Hi guys
FOXsports.com reports that the Chapmans received much criticism re: the retirement of Smarty Jones.
Read the article yourselves and make your own judgment...
go to:
http://msn.foxsports.com/story/3153954
After I read it...I had mixed feelings...cringe or chuckle? Was I reading just another in the long-line of team Smarty gaffes.
It is clear that Dr. Larry Bramlage stated during the retirement conference call many months ago that "we bring horses back from this all the time. It's not a structural problem and the prognosis for full recovery is excellent."
The Chapman's NOW report that their New Jersey vet had told them that retirement SEEMED the best option. SEEMED...hmmm. Not very final-sounding to me.
But the Chapmans had decided to retire Smarty Jones anyway...DESPITE no prognosis of finality from their New Jersey veterinarian...and such a favorable prognosis from specialist Dr. Bramlage (whose services were requested).
NOW Pat Chapman is quoted..."We wanted him to run again if there was any chance." "Yes, we would have put him back in training if he was completely healthy."
Fox now quotes Dr. Bramlage..."They (the Chapmans) deserve none of this. They were patient. They preferred to race the horse, however they put the horse first when the time came to care...Don't use my words to skewer them. Skewer me."
It all sounds so scripted.
Consider the time line...during the retirement conference call (many months ago), the Chapmans announced Smarty Jones' retirement. During that same conference call Dr. Bramlage (the specialist they called in to look at the radiographs and bone scan) stated that he felt "the prognosis for full recovery is excellent."
Apparently cartilage erosion revealed (months later) in an October ultrasound, made it clear (so they now say) that the colt would never race again. But obviously that was not known when the retirement announcement was made by the Chapmans months prior to that.
Why the new "spin" now?
Obviously the Smarty Jones connections felt they had to say something to try and diminish the negative commentary and "backlash" (as referenced in the Fox Sports article). They obviously asked Dr. Bramlage to assist them in their efforts.
I sense that Three Chimneys is experiencing significant resistance to the $100k stud fee...which many may agree is ridiculous.
Everything surrounding Smarty Jones' much questioned retirement and subsequent financial matters (including what many may agree is an absurd per-share price and ridiculous stud fee) may have sparked resistance and negatives. The retirement conference "gaffe" was only one of many team-Smarty mess-ups.
Good luck to them all.
By the way...Dr. Bramlage is considered by many to be as good as it gets.
Respectfully
re: Smarty Jones...here we "spin" again...hmmm
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Tairaterces
- Grade III Winner
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Hi Fos,
My take on the letter Dr. Bramlage wrote was a sincere and unsolicited letter written because he missed seeing the erosion in the ankle. And he states he did not see the horse only the x-rays.
And only time will tell regarding his fee and his usefulness as a sire.
T
My take on the letter Dr. Bramlage wrote was a sincere and unsolicited letter written because he missed seeing the erosion in the ankle. And he states he did not see the horse only the x-rays.
And only time will tell regarding his fee and his usefulness as a sire.
T
"and Secretariat let no one down on the unforgettable afternoon of June 9, 1973, when he ran a hole in the wind"
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Avatar: Istabraq (Sadler's Wells x Betty's Secret by Secretariat) Champion Hurdler
~Bob Ehalt~
Avatar: Istabraq (Sadler's Wells x Betty's Secret by Secretariat) Champion Hurdler
Having used Dr. Bramlage in the past I can tell you two things... he is the absolute best in the business (even is flown abroad for consultation) and it is highly unlikely he would have "missed" anything.
In my opinion, he is simply trying to relieve some of the finger pointing currently aimed at the Chapmans. Dr. B knows a thing or two about spin, marketing, the business side of the industry, and public perception. Look, very few in the business side of the industry are overly critical of the retirement; they understand, however the way the retirement was handled makes everyone cringe.
Personally, I feel his use of the phrase, "...doing what is best for the horse...", is pretty much solely aimed at the public to soften the negative perception. This phrase doesn't "play" the same with those in the industry as it does with the general public.
