Santa Anita Injuries; Trainers meet, complain

[Cannon Shell]

One of the problems with discussing things like breakdowns and track surfaces is that there are so many factors that affect these things that the reality is that you just cant make an accurate judgement unless you are actually training or riding over the surface. Track officials wouldnt know the difference between a safe track and a dirt path, The trackman usually is overly defensive. The trainers and sometimes vets of horses who brokedown can be critical to pass the blame away from them. Some jockeys have a good opinion but the majority wouldnt know the difference. It is all a matter of opinion except in extreme cases. Counting the number of breakdowns or lack of breakdowns is not really that accurate since there are many, many other issues involved. The game was better off before people knew about medication issues(although most of what is 'known' is wrong) or payed any attention to breakdowns. Not because either was acceptable but because neither is easily understood or explained away. The public will never be satisfied that the game is clean or that tracks are safe.