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Originally Posted by parsixfarms
My general premise is that we need to adopt a set of uniform rules from which everyone works. Some will like them; others won't. But once we set the rules, we need to enforce them.
I appreciate the concern that Chuck stated in an earlier post. If the RMTC model rule on steroids is adopted, will there be trainers/chemists that employ designer steroids? If human sports are any guide, the answer is probably, "yes." But that's not a reason to fail to adopt the rules. To my way of thinking, the concern over the parade of horribles argument that Chuck is referencing would ultimately lead to the following guiding principles: "Everything goes. Use whatever you want."
Racing's problem is not that some unscrupulous individual is going to try to circumvent the rules (or "push the envelope" as some like to call it); rather, the problem is that it doesn't meaningfully enforce the rules that it already has. And if the RMTC rules are adopted, and racing continues its lax enforcement, then the whole exercise is a complete waste of everyone's time and energy. The only difference now, as baseball has learned, is that, if racing doesn't get its house in order, then someone (the Whitfields of the world) may do it for us - and in a manner over which we have no control.
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I agree with you. However, I think Chuck's perspecitve has very valid concerns as well. Is there an "ideal" or "perfect" solution? Well, not a first stab perhaps. Yes, setting the rules is the first step -- but as you point out, enforcing them is the mandatory partner. You cannot have bark without bite.
Be that as it may, I don't see the "everything goes" as the ultimate destination. Even in a "not an ideal" world -- to get to that point, well, as I am sure we would all admit, that would be pathetic. I do agree with your points as far as enforcement, or lack thereof. As I've often said, our harness brethern seem to do a better job "catching them" although they seem to lack the "punish them enough" -- although I think I am starting to see some changes there.
Eric