In a strange coincidence, several veterinarians estimate that she actually broke her leg about twelve strides before she fell. This would have meant that "Wanda" suffered her catastrophic injury while passing the flagpole that Ruffian was buried next to. Wikipedia
I think God graces us with good horses, and allows us to keep some on Earth.....but the great ones he allows glimpses into perfection then calls home early to Him.
Go for Wand broke her leg when she passed Ruffian's grave, then kept running then fell. There's just somthing about that... why do all horses breakdown in a big race? It's sad and unsatisfying. (Ruffian, Barbaro, Go for Wand, Pine Isalnd, Eight Bells)
@cattamer101 big races are publized nationally, qutie a few horses break down at any other race, but their just small stakes races that dont have as much attention like the TC or Breeders Cup races, therefore we just dont hear about it as much
@Horsea123 a lot of horses enjoy showjumping,those without the desire to compete and win rarely make it high enough for it to b an issue.horses have the opportunity to say no,and I sure as he'll wouldn't choose to b riding a horse over 1.5m jumps that didn't want to b there!
God rest your soul little girl. How brave and gutsy you were to get up and try to fight nature. I hope you felt no pain due tot he adrenaline and shock. RIP
@ViVi80 the jockey was just whipping her because the other horse was so close to him that he wanted to win the fricking race so don't be saying that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Was 12 and my dad took me. Never went to another race in my life. I cried for days. was the saddest thing I had ever seen in my life in person till that point at 12
Pretty sure 4 horses died during this Breeders Cup. The announcer said it best..."this is rapidly turning into the most tragic day in racing history". 21 years later and it remains the deadliest day. Shame
@tinacrook if you outlaw horse racing then look at how many jobs people would lose since tens of thousands of people are employed by it, not just the trainers and jockeys or grooms but the out riders the gate handlers the clean up crew the people in management and others. So your telling me that you would be happy for all those people to essentially be fired for working to support themselves and their families or for the economy to drip more than it already has?, its because of idiots like you
i remember seeing that race on tv here in puerto rico due to the historical value, i was 15y/o at the time but that image will live for ever vividly in my mind!
I have never seen this or read about this until I watched a Barbaro video and saw the filly's name. OH MY GOD!!! and then she gets up, SHE GETS UP, and tries to finish the race..... :(
@RidingWithRuffian "freak accidents happen"??? Are you for real? Do you have any idea how many horses are put down for race track accidents every year? Do you have any idea how many of these beautiful babies they push too far too young, ruin them an dthen they have to be either put down, or the owners get tired of sinking money into something thats not making money for tehm anymore and sell them to slaughter houses? TB Horse racing is a disgrace and should be outlawed.
@tinacrook Yes, freak accidents do happen. But not all horses die on the track, more horses actually live than die. Many racehorses live more glamorously than other horses of other equine sportings do. Shoot, Zenyatta's trainer gives her beer every now and then LOL! But seriously, don't believe all that activist junk.Horse racing is the sport of kings, and it brings tons of money and tourist attractions to many states so if you don't support it, don't waist your time protesting it. ;)
@RidingWithRuffian Only a small percentage of the horses bred to race ,make it to adulthood then fewer to retirement-many considered to be no-hopers are sent to their deaths and the petfood/meat industry and horsemeat eating countries.Check out the AnimalAid/UK website to get the full picture.They also keep a record of fatalities on the Deathwatch,they average out at around 400 each year in the UK and Ireland alone.
@tinacrook Tina, by that same logic jumping (Where MANY accidents, burnouts etc. happen) should be outlawed too. And what about 3 day events? STAGGERING accident rate. Any sport must be done responsibly, ergo, race horses when they are ready. Most of them LOVE to run and LOVE to win.
@Elisabetta611 Show jumping actually has a very LOW rate of horse injury, much less fatality. You can't possibly be comparing eventing and show jumping? Eventing and horse racing hold the same place in my heart...right down at the bottom. Disgusting so-called "sports" both of them. I consider sports events where the partcipants actually have a "choice" about whether or not to compete. Let me know the next time a horse has an option of saying "No, I really don't feel like doing this."
I really remember this, because my mother, who shared a horse-life with me, was so shocked, she immediately started crying and left the room, I can still hear her crying over this breakdown.
When I see her fall it reminds me of all the great champions that we have lost due to racing but when I watch her get back up and finish that race it reminds me of what these horses are bread for and that running flows in their veins thicker than blood it reminds of the determination and endurance in racehorses.
This filly couldn't handle the west coast mare (Bayakoa).
Go For Wand had easy leads all her life and when she met a mare that could stay with her, it was all over with. Go For Wand ends up caving in past the sixteenth pole and wants no more of Bayakoa.
It's called "lookin a horse in the eye".
Rachel Alexandra is the same as Go For Wand. Once you place a "quality" mare at their throatlatch, they cave-in and want no part of a stretch duel.
@DBJMKJ You are an idiot and your comments show you know nothing of racing. Go For Wand's leg snapped, not her heart. She tried to finish the race- you call that caving in, you moron? Bayakoa was the fily who was being stared down, giving way and losing unti the breakdown.
And yesterday (March 13 ,2010), GOOGLE ME broke down in the first race at Santa Anita and had to be euthanized. Several races later, Zenyatta went 15 and 0. There was tragedy and triumph that day at SA.
How very tragic. Hundreds of horses die every year in racing, yet it seems only the famous ones get remember =( Mi Rey (ARG) had a nearly indentical breakdown last year I think, I've seen the photos =(
I don't know who said it but it makes sense. The great ones break down more than average horses because they run harder,faster and won't pull themselves up from pain.
When horse get up they are not trying to run to the finish line(people always say that) they are just running because they are animals and that's what they do and they are in shock. They are not going to stand and say ok stay still,I broke my leg.
Wikipedia says she ran to the finish line and then the winners circle. Geez
several veterinarians estimate that she actually broke her leg about twelve strides before she fell. This would have meant that "Wanda" suffered her catastrophic injury while passing the flagpole that Ruffian was buried next to.
I can watch her fall,but what I can't watch is her running on the track with her leg dangling...and it makes me wonder if he could've pulled her up b4 she fell
This was the worst breakdown I ever saw. It happened right in front of the crowd, and the horse got loose and was running with a flapping leg...so horrible. I was a huge Bayakoa fan and it would have been a race for the ages if it played out. Ever since this, I can never watch a close stretch run without holding my breath.
I think Go For Wand's breakdown was the second darkest day in horse racing history. Ruffian's was first. Terrible what happened to both of them. I will never forget either of them. RIP Go For Wand and Ruffian
This was the darkest day in horse racing history. 4 horses died on the track that day. Go for Wand(leg), Shaker Knit(leg), Mr. Nickerson (heart attack), and one other horse whose name eludes me. They tried to blame the pathetic track conditions at Belmont. Go for Wand stepped in a big hole. Sad to see Go for Wand's 92 yr old owner as she watched her horse fall and get put to sleep. She looked very very sad. No question the darkest day in horse racing history.
the fourth fatality was in the Classic won by Unbridled. I also forgot the horses name. I still get teary eyed whenever I see or hear her name. as for kearnej comment below...you have no clue what your talking about. she was a competitor and did not want to lose. it wasnt romero you retard
Romero was so correct in his analysis about Bayakoa. She was the 4 year old champion mare taking on the 3 year old champion Go For Wand and he had her beat. Bayakoa was a very big mare as well and was not gaining ground on Wand until the tragedy occurred. It is still an epic race despite the sadness.
go for wand was amazing ,, wat a shame that happened the only thing i dont understand is how a life can be taken so quickly and so easily ,, every one knows a rong step can kill and it is lucky it only killed one it could have killed two that tragic day .... Rip Go For Wand ... i cant imagine how the poor jockey felt
I will always remember Go For Wand and this tragic breakdown...she was amazing as was her owner Mrs. Jane Lunger, her outstanding trainer Bill Badgett and all his staff. Having owned, raised, and raced horses, this tragedy will always be fresh in my mind. Thanks for posting this-
@hollywoodman4 No owner or trainer that decides to race horses is amazing. You DO NOT run horses at 2 yrs old. Not now, not ever. If you own, raise and race horses and you do so from the time they are 2 yrs old, shame on you! You know better, but you want the money...it's all about the money.
