“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Thus spoke Abraham Lincoln on June 16, 1858 to the delegates of the Republican Convention in Springfield Illinois who had earlier in the evening nominated him as their candidate for the United States Senate.
The issue at hand happened to be one of immense national controversy; human slavery. Lincoln would go on to face his opponent, the famed Stephen Douglass, in a series of debates on the issue that rocked the nation to its very core. Indeed, by the close of the following decade over half a million of the nation’s sons would see their lives destroyed by a war that (at least in retrospect) attempted to bring resolution to the “question” at hand.
None of this, of course, has anything directly to do with horse racing. There is, however, one great irony (though admittedly of infinitely less importance than it’s historical counterpart) between the events of the past and those of the present, and today marks a perfect opportunity to reflect upon such.
Today, September 17, marks the 147 anniversary of our nation’s darkest hour: the horrific battle known as Antietam (or Sharpsburg, depending on which side of the Mason Dixon you were raised). The 23,000 casualties that were amassed between 5:30 AM and 5:30 PM that fateful September morning stand as a testament for all time to the horrific consequences that can result from our most passionate of disagreements.
Antietam Dead from Stephen Lee's rebel artillery battalion near the Dunker Church at Sharpsburg, MD
So what great cataclysm are we as racing fans confronted with that has warranted this invocation of Lincoln? Or this call for pacification?
It is time, my friends, to put down the hatchets and end this nonsensical Zenyatta vs Rachel Alexandra debate.
Why not use this anniversary of our darkest national hour to call upon folks to listen, as Lincoln would have implored “to the better angels of our nature?”
It was from the ashes of the cataclysm that was Antietam, after all, that our nation took its first baby steps towards a “new birth of freedom” with the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Fast forward to the present. As a racing fan, nearly everywhere you turn the debate rages. On every horse racing forum, across the nebulous expanse of social networks like Twitter and Facebook – folks have drawn very sharp and defined “battle lines.” Depending on what you say or how you feel, you are instantly placed on one “side” or the other.
I’ve found myself caught up in this nonsense recently. It seems that by stating my belief in Rachel Alexandra’s Horse of the Year credentials (a case that I’d like to think in both post and comments I laid out rather matter-of-factly), that I’ve been categorized as being “anti-Zenyatta”, or otherwise not a Zenyatta fan. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
Those who have read along here over the years know that my love of Zenyatta runs deeply, and goes hand in hand with the inception of The Aspiring Horseplayer. She was one of the first handicapping picks I ever gave out publicly – and since then she’s turned into an undefeated superstar that I’ve been lucky enought to cover for her entire career.
She is, after all, my “slow cheetah.”
Sadly, however, we live in an age where people like to pass sweeping judgements based on 5 second soundbites. Before information has even had time to be thoroughly processed and absorbed, staunch opinions are formed and rash conclusions made. Thus, because I’ve also been outspoken in my love for Rachel as she’s blazed through the pages of history in recent months, I’ve been categorized and labelled as one of Zenyatta’s “enemies.”
As a friend pointed out on Twitter a few weeks ago after an attempt to clarify the matter: “too late dude, you’ve been labelled.”
Nonsense, I tell you.
Just to set the record straight, I believe Zenyatta to be one of the most brilliant horses I’ve had the pleasure of watching run (on television that is, although I hope to see her in person during the Breeders’ Cup). I thought her 2008 campaign was neck and neck with that of Curlin (whom I loved like no other). That being said, I’m sorry, but her 2009 campaign has not been as awe inspiring, especially when compared to the historically unprecedented accomplishments of Rachel Alexandra.
The above should not be interpreted as a knock on Zenyatta. She doesn’t decide which races she runs in, or which horses she faces. All she knows to do is to go about her business in the mornings and to run like the wind come race day. It’s simply a reflection of the accomplishments each runner has achieved through calendar year 2009, and I think the historical record speaks for itself.
I’ll simplify that point using the parlance of our times; “it is what it is.”
As for the implications of the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic, and a potential Zenyatta victory, I’m proud to offer my first ever NTRA submission for some additional thoughts. The Classic, even without Rachel (or potentially Zenyatta) is “still a classic.”
With the above matter settled, I call upon racing fans of all ages and walks of life to cease with the slandering of either of these great animals in attempts to justify the greatness of the other. There’s no need for that nonsense, nor should their be any tolerance for it within our sport. Moreover, there is no need to pick and choose from amongst the two when it’s perfectly reasonable to love ‘em both. In fact, I have trouble understanding how any self proclaimed “fan” of the game could not love both of these horses? Ever since the debate began, my take has remained the same; if these two ever do meet up (which is now entirely unlikely), the only outcome I’m interested in seeing is a dead heat.
The trouble, of course, is that when folks start lobbing incendiary filth at one horse or the other (usually in a shotgun attempt hoping that some of their slung filth will stick…especially if repeated ad nauseum), it causes people to become emotional and defensive in response. It divides us. It forces people to one side or the other. Why must we do this? Is this the new age belief that only through igniting controversy and fanning the flames of “reality television” style internal cat fighting that we can maintain relevance? If so, this is indeed our darkest hour.
