I was very unhappy to hear of Confederate’s retirement (at the end of the year). Thus, he will not race as a 4-year-old. This is, again, proving how short sighted and selfish this game has become.

What is a sport without stars? Why not retire at 2? Why not have a retirement ceremony immediately after the Meadowlands Pace or Hambletonian right there in the winner’s circle? Why waste time?

I have been talking about the demise of this sport for years and everything I have stated has proven true. It’s not that I’m some kind of genius, but a blind man can see it from a mile away.

Who cares about the sport? Who’s watching? There was a running of the International at Yonkers for $1 million two weeks ago. Anyone watch? For that matter, did anyone care?

The average age of harness racing people is over 60. Where are the ranks filling in behind? Talk to my sons age group and horse racing is the furthest thing from their betting minds. They have no problem throwing a few bucks on a baseball or football game.

Any champion is graded on a career of years. Anyone can lead the league one year, but how about dominance for 3 or 4? Is there no money to be earned racing as a 4-year-old or is the sport just about making babies? One hundred and fifty babies a year, wow, large breeding fees and sales. Wow, I own a son of Confederate, problem is he’s one per cent as good as dad.

It doesn’t really surprise me. It fits the pattern. Whatever decisions the sport makes is always backasswards. Appreciate you letting me vent.

Bill Hartenstine / Farmingdale, NY