There are 2 pencil-shaped bones, called splints, on the inside & outside of the cannon bone. They extend from the knee to the fetlock joint in front legs & in hind legs, at bottom of jock joint. They are actually the remnants of one of the toes of ancient times & now support the back of the cannon bone. They're attached by a ligament & young horses tend to put lots of strain on that ligament.
Popping a splint is in the foreleg (In Bellamy Road's case, his left foreleg) & involves stretching that ligament to the point where it can tear. The result is lameness. It's painful, hot & swollen. Eventually, calcium builds to repair the injury, if it,s in the right place. If not, it can "pop" repeatedly. There are other "splint" problems, but Zito said most likely the colt went into the Derby with a "blind splint" (i.e.in that left leg), which is when the swelling is completely on the inside of the splint bone, making it hard to see.
Hope that helps!
Bellamy Road
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StrawberryFelidos wrote:Not to be simple-minded, but what on earth is a splint?
I've only heard of it because I once read that Ruffian had one...and won with one. But that was Ruffian, eh- a jewel
Injury to one or both of the metacarpal or splint bones, which run up the back of the cannon bone. Stress or strain can cause the ligaments attaching these bones to the cannon bone to pull and tear, causing heat, swelling and lameness. Eventually additional bone is laid down on the site of the injury, leaving behind a bony swelling. called a splint.;
ballade wrote:Just FYI Bellamy Road won't be another Point Given. He's popped a splint and is off the TC trail. Zito may try him in the Travers.
Well that sucks, but not totally shocking. However, I suppose it's logical to say that is why he went from running 24 quarters to a 27 quarter ... I just watched the replay again and he made that move at the mile and then was staggering by the 8th pole ... I bet he did it then.
So we have Wilko come back choking on blood and Bellamy come out with a splint .. yeah, the best horse won Saturday
More like the least physically hampered colt won.-
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splnts
Many splints are caused by the concussion of the opposite front leg hitting the injured leg. Like shin splints, its often the sign of an over extended horse. Mary
I feel bad for Bellamy Road as everyone is saying "See he wasn't that good after all" He runs a bad race and comes out with a legit injury and excuse. The Kentucky Derby while certainly horse racing's prime event is not the end all be all of a horse's career (just ask Lil E Tee). I look forward to seeing Bellamy Road sound and rested and ready to compete cause I think he will be a very special horse in the long run. I also feel sort of bad for the connections of Giacomo who is being tabbed as the most underwhelming Derby winner in history. I thought the finish was one of the more exciting in the last few years and thought Mike Smith's ride was a work of art. Let's give credit where credit is due.
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Mike Smith left Calif. to ride in Ky. Mike didnt seek another Derby mount because he liked the chances of Giacomo.
Mike Smith told the people that Giacomo was his Derby horse.
Mike Smith is a great rider and handicapper. Good luck in the Preakness and Belmont.
Mike Smith told the people that Giacomo was his Derby horse.
Mike Smith is a great rider and handicapper. Good luck in the Preakness and Belmont.
Those without sin cast the first stone.
Louis Finochio
Louis Finochio
I think too much emphasis is being given to final time speed figures.
Making a track variant is an art, and it represents one man's opinion. It should be presented as such.
On the other hand, I was very underwhelmed by the performances inn this year's Derby.
Final time aside, most of the horses simply couldn't get the 10-furlong trip. And even the winners were crawling at the finish. Last 1/4 in 27 seconds....
Making a track variant is an art, and it represents one man's opinion. It should be presented as such.
On the other hand, I was very underwhelmed by the performances inn this year's Derby.
Final time aside, most of the horses simply couldn't get the 10-furlong trip. And even the winners were crawling at the finish. Last 1/4 in 27 seconds....
OK, I've been reading all of the posts on Giacomo, et.al., and I guess my "racing" standards must be WAY low (on what kind of achievement I'd be happy with)... and ***please*** take my tone as one who is trying to be VERY lighthearted in the midst of all of this seriousness! 
Ignorance is bliss, I guess! 
(So don't be too hard on me! )
He won the Derby-- growing up in a "non-racing" household, I always thought it was the "holy grail" of horseracing. You know, your name etched in racing history forever, in the company of some of the greatest champions ever. So, that being said, if he were my horse, I wouldn't care if it took him 5 minutes... he crossed the finish line first!
I would be touting around town with the trophy in one hand and a mint julep in the other... and all of you could hack my horse and his performance to death for the next 5 years and it wouldn't dampen my spirits in the slightest!! 
All I'd say is, "ummm, remind me again... who crossed the finish line first?"
I TOTALLY understand what you're all saying about overall performance... it would be nice to win the Derby AND in record time/stellar form... but I'd take any of them in a heartbeat! Even before the Derby, they've all excelled at a level I can only dream of... and probably will never attain...
