Earlier today I wrote about the importance of today's Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Raceway in Baltimore as it was the middle part of the illusive Triple Crown prize that has gone unclaimed for the past 31 years - make that 32 years now.
In addition to the obvious horse racing significance for "Mine That Bird" - the winner of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville two weeks ago and the only horse eligible to compete for the Triple Crown, I see a real clear life lesson and sales analogy here.
As I explained earlier, to win the Triple Crown, a horse must win all 3 races - not best out of 3 or most impressive win.
So here's what I noticed. I did not hear any of the strategies or pre-race plans from the owner, trainer or jockey of "Mine That Bird." I can only go by what I saw.
The horse was racing from the back of the field for more than half of the race. This was not an issue for the announcer because the horse did the same thing in the Derby. However, the horse got boxed in. As he was making his charge through the field, he got up to 10th place and then had to scramble to find room. This cost valuable time - time that he still almost made up at the finish line.
If this race was as important as it was - with the Triple Crown on the line - why try to run it from the back. In any kind of race, too many things can happen in front of you when you are trying to come from the back of the field.
If you want to win the race, why not run it from the front or set the pace? If I needed to win, I would be going all out from the start and not be bringing up the rear.
The lesson for us is to be leaders in our field when the prize is something we want - a sale, a listing, a strategic alliance, a referral, or anything we deem important.
This may have been planned by the "Mine That Bird" team. If it was, it definitely was not a strategic success. You have to expect obstacles in a highly contested and competitive endeavor (such as business, sports, or life), and this team lost big because of them.
Instead of winning, which it appeared that he could have done, he finished a very close second. No cigar this time.
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Steve, as always - you give us a great lesson in life and in business.
Still not bad for a horse that came out of now where. They will still be getting great fees.
Tim and Pam,
Thank you. Appreciate your readership and your great comments. :)
Steve
Steve,
I thought the same thing as I watched that race. Why hold back, the "Bird" could have won with a different strategy...Great post as always. K
Russ,
That's one way to look at it. I see it as a blown opportunity. :)
Steve
Karen,
Thank you. Appreciate the agreement and the support. :)
Steve
Steve, great analogy! I think that Secretariat had the right idea, just get out and runaway from the field! Like he did in the Belmont!
I missed the race! But I agree Steve, why would we sit back...try to get out there and stay in front. That way we don't risk getting boxed in!
Tony and Darcy,
I agree. Go with the Secretariat strategy if you have the chance - and the ability. :)
Steve
Mary,
Thanks for your agreement and support - all valid points. :)
Steve
Save the juice for the end - didn't work this time... The Preakness is a great event to watch in person. It made for an exciting race - plus it still enhances those future stud and breeding fees.
Ryan,
I suppose if you look at the bigger picture you're right. I just don't understand this come-from-the-back strategy. :)
Steve
Steve - good point! Now for racing - Preakness is in my hometown of Baltimore - The girl won!!! And, I live 30 min. outside of the city in a county known for horses. Cigar was born in the Thoroughbred nursery 5 minutes from my house! There's always a banner displayed on his birthday.
Linda,
You're right, the girl won - and she ran the race like she wanted to win. :)
Steve