Hmm, I am not really anti-racing, but can anyone explain me why you would take that risk? Because the horse can't choose, and doesn't know the danger, but jockeys do know the risks...
Go for Wand is amazing. Her foot held onto her leg by only skin and flopping away in agony as she tried to finish the race. Poor thing. She just wanted to cross that finish line.
This video is really difficult to watch for someone like myself who loves horses and has enjoyed Horse Racing for as long as I can remember. In my opinion, Go For Wand's breakdown is even more tragic and heartbreaking than Ruffian's for the simple fact that Ruffian's occured on the backstretch shortly after the start of the race while Go For Wand broke down in the shadow of the wire in a brilliant race where she appeared to be on her way to victory. In any case, it's just a terrible tradgedy.
This is the most graphic breakdown that i have ever seen thats why they changed the name of the distaff to the Go for Wand Distaff or something like that...but she was a wonderful filly and she was incredible and she had such guts that she wanted to keep running even with a broken leg that shows how good she was and she would have won that race i believe if she didnt break down sad really sad
@ccraw87 no doubt in my mind she would have won but the other horse kida bumped her knocking her off balance and when the jockey hit her with the crop she tried to gain her balance back
When I get my racehorse barn, I`m not entering the Breeder`s Cup. I`ve seen too many breakdowns happen in that race, and it`s notoriouse for ruining 2 year olds.
I know, I just have a habit of making it sound like one race when I know it`s multiple races.
I know there wasn`t any last year, there`s been planty of years like that, but I wouldn`t risk it. I don`t have a problem with the people entering horses in the Breeder`s Cup races, but I personally wouldn`t risk it, cause it`s had the highest breakdown rate.
@Beatlegirl4eva How about you just forget about getting a racehorse barn? The whole "sport" is animal abuse. I won't enter this or that race because they are notorious for breakdowns? Get real. Your horse can break down in any race. You shouldn't be running 2 year olds in ANY RACE at any time, you idiot! You really shouldn't even be riding them at that age. God save us from stupid people like you.
@Beatlegirl4eva RACING PERIOD IS NOTORIOUS FOR RUINING 2 YR OLDS! It ruins ANY HORSE and should be outlawed....Just a way to make already wealthy people even wealthier and when they cant make them any more money then ship them to slaughter or keep racing them til they break down and have to be put down....its abuse plain and simple and makes me sick
@tinacrook Not necessarily, many great racehorses raced as 2 year olds and lived long healthy lives. 2 year old campaigns need to be run responsibly if you`re going to do it at all. Personally I don`t agree with running 2 year olds. Horseracing should not be outlawed, it has problems to be fixed, but so does about anything else. It is getting better and if improvements keep coming, breakdowns will decrease incredibly. Please look at both sides of the story instead of jumping to conclusions.
@Beatlegirl4eva I'm glad to hear that. That decision alone has probably already saved several of your horses from future needless tragedies. I love horses, it's very painful to watch them run their hearts out with no idea that they are just one wrong move away from pain, rejection, abandonment and not uncommonly, death. Bless their innocent hearts.
The goddamn jockey was whipping her all the way down the stretch!!!!!!!! It makes me sick to hear him go on and on about how he's going to win, he was going to be a winner etc. No real pity or sorrow for the beautiful horse that ran her best for you.You were never going to be a winner, GO FOR WAND WAS GOING TO BE THE WINNER. Now you are a sick cruel loser.
@ViVi80 It`s a crop, it doesn`t hurt like a whip does. Whips sometimes leave welts but crops are harmless, they just get the horses attention. Common in training. Though it has been proven to slow some horses down (makes sense, they are into pressure animals, they lean into pressure, crop=pressure), won`t allow them on my horses, will use them some in training maybe.
U.S. Jockey Club reports about 600 horses died racing-related deaths on U.S. racetracks in 2006
& this is only the US, & does not include county fairs or training.
& CHILDREN die everyday, but if the deaths are preventable, we condemn those responsible. We make laws to protect them from abuse, and from harms way (child labor, etc).
So, YES, animals die every day - but if its our fault- if its preventable, then we should prevent it.
Entertainment should never be an excuse for abuse.
County Fairs normally count with the Jockey Club (many do, anyways).
Racing deaths are not always preventable, since the horse is just a fragile animal. They will always break legs whether it is show jumping, racing, cross country, or whatever
@poderdemenina YES, so if we refuse to watch horse racing...which is what I do...then we can make a difference. I WILL NOT attend a horse racing event. I watched a 4 yr old mare die in front of me at Saratoga. Her leg was broken above the point that Go For Wand's leg was broken. Her bone was protruding. They put her down on the track in front of me. I will never attend another horse race. If we do not attend and we do not bet on this crap, the races WILL stop.
@italianbro1234 No, that isn't life - it's death. People get to choose what they do - horses don't; they trust US. A horse's bones are not fully formed at the age of two and, obviously, they begin training before the age of two. Also, racehorses turn a year older on Jan 1, regardless of when they were born. Do the math. I'm not afraid; I'm disgusted. You obviously care more about betting money than you do about animals; I can't make you care. You're part of the problem, not the solution.
@horseA123 well... we all play sports when we are young and old depending how good u were. so at young ages our bones aren't fully developed at all... what im saying is yes of course i care about the horses safety, that's why synthetic tracks are good for support on the horses legs... the money and betting has nothing to do with anything. i follow horses like Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. i will watch the BC Classic for Zenyatta but im not going to bet on it. they only kill the horse because
@horseA123 because... the horse has too much pain from the break and with the horse weighing around 1,200 pounds constantly on the leg it never would heal quickly.
@italianbro1234 Believe me, I understand why horses have to be put down. You're missing my point. Humans can discuss with their parents which sport is best for them, if any. Horses have to trust their owners/trainers/other idiots about what is best for them. You may not bet, but you are still watching; I am not. It is your call.
i was not born when this happened, i just fell in love with her acomplishments. i did regret my love for this sport after watching this. i cried as well, but she loved what she did and that is very important to me.
i know many people that hate that i love this sport so much, but i can't stop i love this sport just to much!
there is nothing that can compare to the sight of a horse breaking down.I was new to the game back in 1989 and was watching a favorite horse that had won me 500$ on my first bet ever. two weeks later as it finished a race in 2nd place (again) it broke down right in front of me.I then realized that it is just part of racing.But that doesn't make it any easier to take 20 years later.Thunder Lark you are still in my thoughts and so now is Go for Wand and.....
Cheers for the reply, I hope so too. If you ever happen to have the time and inclination I wondered what role, if there is any role at all, you (& others) believe that dirt tracks have had to play in the recent spate of these types of injuries to topline American horses? I have also heard some debate that the trend to retire champion horses in America before they have had double digit starts is opening the possibility to passing on suspect, unrobust genes??
This just breaks my heart... though now Go for Wand is definately one of my favorite racehorses, I know you all are probably not going to like this but I still love Ruffian more. They were both just ahead and both was a hollow victory for the othher jockey and horse.
Racing has lost two of its most famous, gorgeous superstars... I love racing, but now days no one breeds for confirmation, but just speed. If racing continues like this we won't ever have a horse that can run a few races safely.
The breakdown of Go For Wand was definitely tragic. However, I cannot think of a period during which thoroughbred horse breeders valued conformation over speed and stamina. Of course, correct conformation, when u know what u are looking for, generally indicates a likelihood that they will be promising gallopers. But conformation only goes so far and I can't think of a trainer that would swap conformation for speed or stamina. It would be like having the shell of a Ferrari but with no motor.