OK, here's a hypothetical question... if given two choices, would you rather: a) have your horse win a race at a small track in a time that beat the fastest Derby pace and set a track record, or b) win the Derby in one of the slowest Derby times ever?
I'm just curious to know what everyone's racing "holy grail" would be... 'cause I'm just not getting it!
Ignorance is bliss, I guess! (So don't be too hard on me! )
He won the Derby-- growing up in a "non-racing" household, I always thought it was the "holy grail" of horseracing. You know, your name etched in racing history forever, in the company of some of the greatest champions ever. So, that being said, if he were my horse, I wouldn't care if it took him 5 minutes... he crossed the finish line first!
I would be touting around town with the trophy in one hand and a mint julep in the other... and all of you could hack my horse and his performance to death for the next 5 years and it wouldn't dampen my spirits in the slightest!!
All I'd say is, "ummm, remind me again... who crossed the finish line first?"
I TOTALLY understand what you're all saying about overall performance... it would be nice to win the Derby AND in record time/stellar form... but I'd take any of them in a heartbeat!
Even before the Derby, they've all excelled at a level I can only dream of... and probably will never attain...
OK, here's a hypothetical question... if given two choices, would you rather: a) have your horse win a race at a small track in a time that beat the fastest Derby pace and set a track record, or b) win the Derby in one of the slowest Derby times ever?
I'm just curious to know what everyone's racing "holy grail" would be... 'cause I'm just not getting it!
skeenan wrote:OK, here's a hypothetical question... if given two choices, would you rather: a) have your horse win a race at a small track in a time that beat the fastest Derby pace and set a track record, or b) win the Derby in one of the slowest Derby times ever?
I'm just curious to know what everyone's racing "holy grail" would be... 'cause I'm just not getting it!
None of the above for me.
The Derby isn't even in the top ten of races I would love to win. In true heretic fashion, I really don't give a damn about the Derby beyond it's historical standpoint for focusing on the 3yos in American.
My "Holy Grail", if I were to ever be so lucky, would be a horse that I could win the Irish Derby, the Epsom Derby, the Arc and the Melbourne Cup all in the same year with.
I'd rather have a Running Stag or a Paolini than a Point Given anyday. At least those boys could travel with their A game and last more than a few months.
If I had to pick an American 3yo race, I'd take a win in the Belmont over the Derby any day.
The Kentucky Derby is the "holy grail" for any racehorse owner.
It is the only race people(race and non race people) get excited/pay attention to in the USA. I have people at my job who dont know the back end of a horse from the front but they always ask me if my horse can race in the Kentucky Derby. My filly is a 4YO allowance horse but they ask me about the Derby.
It is March Madness horse racing style.
You are standing in the winner circle at Churchill Down talking to NBC, holding the one trophy people waste millions of dollars trying to win every year.
I cant imagine winning it. I would pass out if I had a horse cross the line first in the Kentucky Derby. Of course I would retire my horse at the end of the race(before I make it down to the winners circle). Have the van take him to Lexington to drop him off at one of the big farms....One the way to the Lexington they could drop me off at the Bank of America in downtown Louisville...
It is the only race people(race and non race people) get excited/pay attention to in the USA. I have people at my job who dont know the back end of a horse from the front but they always ask me if my horse can race in the Kentucky Derby. My filly is a 4YO allowance horse but they ask me about the Derby.
It is March Madness horse racing style.
You are standing in the winner circle at Churchill Down talking to NBC, holding the one trophy people waste millions of dollars trying to win every year.
I cant imagine winning it. I would pass out if I had a horse cross the line first in the Kentucky Derby. Of course I would retire my horse at the end of the race(before I make it down to the winners circle). Have the van take him to Lexington to drop him off at one of the big farms....One the way to the Lexington they could drop me off at the Bank of America in downtown Louisville...
skeenan, thank you... for bringing the point home.
Everyone who breeds a horse in North America dreams of breeding a Kentucky Derby winner... and often is willing to accept simply breeding a starter as being close enough. For 99% of all race-horse breeders, the Kentucky Derby is the Holy Grail. (And, in my opinion, the other 1% is either lying or impaired.)
Everyone who races dreams of winning the Kentucky Derby... thus colts are always in demand (of course, this demand is also fueled by the potential stud career). Even those who own fillies dream of the Kentucky Derby... but would be completely over the moon to have one good enough for the Oaks. It is the Holy Grail of horseracing. Why do you think Darley is so intent on eventually winning the Derby? Why do you think you will always see a Magnier owned horse in the race? Both these outfits dominate in Europe, yet they have Rose colored dreams.