Again, in my opinion, I think the Chapman's had no idea the financial implications of their original decision to race the horse. Once it was pointed out to them that he may not return at the same level, (from injury or not), or that he may find the future much tougher (which is my personal opinion), or that he could suffer a career-ending injury (or worse), and HOW any of these would negatively impact his stud fee, I am certain their heads went spinning. I am certain it was also pointed out that they were retiring him when he was at his height in public popularity (although this has taken a "hit" due to the fiasco). At the point of his retirement, I am also certain they thought they had 3 yr. old honors and Horse of the Year honors pretty much in the bag.
Why the re-hash and re-spin?... for many reasons FOS points to and another big one. The connections know they are trouble for Horse of The Year after Ghostzapper's performance. They also know there are some hard feelings among some because of the retirement/ handling of the retirement. I am certain they are hoping to change the minds of a few eclipse voters, as well as some of "upset" general public.
As for breeders... you have either made a decision to breed to Smarty or not, this changes nothing. Well, actually, let me include an exception; for some, it may not have been a good move to raise questions about his soundness...
In my opinion, he is simply trying to relieve some of the finger pointing currently aimed at the Chapmans. Dr. B knows a thing or two about spin, marketing, the business side of the industry, and public perception. Look, very few in the business side of the industry are overly critical of the retirement; they understand, however the way the retirement was handled makes everyone cringe.
Personally, I feel his use of the phrase, "...doing what is best for the horse...", is pretty much solely aimed at the public to soften the negative perception. This phrase doesn't "play" the same with those in the industry as it does with the general public.
Again, in my opinion, I think the Chapman's had no idea the financial implications of their original decision to race the horse. Once it was pointed out to them that he may not return at the same level, (from injury or not), or that he may find the future much tougher (which is my personal opinion), or that he could suffer a career-ending injury (or worse), and HOW any of these would negatively impact his stud fee, I am certain their heads went spinning. I am certain it was also pointed out that they were retiring him when he was at his height in public popularity (although this has taken a "hit" due to the fiasco). At the point of his retirement, I am also certain they thought they had 3 yr. old honors and Horse of the Year honors pretty much in the bag.
Why the re-hash and re-spin?... for many reasons FOS points to and another big one. The connections know they are trouble for Horse of The Year after Ghostzapper's performance. They also know there are some hard feelings among some because of the retirement/ handling of the retirement. I am certain they are hoping to change the minds of a few eclipse voters, as well as some of "upset" general public.
As for breeders... you have either made a decision to breed to Smarty or not, this changes nothing. Well, actually, let me include an exception; for some, it may not have been a good move to raise questions about his soundness...
Well, fiasco or no, I think after Ghostzapper's BC performance, champion 3yo male is the most Smarty is going to get. Birdstone could conceivably take it, but I seriously doubt it; the two are 1-1 in head to head competition with both having their excuses (ugly track conditions and lost shoe for Birdstone in Derby, suicidal pace at midrace for Smarty in Belmont), and Smarty was much the more consistent going into the Triple Crown.
"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher...You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse." C. S. Lewis
Hi Mahubah ... hello Tairaterces ... hello KAL
Hello Mahubah...Team Smarty seems to be stumbling (or maybe bumbling is a better word) again...seems to be part of the Smarty Jones story. Always excuses and/or whining. Have we heard similar excuses (or whining) from the Birdstone camp or the Kitten's Joy camp.
Tairaterces...your comments are appreciated ... but I sense that KAL was (for the most part) right on target in his critique.
examples: "Having used Dr. Bramlage in the past I can tell you two things... he is the absolute best in the business (even is flown abroad for consultation) and it is highly unlikely he would have "missed" anything."
Another quote from KAL ... "Personally, I feel his use of the phrase, "...doing what is best for the horse...", is pretty much solely aimed at the public to soften the negative perception. This phrase doesn't "play" the same with those in the industry as it does with the general public."
KAL also wrote "...that he (Smarty Jones) may find the future much tougher (which is my personal opinion)..." That seemed to be a consensus of many breeders, when the question was (and still is) raised re: his early retirement.
Regardless ... the FOX article seems to make it clear that the criticism and "backlash against the owners and their colt" has been quite significant...hence a fresh news release (or re-spin if you will).
Team Smarty can attempt to explain, spin and/or re-spin...and talk 'til the cows come home...but it seems to be getting old.
