Barbaro Updates: 527
updates are now here.
Update 3168: Two days of lobbying and one evening reception and I'm absolutely knackered. That being said, it was an exhilarating experience to meet with various Congressmen and Senators aides to talk about an issue that is something to really believe in. All my appointments today, some scheduled and some simply by stopping by, were on the Senate side. I met the Senators staff from North Carolina (Jill was our constituent and made those appointments). We met with Senator Reid's staffer. Senator Reid, the Senate Democratic Leader, controls the calendar (when/if S311 will go to a vote). We met with Senator Cardin's (MD) staffer. Joanne was our constituent. We also met with Tom Carper's (DE) staffer. We had a very fruitful discussion. This was one of our unscheduled meetings. Finally we swung by Senator Craig's office to understand the hold he placed on S311. While we were unable to meet with anybody (this was an unscheduled drop in) we have the necessary contact information to follow-up. All in all for me it was a very fulfilling two days and thanks for today's company Jill, Joanne, and Judith. This was just today's events for four people. There were many more of us doing the same thing for the horse.
Update 3167: A link to WJZ's coverage of yesterday's events: Horse Lovers Ask Congress to Stop Horse Slaughter
Update 3166: A lovely Wednesday morning in Washington DC. Bright sunshine and mid 50's. Yesterday's events seemed to have been a very positive experience for many of us that came to Washington from parts near and far. It was great to see so many here that were lobbying for the first time alongside those that have been lobbying for the horse slaughter issue for many years. There was definitely a sense among everybody here that we were being heard and it was simply exciting to engage in dialogue over an issue we all care about very much. The evening reception brought everybody together and it was great to listen to presentations from Animal Angels, Canadian Horse Defense Coalition, Return to Freedom, Animal Welfare Institute, HSUS, John Holland, Jennifer Morasca and Terri Farley. The greatest response however was reserved for Paul Sorvino whose passion and commitment to this issue was clearly evident as he noted his ambitions to engage other celebrities in this fight. A great day was had by all as we now prepare for our second day of lobbying in Washington DC.
Update 3165: Back in Washington, had a lunch meeting that included Paul Sorvino, Jennifer Morasca, Terri Farley, John Holland and WJZ from Baltimore among others. Let's hope for a little media coverage during this evenings news. Subsequent to that I attended one more meeting with Congressman Shuler's staffer from North Carolina. I went along with Jill who is a constituent and we had a constructive 45 minute conversation. Now I'm heading over to the hotel to prepare for the reception whilst everyone continues with their meetings.
In other news Brett Favre retires after 17 seasons
Update 3164: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.
The Derby trail heats up this weekend with the Louisiana Derby; Pyro is back (and even has his own Wikipedia entry) and faces Majestic Warrior and Tale of Ekati, both of whom I have very much been looking forward to seeing. Blackberry Road seems to be a cut below the top class, but you never know what might happen at this time of year -- note Absolutely Cindy's upset in the Battaglia last weekend.
But how did these promising three-year-olds make it to this point? That's the question the Blood-Horse's Nicanor blog hopes to answer. I think this is a good marketing move for the Blood-Horse (yes, sometimes I do say Good Things about the industry!) to continue to cultivate newcomers brought to the sport by Barbaro's story, but it's quite a lot for him to live up to. Given that his other elder half brother Holy Ground (frankly, not the most attractive stallion in the world) stands for $3500 and Man in Havana (more of a looker, if not a runner) was unraced, the odds are not on his side as far as superhorse potential, but Hasili and Better Than Honour (soon to be bred back to AP Indy after aborting another AP Indy foal earlier this year) demonstrate that some mares just have it. In any case, it should be good fun watching a well-bred colt work toward his debut, but hopefully expectations will be kept within the realm of reasonable.
Breeders' Cup president Greg Avioli responded to some of the criticism surrounding Ladies' Day, although he still does not address the question of how a Friday slot is anything but a demotion for a great race (particularly since those of us who can afford to bet tend to be employed). I've said many times I am in favor of making some changes, but ghetto-izing the filly and mare races is not the way to go. Were the Breeders' Cup run over a real weekend, including Saturday and Sunday, I would be very supportive of the new endeavor. In the meantime, here's hoping they keep trying...
Update 3163: I drove down with Lyn Gilbert early this morning leaving Tim's barn a little after 6 o'clock. After struggling with rush hour traffic we arrived at Longworth Building Cafe at about 9:30. There was a group of fellow lobbyist planning for their next meetings and at 10:30 I went with 3 others to my first meeting which appeared to be quite successful. It's now lunch time, have completed 2 meetings and enjoying watching everyone enthusiastically preparing for their own meetings. More to report later but thus far it appears to be a very positive experience for everybody that I've talked to.
Update 3162: Pyro, who had his final preparation for Saturday's Louisiana Derby on Monday, will be the likely favorite for Saturday's race. Barclay Tagg will be represented by Breeders' Cup fourth place finisher Tale of Ekati: Pyro Early Favorite in Louisiana Derby.
Please keep calling and faxing and supporting Americans Against Horse Slaughter.
Good luck today! I teach third grade and have young children and couldn't get away from North Carolina, but my thoughts and prayers go with all of you who are going as part of Americans against horse slaughter.
Posted by: Barbara at March 4, 2008 10:56 AM