The good news, however, is that this doesn’t have to be the case. Even when discussing which of these two is worthy of Horse of the Year, it’s possible to do so without demeaning the other horse. Haven’t they both earned such respect given what they’ve accomplished on the track? We must demand higher standards from ourselves. This is the “sport of kings” after all, and we’re supposed to have class to go along with our varied opinions.
Let us use the memory of this day, and the danger of driving wedges between us as a united people, to remind us that no matter our differences, causes, or beliefs – nor how steadfastly we hold to them – we must not allow trivial nonsense to tear us asunder.
We must not focus so intently on our differences. We must be hesitant to divide. Rather, we must focus on that which binds us together through common love and appreciation. Is it really so hard for the most diehard of fans on one side of the “argument” to fully appreciate that which their brethren see on the other? It should be no great mystery, nor any great debate. Instead, a mutual appreciation of all that we hold dear.
I imagine that if good ole Abe Lincoln were alive amongst us today and by some twist of fate fancied himself a racing fan, he might say something like the following (paraphrased – badly- from the closing of his 1st inaugural address on March 4, 1861):
“I am loath to close. We must not be enemies, but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every (stable) and (race track) to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of (our) union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
In closing (and on a semi related note), take a moment to view the video below. It concerns a teenager from a NY volunteer regiment who was killed in battle 147 years ago today at Antietam and subsequently hastily buried in a makeshift grave on the field. The location of his body remained unknown and lost in the passage of history for a century and a half before a chance discovery in 2008.
On Tuesday the body was officially transferred to the custody of the State of New York, where he was promptly buried with full honors upon returning to the mystic dirt he once called home. A native son finally going home nearly a century and half since he went missing after offering his “last full measure of devotion.”
Rest in peace, young lion. You were someone’s son, someone’s brother, and someone’s comrade-in-arms.
Welcome home.
After thinking about what this young man has been through and his sacrifice it makes everything else seem inconsequential. We need to just sit back and enjoy the races and be glad that we have the luxury to watch these 2 horses race and not demand for more.
Thank you for this. I’ve been watching this debate rage and deteriorate over the past few months and it’s just so depressing. As someone who loves horses, I just cannot understand what drives someone to put down a mare as regal as Zenyatta, or a filly as valiant as Rachel Alexandra, in favor of one or the other. It’s not necessary and I believe it shows a serious lack of respect for the animals that put their goddamn lives on the LINE so we can enjoy their astounding athletic abilities.
If you love horses, how can you not look at both mares and be in awe? They are both so remarkable in what they do, and how they do it.
However, there is a “type” of fan that likes to attach a given horse’s abilities and accomplishments to their own egos and self-regard. As if Rachel’s tremendous heart or Zenyatta’s mastery of the stretch has anything to do with your character.
I love both horses. I would hate to see either of them lose. I can appreciate both of their accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses. I find it impossible to compare them on such a vague and subjective criteria as “better” or “best”. But, they are both great runners and they both should be admired for their huge hearts, and desire to win.
Maybe I have an East coast bias, but I dont really feel there is a public debate.
It seems that most people I talk too feel Rachel is the better, faster horse, end of story.
Plus, most fans know RA , but it seems most casual fans think Zenyatta is an indian word or part of a Police song
Tony,
You must not spend any time on either the Bloodhorse blogs or TVG’s Community forums. That is where you tend to see the most heated and incessant arguing over Zenyatta vs RA.
Spot on Kevin (as always). I was thrilled needless to say when I saw that you have your own blog on the NTRA for the breeders cup! Way to go, that is awesome, they made a perfect choice.
You guys have hit on an element of this “debate” that I forgot to mention…and it ties in perfectly with the whole 1862/2009 theme of the post.
The debate between Rachel and Zenyatta is largely geographical. For folks on the west coast, Zenyatta is the queen. For folks on the east, it’s Rachel.
Case in point – not 2 minutes after Rachel won the Haskell, certain on-air talents were already chiming in about Zenyatta. it’s as if one horse couldn’t have their moment without somehow being overshadowed by another who wasn’t even there. Very curious, but certainly not unique, as we’ve seen such geographically driven rivalries in the past. East coast/west coast is about as old as time itself, or so it seems.
Brian – thanks, brother. I was wondering if anyone picked up on that NTRA bit.
I’ve listened to horse-racing debates for 3 decades, I’m on Twitter, and yet I honestly had no idea this was happening — that the discussion had degenerated to our current level of political discourse. I’m kind of horrified.
Sadly, yes – mostly in forums and chat type environments. There were even “suck it, Zenyatta” posts in our Rachel fanclub on Facebook, which made me want to puke my guts out.
It usually starts with some button-pusher coming in and lighting the fire by saying one horse or the other “sucks” , then folks get defensive, the next thing you know the most unattractive elements of human personality are on display – almost exactly like political discourse! (great analogy!)
