FanNation

This is probably the only post of its kind you will see from me, since I'm not an avid spectator of horse racing. I'll admit I do watch the Kentucky Derby, but I don't follow the sport closely enough to merit any kind expertise.

That being said, I was reading the article "Patching of Big Brown's hoof to wait a few days" on SI.com today and I came to a quote which made me pause for a minute, re-read it, then made me a little angry at the hypocrisy of some people. The quote is from hoof specialist Ian McKinlay and he says the following regarding Triple Crown threat Big Brown:

"I don't like people accusing Rick [Dutrow Jr.] or accusing this industry of just taking horses and throwing them to the wolves for money. These guys love these horses...Yes, there's a lot of money at stake, but they're not going to do it. They'd be an idiot to do it. He's certainly worth a lot more alive than he is dead."

And that last sentence caught my eye. "He's certainly worth a lot more alive than he is dead." Why is Big Brown worth more alive than he is dead? Could it possibly be that he can win you boatload of money, superstardom, and notoriety for being the first Triple Crown winner since 1978? Isn't that how the majority of people measure worth here in America, by money?

Now, I'm not accusing anyone of "throwing them to the wolves for money" by any means. Just next time, Mr. McKinlay, think before you speak. When trying to substantiate an argument that people aren't the money-hungry thoughtless pricks we think they are, don't then follow it up with a statement about being worth more alive than dead.

I'm probably reading way too much into this and I acknowledge that. It's just that the hypocritical nature of man is prevalent to me in almost all aspects of life. And to argue that it isn't, is hypocritical in itself. Let's face it, people want to win. Some people race horses to win. To win money. 

And while McKinlay doesn't like others accusing them of this, the fact remains that the winner of the Belmont Stakes will be a million dollars richer, not to mention another entry in the record books.

How's that for a measure of worth?