Neither Rachel Alexandra, or Zenyatta ever made it to the track? Or ended up being horses who wheren't what you would consider the cream of the crop. I know this may sound weird, because they will go down as two of the all time greats when they finally retire. However, horse racing looked it was making somewhat of a comeback, at least to me.
Here are a few examples:
Right after the Preakness, I went out to dinner with my mom and sister, and NBC was still on the tv when we got to the restaurant. Lester Holt who hosts the Weekend Nightly News talked about Rachel's win and there where people who where cheering at the replay! As we we where waiting for our table, a guy mentioned that Rachel won to his family.
ESPN breaking into it's College Football Show to show Z's Lady's Secret win LIVE. That doesn't happen everyday, especially breaking into ESPN's bread and butter sport.
ESPN using HRTV's coverage of Z's Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap to break into Sports Center earlier this year. They only showed the race, and a little bit of the reaction, but still.
TVG letting those who only have HRTV see the HOY announcement, their feed was also broadcast on ESPNews.
The point I'm making is, had it been any other horse (say Mine That Bird), I don't think the General Public would be making as a big deal. Does that mean horse racing is on the comeback? Unfortanlly, there is still a lot to do. Sadly I doubt it will get back to it's orginal glory.
However, with the help of Rachel and Z (plus Secretariat coming out later this year), horse racing took a small step forward over the past 2 years.
Weekend Preview to come Friday! Among the races that will be previewed are the UN, Suburban, Queen's Plate and much more!
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