Biancone agrees to a softer ban

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Cardus

I understand that owners are culpable, of course, but when you typed, "still think that the owners are not the problem in this game," it looked like you were placing the emphasis on them, as opposed to the trainers.

By my thinkng, I wouldn't use cobra venom on a Thoroughbred and if an owner demanded that I use it, I'd walk away from the owner, that's all. And if I couldn't compete without using drugs other than what is permitted, then I'd find another profession.

I guess my logic is skewed, but I think about it from the people closest to caring for the horse, and work outward.

I am placing the emphasis on the owners because in the end THEY call the shots, not the trainers. I highly doubt any owner directly instructs a trainer to use an illegal substance. However when they continue to employ them after repeated violations aren't they in effect saying that that behavior is ok? Of course the trainers are to blame directly but the attitude of owners like the 2 quoted in the story are the reason that this will continue. The owners have the power in this business, not the trainers.