But no one seems to mention that SJ's sizeable stud fee and enormous per-share-price may have fanned the flames of criticism. Those huge numbers may have been responsible (at least to some extent) for the "backlash."
Had SJ been stood and syndicated for a perceived reasonable fee and per-share price...the criticism and so-called "backlash" might have been minimal (or even non-existent).
So I guess the cure was to blame it all on Dr. Bramlage...hmmm.
Best to you.
Respectfully
Hello Mahubah...Team Smarty seems to be stumbling (or maybe bumbling is a better word) again...seems to be part of the Smarty Jones story. Always excuses and/or whining. Have we heard similar excuses (or whining) from the Birdstone camp or the Kitten's Joy camp.
Tairaterces...your comments are appreciated ... but I sense that KAL was (for the most part) right on target in his critique.
examples: "Having used Dr. Bramlage in the past I can tell you two things... he is the absolute best in the business (even is flown abroad for consultation) and it is highly unlikely he would have "missed" anything."
Another quote from KAL ... "Personally, I feel his use of the phrase, "...doing what is best for the horse...", is pretty much solely aimed at the public to soften the negative perception. This phrase doesn't "play" the same with those in the industry as it does with the general public."
KAL also wrote "...that he (Smarty Jones) may find the future much tougher (which is my personal opinion)..." That seemed to be a consensus of many breeders, when the question was (and still is) raised re: his early retirement.
Regardless ... the FOX article seems to make it clear that the criticism and "backlash against the owners and their colt" has been quite significant...hence a fresh news release (or re-spin if you will).
Team Smarty can attempt to explain, spin and/or re-spin...and talk 'til the cows come home...but it seems to be getting old.
But no one seems to mention that SJ's sizeable stud fee and enormous per-share-price may have fanned the flames of criticism. Those huge numbers may have been responsible (at least to some extent) for the "backlash."
Had SJ been stood and syndicated for a perceived reasonable fee and per-share price...the criticism and so-called "backlash" might have been minimal (or even non-existent).
So I guess the cure was to blame it all on Dr. Bramlage...hmmm.
Best to you.
Respectfully
I'm not worried about the human spin as far as awarding a championship goes (although, FOS, you are probably right in assuming the Eclipse voters may be influenced one way or another); the horses' records are what concern me. Birdstone has won three of six starts as a 3yo -- two G1s and a non-stakes race -- and was nowhere to be found in his other three starts. Smarty Jones won 6 of 7 including two G1s and a G2 and was second in his only loss. Neither Smarty nor Birdstone have a win over older males, so that's not a factor. The fact that Smarty's connections have been dropping bricks since his retirement is irrelevant to deciding which is the best horse.
I do agree that Kitten's Joy has a very strong case for being named champion 3yo male, but thanks to the bias against turf runners, he probably won't get it (JMO). He's the only one of the leading 3yos that has a G1 win over older males.
I do agree that Kitten's Joy has a very strong case for being named champion 3yo male, but thanks to the bias against turf runners, he probably won't get it (JMO). He's the only one of the leading 3yos that has a G1 win over older males.
"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher...You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse." C. S. Lewis
This is a debate that may never be resolved, but KAL's explanation of the decision the Chapman's faced now makes more sense to me. I'm not taking the Chapman's side in this by any means, because I was as disappointed as anyone that Smarty could not go on to prove...or disprove...that he was the legend-in-the-making that he appeared to be.
But what if the Chapman's had decided to go on and race Smarty and he did not perform as well, or performed miserably in future races? What if he had finished poorly in the BC Classic? Would they then have been criticized for NOT retiring Smarty when they did, much as other owners have taken some heat for not retiring their champions when their performances began to slide. Smarty finished his career with all wins and only one second -- his last race -- with several performances in top company. That's an amazing record. Would he be regarded as highly if his race record reflected one or two finishes off the board? Probably not. The public deemed him a "superhorse" and superhorses are not easily forgiven for failures without taking some severe hits to their reputation. Again, I'm not defending the Chapman's decision, but I think I can more easily put myself in their shoes now in understanding the hows and whys of the decisions they made.
