Re: Bridge jumper alerts
In the perfect world, every rider would be all out every race. The reality is riders get paid when they win or run second. They get a basic stipend, like $50 a mount, so it's mostly about winning and running 2nd doesn't hurt. In the case of Arrogate, due to his flat performance, Smith probably thought there could've been something physically wrong (to my knowledge, they didn't find anything wrong with the horse), so he basically quit riding. If it was a $5000 claimer, he probably whips the horse numerous times in the stretch.
Agree but Mike Smith knows before the race that millions are bet to place and show on his horse. To not try to get 2nd or 3rd just because he can't win is highway robbery.
In the perfect world, every rider would be all out every race. The reality is riders get paid when they win or run second. They get a basic stipend, like $50 a mount, so it's mostly about winning and running 2nd doesn't hurt. In the case of Arrogate, due to his flat performance, Smith probably thought there could've been something physically wrong (to my knowledge, they didn't find anything wrong with the horse), so he basically quit riding. If it was a $5000 claimer, he probably whips the horse numerous times in the stretch.