Horse Trainer Lukas Seeks Tradition-Ending Triple Crown Changes

Bloomberg ^ | May 16, 2003

[bruinbirdman]

Trainers Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas don't agree on much, including the future of the horse racing series that's made them famous.

Baffert embraces the traditions of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, the three races that make up the sport's prestigious Triple Crown. Lukas thinks the series needs an overhaul -- including different distances, dates and purses -- to draw a new generation of fans.

[Mr. Bird]

``The reason Nascar does so well is because the fans have a car to follow,'' he said. ``The have the same cars go out there every week.''

With all due respect to Lukas, it's three damned races. A fan base exists for one horse, the Derby winner. Once the Triple Crown plays out, the horse racing season is over for the average viewer. Horse racing has numerous problems to contend with, and the current structure and timeline of the Triple Crown events are not them.

[Chewbacca]

I think they should have donkey, burrow, and draft horse racing added to the list. Maybe throw in a camel and ostrich for good measure.