Racing’s riches

The racing industry was handed a gift from God via the Belmont Stakes in the filly Rags To Riches. Her performance was remarkable and one for the ages.

Many have written that racing needs a star to become the people’s horse and assumed that star would come from having won the Triple Crown. Rags To Riches raced in only one leg, but Barbaro’s Kentucky Derby had nothing on her Belmont. If Barbaro captured America’s imagination last year and left it wondering what-if because of his demise, she certainly should have exclusivity to that imagination now.

The thoroughbred racing industry has no excuse now for declining attendance numbers. They now have at their disposal what they’ve claimed to be lacking. Will they seize the opportunity? If past performances are any indication, I’ll bet not.

ANTHONY BERARDINELLI

North Hollywood