Was the Classic Curlin’s last race? What is there to look forward to in ’09 now?

It was a day bound to come to soon, but one we all hoped we could ignore for as long as possible. Unfortunately, it’s fast approaching: the day superhorse Curlin retires from the track to pass his genes and, it is hoped, his talent on to progeny. Curlin’s majority owner, Jess Jackson, has said that the gigantic chestnut will retire to stud in 2009.

Where we’ll all be heading to visit one of, if not the, best racehorses of this generation is unclear, though Jackson’s own Stonestreet has understandably shown no little interest in standing Curlin. Considering the legal mess surrounding the colt’s minority owners (Jackson owns an 80% stake in Curlin) and the way the economy is affecting the business end of the sport (though with a BHO administration, the farms can probably now happily keep all of those illegal alien employees, hooray!), Stonestreet may be the only option.

Earlier this year, the son of Smart Strike became the country’s leading all-time money earner, having passed Cigar with earnings of $10,501,800 in 16 starts. Jackson has (somewhat rapaciously, in the eyes of many) suggested Curlin could make a final bow were the track conditions and purse right; Churchill Downs’ Clark Handicap was considered as a viable option, but most unfortunately, due to the smaller purse, bad weather, and inability to practice over the Churchill oval, the race has now been taken off the table. “The opportunities are not falling into place right now.”

So, away goes one of the greatest racehorses of the age and perhaps even all time. Interestingly, as noted by ESPN’s Paul Moran, there has been absolutely no fanfare over Curlin’s retirement; indeed, most journalists weren’t even present when the colt made his attempt to win the Classic twice in a row, when winning a Breeder’s Cup race is considered (and has proven to be) nearly impossible for a racehorse. Could it be that without a Derby win, Curlin is considered unimportant and un-newsworthy by a press that has no real understanding of the sport? It’s possible, but keep in mind too that had Curlin won the Derby and Preakness in ’07, fans may never have thrilled to the colt’s prowess ever again. The retirement of Big Brown—a good racehorse, but one who never proved himself to be great, like Secretariat or Forego or Dr. Fager or Curlin—drew more than its share of attention, when a real champ like Curlin strides into retirement comparatively unheralded.

Finally, we have to look at 2009. Look at the list of horses retiring this year, from Jason Shandler’s Breeder’s Cup Chat blog:

With Big Brown and Curlin now out of the mix, we now have the two most popular, and arguably, the two best North American-based dirt horses retired. And that’s just the beginning of it.

Some of the notable older horses who have either already been retired or will likely be retired after 2008 are Student Council, Ginger Punch, Hystericalady, Benny the Bull, Midnight Lute, Red Rocks, Evening Attire, Zanjero, Perfect Drift, Lava Man, Red Giant, Tough Tiz’s Sis, Zaftig, Alwajeeha, Sealy Hill, Lewis Michael, Dreaming of Anna, Mauralakana, Heatseeker, as well as European stars Zarkava, Raven’s Pass and Henrythenavigator. There is also probably a decent chance that Commentator and/or Kip Deville will be gone after their final races this year.

Again, I disagree that Big Brown is the “best” dirt horse; Zenyatta could give Big Brown quite a run, and without breaking a sweat at that (Zenyatta=awesome, and in my opinion, should be Horse of the Year, not to mention a racing rock star in her own right).

Those colts aside, though…no more Evening Attire or Commentator? Those are heartbreakers right there, particularly considering their lengthy careers. These two have won—and earned—thousands of devoted fans over the years. Losing Lava Man (though he’s bound for a life of luxury and peppermints at the marvellous Old Friends in Kentucky) hurts, too; he’s another gutsy horse with an ardent cheering section. Ginger Punch and Student Council? Perfect Drift, Zarakava, and Dreaming of Anna? Ouch. Ouch, ouch…This lass needs a mint julep, stat.

My head hurts, as does my racing heart. What’s next? Chevrolet discontinuing the Corvette?

(Though if Evening Attire needs a loving home…)

Despite that lengthy list of disappointments, though, certainly there are terrific juveniles like Midshipman (unfortunately wrenched from the tutelage of Bob Baffert), Vinyard Haven, and the incredible Stardom Bound to watch for. Personally, I’d love to see Stardom Bound head to the Derby; her Breeder’s Cup performance was one of the most thrilling from the entire weekend.

Furthermore, Indian Blessing will stick around, as will Proud Spell, Music Note, Goldikova, and a few others. Better Talk Now, at 10, remains trackbound as well. Despite the defection of Curlin, fans have a lot to look forward to in ’09. Besides, not one of us knows who or what will pop up next year. Just like the election, this is an opportunity in the midst of sadness.

We need to remember: it’s horse racing. And the only sure thing in horse racing is that there is no sure thing. If you desire proof, remember: Secretariat and Man O’ War both lost races. There’s always something interesting just around the far turn.

Keep in mind also that Barbaro’s little brother, Nicanor, will be 3 as of January 1. That alone should bring smiles to many faces (though for now, I’m sticking with Stardom Bound and anything Baffert has).

Additionally, as Shandler notes, Colonel John and Denis of Cork, among several others, should show a lot of improvement.

So, a fond farewell to Curlin. He’s made all of our hearts thunder along with him into 16 homestretches, and even when losing, has never failed to excite us. Best of luck in the breeding shed; I have to say that it is especially nice to see a Thoroughbred retiring sound, unlike some other famous recent retirees *cough Big Brown cough*. Let’s hope he passes those genes on to his offspring along with the talent.

One more bit of horsey news: CANTER is opening a chapter at Mountaineer, a track not far from home at all. Wonderful!