I have spoken out for a complete overhaul of the rules, regulations, etc. that govern this sport and industry. I am 100% for uniform and universal medication rules and the same for penalties, fines and suspensions.
However, with that being said, you will never achieve absolute -- even if you model after countries and jurisdictions that have zero tolerance. Reason being, as said, there will always be someone who is trying to gain the competitive edge. It might be on "this side" of the line, but eventually, it's always going to graduate and progress to the "illegal" side of the line. Why? It's simple. Money! Purse money, gambling, per diem, barn stake, and so on -- everywhere . . . Money.
Great concept. Not practical or feasible, but great concept. A so called drug free race does not exist today. Card the race at Fantasy Land Downs. There are numerous drugs floating around today thay the governing bodies cannot test for, so there goes your drug free race.
Personally, I think much of what we've seen, read about, formed committee's on, discussed, etc -- is truly not the real issue. There is no leadership in addressing and dealing with this problem. States won't work together. The thoroughbred industry needs to look no further than NJ and Toronto in order to see the progress that has been made in "catching" the criminals. How to "catch" them is one thing. Punishing them is something completely different, and NJ hasn't done such a great job on this front.
There are labs, testing facilities, tests, etc. that are much more progressive than what we know about in our industry. Of course it becomes a question of money, however, money can be a very small hurdle when there is leadership. I've attended enough of these committee and industry meetings to see that the sport and industry needs to "lead, follow or get out of the way"
Eric
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