For now I’d just like to comment on the ZENYATTA tribute video. Absolutely amazing and the song choice coupled with the nick name for her running style is just perfect. There’s no war here, I enjoy and appreciate both of these lasses. Perhaps if there is ever a video in regards to the my horse can beat your horse rivarly, you can go with some Guns & Roses “Civil War”. I’ve been getting through to many about respecting both of these horses and how foolish it is to degrade one in order to exhault the other. I say just exhualt one or both, whichever suits you, but no more bashing of either. The horses can only beat what’s put in front of them and they do. Of course their are those who just can’t be reached through rational thought.
I thought you might like that video.
I was searching for something that would work immediately following her Ladies’ Classic victory, and suddenly that song popped into my head and I Thought “Yes…YESSSSS….YYYYYEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!”
You’re absolutely right – some folks we can’t reach, mostly because they don’t want to be reached.
My favorite asinine comment about a horse that you see from these folks is when someone says “(insert horse name) is scared of (insert horse name)”, as if the animal is reading the condition book, sifting over the entries and then pleading with it’s connections to find a different race. That’s pretty much the point when you know someone has blown all of their credibility.
Of course, as someone pointed out yesterday, Zenyatta and Rachel care not what is said about them. Totally true – it’s just disturbing from a human stand point to see how low folks can go sometimes.
‘Horsepeople’ will constantly debate as to which was the better horse – Was it Dr. FAGER – Was it MAN-o-WAR – Was it HANDSOME BOY beating the likes of KELSO, DAMASCUS, BUCKPASSER on that day in the BROOKLYN H., Was it ONION beating the mighty SECRETARIAT, or is it the claimer you bet on at 19-1 who upsets the ODDS-ON FAVORITE on any given day??? HORSERACING is made for debate/conjecture in every race and for every fan.
I like both of them also. I go back and forth on as far as who would win. Still favor Rachel a little more, but I think Zenyatta would have a chance also. I don’t think I saw her all out in any of her races yet. It looks like she would have more if really asked.
I always say any horse that can earn over $1 million is a racehorse. It is hard as heck for a horse to earn that. Zeynatta earned $2.5 million so far, and Rachel earned almost $3 million. These are very rare horses.
Kevin, Rutherienne is racing at Bemont 4 tomorrow. She is one of my favorite horses. She has $1.2 million in earnings by the way
Indeed, debates will always continue – but there’s a difference between having a friendly (even if impassioned and highly opinionated) debate, and some of the gutter talk happening lately. That’s what I was trying to get at specifically. No problem whatsoever with opinions or gentlemenly debates – that’s what this place is all about to a certain degree – but there’s just been some very hideous and totally unnecessary things being flung about recently.
Mike – I’ll be checking out Ruthie tomorrow. Did you see Midshipman today? The 2-year-old champ returned a winner with the Mig in the saddle.
There was an old story that JESSE JAMES was once spotted at the races by none other than President ULYSEES S. GRANT. GRANT refused to have the marshals who were in his company for the races as it was not ‘the gentlemenly’ thing to do – arresting the known criminal/felon when he was enjoying ‘the races’. SUCH HAS THE WORLD CHANGED – WOULD WE HAVE ARRESTED THE SWINDLER BERNIE MADOFF IF WE SAW HIM AT THE TRACK – YOU BET WE WOULD AND THEN MAKE HIM WORK OUT HIS TIME SHOVELING MANURE!!!
Now THAT is a story I had not heard of before – thanks for sharing, Zyskandar! Sounds very much like Grant.
As for Madoff – he’s actually my reply to all of the Mike VIck apologists in the NFL. WHenever they say “everyone deserves a second chance” – I reply by asking whether that means they are prepared to invest again with Bernard Madoff?
‘People’ like the power and what extra money brings them. Isn’t going to the track and betting on races – investing??? ‘People’ still swear by the stock/bond/investment picks of WARREN BUFFET – he who gave us the SALOMON bond fixing scheme – he of the ‘bad’ insurance of the KATRINA disaster – he of the insurance firm who failed to pay-off on the WTC and forced the leaseholder with lawsuits to relinquish all leases and look how that worked out!!! SWINDLES/FRAUDSTERS come in all forms/types. Those of influence/power such as unctious WARREN always ‘hide’ behind the thin veneer of respectability – until they are ‘caught’ and found out yet again!!!
Hey Kevin, did you hear that Lava Man is back in Doug O’Neill’s barn and on the work tab? He got some treatment to his ankles and O’Neill says he now has “the ankles of a three year old”. Be great if the old veteran could come back and win some.
I just read that over at the DRF in Brad Free’s article! Outstanding!!!!! Even if he doesn’t make it all the way back, he’s still given us plenty of inspiration. What a gutsy horse.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoy the RACHEL ALEXANDRA and ZENYATTA tribute videos. I have a request and it ties in to the theme of this article, it’s a way to show that both horses can be enjoyed. Please post these two videos side by side in a SPLINTER controlled, locked and filtered post on the TVG community site. These videos say more than anyone could ever say about these two amazing athletes. It may help end the battle and more importantly I think these tribute videos need to be seen by all. Once again, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoy these videos.
Matt
Finally, people with some sense. I had almost given up hope that there were people out there like me, the ones who love both horses and have enjoyed them both.