#737 pursuit

After California Chrome came in fourth in the Belmont Stakes yesterday, its owner Steve Coburn spoke to reporters.  "There will never be another Triple Crown Winner in my lifetime," he said.  "The way owners hold back their horses so they have fresh legs is the coward's way out."

He was referring to the fact that California Chrome (and any other potential Triple Crown winners) ran in the Kentucky Derby and then the Preakness before coming to Belmont.  Tonalist, who won the race, did not run in either precursor.  Wicked Strong was another Belmont runner who skipped the Preakness in order to save strength for this race.

Coburn certainly has a point that those who run all three races are at a disadvantage.  But isn't life like that?  Sometimes you are working on projects or attempting things where you are more fatigued than the competition or when the field isn't even.  You may not win all the races, but attempting them all will earn you more glory than those who take an easier path. 

We'll remember California Chrome longer than anyone can recall Tonalist, because he tried for the gusto.  Keep going for your Triple Crown, even when the race you're running doesn't seem fair.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
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