Letter to the Editor – Bryan Langlois: Give the Grooms Their Due During the Triple Crown

[Wandering Eyes]

A few weeks ago, I had a discussion with some racing folks on the site formerly known as Twitter regarding recognition of grooms when horses win. This came about from asking the question, “If they can acknowledge the groom of the Best Turned Out horse for certain races, why can they not do the same for horses that win the race?” Insight from those with far more knowledge of the day-to-day workings of the industry than I have made me realize why this would not be feasible in most circumstances of daily racing. After thinking about it, I then asked, “OK, it likely could not work on a daily basis, but why could it not work for at least the big-time events like the Triple Crown and Breeders Cup?”

Most everyone thought that was a great idea and starting point. So, NBC and Fox Sports, here is what we, the fans and lovers of this sport, are suggesting to you for your telecasts. In a similar manner to which the jockeys of the horses are introduced to the viewing audiences for the Triple Crown races, we ask that you do the same for the grooms of the horses. Please have a short video intro. of the groom stating their name and which horse they have in the race, exactly as you when the jockeys are introduced to the viewers as they make their way to the paddock. In addition, please add the grooms name to the connections we see during the post parade for the race. Two quite simple things to do and add, but something that can make a world of difference in promoting some of the great folks who make up this sport and industry.

They are some of the most unsung heroes of the backstretch community, and they deserve to have their moment in the spotlight too. Let's make it happen.

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