Right, although unfortunately all of those horse have passed away. Therefore, I imagine that it would be particularly the sons (not forgetting the daughters), grandsons, etc of the above horses that we are really talking about. I'm not really sure what your point was my friend, it would seem to me you are of the belief that I have ill feeling towards the American thoroughbred in general. Not true at all mate, just trying to get a fair understanding of the issues I raised. All the best.
Breeding doesn't guarantee anything though.. Seabiscuit was a grandson of Man O'War, as he was sired by Hard Tack. Man O'War also sired War Admiral. Yet Seabiscuit had extremely bad conformation. Horses with good conform. break down just as suddenly as paddlers and high knee action gallopers,
Hi mate, cheers for the feedback. Your right mate, breeding doesn't guarantee anything but it's a pretty good indicator, I hope you would agree. Even breed shapers can have a tendency to pass on some undesirable qualities, eg brittle or shelly feet, etc. I think that's why smarter men than me pay so much money to go to the best available stallion. I really don't have any statistics on the rate of breakdowns in horses of good conformation compared to those with bad conformation so I can't really
2) comment on that too much. I do know that there have been quality horses with good conformation who exhibit bad characteristics (high knee action, carried their head really high, etc) as well as those with bad conformation. To be fair, this is all getting away from the original question which was basically, what do you believe is the cause of the recent high numbers (well at least compared to Aus) of breakdowns, particularly in such high quality horses and what role if any are the tracks
playing. Maybe it's none, maybe you believe it's just one of those abnormalities that comes around in history from time to time. I'm certainly no expert and I don't have access to a tremendous amount of scribe on American Racing. I was just interested to hear some explanations and viewpoints from different people. Thanks again for the reply though and all the best my friend. PS Man O' War, Affirmed, Secretariat were all gold, they still feature in many top pedigrees over here.
It was the worst "breakdown" I ever saw. I don't like watching this video but both fillies were unbelievable. I bet on Bayoka and don't think she would have got passed Go For Wand. Sge deserves to be burried along side Secretariat
I was watching this live, I was 10 years old at the time. Probably the first breakdown I can truly remember, at least so vividly. Thank you again for sharing this. It still breaks my heart into pieces; she was a champion.
OMG! That is so horrible! The slow down version made me hurt. That is so tragic.... Youre right, that is so graphic. I cant say anything else about that fall, coz words cant describe what im thinkin right now.....
Its sorta like Ruffian...... even though this wasnt a match race it seems like it coz theres only two horses racing for the lead.
RIP Go For Wand. I'd never heard of you until just thirty minutes ago, but you're in my heart already. Poor girl. May your beautiful soul rest in peace
Oh my God! Go for Wand was a GREAT racer and one of the best fillies ever to run. Ruffian was always the obvious comparison, but they were very different. Go for Wand battled for every win like she just wanted it more than the rest. She was all heart and it's shows in how she died, running neck and neck to the finish. Even after her breakdown she was still going toward the finish line, still wanting to win. There have been to many dark days in horse racing and this was definately one of them.
Breeders need to start diversifying their bloodstock. These horses have far too many crosses in their pedigrees. Horses used to be much sturdier than they are now.
Try this on for size. I watched Round Table become the world's richest horse ... $1 million. Round Table raced over 60 times, and won about 46 of them. Today I watched Curlin become the new world's richest horse ... $10 million. It was Curlin's 15th race, and, I belive, he's won about ten or twelve of them. A big contrast from The Table.
Thoroughbreds need to be bred for more than just speed, I think. They should be bred to have good form, rather than just speed. Post-civil-war racers, and those of the early 1900s didn't get injured nearly so much.
Even when horses don't break down, they dont' have long careers like they used to have.
I remember this race clearly like others. I was 15 at the time. I followered to top horses regularly at that time and both horses were just winning and winning. This was actually considered the featured race of the breeders cup since there were no . Once Go For Wand broke down it basically ruined the rest of the day. I think even Bayakoa knew something happened and felt bad about it. When she came back next season she never won again and was retired after a few races after being champ for years.
I was also 15 years at the time. Ruined my day? It ruined my week amd almost made me turn away from the sport forever. The worst thing I have ever seen in horse racing. And to think it happened to one of the greatest fillies of all time in what was turning into one of the greatest races of all time. Go For Wand is a Hall of Famer, a legend, but so is Bayakoa. Bayakoa won 12 grade 1 races, the most ever by a female thoroughbred, and had won the Breeders Cup Distaff the year before(only 2X winner)
I certainly haven't. It was already a poor day after the Sprint, which was the 1st Breeders Cup race that day. And in that Sprint there was also Dayjur jumping the shadows twice before the wire. But the Go For Wand breakdown was the most horrific thing I have ever seen, in person or on tv, during my 20 years following the sport.
from the looks of it u can kinda see the stride before she fell she broke her leg it was like a bad step and then she was down. thats wat i see though. wat a tragedy
thank you for posting this. i've been wanting to see if for a long time. it's heart wrenching but she was a beautiful filly and tried her hardest and deserves to be remembered.
i was there at belmont on that day. Both fillies were truly great and I rarely use that word. It was the worst "break down" i've ever seen in 30 years of watching this game. Everyone mentions Ruffian but to break down at the 1/16 pole when in front is a tragic event. It was very cold at Belmont that day.
During the week leading up to the Breeders Cup no less than 5 horses broke down in training @ Belmont Park and had to be put down, and several more had career ending injuries. One racing writer says that the same thing happened to Ruffian, Eight Belles and Go For Wand, they were victims unsafe drying out tracks that were packed tight because of earlier rain in the week and not harrowed deep enough to maintain a safe cushion for them to run on. I know the track was sealed on Friday @ Churchill.
finishing above post. When you seal a race track you are trying to get all the moisture out so when it stops raining you can have what looks like a fast race track after a few races the following day. On Derby day this year the 1st race qtr time was 20.94 incredibly fast even for church hill, and if you watched on tv it was very wet, but after a few races it was perceived FAST. Just something to think about, maybe not sealing a track just because they want it fast could save a few more lives.
I remember seeing this on TV when I was 10, I used to love watching the replays from Santa Anita. I was rooting for Go For Wand in this race, she had SO MUCH HEART and wanted to win. When she went down, I ran out of the room absolutely bawling. The images I saw that day still haunt me.
I don't know why I'm watching this again, but it's making me cry again. What a beautiful animal, and what a waste.
I was actually there that day and remember seeing this happen no more than 50 yards in front of me. The gasp of the crowd was something that you will never forget.
I remember this race like it was yesterday...I was an 18 year old kid...at the time I had a big problem with gambling...that day I had been waiting for...trying to make a quick hit..some easy money...I unloaded $5000 to show on Go For Wand..undefeated filly...never expected this to happen....as my heart sunk & filly at the same time to the ground in dis-belief...16th pole..a little more..but then "BANG!!!"..life changing for me...18 years old..& $5000 in the hole..A life's hard lesson for sure..
I remember watching this in my living room with my parents and when this happened i flipped over the chair i was sitting in and had to leave the room so i wouldnt be seen in tears(dad said men dont cry) 1 thing that always bothered me was the next race colonial waters ran in, the past performance listed her distaff and said she was "2nd best" i know thats petty but we know she was 3rd no matter what would have happened.
Why why WHY did I watch this again? I saw it live on TV with everyone from my barn, in 1990 and not a single one of us wasn't openly bawling and in utter shock. It still haunts me to this day. My heart breaks for the riders, owners, and trainers of any sport horse that is suddenly brought down this way.
I did it the opposite, played Bayakoa on top because I felt her experience was the edge. I was there watching on the rail not 50 feet away and I still remember how sickening it was when Go For Wand was limping with that front leg bent backwards. RIP.
