Wimping out is a young trend. Only in my lifetime - which includes the “super ‘70s”. They were not as tough as earlier schedules, as a rule.
Sir Barton - ran all the way through 4, top older horse.
Gallant Fox - ran through 3
Omaha - ran through 4, last season in England inc. Queen’s Plate and just missing Ascot Gold Cup
War Admiral - ran all the way through 4 into 5, top older horse
Whirlaway - ran 20 as 3yo and 22 as 4yo, continued onto 5, top elder
Count Fleet - retired after TC due to injury
Assault - top older horse through 4, raced to 7
Citation - ran 20 races at 3yo, laid off for serious injury, returned to race at 5 and 6, top older horse
Secretatiat - ran through 3 (syndicate for stud forced it)
Seattle Slew - ran through 4, top elder
Affirmed - ran through 4, top elder
Thanks for the info. Very interesting.
But in todays world it seems the horses don’t race like they used to. People used to run their horses on a more regular basis. IMHO, that wasn’t a bad thing. It built stamina.
Today...it seems like folks are more concerned about resting their horses between races...hence the number of “ringers” that come in to a big race.
From an animal perspective...I guess that is a good thing. After Eight Bells...I nearly gave up on racing all together.