Last Saturday was the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby which was won by Big Brown.

Eight Belles, a filly, was running in the race and finished second behind Big Brown.

Immediately after the race finished, disaster struck.

Eight Belles was galloping for another quarter mile past the finish when she broke both of her front ankles.

She was euthanized on the spot.

Now PETA has issued their familiar calls to ban the jockey, riding crops and to prevent the racing of horses under the age of 3. I don’t think any of the above (except increasing the age of the horses who are able to race) is the proper way to go. The jockey did everything right and his use of the crop avoided an in-race disaster that could’ve incorporated other riders and horses. Waiting to race horses until they are a bit stronger is the best solution PETA has proposed so-far.

The Humane Society has also weighed-in by claiming that the way horses are being bred is leading to a dangerous situation because they are being bred for speed and not durability.

“There are problems coming to light more than ever — problems related to breeding,” said Wayne Pacelle, Humane Society president. “Breeding too many horses, and waiting for someone else to clean up the problem. And breeding them for body characteristics that make these animals vulnerable to breakdowns, especially those spindly legs on top of these stout torsos.”

Dr. Larry Bramlage ( the on-call veterinarian at Churchill Downs) seems to agree with the Humane Societies assessment; 

“The value of a horse is no longer related to how much he can win on the racetrack,” Bramlage said. “It’s related to how likely he can get you to one of those events. The breed creeps toward a faster and faster individual, but that individual may be brilliant because they have a lighter skeleton. We’re inadvertently selecting for the wrong thing.”

Thai’s Take?

I agree with both the Humane Society and Dr. Bramlage. The sport of Horse Racing needs to change the way they breed their horses.

I love Horse Racing but I love horses even more. No other animal has the same quiet grace and nobleness of our equine companions. I grew up around horses so its no surprise that I feel this special bond with them.

I’m not asking for the sport to be banned or anything crazy like that. I am merely asking that the breeders start looking at things a different way and trying to prevent as much as possible these senseless injuries.

A chance to play in an exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Crystal was a favorite of former Yankees manager Joe Torre and became something of a pinstripe mascot, once keeping them loose by taking infield with them before a World Series game.

Crystal signed a one-day minor league contract when he arrived at Legends Field, met with Girardi and then walked directly to his locker. Yankees prospect Mark Melancon previously occupied the cubicle.

“It’s beyond belief,” Crystal said. “But I didn’t want to come in and step on anyone’s toes. People have to get ready for the season.”

Crystal was the third person in the clubhouse wearing No. 60. The number also belongs to special pitching instructor Rich Monteleone and young infielder Cody Ransom, who will switch to No. 67 for the Pirates game.

In the majors, players often give some sort of gift — maybe a Rolex — to someone who yields their number.

“We’re in negotiations,” Ransom said.

Commissioner Bud Selig approved this appearance and the Pirates sounded fine with Crystal’s guest shot.

“He’s been a big ambassador for baseball,” Pittsburgh manager John Russell said. “It’s a kid’s game at heart and he has loved it since he was a kid. I have no qualms about it whatsoever.”

I think its nice to give him this present and Crystal has obviously been working on his hitting, but I have some reservations about this stunt.

What about that minor league player who Crystal is replacing for that game?

Spring Training is about making the coaches notice you and taking advantage of the chances you get.

This is one less chance that player will get to get brought up to the “Big Leagues” or at least make the minor league roster.

So while I appreciate the New York Yankees trying to honor one of their most ardent fans. I think about that player that may not get a chance to play because of this publicity stunt.

Your thoughts may vary of course.

-Thai

The most prolific passer in NFL history is finally hanging up his cleats.

Brett Favre has decided to retire after 17 seasons (16 of which were as QB of the Green Bay Packers).

His Accomplishments

Lets review;

Favre garnered 3 League MVP titles (the only player to ever receive 3).

He holds the career records for;

• TD Passes (442). The next closest to him is Fran Tarkenton (420).
• Passing Yards (61,655). Dan Marino is now second (61,361)
• QB wins by Starter (160). John Elway is now in second (148)

Not all records are positive though.

Favre also holds the record for Most Interceptions (288). This record is somewhat near and dear to my heart as he passed George Blanda (277) and into first place this past year (2007) when my favorite player (Sean Taylor – Safety) intercepted him (Interception #278) in a game between the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers.

Favre’s Legacy

Farve leaves behind a fantastic legacy as a QB.

In a sport where most players (let alone QB’s) have a hard time playing just a full 16 game season, Brett played in 275 consecutive games as a QB!  This is roughly the football equivalent to Orioles shortstop/third baseman, Cal Ripken Jr. playing in 2,632 games and breaking Lou Gehrig’s record in the process.

If you ever watched Brett play he always had a smile on his face. He always looked like he was having fun out on the field. I think I will miss that the most. Brett had this thing about him where it looked like he was playing in some open field with a bunch of his friends on a weekend. You know the kind of games I’m talking about.

Its those games where you bring the beer and food and the huddles consist of out-of-shape guys drawing plays in the dirt.

He was somewhat of a gambler and threw too many ill-advised passes (that’s why he has the Interception record). But Brett also made up for those because he almost always knew how to find an open receiver (even if he had to throw the ball underhanded ). He was one of the toughest SOB’s I’ve ever seen play the QB position and he knew how to win. Brett never stopped fighting until the play was done. But he always had a smile on his face like he was having fun. Its almost like he was saying to himself over and over;

“They PAY me to do this??”

When my children grow up and we visit Canton, Ohio and they ask me who Brett Favre was. I’m going to tell them;

 ”Here was a man who played a kid’s game for a king’s ransom and never lost sight of how important it was to keep the kid in the game” 

Thank you for the memories Brett. I look forward to your Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 5 years.

By the way… does anyone know if John Madden has stopped crying yet???

-Thai