richiebee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BP:
>
> You are being a bit tough on a guy who risks
> paralysis 5- 6 times a day (plus additional risk
> in AM training) and is out of a career if he gains
> 7 pounds. He deserves the right to make as much as
> he can while he can, at all times looking out for
> numero uno.
>
> If Tim Ritchey looks in the program, he will
> see the names of other jocks. If Tim Ritchey has
> fast enough horses, those jockeys will seek him
> out.
>
> Dont be too hearty in your applause of the
> trainer's loyalty. He realized that Alex and
> Jeremy got along well and chose not to disrupt
> that harmony. As he did throughout AA's career,
> Ritchey did what was best for the horse.
>
> For a good view of typical trainer loyalty,
> read The Big Horse, Joe McGinnis and PG Johnson,
> about how PG "flipped" Chris Antley for A Cordero,
> Jr.
>


Have to agree with Richiebee. This isn't a case of a Trainer dumping a hall of fame jock for a reputation jock. A.k.a. Frankel putting Bailey on Megadeath instead of Pincay. This is about the guy that incurs the risks trying to maximize his return for time in the saddle. Ritchey is a great trainer, but he doesnt have Zito's clients or stock.

Have to comment on PG Johnson. One of the absoloute best Horseman interviews I ever witnessed was Harvey Pack with Johnson on the N.Y. post race show. (I forget it's name.) Johnson discussed the Breeders Cup on it and I've never heard a trainer pick a big card as accurately as he did. I loved him from that moment on. I'm so pleased he got Volponi.

RIP Horseman