So, I have a question. If George Steinbrenner was to be held responsible for his players that use steroids -- what could he do. Many things -- all which cost money. Perhaps a lot of money. He could hire people, "integrity officers", staff, etc. -- all people, proceedures, rules, etc. to enforce and protect his interests.
As an owner, can I do the same thing? If I go to a trainer who races on hay and water, I am at a competitive disadvantage. So is the trainer. He/she won't be making any money because under the current system we are competing against others who are not playing by the rules. What do I do then? Under the current system, you cannot penalize owners for merely sending horses to Scott Lake, Rick Dutrow, or Steve Asmussen. So, I use Bruce Levine, I use Peter Walder (who had a positive clenbuterol test -- when the rule(s) was changed and the tests came about), I use Mike Maker (who used hyperbaric therapy), I use Mike Hushion (I haven't yet, but I could see myself possibly doing so). I use Cody Autrey. I use others.
The current system is broken. Should I be able to use Chuck Simon? Sure. But Chuck, who plays the game by the rules, he might have had a positive test once, for a perfectly legal drug. OK, that's once time. Can I use Gary Sciacca -- who couldn't prove his innocence because of a broken and faulty system, and it was in his best interest to "take the days" so to speak -- who had a severe penalty for an incident? I think we all understand that the current system is broken and faulty and the solution is just not that simple.
I want a better, fair system. I would do better as an owner if there was such a system.
Eric
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