I had never wagered more on a race than this one, an exacta with go for wand on top of Bayakoa 80% and 20% in the reverse. From then on I capped my bets under $100. It's so tragic to see it again.
I remember watching this race live, and was rooting for Bayakoa, as she was a favorite of mine. I had seen many of Go For Wand's races and knew she was going to be tough, but couldn't believe she could run Bayakoa's race and still be in position to win, which I believe she does if not for the breakdown. The saddest thing I ever saw in racing....in my opinion, Go For Wand is the greatest filly since Ruffian, and it's a shame that they both had to endure the same tragic ending.
@Bassman968 Absolutely tragic, but in Go For Wand's case I always thought it was avoidable. If Go For Wand had been in the Classic, she would have been 10-15 lengths off a :45 4/5 first half as opposed to chasing Bayakoa all the way around the track.
This was a day I don't think the sport has ever completely recovered from.
A sad situation, but I would NEVER have run her against Bayakoa. Quite a few people, including horsemen I knew then all felt it was stress of running against Bayakoa that caused Go For Wand to break down.
I would have had her in the Classic against the boys, where he likely would have run a completely different race, coming from 10-15 lengths back that would have been far less stressful than what she had to do in the Distaff against Bayakoa.
Finishing the last post, whether she would have beaten Unbridled in the '90 Classic is irrelevant, as I have always felt she would have not broken down in the Classic where she would have been able to sit well off as I remember a four horse duel of :45 4/5 to the half in that race and closed off of that.
In a strange coincidence, several veterinarians estimate that she actually broke her leg about twelve strides before she fell. This would have meant that "Wanda" suffered her catastrophic injury while passing the flagpole that Ruffian was buried next to. Wikipedia
I think God graces us with good horses, and allows us to keep some on Earth.....but the great ones he allows glimpses into perfection then calls home early to Him.
GoldenOakFarm 1 month ago
Go for Wand broke her leg when she passed Ruffian's grave, then kept running then fell. There's just somthing about that... why do all horses breakdown in a big race? It's sad and unsatisfying. (Ruffian, Barbaro, Go for Wand, Pine Isalnd, Eight Bells)
cattamer101 2 months ago
@cattamer101 big races are publized nationally, qutie a few horses break down at any other race, but their just small stakes races that dont have as much attention like the TC or Breeders Cup races, therefore we just dont hear about it as much
tmustang94 5 days ago
Sorry,misread ur post,ignore that ;)
86RMM 4 months ago
@Horsea123 a lot of horses enjoy showjumping,those without the desire to compete and win rarely make it high enough for it to b an issue.horses have the opportunity to say no,and I sure as he'll wouldn't choose to b riding a horse over 1.5m jumps that didn't want to b there!
86RMM 4 months ago
God rest your soul little girl. How brave and gutsy you were to get up and try to fight nature. I hope you felt no pain due tot he adrenaline and shock. RIP
CONSIDERABLYMORE1 5 months ago
This video had to be uploaded for historic posterity, but when I saw Go For Wand collapse, tears came to my eyes immediately.
AEMoreira81 6 months ago 2
that is so odd she broke down after Ruffians grave RIP
DogSoldiersSpoon 7 months ago
R.I.P Beautiful girl. A legend to never be forgtotten
katnjas 8 months ago 2
@ViVi80 the jockey was just whipping her because the other horse was so close to him that he wanted to win the fricking race so don't be saying that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MichaelJs1luv96 9 months ago
I KNEW I shouldn't have watched that...
emmelby 10 months ago
Its like Ruffian but with more gruesome footage.
anniehorselover 10 months ago
Was 12 and my dad took me. Never went to another race in my life. I cried for days. was the saddest thing I had ever seen in my life in person till that point at 12
caine115 10 months ago
Do you think a horse heaven really exists?
wolfsrule100 1 year ago
Pretty sure 4 horses died during this Breeders Cup. The announcer said it best..."this is rapidly turning into the most tragic day in racing history". 21 years later and it remains the deadliest day. Shame
Tampaslice 1 year ago
this makes me so sad.
and you know what makes me sad even more ?
the fact the the poor thing was trying to make it to the finish line :'(
rip beautiful <3
rihannafan2323 1 year ago
awww ruffian and go for wand :'( such tragic ways to die they left to soon.
they say wanda broker her leg 12 strides b4 she fell, that means she broke it as she was passing the pole where ruffian was burried
xxcrystlecityxx 1 year ago
@tinacrook if you outlaw horse racing then look at how many jobs people would lose since tens of thousands of people are employed by it, not just the trainers and jockeys or grooms but the out riders the gate handlers the clean up crew the people in management and others. So your telling me that you would be happy for all those people to essentially be fired for working to support themselves and their families or for the economy to drip more than it already has?, its because of idiots like you
horsecrazyperson 1 year ago
@horsecrazyperson so youre saying their jobs are more important than the life of one of Gods creatures? nice..
tinacrook 11 months ago
RIP you were a great horse with a lot of heart and I'm sure you are up in heaven playing around with the other greats.
horsecrazyperson 1 year ago
rest in peace baby, you were one great racehorse who left too soon
papillonluver1 1 year ago
Remembering Go For Wand, Mr. Nickerson and Shaker Knit on this dark day 20 years ago.
73KHS 1 year ago
i remember seeing that race on tv here in puerto rico due to the historical value, i was 15y/o at the time but that image will live for ever vividly in my mind!
terrorizerr1 1 year ago
OH MY GOD!!!! OH MY GOD!!! OH MY GOD!!!!
I have never seen this or read about this until I watched a Barbaro video and saw the filly's name. OH MY GOD!!! and then she gets up, SHE GETS UP, and tries to finish the race..... :(
OH MY GOD THAT WAS AWFUL!!!!
bubblinbrownsugar616 1 year ago
That is really sad. Go For Wand was an amazing horse too. But freak accidents happen. there's no one to blame, but we just wish they never happened.
Rest in peace dear Wand!
RidingWithRuffian 1 year ago
@RidingWithRuffian "freak accidents happen"??? Are you for real? Do you have any idea how many horses are put down for race track accidents every year? Do you have any idea how many of these beautiful babies they push too far too young, ruin them an dthen they have to be either put down, or the owners get tired of sinking money into something thats not making money for tehm anymore and sell them to slaughter houses? TB Horse racing is a disgrace and should be outlawed.
tinacrook 1 year ago
@tinacrook Yes, freak accidents do happen. But not all horses die on the track, more horses actually live than die. Many racehorses live more glamorously than other horses of other equine sportings do. Shoot, Zenyatta's trainer gives her beer every now and then LOL! But seriously, don't believe all that activist junk.Horse racing is the sport of kings, and it brings tons of money and tourist attractions to many states so if you don't support it, don't waist your time protesting it. ;)
RidingWithRuffian 1 year ago
@RidingWithRuffian Only a small percentage of the horses bred to race ,make it to adulthood then fewer to retirement-many considered to be no-hopers are sent to their deaths and the petfood/meat industry and horsemeat eating countries.Check out the AnimalAid/UK website to get the full picture.They also keep a record of fatalities on the Deathwatch,they average out at around 400 each year in the UK and Ireland alone.
TZEITEL10 11 months ago
@tinacrook Tina, by that same logic jumping (Where MANY accidents, burnouts etc. happen) should be outlawed too. And what about 3 day events? STAGGERING accident rate. Any sport must be done responsibly, ergo, race horses when they are ready. Most of them LOVE to run and LOVE to win.
Elisabetta611 1 year ago
@Elisabetta611 Show jumping actually has a very LOW rate of horse injury, much less fatality. You can't possibly be comparing eventing and show jumping? Eventing and horse racing hold the same place in my heart...right down at the bottom. Disgusting so-called "sports" both of them. I consider sports events where the partcipants actually have a "choice" about whether or not to compete. Let me know the next time a horse has an option of saying "No, I really don't feel like doing this."
horseA123 10 months ago
@tinacrook Can you chill? Dude, get your facts straight.
