just don’t see omnipotent beings being bothered to engineer the outcome of a sporting event.

I think it’s just an attempt at being humble. Maybe they don’t want to say, “Yeah, I was fabulous today, no one could beat me, I’m the best.”

[snaffle1987]

you all need to see the photo of justify and mike leaving the gate. Sheer power and mike is holding the reins with his pointer finger and thumb. A whole new meaning to light contact. He ran around big sandy with a floppy lose rein.

Very happy for Bob and his team; right down to the groom who also took care of AP and his regular exercise riders. They work so hard to make sure Bob’s horses are happy, healthy and ready to go.

And Gronkowski! What a run that horse made! Very happy for his entire team as well; what a thrill!

[Magicboy]

I admire Mike Smiths riding and the way he expresses his love of horses. I think my own horse is also “heaven sent” and is my great fortune so I do understand what he meant. And that light. Intact was incredible. He’s a great athlete on a great horse

[susanne]

https://www.nbcsports.com/video/2018-belmont-stakes-aerial-view-justify-wins-triple-crown

This aerial view of the race is very interesting. In addition to a different perspective on Justify and Mike Smith, it also shows Gronkowski’s journey from trailing the field to a second place finish.

[Palm_Beach]

@snaffle1987

you all need to see the photo of justify and mike leaving the gate. Sheer power and mike is holding the reins with his pointer finger and thumb. A whole new meaning to light contact. He ran around big sandy with a floppy lose rein.

I’m sure Mike’s other fingers have a good hold of mane at the break. A long hold can help rate them and keep them relaxed. You pick up the reins when you set them down for the finish.

[Denali6298]

I’m not sure which thread to ask this question in so I picked this one. Why did Mike Smith’s silks change between the Derby and Belmont? Or am I just crazy and they didn’t?

[LaurieB]

@Denali6298

I’m not sure which thread to ask this question in so I picked this one. Why did Mike Smith’s silks change between the Derby and Belmont? Or am I just crazy and they didn’t?

The horse is owned by multiple partners and their contract stipulated that the horse wear WinStar silks for 3 (maybe 4?) races, then the China Horse Club silks once. When the Belmont rolled around, it was time for a change of silks.

[RPM]

@susanne

I teared up because of his obvious love of his horse, even if his way of expressing it is different from mine. Heaven does not belong solely to Christianity; to me, nature and thus animals ARE heaven.

I describe myself as an agnostic because I doubt and I question, but I don’t claim to know the answer. On the other hand, I have no doubt whatsoever about love.

I just wondered, since you agree the horse is heaven-sent, who do you think sent him from heaven?

Just an honest question.

I definitely believe there will be animals in heaven.

[Denali6298]

@LaurieB

The horse is owned by multiple partners and their contract stipulated that the horse wear WinStar silks for 3 (maybe 4?) races, then the China Horse Club silks once. When the Belmont rolled around, it was time for a change of silks.

That makes sense. Thank you

[charismaryllis]

Hee hee! Just saw a clip of Jimmy Fallon from last night—a couple stray hockey players, a big ugly silver thing, and Mike Smith.

[snaffle1987]

@Palm Beach

I’m sure Mike’s other fingers have a good hold of mane at the break. A long hold can help rate them and keep them relaxed. You pick up the reins when you set them down for the finish.

actually his fingers are pointing straight out and he’s only holding the reins with two fingers. I need to find a way to post the photo.