Defending McCarron’s Winning Ride on Dinard
I feel compelled to respond to the letter from Stephen B. Charney (April 13). I agree with him on Shoemaker’s greatness, and pray for his recovery, but if Mr. Charney would watch the Kentucky Derby won by Shoemaker on Ferdinand, he will see Shoe whipping Ferdinand all through Churchill Downs’ long stretch.
The mark of a great jockey is to know the difference between a horse who gives everything of its own accord and a horse who requires persuasion. I’ve seen Chris McCarron ride many, many horses to nose and neck wins without touching them with the whip. I feel confident McCarron felt Dinard would perform better with the use of the whip. It certainly looked to me like it helped.
In my book, McCarron doesn’t need to worry about making the list of all-time greats. He’s already on it.
MARY ISELER
Temecula
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