BackstretchUnderdog 11 months ago
If I'm not mistaken, this was the accident that lead to Randy Romero catching Hepatitis B from hospitalization.
Vydio 1 year ago
It's a shame, this race could have been a racing epic in a different kind of way. RIP Go for Wand man you were a great horse
jfurry616 1 year ago
I think I'm gonna cry...btw fuck the jockey!
horseracing2009 1 year ago
I really remember this, because my mother, who shared a horse-life with me, was so shocked, she immediately started crying and left the room, I can still hear her crying over this breakdown.
vgoth100 1 year ago
i saw this on TV
dboot90 1 year ago
When I see her fall it reminds me of all the great champions that we have lost due to racing but when I watch her get back up and finish that race it reminds me of what these horses are bread for and that running flows in their veins thicker than blood it reminds of the determination and endurance in racehorses.
ccwaddle 1 year ago
This filly couldn't handle the west coast mare (Bayakoa).
Go For Wand had easy leads all her life and when she met a mare that could stay with her, it was all over with. Go For Wand ends up caving in past the sixteenth pole and wants no more of Bayakoa.
It's called "lookin a horse in the eye".
Rachel Alexandra is the same as Go For Wand. Once you place a "quality" mare at their throatlatch, they cave-in and want no part of a stretch duel.
DBJMKJ 1 year ago
Easy leads? She was a stalker, Bayakoa was the speed horse. You call snapping a leg "caving in"? I guess Ruffian caved as well.
begorgia 1 year ago
Excuse me, but Rachel did battle in a stretch duel in her second start. And won. So no need to generalize.
CatzKr 1 year ago
@DBJMKJ You are an idiot and your comments show you know nothing of racing. Go For Wand's leg snapped, not her heart. She tried to finish the race- you call that caving in, you moron? Bayakoa was the fily who was being stared down, giving way and losing unti the breakdown.
Kinsail 1 year ago
And yesterday (March 13 ,2010), GOOGLE ME broke down in the first race at Santa Anita and had to be euthanized. Several races later, Zenyatta went 15 and 0. There was tragedy and triumph that day at SA.
sycohlc 1 year ago
How very tragic. Hundreds of horses die every year in racing, yet it seems only the famous ones get remember =( Mi Rey (ARG) had a nearly indentical breakdown last year I think, I've seen the photos =(
IBelievedAgain 1 year ago
Almost a mirror of her breakdown, Mi Rey was at the 1/8 pole, GFW was the 1/16. Both awful.....
begorgia 1 year ago
I don't know who said it but it makes sense. The great ones break down more than average horses because they run harder,faster and won't pull themselves up from pain.
hanover10 1 year ago
When horse get up they are not trying to run to the finish line(people always say that) they are just running because they are animals and that's what they do and they are in shock. They are not going to stand and say ok stay still,I broke my leg.
Wikipedia says she ran to the finish line and then the winners circle. Geez
JaxRun 1 year ago
several veterinarians estimate that she actually broke her leg about twelve strides before she fell. This would have meant that "Wanda" suffered her catastrophic injury while passing the flagpole that Ruffian was buried next to.
That's from wikipedia. sooo weird.
kijuuki 2 years ago
I can watch her fall,but what I can't watch is her running on the track with her leg dangling...and it makes me wonder if he could've pulled her up b4 she fell
FanOBarbaro 1 year ago
that poor horse. when her leg was dangling i was about to cry...
Horses4ever8 2 years ago
This was the worst breakdown I ever saw. It happened right in front of the crowd, and the horse got loose and was running with a flapping leg...so horrible. I was a huge Bayakoa fan and it would have been a race for the ages if it played out. Ever since this, I can never watch a close stretch run without holding my breath.
bsinboots 2 years ago
I think Go For Wand's breakdown was the second darkest day in horse racing history. Ruffian's was first. Terrible what happened to both of them. I will never forget either of them. RIP Go For Wand and Ruffian
crazybrenna12 2 years ago 7
Big hole??WTF. She took a bad step.
21Sarabi 2 years ago 2
Just saw this for the first time... Was tough to see...
tallbillyboy 2 years ago
OMG sooo extremely hearthbreaking....the poor horse. she should'nt have to suffer like that....this is soooo sad.
rebamac96 2 years ago
This was the darkest day in horse racing history. 4 horses died on the track that day. Go for Wand(leg), Shaker Knit(leg), Mr. Nickerson (heart attack), and one other horse whose name eludes me. They tried to blame the pathetic track conditions at Belmont. Go for Wand stepped in a big hole. Sad to see Go for Wand's 92 yr old owner as she watched her horse fall and get put to sleep. She looked very very sad. No question the darkest day in horse racing history.
Tampaslice 2 years ago 4
the fourth fatality was in the Classic won by Unbridled. I also forgot the horses name. I still get teary eyed whenever I see or hear her name. as for kearnej comment below...you have no clue what your talking about. she was a competitor and did not want to lose. it wasnt romero you retard
nailspitterfitness 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
isint it a shame so many horses die on race tracks ?isint there anything we could do to make it more safe?
less horses on the track ?
gabryellahm 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
randy romero pushed this horse beyond its limits and look at the result!
kearnej 2 years ago
Why do so many flat race injuries happen in America? I watch a lot of racing in the UK and most of our injuries are from jump races.
DeepRedBlue 2 years ago
Harder turf maybe? Or diff surfaces?
DeepRedBlue 2 years ago
Most of racing in Europe is on grass. On dirt is a bit more dangerous.
samsam29 2 years ago
Romero was so correct in his analysis about Bayakoa. She was the 4 year old champion mare taking on the 3 year old champion Go For Wand and he had her beat. Bayakoa was a very big mare as well and was not gaining ground on Wand until the tragedy occurred. It is still an epic race despite the sadness.
joefederico 2 years ago 2
go for wand was amazing ,, wat a shame that happened the only thing i dont understand is how a life can be taken so quickly and so easily ,, every one knows a rong step can kill and it is lucky it only killed one it could have killed two that tragic day .... Rip Go For Wand ... i cant imagine how the poor jockey felt
Hayleyy00 2 years ago
Thank god Randy wasn't thrown to the left and underneath Bayakoa...that could've been fatal to him too.
WSBT960 2 years ago
I will always remember Go For Wand and this tragic breakdown...she was amazing as was her owner Mrs. Jane Lunger, her outstanding trainer Bill Badgett and all his staff. Having owned, raised, and raced horses, this tragedy will always be fresh in my mind. Thanks for posting this-
hollywoodman4 2 years ago
@hollywoodman4 No owner or trainer that decides to race horses is amazing. You DO NOT run horses at 2 yrs old. Not now, not ever. If you own, raise and race horses and you do so from the time they are 2 yrs old, shame on you! You know better, but you want the money...it's all about the money.
horseA123 1 year ago
Hmm, I am not really anti-racing, but can anyone explain me why you would take that risk? Because the horse can't choose, and doesn't know the danger, but jockeys do know the risks...
Kalesta 2 years ago
Go for Wand is amazing. Her foot held onto her leg by only skin and flopping away in agony as she tried to finish the race. Poor thing. She just wanted to cross that finish line.
ThePixiePoet 2 years ago
This video is really difficult to watch for someone like myself who loves horses and has enjoyed Horse Racing for as long as I can remember. In my opinion, Go For Wand's breakdown is even more tragic and heartbreaking than Ruffian's for the simple fact that Ruffian's occured on the backstretch shortly after the start of the race while Go For Wand broke down in the shadow of the wire in a brilliant race where she appeared to be on her way to victory. In any case, it's just a terrible tradgedy.
shooter297 2 years ago 2
This is the most graphic breakdown that i have ever seen thats why they changed the name of the distaff to the Go for Wand Distaff or something like that...but she was a wonderful filly and she was incredible and she had such guts that she wanted to keep running even with a broken leg that shows how good she was and she would have won that race i believe if she didnt break down sad really sad
ccraw87 2 years ago
They didn't change the name of the Distaff for Go For Wand. They changed it last year to the Ladies Classic
carlykaiser 2 years ago
@ccraw87 no doubt in my mind she would have won but the other horse kida bumped her knocking her off balance and when the jockey hit her with the crop she tried to gain her balance back
HorseSlaughterSux 9 months ago
When I get my racehorse barn, I`m not entering the Breeder`s Cup. I`ve seen too many breakdowns happen in that race, and it`s notoriouse for ruining 2 year olds.
