Firstly, lets deal with the obvious, Steve Asmussen is a brilliant horseman. He can pluck a bottom claimer and produce winners. He can make horses produce on the track, and he always turn them out on race day, looking like a hundred bucks fresh off the mint. Jockeys have commented in the past about how much they love riding for Asmussen because you know when he leads them over, meaning the horses, they are ready to run. I saw one of Asmussen's horses, a nine year old named Jimmy Simms, produced a win last week at Churchill Downs. That horse has been in his barn for a long time and he is a true testament to the talent and love displayed by the Asmussen's stable. He runs horses all over America, and the logistics behind that operation, require an incredible talented, hard working person, who has help from highly skilled individuals.
When Untapable was led over for the Kentucky Oaks, she was presented so lovely, not a dimple on her, a horse that was happy and ready to run. Sure the cameras and doubting tongues were all out in full, and Asmussen made sure there wouldn't be any discussion about whether or not he should be present to see his filly run. Untapable won and the celebration ensued for the connections. There were those who hoped Asmussen and Untapable wouldn't be present for the festivities. I for one was happy that he showed up and the horse came through in flying colors.
Then Saturday rolled around and NBC started to hype their telecast, letting viewers know what was ahead on the program. I got excited because I wanted to see what Asmussen had to say about the Peta story, and what he thought about others, who thought he should go in a hole for the weekend until the Derby and the drama had passed by. The interview left me disappointed and frustrated as a fan and lover of the sport. I was told years ago as a young man that in order for things to change in one's life we need to take ownership of our failures, learn from them, and become better in the process. I listened to Asmussen not own up to anything in the interview. When asked about the Peta video, he claimed it was misleading and basically proved nothing. He went on to explain the medication situation in the video that Peta made such a big deal about, hoping to cash in on a smoking gun. When Costas asked him why he fired his top assistant Scott Blasi, he answered by saying it was because of the way he spoke about owners in the video. I scratched my head and wondered if he saw the same video I watched. Didn't his top assistant basically trashed horses in the video? Didn't his top assistant say, "Bleep these horses, they will break your hearts always." He also went on to say that something is always wrong with them. Peta wouldn't air this video if Blasi and the Asmussen's barn were caught on camera only bad mouthing owners. They knew they had some damming statements and knew their video and cause would be strengthened by them. Peta's sole purpose is to ban horse racing, which Asmussen clearly pointed out in the Bob Costas interview, but I think Asmussen's lack of ownership of the situation bolstered Peta's claims.
Steve Asmussen could have done himself a world of good if he came out of the gate and said I messed up. He could have looked America and all its animal lovers in the eye and told them he could have done a much better job overseeing the care of his horses. He could have addressed the Scott Blasi firing by saying he didn't appreciate how his assistant talked about the animals in his care. He could have gone on to say Blasi showed a disrespect for the animals that are feeding him and his family. Asmussen failed to do that. He never once said I am sorry that I have caused some controversy in the sport he grew up loving. Asmussen said that Peta never came up with any violations on his part. What Asmussen failed to understand that the violations doesn't have do with just drugs. The violations are the way the animals are treated in his care. He was entrusted with these magnificent animals and failed to completely protect them. Steve Asmussen was asked about the Ricardo Santana Jr. reference to using a battery to shock horses in a race. He claimed that also wasn't true. I had to pull up the Peta video once more to make sure I wasn't in a dream state. What I viewed a month ago is what I saw again after watching the video a second time. The young jock was heard on the video claiming that he had the Maquina, or battery. Gary Stevens also admitted to using the device a while back, so for Asmussen to sit there on national television and claimed that wasn't true is so disheartening to hear as a fan of horse racing.
The Peta video maybe one of the best things to happen to horse racing in a long time. There are trainers all over America that will become better horse people as a result of the highlights shown in this video. Peta is over the top with their journey. They began the video showing a horse's head with a syringe down the center. Clearly going for the shock value, but while they are hoping to send shock waves through America and receive a sympathetic ear from the public, they may have just helped the sport to be more aware of the horses and how to better serve them.
I just wished Steve Asmussen performed like his filly Untapable did this past weekend. She won with grace and style. She put on a show leaving no doubts in anyone's mind. Lesson to be learned by Steve Asmussen from a horse.
No comments:
Post a Comment