Horse Racing Has Its Share of Problems

Trainer Bobby Frankel couldn’t get to Santa Anita on Jan. 17 because of earthquake damage. Trainer Roger Stein couldn’t get there. Thousands of fans couldn’t get there. But Santa Anita ran races, anyway.

I think the clowns that run that track need an aftershock to wake them up in ethics. Many were dead or injured, with billions of dollars in damages, but hurry up and saddle up.

JACK TAYLOR

Hollywood

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After reading about the recipients of the 1993 Eclipse Awards, I felt compelled to make some comments. Thank you for giving Dehere the award for top 2-year-old. We all know what a kiss of death that is to a colt’s career. I foresee Dehere in the Breeders’ Cup next year . . . in the Sprint. Brocco is my choice for best 2-year-old who can go around two turns.

For trainer of the year, I select Nick Zito. Why? Because he chose to retire Strike The Gold when he saw the horse was facing injury, rather than run him into the ground as too many other trainers did last year.

As for kind gestures, I would give an award to the connections of Sea Hero, for donating his $1-million Triple Crown bonus to equine medical research.

MARY SHELTON

Riverside