Atmosphere electric as the drunken crowd braces for the start of the Darwin Cup. They strain their sunburnt necks, wobbling on high heels, and that’s just the transgender blokes in the crowd.
The lights are flashing, the red light is on, and then …..
Nothing.
Who’s idea was it to get the Mayor’s mate to manage the electrical components of the starter gate?
Such are the moments when a reliable commercial electrician who will ensure the starter gate works every time is crucial to the success of the day. Drunk people forget a lot of stuff – but not a stuff up like that. It’s fictional by the way.
There have been worse blunders in the horse racing world. Some of course are tragic – and animal rights protesters are becoming more popular by the year as they protest in the media about the amount of horrific horse injuries and deaths.
Philip Cheng, a Hong Kong jockey, was seen as one of the most promising riders in the 1999 – 2000 season. Amongst his incredible achievements was managing to grab 16 wins in that season alone, likely putting him on the fast track to becoming a legendary jockey.
However, in the summer of 2000 Cheng was invited to take part in an event in the United Kingdom, where trainer Gary Moore had specifically requested his attendance. Cheng managed to finish second in an apprentice race, and seemed to once again be on top of the world.
But tragedy struck on the 23rd of September 2000, when Cheng was thrown from his horse. The animal, named My Fourth Wishes, kicked him twice as he fell, once on the head, and once on the chest. He tragically died in hospital 3 days later.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Horse Euthanised
A horse competing with Swiss rider Robin Godel at the Tokyo Olympics was put down on Sunday after appearing lame at a fence in the middle of the cross-country course the day before the medals ceremony for equestrian eventing.
The race was stopped and other riders, who were racing at speeds of around 34 kph on the 4.4-km obstacle course, were halted so the 14-year-old gelding called Jet Set could be taken from the scene.
“The horse received immediate veterinary attention at the fence and, after an initial assessment, was transferred by horse ambulance to the onsite Veterinary Clinic,” the equestrian federation FEI said in a statement.
“Sadly, ultrasound scans revealed an irreparable ligament rupture in the lower right limb, just above the hoof, and on humane grounds and with the agreement of the owners and athlete, the decision was taken to put the horse to sleep.”
FEI added that samples had been taken from the horse and a post mortem would take place, in line with its rules.
Godel, 23, was competing at his first Olympic Games.
In a statement on Instagram, Godel said that Jet Set “passed while doing what he loved most: galloping and jumping obstacles.” The rider added that he would stay away from social media for the time being.
Horse racing is a dangerous sport and it needs more professionals around it. Whether the commercial electrician who knows what he’s doing, or the horse whisperers who can encourage a more respectful approach by the jockeys and trainers, the horse racing industry still has a long way to go.