They are majestic animals. Can't deny that.
And I did enjoy quite a few days playing hooky during law school at Santa Anita park losing money on them.
I never had the chance to become emotionally attached to one. Although that one gray mare named "Judge something or other" that won for me in the 9th race of the day, just about made up for that broken arm... ;-)
Ah, that explains it. ;-)