Two Letters to the Editor in response to the letter written by Cyntia McGinnes, which I have reprinted below these two letters for anyone who might have missed it.

 

Letter to the Editor:

 

Absolutely Agree.

 

Maranne Priest

 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR;

I agree with the person who says Untouchable’s name should be retired -like famous racehorse names are by the Jockey Club , but there is even a Warmblood stallion named Untouchable in Europe ..I think

Steeplechasing folk are also not honoring the past , since Mr.Janney named a current horse Blockade …who was a son of Man O War and a three time Maryland Hunt Cup winner. The family that owned Blockade is not happy about that

The USET is putting riders with not enough experience into Nations Cups and Championships.

Robert must be under pressure to do that. He knows better.

I recall the days when Bert put the best rider on the best horse to make up winning teams.

Given the prices people pay for jumpers now that won’t ever happen again!

Ironic that back in Bert’s day they all had to compete as and call themselves amateurs when in fact many of them were making their living riding .

Now the amateurs are all pretending to have the skill set of McLain, Laura Kraut or Steve Guerdat, Eric Navet, or John Whitaker.

We are a long way from the era when the USET won the Aga Khan Cup and Kathy and Untouchable won the Grand Prix of Ireland two years in a row.

I have lovely photos of her parading after that win.

Your publication is excellent, I really enjoy it.

Kris Lindley Matlack DVM

 

LETTER to the Editor to which these responses were sent.

There are certain names that are permanently retired in Thoroughbred racing due to the greatness of the horse that originally carried the name.

There will never be another ManOWar, or Secretariat.

In showjumping,it should be the same.

I was amazed to see Spencer Smith riding Untouchable 32 on the American team in Dublin.

Spencer's horse needs another name

The great Untouchable, ridden by Kathy Kusner, was one of a kind, especially at Dublin, where he had two clear rounds in the Nations Cup and won the Grand Prix.

Just my humble opinion, but I would hate to see another Secretariat run up the track, and it is sad to see another Untouchable with rails down all over the Dublin arena.

Cynthia McGinnes