Interestingly, even in Australia, home of some absolutely fantastic racing and wonderful horsemen, if you ask them about Kentucky Derby winner vs. Melbourne Cup winner... I guarantee about 50% will say Derby, and most of the others will hesitate before showing their national pride, even Gai Waterhouse. I actually consider the Melbourne Cup to be on par with any of the European races, because I know the national pride and acclaim which goes along with that win. In fact, I really, really, really, wish North America would embrace the sport in a similar fashion to the Aussies.
It comes down to one thing... ask any racing industry horse owner or breeder about a once race dream... the one race they could win as breeder or owner. You will find 95% of them will answer simply "the Derby". The other 5% will be made up of breeders who will say a Breeder's Cup race because they will get an "financial incentive" for that win (and the couple, who by very nature will lie... and the couple others who are basically impaired ).
I respect Sam's thoughts... but, Sam listed several races... and an unheard of, and I believe, never before accomplished dream, (I don't know that it has even been attempted). I also respect Sam's opinion a great deal, and she has been a part of this industry, but, if my memory serves, she hasn't been a breeder or owner. For some reason, being a breeder or owner changes you slightly... hard to explain, but it does.
Also, if you have ever been to the race... if you have ever been witness to the emotions tied to the playing of "My Old Kentucky Home" (forget that only 4 people in the crowd know the words... and even they cannot explain how they know). The race gets to you... it gets in your blood... here I am 4 years removed from the last time I went... and I can still "feel" the draw (of course, I'll breed one of those critters who makes it to the starting gate... one of these years... it has already almost happened once... ).
An acid test would be for someone to ask Silent Witness' owner if he would trade all of his horse's wins for one win, what would it be? And, if he could trade all his horse's wins for a Kentucky Derby win, would he do it? I think it an incredible longshot that he would think along these lines, and I would say it would be 50-1 that he would trade the wins for the KY Derby win... but, I think he would at least admit it would be tempting. I guarantee, after hearing his interview on TVG and reading some of his comments about his horse and competition... if this man has ever attended a KY Derby, the odds would be less than 5-1 that he would take that win... he's the type that would get Derby-fever in a big, big way. Gotta' love that type of guy... and he would be Bob Baffert and Bob Lewis rolled into one in the winner's circle. I do wish he raced here in the States.
I don't care if it were a four horse field and the other three horses were $3500 Beaulah Park sprinters... I don't care if they had to delay the 11th race just so they could finish... I don't care if the ambulance and the outriders pass them coming down the stretch... I don't care if the drunks in the infield that try to keep up with the horses actually beat them to the finish line... I don't care if they said my horse were the "worst horse to ever look through the bridle"... Mrs. Genter laughs instead of cries... Carl Nafzger exclaims that he hates everyone around him... Bob Lewis is heard to utter a derogatory obscenity... Jenine Sahadi and Bob Baffert are seen holding hands... the Stanford Band has to be negotiated in the final furlong... the network switches to Heidi as they enter the stretch... and Andy Beyer gives the race a -0... my ultimate dream as a breeder would be realized to see a horse I bred cross that line first.
And, like you, every time anyone said anything negative, I would simply say:"
There would be nothing anyone could say that would bother me... in fact, after that I would be seen doing interviews sporting a cowboy hat with the brim turned just right to resemble "a big ole' Texas grin"!! (thanks Chris Ledouix, may you rest in peace)
Everyone who breeds a horse in North America dreams of breeding a Kentucky Derby winner... and often is willing to accept simply breeding a starter as being close enough. For 99% of all race-horse breeders, the Kentucky Derby is the Holy Grail. (And, in my opinion, the other 1% is either lying or impaired.)
Everyone who races dreams of winning the Kentucky Derby... thus colts are always in demand (of course, this demand is also fueled by the potential stud career). Even those who own fillies dream of the Kentucky Derby... but would be completely over the moon to have one good enough for the Oaks. It is the Holy Grail of horseracing. Why do you think Darley is so intent on eventually winning the Derby? Why do you think you will always see a Magnier owned horse in the race? Both these outfits dominate in Europe, yet they have Rose colored dreams.
Interestingly, even in Australia, home of some absolutely fantastic racing and wonderful horsemen, if you ask them about Kentucky Derby winner vs. Melbourne Cup winner... I guarantee about 50% will say Derby, and most of the others will hesitate before showing their national pride, even Gai Waterhouse. I actually consider the Melbourne Cup to be on par with any of the European races, because I know the national pride and acclaim which goes along with that win. In fact, I really, really, really, wish North America would embrace the sport in a similar fashion to the Aussies.
It comes down to one thing... ask any racing industry horse owner or breeder about a once race dream... the one race they could win as breeder or owner. You will find 95% of them will answer simply "the Derby". The other 5% will be made up of breeders who will say a Breeder's Cup race because they will get an "financial incentive" for that win (and the couple, who by very nature will lie... and the couple others who are basically impaired
).