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
The Breeders' Cup is many races, not just one. And last year there were zero breakdowns
carlykaiser 2 years ago
I know, I just have a habit of making it sound like one race when I know it`s multiple races.
I know there wasn`t any last year, there`s been planty of years like that, but I wouldn`t risk it. I don`t have a problem with the people entering horses in the Breeder`s Cup races, but I personally wouldn`t risk it, cause it`s had the highest breakdown rate.
Beatlegirl4eva 2 years ago
There actually hasn't--every year until last year had at least one breakdown.
carlykaiser 2 years ago
@Beatlegirl4eva How about you just forget about getting a racehorse barn? The whole "sport" is animal abuse. I won't enter this or that race because they are notorious for breakdowns? Get real. Your horse can break down in any race. You shouldn't be running 2 year olds in ANY RACE at any time, you idiot! You really shouldn't even be riding them at that age. God save us from stupid people like you.
horseA123 1 year ago
@horseA123
Gah, I was ignorant then. I needed to study up, but now I have. About a year ago I posted that probably.
But horse racing isn`t abuse if you do it right. If you want me to explain it or have further discussion, email me.
Beatlegirl4eva 1 year ago
@Beatlegirl4eva RACING PERIOD IS NOTORIOUS FOR RUINING 2 YR OLDS! It ruins ANY HORSE and should be outlawed....Just a way to make already wealthy people even wealthier and when they cant make them any more money then ship them to slaughter or keep racing them til they break down and have to be put down....its abuse plain and simple and makes me sick
tinacrook 1 year ago
@tinacrook Not necessarily, many great racehorses raced as 2 year olds and lived long healthy lives. 2 year old campaigns need to be run responsibly if you`re going to do it at all. Personally I don`t agree with running 2 year olds. Horseracing should not be outlawed, it has problems to be fixed, but so does about anything else. It is getting better and if improvements keep coming, breakdowns will decrease incredibly. Please look at both sides of the story instead of jumping to conclusions.
Beatlegirl4eva 1 year ago
@Beatlegirl4eva I'm glad to hear that. That decision alone has probably already saved several of your horses from future needless tragedies. I love horses, it's very painful to watch them run their hearts out with no idea that they are just one wrong move away from pain, rejection, abandonment and not uncommonly, death. Bless their innocent hearts.
ViVi80 11 months ago
The goddamn jockey was whipping her all the way down the stretch!!!!!!!! It makes me sick to hear him go on and on about how he's going to win, he was going to be a winner etc. No real pity or sorrow for the beautiful horse that ran her best for you.You were never going to be a winner, GO FOR WAND WAS GOING TO BE THE WINNER. Now you are a sick cruel loser.
ViVi80 11 months ago
@ViVi80 It`s a crop, it doesn`t hurt like a whip does. Whips sometimes leave welts but crops are harmless, they just get the horses attention. Common in training. Though it has been proven to slow some horses down (makes sense, they are into pressure animals, they lean into pressure, crop=pressure), won`t allow them on my horses, will use them some in training maybe.
Beatlegirl4eva 11 months ago
Rest in peace baby girl...you were amazing.
spoofyourmoose 2 years ago 10
Rest In Peace Beautiful
x
ZenyattaLuver 2 years ago 8
My parents picked the wrong day to go to the Breeders cup......
jfurry616 2 years ago
Poor girl xxx
horsebreedingfan2 2 years ago
she still was trying to win =( all she wanted to do was run
welovebecca 2 years ago
I remember this day like it was yesterday. I cried just as much now as I did then. It was so, so sad.
beebo02 2 years ago 2
that image at 2:17 is breathtaking
lengua92 2 years ago
Im afraid It is not just great fillies
Barbaro, Timely Writer, Hoist the Flag, George Washington - just a few of the great colts that have been destroyed by horseracing.
And then there are the thousands of horses that breakdown every year who don't make a media splash.
I understand the draw of horseracing,, I keep getting sucked back in by the majestic horses myself,,,
(cont next post..)
poderdemenina 2 years ago
I am a horse lover, and a racing fan.
And saying several horses die every day is just wrong.
Many horses die every day in every way possible, not just racing. Racing however gets the most media.
carlykaiser 2 years ago
U.S. Jockey Club reports about 600 horses died racing-related deaths on U.S. racetracks in 2006
& this is only the US, & does not include county fairs or training.
& CHILDREN die everyday, but if the deaths are preventable, we condemn those responsible. We make laws to protect them from abuse, and from harms way (child labor, etc).
So, YES, animals die every day - but if its our fault- if its preventable, then we should prevent it.
Entertainment should never be an excuse for abuse.
poderdemenina 2 years ago
County Fairs normally count with the Jockey Club (many do, anyways).
Racing deaths are not always preventable, since the horse is just a fragile animal. They will always break legs whether it is show jumping, racing, cross country, or whatever
carlykaiser 2 years ago
@poderdemenina YES, so if we refuse to watch horse racing...which is what I do...then we can make a difference. I WILL NOT attend a horse racing event. I watched a 4 yr old mare die in front of me at Saratoga. Her leg was broken above the point that Go For Wand's leg was broken. Her bone was protruding. They put her down on the track in front of me. I will never attend another horse race. If we do not attend and we do not bet on this crap, the races WILL stop.
Excellent post.
horseA123 1 year ago
@horseA123 what are u afraid of watching horse racing... its one of the best sports... guess what they do fall and get hurt buts that life.
italianbro1234 1 year ago
@italianbro1234 No, that isn't life - it's death. People get to choose what they do - horses don't; they trust US. A horse's bones are not fully formed at the age of two and, obviously, they begin training before the age of two. Also, racehorses turn a year older on Jan 1, regardless of when they were born. Do the math. I'm not afraid; I'm disgusted. You obviously care more about betting money than you do about animals; I can't make you care. You're part of the problem, not the solution.
horseA123 1 year ago
@horseA123 well... we all play sports when we are young and old depending how good u were. so at young ages our bones aren't fully developed at all... what im saying is yes of course i care about the horses safety, that's why synthetic tracks are good for support on the horses legs... the money and betting has nothing to do with anything. i follow horses like Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. i will watch the BC Classic for Zenyatta but im not going to bet on it. they only kill the horse because
italianbro1234 1 year ago
@horseA123 because... the horse has too much pain from the break and with the horse weighing around 1,200 pounds constantly on the leg it never would heal quickly.
italianbro1234 1 year ago
@italianbro1234 Believe me, I understand why horses have to be put down. You're missing my point. Humans can discuss with their parents which sport is best for them, if any. Horses have to trust their owners/trainers/other idiots about what is best for them. You may not bet, but you are still watching; I am not. It is your call.
horseA123 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
(cont from above post)
But in truth,,, the way the industry is set up, (which is most definitely NOT for the benefit of these beautiful creatures)
- Being a horse lover and being ok with horseracing just does not jive.
Even the OPEN records reveal horses being destroyed every day and for what?
Entertainment?
