October
NovemberCaring and understanding
There was no denying Protectionist the 2014 Melbourne Cup, with a brilliant burst of speed securing the race for the German horse. However, unfortunately it is not a Cup that will be looked back on fondly, with Admire Rakti, the powerful Japanese stayer, passing away post race. He was rightly eased down in the straight by Zac Purton and died in his tie-up stall due to a rare heart problem.
It was heartbreaking to be there to see the connections of the horse amongst the confusion. They had to put on a brave face and organise their other horse, Admire Inazuma, for the next race, but they were visibly affected by the incident.
To leave the racetrack and be confronted by anti-horse racing protesters was the most disappointing thing about the issue.
To hear chants of “They don’t care about their horses!” in relation to the incident was frustrating to say the least (and was met by my reply, which I should not repeat in a family newspaper).
If only they were brave enough to say that to the travelling company of strappers, trainer and owners of the beautiful animal, they would maybe think again.
Of course, many animal activists have emerged in the uproar, which is well within their right. However, it is not within their right to be demeaning and aggressive towards people in this brilliant industry without any understanding of the industry itself.
If they were to go to a stable or a stud they would be met with only love for horses. In fact, the ironic thing is that the people they are condemning care more about the horses than the protesters themselves. They need to understand exactly what they are fighting against before they judge people and abuse them in their own neighbourhood.
Suggestions that the horse was not fit to run are absurd. I saw the horse first-hand on course. He arrived shortly after the first race and looked as fit, healthy, alert and relaxed as any of the other horses. It was a freakish, unfortunate accident that could have happened to him running around a paddock in the countryside.
The most terrible thing about this is that these anti-racing people would have loved having a horse die after the Cup. They couldn’t have asked for a better piece of fuel for the fire. Rather ironic isn’t it?
These horses are looked after with respect, love and devotion and I have seen this at all levels of the industry.
These things happen on earth, to all species. It is incredibly sad for all involved to see such a terrible thing happen. And it is sad to be met with close-minded people showing no respect to the horse or those involved with him.
It is time for this nonsense to stop and for the passion of those who spend their whole lives loving and caring for horses to be understood.
Rest in peace, Admire Rakti and Araldo.
Kensington (Vic)