I respect Sam's thoughts... but, Sam listed several races... and an unheard of, and I believe, never before accomplished dream, (I don't know that it has even been attempted). I also respect Sam's opinion a great deal, and she has been a part of this industry, but, if my memory serves, she hasn't been a breeder or owner. For some reason, being a breeder or owner changes you slightly... hard to explain, but it does.
Also, if you have ever been to the race... if you have ever been witness to the emotions tied to the playing of "My Old Kentucky Home" (forget that only 4 people in the crowd know the words... and even they cannot explain how they know). The race gets to you... it gets in your blood... here I am 4 years removed from the last time I went... and I can still "feel" the draw (of course, I'll breed one of those critters who makes it to the starting gate... one of these years... it has already almost happened once... ).
An acid test would be for someone to ask Silent Witness' owner if he would trade all of his horse's wins for one win, what would it be? And, if he could trade all his horse's wins for a Kentucky Derby win, would he do it? I think it an incredible longshot that he would think along these lines, and I would say it would be 50-1 that he would trade the wins for the KY Derby win... but, I think he would at least admit it would be tempting. I guarantee, after hearing his interview on TVG and reading some of his comments about his horse and competition... if this man has ever attended a KY Derby, the odds would be less than 5-1 that he would take that win... he's the type that would get Derby-fever in a big, big way. Gotta' love that type of guy... and he would be Bob Baffert and Bob Lewis rolled into one in the winner's circle. I do wish he raced here in the States.
I don't care if it were a four horse field and the other three horses were $3500 Beaulah Park sprinters... I don't care if they had to delay the 11th race just so they could finish... I don't care if the ambulance and the outriders pass them coming down the stretch... I don't care if the drunks in the infield that try to keep up with the horses actually beat them to the finish line... I don't care if they said my horse were the "worst horse to ever look through the bridle"... Mrs. Genter laughs instead of cries... Carl Nafzger exclaims that he hates everyone around him... Bob Lewis is heard to utter a derogatory obscenity... Jenine Sahadi and Bob Baffert are seen holding hands... the Stanford Band has to be negotiated in the final furlong... the network switches to Heidi as they enter the stretch... and Andy Beyer gives the race a -0... my ultimate dream as a breeder would be realized to see a horse I bred cross that line first.
And, like you, every time anyone said anything negative, I would simply say:"
ummm, remind me again... who crossed the finish line first?"
There would be nothing anyone could say that would bother me... in fact, after that I would be seen doing interviews sporting a cowboy hat with the brim turned just right to resemble "a big ole' Texas grin"!! (thanks Chris Ledouix, may you rest in peace)
KAL wrote:I respect Sam's thoughts... but, Sam listed several races... and an unheard of, and I believe, never before accomplished dream, (I don't know that it has even been attempted).
Never been attempted and most likely never will be (unless I do it myself) because anyone with a 3yo good enough to sweep the Irish/Epsom Derbies and the Arc, won't go to Australia ... they'll come here for the BC Turf.
lll
hi KAL
KAL...great stuff !!!
I agree with your premise that winning the Ky Derby is pretty darn special (an understatement, you think?)...not only from a "...historical standpoint..." (as Sam acknowledged)...but also as confirmation of a great (and very rare) accomplishment as a breeder.
Winning the Kentucky Derby...I suggest it's like being granted bragging-rights for eternity .
Best to you.
Respectfully
You wrote re: winning the Ky Derby "I don't care if it were a four horse field and the other three horses were $3500 Beaulah Park sprinters... I don't care if they had to delay the 11th race just so they could finish... I don't care if the ambulance and the outriders pass them coming down the stretch... I don't care if the drunks in the infield that try to keep up with the horses actually beat them to the finish line... I don't care if they said my horse were the "worst horse to ever look through the bridle"... Mrs. Genter laughs instead of cries... Carl Nafzger exclaims that he hates everyone around him... Bob Lewis is heard to utter a derogatory obscenity... Jenine Sahadi and Bob Baffert are seen holding hands... the Stanford Band has to be negotiated in the final furlong... the network switches to Heidi as they enter the stretch... and Andy Beyer gives the race a -0... my ultimate dream as a breeder would be realized to see a horse I bred cross that line first."
KAL...great stuff !!!
I agree with your premise that winning the Ky Derby is pretty darn special (an understatement, you think?)...not only from a "...historical standpoint..." (as Sam acknowledged)...but also as confirmation of a great (and very rare) accomplishment as a breeder.
Winning the Kentucky Derby...I suggest it's like being granted bragging-rights for eternity .
Best to you.
Respectfully