I do wish though that we'd stop referring to it as the "Smarty Fiasco" and maybe start calling it the "Chapman Fiasco". Smarty Jones has no responsibility for what happened. He has no control over his destiny. He never did. He only did what he was asked to do, and he did it with absolute excellence. Let's only hope he performs as well at stud as he did on the racetrack. He does still have a shot at greatness.
Laurie
But what if the Chapman's had decided to go on and race Smarty and he did not perform as well, or performed miserably in future races? What if he had finished poorly in the BC Classic? Would they then have been criticized for NOT retiring Smarty when they did, much as other owners have taken some heat for not retiring their champions when their performances began to slide. Smarty finished his career with all wins and only one second -- his last race -- with several performances in top company. That's an amazing record. Would he be regarded as highly if his race record reflected one or two finishes off the board? Probably not. The public deemed him a "superhorse" and superhorses are not easily forgiven for failures without taking some severe hits to their reputation. Again, I'm not defending the Chapman's decision, but I think I can more easily put myself in their shoes now in understanding the hows and whys of the decisions they made.
I do wish though that we'd stop referring to it as the "Smarty Fiasco" and maybe start calling it the "Chapman Fiasco". Smarty Jones has no responsibility for what happened. He has no control over his destiny. He never did. He only did what he was asked to do, and he did it with absolute excellence. Let's only hope he performs as well at stud as he did on the racetrack. He does still have a shot at greatness.
Laurie
So many pedigrees...so little time. (C)
Geesh...the horse was undefeated going into the Belmont! Give it a rest! He IS the best horse of 2004. I think much more than a sizzling pace was the cause of Smarty losing the Belmont.
If I had that great a horse like Smarty Jones and there was even the slightest hint of an injury, I would be hard pressed NOT to retire him. Besides, he could always come back and race (if the injury were not permanent). Horses do it all the time.
IMO, the true test of the Chapman's class will come IF and when Smarty is no longer making money in the breeding shed. If they care for him and provide for him for the rest of his natural life, instead of sending him to Japan, or letting him fall through the cracks...then, I will put them in my book of truly class acts. Until then, they are very fortunate to have experienced a horse like Smarty Jones! Let's see how they reward him for it!
If I had that great a horse like Smarty Jones and there was even the slightest hint of an injury, I would be hard pressed NOT to retire him. Besides, he could always come back and race (if the injury were not permanent). Horses do it all the time.
IMO, the true test of the Chapman's class will come IF and when Smarty is no longer making money in the breeding shed. If they care for him and provide for him for the rest of his natural life, instead of sending him to Japan, or letting him fall through the cracks...then, I will put them in my book of truly class acts. Until then, they are very fortunate to have experienced a horse like Smarty Jones! Let's see how they reward him for it!
Hi BJ
You wrote..."Geesh...the horse (Smarty Jones) was undefeated going into the Belmont! Give it a rest! He IS the best horse of 2004."
Respectfully...he will be honored as eclipse winning 3-year-old...but he was by no means the best horse of 2004.
You also wrote..."I think much more than a sizzling pace was the cause of Smarty losing the Belmont." BJ..."much more"...what are your thoughts?
Respectfully
You wrote..."Geesh...the horse (Smarty Jones) was undefeated going into the Belmont! Give it a rest! He IS the best horse of 2004."
Respectfully...he will be honored as eclipse winning 3-year-old...but he was by no means the best horse of 2004.
You also wrote..."I think much more than a sizzling pace was the cause of Smarty losing the Belmont." BJ..."much more"...what are your thoughts?
Respectfully
Hi All
I can remember well the great trainer Laz Barrera talking about his scar for heart surgery as his triple crown scar. Three of the best three year olds are retired because of the difficulties of a three year old year. To run a three year old against older horses is a quantum leap. I don't remember Ghost Zapper running in the triple crown but maybe I Rip Van Winkled that one. The triple crown is hard on horses and humans.
EK
I can remember well the great trainer Laz Barrera talking about his scar for heart surgery as his triple crown scar. Three of the best three year olds are retired because of the difficulties of a three year old year. To run a three year old against older horses is a quantum leap. I don't remember Ghost Zapper running in the triple crown but maybe I Rip Van Winkled that one. The triple crown is hard on horses and humans.