Humans need to do a better job of setting priorities,,
This is just not ok.
poderdemenina 2 years ago
doesn't it seem that all the great fillies have to break down?
tokiohotel9589 2 years ago
Azeri, Regret, Genuine Risk, Winning Colors, Ashado and many more all boded well.
carlykaiser 2 years ago
such a shame...almost wants to make you stopp wathing horse racing
tokiohotel9589 2 years ago
After this tragic day in 1990, I DID stop watching horse racing for many years!!!
ctswardour 2 years ago
i was not born when this happened, i just fell in love with her acomplishments. i did regret my love for this sport after watching this. i cried as well, but she loved what she did and that is very important to me.
i know many people that hate that i love this sport so much, but i can't stop i love this sport just to much!
tokiohotel9589 2 years ago
It just hurt me so bad to watch 3 nice horses die that tragic day. But I also remember Lester Piggott, the legend, winning a race that day as well.
ctswardour 2 years ago
i was very suprised when i first heard that 3 horses died, but you always want to remember something happy not sad
tokiohotel9589 2 years ago
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poderdemenina 2 years ago
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poderdemenina 2 years ago
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poderdemenina 2 years ago
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poderdemenina 2 years ago
I wept that day in 1990...and I wept again watching it now. Such a terrible loss.
theyazata 2 years ago
thats so sad at the end when she gets up and tries to finish the race that did it for me i just started crying and i never cry never RIB
smartcowgirl 2 years ago
shows how all she wanted to do was win. finsihing on three legs
iancpsc24 2 years ago
there is nothing that can compare to the sight of a horse breaking down.I was new to the game back in 1989 and was watching a favorite horse that had won me 500$ on my first bet ever. two weeks later as it finished a race in 2nd place (again) it broke down right in front of me.I then realized that it is just part of racing.But that doesn't make it any easier to take 20 years later.Thunder Lark you are still in my thoughts and so now is Go for Wand and.....
cowhanson 2 years ago
Cheers for the reply, I hope so too. If you ever happen to have the time and inclination I wondered what role, if there is any role at all, you (& others) believe that dirt tracks have had to play in the recent spate of these types of injuries to topline American horses? I have also heard some debate that the trend to retire champion horses in America before they have had double digit starts is opening the possibility to passing on suspect, unrobust genes??
fuckyall44 3 years ago
This just breaks my heart... though now Go for Wand is definately one of my favorite racehorses, I know you all are probably not going to like this but I still love Ruffian more. They were both just ahead and both was a hollow victory for the othher jockey and horse.
Racing has lost two of its most famous, gorgeous superstars... I love racing, but now days no one breeds for confirmation, but just speed. If racing continues like this we won't ever have a horse that can run a few races safely.
TwilightCowgirl 3 years ago
The breakdown of Go For Wand was definitely tragic. However, I cannot think of a period during which thoroughbred horse breeders valued conformation over speed and stamina. Of course, correct conformation, when u know what u are looking for, generally indicates a likelihood that they will be promising gallopers. But conformation only goes so far and I can't think of a trainer that would swap conformation for speed or stamina. It would be like having the shell of a Ferrari but with no motor.
fuckyall44 3 years ago
Yes... the true reality. Though it is so unlikely to happen, anytime soon or ever, I hope that someday a few trainers can find a way. :[
TwilightCowgirl 3 years ago
so we need more horses like Secretariat, Affirmed, and Man o' War who have great conformations and also great stamina and speed...right?
bigbrownfan12345 2 years ago
Right, although unfortunately all of those horse have passed away. Therefore, I imagine that it would be particularly the sons (not forgetting the daughters), grandsons, etc of the above horses that we are really talking about. I'm not really sure what your point was my friend, it would seem to me you are of the belief that I have ill feeling towards the American thoroughbred in general. Not true at all mate, just trying to get a fair understanding of the issues I raised. All the best.
fuckyall44 2 years ago
Breeding doesn't guarantee anything though.. Seabiscuit was a grandson of Man O'War, as he was sired by Hard Tack. Man O'War also sired War Admiral. Yet Seabiscuit had extremely bad conformation. Horses with good conform. break down just as suddenly as paddlers and high knee action gallopers,
MavJem 2 years ago
Hi mate, cheers for the feedback. Your right mate, breeding doesn't guarantee anything but it's a pretty good indicator, I hope you would agree. Even breed shapers can have a tendency to pass on some undesirable qualities, eg brittle or shelly feet, etc. I think that's why smarter men than me pay so much money to go to the best available stallion. I really don't have any statistics on the rate of breakdowns in horses of good conformation compared to those with bad conformation so I can't really
fuckyall44 2 years ago
2) comment on that too much. I do know that there have been quality horses with good conformation who exhibit bad characteristics (high knee action, carried their head really high, etc) as well as those with bad conformation. To be fair, this is all getting away from the original question which was basically, what do you believe is the cause of the recent high numbers (well at least compared to Aus) of breakdowns, particularly in such high quality horses and what role if any are the tracks
fuckyall44 2 years ago
playing. Maybe it's none, maybe you believe it's just one of those abnormalities that comes around in history from time to time. I'm certainly no expert and I don't have access to a tremendous amount of scribe on American Racing. I was just interested to hear some explanations and viewpoints from different people. Thanks again for the reply though and all the best my friend. PS Man O' War, Affirmed, Secretariat were all gold, they still feature in many top pedigrees over here.
fuckyall44 2 years ago
NO!! Go For Wand....I will never forget you... RIP go for wand....
(crys quietly...)
EightBelles7 3 years ago
Go For Wand would've won, I reckon. She had that much heart
HorsePsycho 3 years ago
I was at Belmont that day. Both were superstar mares. I will admit
thelongshot99 3 years ago
It was the worst "breakdown" I ever saw. I don't like watching this video but both fillies were unbelievable. I bet on Bayoka and don't think she would have got passed Go For Wand. Sge deserves to be burried along side Secretariat
thelongshot99 3 years ago
Or alongside Ruffian. Same beautiful fillies, same tragic breakdown. May they both Rest in Peace
HorsePsycho 3 years ago
I was watching this live, I was 10 years old at the time. Probably the first breakdown I can truly remember, at least so vividly. Thank you again for sharing this. It still breaks my heart into pieces; she was a champion.
gmurray122 3 years ago
Pine island broke down in the same race but in a different year!!!!!
all4pharlap 3 years ago
Go For Wand would've won...
This brought tears to my eyes,
CurlinLover 3 years ago
OMG! That is so horrible! The slow down version made me hurt. That is so tragic.... Youre right, that is so graphic. I cant say anything else about that fall, coz words cant describe what im thinkin right now.....
Its sorta like Ruffian...... even though this wasnt a match race it seems like it coz theres only two horses racing for the lead.
RIP Go For Wand. I'd never heard of you until just thirty minutes ago, but you're in my heart already. Poor girl. May your beautiful soul rest in peace
HorsePsycho 3 years ago
she dislocated her ankle and then bone went thro her skin cause she was a part of a report a did on injuries in racing
rideliveluv 3 years ago
rip go for wand
1 bad step galloping caused this tragic death
i miss go for wand
tattynsmokey 3 years ago
Just like Ruffian. One bad step, then it's all over.
ThoroughbredGirl96 3 years ago
RIP Wanda sweetie
FanOBarbaro 3 years ago
Oh my God! Go for Wand was a GREAT racer and one of the best fillies ever to run. Ruffian was always the obvious comparison, but they were very different. Go for Wand battled for every win like she just wanted it more than the rest. She was all heart and it's shows in how she died, running neck and neck to the finish. Even after her breakdown she was still going toward the finish line, still wanting to win. There have been to many dark days in horse racing and this was definately one of them.
Starbuc1 3 years ago 2
@Starbuc1 Ruffian fought her jockey to keep running for another 100 yards before he could stop her.
crazybrenna12 2 years ago
Breeders need to start diversifying their bloodstock. These horses have far too many crosses in their pedigrees. Horses used to be much sturdier than they are now.
