“Adversity is a fact of life. It can’t be controlled. What we can control is how we react to it.”
Great tragedy and upheaval offers a very powerful reminder to look at the events of daily life in perspective. It reminds us to hug our family a little tighter, enjoy the spring air a little longer, and take that offhanded remark with a bit more humour.
What tragedy also does is remind us that we are judged not by what happens to us, but how we rise up and persevere. The obstacles that present themselves, do little to define who we are as people, or our place in history. We are how we act and carry ourselves in times of struggle.
For every image of terror that took place during the Boston Marathon bombing, we are provided with five images of heroism, bravery and resilience. Why do Bostonians sing the national anthem louder at sporting events today than they did before this tragedy? Why do they raise their flags higher and prouder? Why do they greet one another with a little more kindness than they did the day before?
They do these things because they refuse to be defined by the senseless actions taken by another. They persevere because it makes them stronger and takes the power away from others intent on scaring them.
Horse racing is not a matter of national security. It doesn’t often steal the headlines or lead the evening news. But for the hundreds of thousands across Canada related to this industry, its survival is paramount. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the sport in this country, each of us needs to commit to the philosophy that it will not fade away under our watch.
Quite frankly, the time for self pity is over. There is no reason to wallow or feel sorry for ourselves and there is no benefit to taking a negative approach. Like the 17,565 fans singing the national anthem at the Boston Bruins game and the people lining the streets to cheer on the first responders, every person has a role to play.
When Jeff Gural took over The Meadowlands, he made a plea to horsepeople to support his efforts, to enter their horses and make a commitment to racing at his track. In Canada, we haven’t heard those pleas from racetrack operators or horseman’s groups, but the message is important. If you can, persevere, and commit as much as you can to local horse racing.
I often hear people ask, “But what I can I do? I feel helpless.”
Breed your mare to a Canadian stallion. Keep your racehorse stabled in Canada. Perhaps you have the ability to step up and help organize a local horse camp or open house. You could do a research paper for your closest newspaper on the history of your local track. Maybe you are able to gather other horsepeople and form a not-for-profit group focussed on the revival of your nearest racing facility. Form a grassroots racing syndicate for a local organization. Meet with your closest fair board and talk to them about restoring the fine tradition of fair racing this fall. Or, offer to bring a jog cart and a horse to a farm event taking place in your town, and introduce the sport to those around you. The options are limitless. And these actions are not insignificant or unimportant.
The sport of horse racing has endured a lot over the last 250 years, but its participants have always overcome. In times of adversity, opportunity is limitless and the losers are those who roll over and allow themselves to be victims of negativity. Now is the time to embrace growth and rejuvenation, and to commit ourselves to another 250 years of horse racing in this country.
It’s time to stand up and cheer for OUR future.
Darryl Kaplan
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