EK
Hi EK
Yes the Triple Crown is a tough grind...but the colt that Laz Barrera trained was not only a truly GREAT 3 year-old and Triple Crown winner but also a GREAT 2-year-old and a GREAT older-horse ... his name ... AFFIRMED.
Affirmed won 3 Grade 1's as a 2-year-old and was Champion 2-year-old.
Affirmed won 5 Grade 1's and the Triple Crown as a 3-year-old (and had the great Alydar challenging him always). Affirmed was Champion 3-year-old and Horse of the Year.
Affirmed won 6 Grade 1's as a 4-year-old...set two track records...and was named Horse of the Year again.
Regarding Affirmed's track records...they were both in Grade 1's as follows:
Hollywood Gold Cup G1 - 1 1/4 miles in 1:58 2/5 carrying 132 lbs.
Santa Anita H G1 - 1 1/4 miles in 1:58 3/5 carrying 128 lbs.
Furthermore Affirmed won 14 Grade 1 races.
Affirmed was a GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT race horse...the 29 race career that Laz Barrera guided his trainee Affirmed through, obviously was extremely demanding. What a horse Affirmed was to handle such a schedule...and what a GREAT job Laz Barrera did with the incredible chestnut. Affirmed came out of it well...the physical toll was high for Laz.
...Smarty Jones won 2 Grade 1's as a 3-year-old and was a nice horse...but he could not hold a candle to Affirmed. Period !
Respectfully
Yes the Triple Crown is a tough grind...but the colt that Laz Barrera trained was not only a truly GREAT 3 year-old and Triple Crown winner but also a GREAT 2-year-old and a GREAT older-horse ... his name ... AFFIRMED.
Affirmed won 3 Grade 1's as a 2-year-old and was Champion 2-year-old.
Affirmed won 5 Grade 1's and the Triple Crown as a 3-year-old (and had the great Alydar challenging him always). Affirmed was Champion 3-year-old and Horse of the Year.
Affirmed won 6 Grade 1's as a 4-year-old...set two track records...and was named Horse of the Year again.
Regarding Affirmed's track records...they were both in Grade 1's as follows:
Hollywood Gold Cup G1 - 1 1/4 miles in 1:58 2/5 carrying 132 lbs.
Santa Anita H G1 - 1 1/4 miles in 1:58 3/5 carrying 128 lbs.
Furthermore Affirmed won 14 Grade 1 races.
Affirmed was a GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT race horse...the 29 race career that Laz Barrera guided his trainee Affirmed through, obviously was extremely demanding. What a horse Affirmed was to handle such a schedule...and what a GREAT job Laz Barrera did with the incredible chestnut. Affirmed came out of it well...the physical toll was high for Laz.
...Smarty Jones won 2 Grade 1's as a 3-year-old and was a nice horse...but he could not hold a candle to Affirmed. Period !
Respectfully
The thing that made Affirmed's feats even more impressive was that they were accomplished with a rival who was oh, so close to his own ability -- Alydar. None of the other TC winners ever faced a rival so closely matched in talent. A worthy pair indeed for the Hall of Fame!
"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher...You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse." C. S. Lewis
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Inish Glora
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Hi Inish Glora
Your thoughts certainly may be correct...
...but I sense that this is not the kind of negative press that the Smarty connections (including Three Chimneys) would have instigated...in an attempt to advance their Ky Derby and Preakness winner's Horse of the Year aspirations.
If anything, a case could be made that this article (which attempts to shift blame to Dr Bramlage for any "confusion surrounding Smarty's retirement") simply stirs-up more criticism and leaves a bad taste etc.
By the way...Ghostzapper is deserving of Horse of the Year honors...Smarty Jones couldn't warm him up...going short or long.
Respectfully
Your thoughts certainly may be correct...
...but I sense that this is not the kind of negative press that the Smarty connections (including Three Chimneys) would have instigated...in an attempt to advance their Ky Derby and Preakness winner's Horse of the Year aspirations.
If anything, a case could be made that this article (which attempts to shift blame to Dr Bramlage for any "confusion surrounding Smarty's retirement") simply stirs-up more criticism and leaves a bad taste etc.
By the way...Ghostzapper is deserving of Horse of the Year honors...Smarty Jones couldn't warm him up...going short or long.
Respectfully