DJFPhantomPhan 3 years ago 2
Try this on for size. I watched Round Table become the world's richest horse ... $1 million. Round Table raced over 60 times, and won about 46 of them. Today I watched Curlin become the new world's richest horse ... $10 million. It was Curlin's 15th race, and, I belive, he's won about ten or twelve of them. A big contrast from The Table.
phddddd 3 years ago 2
It's so sad that things like that happen :(
Thoroughbreds need to be bred for more than just speed, I think. They should be bred to have good form, rather than just speed. Post-civil-war racers, and those of the early 1900s didn't get injured nearly so much.
Even when horses don't break down, they dont' have long careers like they used to have.
kijuuki 3 years ago 3
I remember this race clearly like others. I was 15 at the time. I followered to top horses regularly at that time and both horses were just winning and winning. This was actually considered the featured race of the breeders cup since there were no . Once Go For Wand broke down it basically ruined the rest of the day. I think even Bayakoa knew something happened and felt bad about it. When she came back next season she never won again and was retired after a few races after being champ for years.
itshiho 3 years ago 2
I was also 15 years at the time. Ruined my day? It ruined my week amd almost made me turn away from the sport forever. The worst thing I have ever seen in horse racing. And to think it happened to one of the greatest fillies of all time in what was turning into one of the greatest races of all time. Go For Wand is a Hall of Famer, a legend, but so is Bayakoa. Bayakoa won 12 grade 1 races, the most ever by a female thoroughbred, and had won the Breeders Cup Distaff the year before(only 2X winner)
jhordanian 3 years ago
And do not ever forget the other 2 who died that day as well -- Mr Nickerson and Shaker Knit
ctswardour 2 years ago
I certainly haven't. It was already a poor day after the Sprint, which was the 1st Breeders Cup race that day. And in that Sprint there was also Dayjur jumping the shadows twice before the wire. But the Go For Wand breakdown was the most horrific thing I have ever seen, in person or on tv, during my 20 years following the sport.
jhordanian 2 years ago
Just wondering--did she break her leg and fall, or break her leg in the fall?
ridingxruffian 3 years ago
I don't know for sure, but I think she started to fall, and broke her leg during that.
I might be wrong, though
carlykaiser 3 years ago
from the looks of it u can kinda see the stride before she fell she broke her leg it was like a bad step and then she was down. thats wat i see though. wat a tragedy
k7m4 3 years ago
She broke her leg and then fell.
jhordanian 3 years ago
thank you for posting this. i've been wanting to see if for a long time. it's heart wrenching but she was a beautiful filly and tried her hardest and deserves to be remembered.
seggymon 3 years ago
i was there at belmont on that day. Both fillies were truly great and I rarely use that word. It was the worst "break down" i've ever seen in 30 years of watching this game. Everyone mentions Ruffian but to break down at the 1/16 pole when in front is a tragic event. It was very cold at Belmont that day.
thelongshot99 3 years ago
I almost puked when it showed the jockey being helped up and her running...it was almsot sickening seeing her leg just practically flapping...
LittleAngel152007 3 years ago 4
During the week leading up to the Breeders Cup no less than 5 horses broke down in training @ Belmont Park and had to be put down, and several more had career ending injuries. One racing writer says that the same thing happened to Ruffian, Eight Belles and Go For Wand, they were victims unsafe drying out tracks that were packed tight because of earlier rain in the week and not harrowed deep enough to maintain a safe cushion for them to run on. I know the track was sealed on Friday @ Churchill.
pick6player 3 years ago
finishing above post. When you seal a race track you are trying to get all the moisture out so when it stops raining you can have what looks like a fast race track after a few races the following day. On Derby day this year the 1st race qtr time was 20.94 incredibly fast even for church hill, and if you watched on tv it was very wet, but after a few races it was perceived FAST. Just something to think about, maybe not sealing a track just because they want it fast could save a few more lives.
pick6player 3 years ago
Concrete angels, these horses...the whole lot of them.
ridingxruffian 3 years ago
I remember seeing this on TV when I was 10, I used to love watching the replays from Santa Anita. I was rooting for Go For Wand in this race, she had SO MUCH HEART and wanted to win. When she went down, I ran out of the room absolutely bawling. The images I saw that day still haunt me.
I don't know why I'm watching this again, but it's making me cry again. What a beautiful animal, and what a waste.
practicaldreamyr 3 years ago 2
I was actually there that day and remember seeing this happen no more than 50 yards in front of me. The gasp of the crowd was something that you will never forget.
Betnee79 3 years ago
I remember this race like it was yesterday...I was an 18 year old kid...at the time I had a big problem with gambling...that day I had been waiting for...trying to make a quick hit..some easy money...I unloaded $5000 to show on Go For Wand..undefeated filly...never expected this to happen....as my heart sunk & filly at the same time to the ground in dis-belief...16th pole..a little more..but then "BANG!!!"..life changing for me...18 years old..& $5000 in the hole..A life's hard lesson for sure..
greeneyeddevils 3 years ago
I remember watching this in my living room with my parents and when this happened i flipped over the chair i was sitting in and had to leave the room so i wouldnt be seen in tears(dad said men dont cry) 1 thing that always bothered me was the next race colonial waters ran in, the past performance listed her distaff and said she was "2nd best" i know thats petty but we know she was 3rd no matter what would have happened.
steelcrtn 3 years ago
2nd best of those who finished. Go For Wand DNF. I know she obviously would have come in 1st or 2nd, but she didn't finish.
carlykaiser 3 years ago
Why why WHY did I watch this again? I saw it live on TV with everyone from my barn, in 1990 and not a single one of us wasn't openly bawling and in utter shock. It still haunts me to this day. My heart breaks for the riders, owners, and trainers of any sport horse that is suddenly brought down this way.
mom2niko 3 years ago
I did it the opposite, played Bayakoa on top because I felt her experience was the edge. I was there watching on the rail not 50 feet away and I still remember how sickening it was when Go For Wand was limping with that front leg bent backwards. RIP.
vegasguy07 3 years ago
I had never wagered more on a race than this one, an exacta with go for wand on top of Bayakoa 80% and 20% in the reverse. From then on I capped my bets under $100. It's so tragic to see it again.
TheWebHead 3 years ago
Only the incident involving the hockey goalie Clint Malarchuk compares to this in terms of horrifying
WSBT960 3 years ago
Horribly tragic ... unsettling ... unforgettable in the worst sort of way.
DanelleFCG 3 years ago
Aw, poor baby. That looks very painful.
luckyandtony 3 years ago
I remember watching this race live, and was rooting for Bayakoa, as she was a favorite of mine. I had seen many of Go For Wand's races and knew she was going to be tough, but couldn't believe she could run Bayakoa's race and still be in position to win, which I believe she does if not for the breakdown. The saddest thing I ever saw in racing....in my opinion, Go For Wand is the greatest filly since Ruffian, and it's a shame that they both had to endure the same tragic ending.
Bassman968 3 years ago
@Bassman968 Absolutely tragic, but in Go For Wand's case I always thought it was avoidable. If Go For Wand had been in the Classic, she would have been 10-15 lengths off a :45 4/5 first half as opposed to chasing Bayakoa all the way around the track.
This was a day I don't think the sport has ever completely recovered from.
Wallyhorse 1 year ago
A sad situation, but I would NEVER have run her against Bayakoa. Quite a few people, including horsemen I knew then all felt it was stress of running against Bayakoa that caused Go For Wand to break down.
I would have had her in the Classic against the boys, where he likely would have run a completely different race, coming from 10-15 lengths back that would have been far less stressful than what she had to do in the Distaff against Bayakoa.
Wallyhorse 3 years ago
Finishing the last post, whether she would have beaten Unbridled in the '90 Classic is irrelevant, as I have always felt she would have not broken down in the Classic where she would have been able to sit well off as I remember a four horse duel of :45 4/5 to the half in that race and closed off of that.
Wallyhorse 3 years ago
This still makes me cry. Bless your heart, Go For Wand. Run with the angels.
houndish1 3 years ago