Thoroughbred racing writer asks why the great veteran trainers no longer get the top horses

[Awsi Dooger]

I saw this excellent column today from Steve Haskin, lamenting the lack of, "fashionable, well-bred horses or ready-made horses," delivered to the stables of the top older trainers, ones who have won the Triple Crown or been inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame.

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2009/12/03/they-once-ruled-the-sport.aspx

"In any non-athletic endeavor, the longer you work at a job the more knowledge you gather, the more skilled you become at your profession, and the more respect you command from your peers.

Not in Thoroughbred racing"

<snip>

"When was the last time you heard of a good horse being turned over to Leroy Jolley or Frank Martin, or Jack Van Berg or Allen Jerkens or Ron McAnally or Billy Turner. These are the legends of our sport, who between them have saddled Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont winners, Breeders’ Cup winners, Eclipse Award winners, including Horses of the Year, have set single-season and career records, have led the nation in earnings, and basically ruled the sport at one time.

Despite all their accomplishments and the incredible heights they have attained, they have been discarded like old worn out luggage, left to end their training days toiling in relative obscurity..."

***

I agree with Haskin, and it's about time this angle has been addressed. It's something that's always baffled me and frankly reduced my interest in the sport somewhat. For example, I remember Leroy Jolley on popular national commercials in the mid '70s during his Pleasure years, then within years he apparently all but vanished from the big time training scene, for no apparent reason. I know Billy Turner trained Czaravich in major races, including against Affirmed, a year or two after he led Seattle Slew to the 1977 Triple Crown, and Play On in major races during 1984. But I'd hate to be asked to name a recent horse he's had.

I only wish Haskin had included related quotes from the trainers in question, and from industry insiders, even if anonymously, with their best guess on the reasoning.

BTW, low in the comment scroll is an impressive entry from our own Just Pat, praising the piece and detailing Billy Turner's ongoing dedication to training and his current locales, followed by a warm response from Haskin.