However, in this paragraph (below) you mentioned
the 'hills of Kentucky'. We do have some wonderful hills and trails in KY,
but they aren't in the Kentucky Horse Park where the endurance race will be
held...sorry to say. It too will be a flat race. Too bad the
powers that be would not budge on their selection for the endurance section of
the event.
But what ever the case, the UAE is professional about their training and
it shows. Whether their horses have high mileage or not is irrelevant to a
pro. Simply look at thoroughbred racing. It is unusual to see a horse compete
for many years. The UAE looks at endurance racing as more similar to flat
racing then we do. And this appears to be the case for many other countries as
well. You can say that their horses wouldn't do well at Tevis or OD, but rest
assured, they would prepare for those rides in the same way they did for the
ride in Dubai. They have done well on leased horses at our big name rides and
I am sure that their own horses would do well at our rides, who knows,
maybe even win. We will know for sure in 2 years in Kentucky. I am sure there
will be hills at that ride and I am sure the UAE will train for them. I am
sure that they will be motivated to beat us on our own ground. I am hope our
professionals are willing to train at the same level.
