AI and The Jockey Club

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Merlinsky

No I mean say the JC would register them. Just pretend the denial of AI is just lifted and it can happen. That tracks would let those horses run, etc. That we as a sport have given a big thumbs up. I guess I'm saying is there viable concern over Congress meddling in the breeding industry based on shipping a product (frozen sperm) across state lines or is that totally groundless? We're concerned about the establishment of federal control in other areas. Is this an opportunity to gain a toehold there?

I dont think that Congress or the Feds in general give a hoot if TB's are covered live or AI. There is very little chance there will be an federal control over the industry. It is simply too big of a task and there is very little to gain from the feds standpoint. The hearings were just a big show.

As for AI, I am very much against it in TB racehorses. People complain about the narrowness of the scope of the breed as it is. If AI were allowed why couldn't a popular stallion cover 500 mares a year other than cost? There have been talks about the JC limiting the size of books but it has never gained any real traction.