[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by ELA

Chuck, I get it. I really do. I just question the means to reach this supposed goal. I am all for accountability and being responsible, however, I just don't know if this is going to be enforcable and get the job done. I think this may open the door to other issues. Does clenbuterol count? If a horse of mine comes up positive with one trainer and for that and other reasons I decide to move my horses, how can I hold my trainer -- the new one -- accountable? I warn him? I threaten him. Being that I play the game aggressively, what prevents another "barn" from contaminating feed in my horse. You may think I am reaching here, and perhaps I am.

I am not a practicing attorney, however, I tend to look at these issues with much more of a big picture in mind. The owner can get suspended and fined on a quicker schedule than the trainer? That does not make sense to me. I don't want to get into names, but you have many high profile owners who will not want to even consider flirting with such liability -- and because of that you want them to pick what? A safer trainer? A lower % trainer.

How many horses are stepping onto the track and racing on hay and water? And Chuck, if we are going to have this discussion over a couple of beers when we get up to the Spa, let's not talk about hypotheticals and what the image is, or what distant fans may think. Let's talk about what people who are in the game know.

I agree a rule like this, similar, is needed -- but this to me, as a first swing, is too vague and ambiguous. I say thing because I already spoke with several people who claimed they were familiar with the new rule.

Like I said, I am just questioning the means here. I don't think it will force owners to be more responsible. It may force them to find ways to play more games as well.

Anyway, we will soon see.

Eric

Eric
Owners only see severe penalties if there are multiple class A violations, not for clembuterol. I think we know who the multiple offenders are without pointing out names. I think they are vague and ambiguous on purpose in order to see what effect this has and if it needs to be tightened up or modified as time goes by.

What kind of rule do you think would work?
CS