RIP Martha Maxine

[Just Saying]

Heard today that Martha Maxine died during a race last night. I always enjoyed watching that horse race. Earned over $700,000, and was a sweetie to be around. 

[careless hal]

Sad news indeed,  Cashed many a ticket on Martha.. 

[tonyb147]

I took a look at the race chart and saw Martha was claimed. How does that work? Did someone get screwed out of $30K?

[BretHanover]

I always thought the horse belonged to you as soon as it crossed the finish line.  If the horse is not able to pass the wire, I'm assuming the claim is not valid.

[LVGaryD]

The rule is you claim, you own. If the horse drops dead in the race, you are out of luck.

[Elgin]

WTF? = Lawyer = Autopsy

[AmyHollar]

WTF? = Lawyer = Autopsy

Because automatically there is the assumption of foul play? 


This has been the claiming game for years.........man moons ago at Sportscreek Buck was driving one which broke down in the stretch and fell.......as we were heading across the track the claim was announced........the trainer/owner started crying (I'm not going to say who it was but a few would be shocked)...........we got the poor fella nursed back to the barn area to the new owners who were obviously not not thrilled..........said trainer/owner offered them $500 to buy him back, they took the offer.

[AmyHollar]

I'm sure it is a typo, but I thought it was interesting the results read the horse was claimed for $3,000 not $30,000.

[Elgin]

Because automatically there is the assumption of foul play? 


This has been the claiming game for years.........man moons ago at Sportscreek Buck was driving one which broke down in the stretch and fell.......as we were heading across the track the claim was announced........the trainer/owner started crying (I'm not going to say who it was but a few would be shocked)...........we got the poor fella nursed back to the barn area to the new owners who were obviously not not thrilled..........said trainer/owner offered them $500 to buy him back, they took the offer.

This world gets more litigious by the hour. Most people who take a hit like that in 2012 look for a way out.

[tonyb147]

When in doubt..... Google it. I know this doesn;t apply but I found this:

http://www.hbpa.org/NewsDisplay.asp?STORYID=14199

Rule to Void Claims of Dead Horses Enacted
Tom Precious / Blood-Horse

Date Posted: 4/2/2012 3:28:50 PM Last Updated: 4/3/2012 12:34:34 PM

State regulators in New York have enacted new rules voiding claiming sales of horses that die during a claiming race or are euthanized on-track after a race.

Regulators at the State Racing and Wagering Board, which enacted the emergency rule April 2, said the new provision is in response to the recent round of equine deaths at Aqueduct Racetrack.

[tonyb147]

Because automatically there is the assumption of foul play? 

Can't speak for Elgin but I think he meant "I got screwed, it isn't fair..... blah blah blah.... you'll be hearing from my lawyer." as opposed to foul play. At least that's what I thought.

[Just Saying]

The rule is you claim, you own. If the horse drops dead in the race, you are out of luck.

Haven't claimed one for a long time, but the rule then was you owned the horse when the starter said "Go", any purse money earned during that race remains with the prior connections. If the horse died or broke down the was no refund on the claim.

[Wilderness]

FWIW, some jurisdictions even validate the claim if the horse is scratched.

[Elgin]

Martha has moved around some the last couple of years. He started 2011 with the Millers, who had him in for as little as 20. Rene Allard took him for 25 in March, 2011 and had him for seven starts or so. He also had him in for as little as 20. Davis had him for 18 starts in 2011

[Elgin]

Can't speak for Elgin but I think he meant "I got screwed, it isn't fair..... blah blah blah.... you'll be hearing from my lawyer." as opposed to foul play. At least that's what I thought.

Yeah, I wasn't hinting at foul play. When folks wind up with the short end of the stick these days they tend to litigate or use a threat of litigation for leverage.