Barbaro. . . . Eight Belles. . . Rachel Alexandra

Those are the only names of Triple Crown horses that I've ever been asked about by friends, co-workers and acquaintances.

With Barbaro, I was eager to discuss advancements in equine medicine and orthopedics.

Eight Belles nearly broke my heart, but  I took the opportunity to try to educate the casual fan about the realities  of "fixing" horses where a favorable outcome is simply and sadly impossible.

The day after the Preakness this year, I couldn't contain my satisfaction, and yes, a little bit of relief at how wonderfully the thoroughbred industry presented a sport with all of the drama, the human interest and agony of defeat of every other televised sport. . . without anybody getting hurt.

I have a very distinct memory of an on-air personality, a, longtime race-caller, in a moment of sadness after a horse broke down on TV. What I recall him saying was this:

"People explain this away by saying "that's horseracing," but its not horseracing, and we should do everything we can to make sure its not.."

Its in that spirit and the "perfect" victories of both Rachel Alexandra and Mine that Bird that I can feel comfortable and, yes, even proud to tell others:

Now that's horseracing.