Wait’ll see your next vet bill from Dr. Grunt
By Gina Spadafori
April 7, 2008
Long-time readers know that thoroughbred horse-racing is one of my guilty pleasures. There’s a lot I would change about horse-racing, but since nobody’s asking me, I still follow the sport, thrilling to the moments when a horse’s heart and courage exceeds his athleticism for a finish that has you holding your breath.
I’ve been doing this since Secretariat, and I don’t think I’m getting over it any time soon.
Anyway, spring’s always a busy time in horse-racing, with the Kentucky Derby coming up. I’m not really a Triple Crown fan, believing the series puts too much pressure on these young horses. But on the Bloodhorse site, there’s a story about Big Brown, currently one of the favorites for the Derby. He was such an even-tempered youngster that no one really paid much attention to him, according to the person who “pinhooked” him (translation: bought him hoping to turn a profit on the resale). To make this point, Big Brown’s pinhooker said his vet didn’t even remember the horse:
“The colt was so under the radar that “my vet didn’t even remember him,” [former owner Eddie] Woods said. “I said to him after the Florida Derby, ‘What about Big Brown?’ And he says, ‘Who’s Big Brown?’ He went to his computer and he brought his (Big Brown’s) records up, and he said, ‘We only wormed and vaccinated that horse. That’s all we ever did.’ The vet had never seen him because he had a grunt vet, an intern or something, to do the vaccinating and worming.”
I’m guessing Dr. Grunt isn’t feeling very appreciated right about now.
I like the track, too. Not the trots though.
Mum used to take us when we were kids and while I don’t go as often as I used to, every couple of years I go out and bet a big $50 all day.
Sounds like a very healthy horse - a rare thing these days, I’m told.
Comment by Caveat — April 8, 2008 @ 10:04 am
Actually, he has had problems with his feet. :(
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 8, 2008 @ 10:48 am
a friend just emailed me information about a new independent film called “the first saturday in may” that follows 6 potential derby horses and their trainers, jockeys, owners, etc.
seeing as you’re so interested in thoroughbred racing, this movie might be of interest to you, here’s their website:
http://www.thefirstsaturdayinmay.com/
she says that dog = gateway to horses, and handicapping appeals to giant nerds. and now that i finally adopted a pup, and apparently i’m a giant nerd, i’m going to check out this movie and see if it’s true. :)
Comment by shirley — April 9, 2008 @ 6:51 am