Validating the first win of Arrogate against California Chrome last November, the former took home the richest prize in thoroughbred racing last Saturday at Pegasus World Cup in Florida. Everyone was transfixed on Arrogate and California Chrome as many hopefuls expected the latter to redeem himself from his loss last November, but the former prevailed. Arrogate did not fail jockey Mike Smith as the duo took home a whopping $7 million. Shaman Ghost came in second while Neolithic finished third. California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza finished ninth.
Twelve horses ran the race, and their owners paid $1 million each earning this event the richest pot in horse racing history. In prestige, stake, and celebrity attendance, the new race ends the two-decade reign of the $10 million Dubai World Cup. A total of 12,000 racegoers attended the race at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
Vocabulary:
validate [verb] – confirm
transfix [verb] – to make a person or animal unable to move or stop looking at something because they are so interested, surprised, or frightened
latter [noun] – the second of two people, things, or groups previously mentioned
prevail [verb] – prove more powerful or superior
whopping [adjective] – extremely large
prestige [noun] – status; widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something
reign [noun] – a period when a particular person, feeling, or quality is very important or has a strong influence
True or False:
- Neolithic, ridden by jockey Victor Espinoza, finished ninth.
- This is the second win of Arrogate against California Chrome.
- Mike Smith was very disappointed with his horse.
- Twelve horses ran the race, and their owners paid $1 million each earning this event the richest pot in horse racing history.
- A total of 12,000 racegoers attended the race at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Georgia.
Express your opinion:
- Do you agree that money is the most valuable prize organizers can give to winning players? Please explain your answer.
- Should gambling be banned all over the world? Discuss.
- Do you think luck plays a role in horse racing?
- Do you think investing in stocks is similar to betting money in a race?
- Besides financial problems, what other consequences can occur from excessive gambling?
Defend your argument:
- “A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses to catch up and outpace – Ovid”
- “Eat your betting money but don’t bet your eating money.”
- “A smooth race never made a skillful racer.”