This Could Help Clean Up Racing

Originally Posted by eurobounce

To me the solution is simple. No medication at all.

Euro the spirit of what you are saying is ok, but its not practical. What do we do with bleeders?

Originally Posted by oracle80

Euro the spirit of what you are saying is ok, but its not practical. What do we do with bleeders?

What does Europe do with bleeders?

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by eurobounce

What does Europe do with bleeders?

2x bleeders in australia aren't allowed to race/breed. might explain why their horses can run often, carry weight, and cover distances. they are the healthy racers! unhealthy ones aren't there cluttering the scene.

as for the euros, they come here to race!

I dont know the answer to this so I am asking. A bleeder doesnt bleed everytime he/she races---correct?

Originally Posted by Danzig188

2x bleeders in australia aren't allowed to race/breed. might explain why their horses can run often, carry weight, and cover distances. they are the healthy racers! unhealthy ones aren't there cluttering the scene.

as for the euros, they come here to race!

Now that is interesting. I did not know that about Austrailian horses. Good info right there.

[ALostTexan]

Until the high-profile owners start taking horses away from those found guilty of these offenses, there is little deterrence. If they lack the integrity to do this, then it becomes incumbent for one of two things to happen: (1) when imposing penalties, the regulators have to rule that, during the period of the suspension, the horses may not race in the name of a family member or an assistant trainer (NY did this in the Greg Martin case); or (2) the racing associations need to deny stalls to the repeat offenders (as NYRA did with Shuman a few summers ago).

On this last score, how is it that tracks still give stalls to Scott Lake? What number suspension is he working on now? If someone is telling him after each suspension that it's his last chance, then it's (to quote Lt. Frank Drebin) "one of those major-league baseball, Steve Howe kind of last chances."

[Travis Stone]

I personally would be a huge advocate of regulating the horse care industry. No vet care is allowed or authorized without the proper filings through the state association. The horses are tested, and if they test positive to anything not filed with the association, stiff penalties.

To be honest, I just don't see why this has never been implemented - it seems like a no-brainer.

[ALostTexan]

Whatever Barry Irwin's view of Bobby Frankel may be, it has not stopped him from promoting Leroidesanimaux.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Until the high-profile owners start taking horses away from those found guilty of these offenses, there is little deterrence. If they lack the integrity to do this, then it becomes incumbent for one of two things to happen: (1) when imposing penalties, the regulators have to rule that, during the period of the suspension, the horses may not race in the name of a family member or an assistant trainer (NY did this in the Greg Martin case); or (2) the racing associations need to deny stalls to the repeat offenders (as NYRA did with Shuman a few summers ago).

On this last score, how is it that tracks still give stalls to Scott Lake? What number suspension is he working on now? If someone is telling him after each suspension that it's his last chance, then it's (to quote Lt. Frank Drebin) "one of those major-league baseball, Steve Howe kind of last chances."

I've heard this before. I think this is similar to all bettors across the country boycotting a particular track. Sounds great, but not practical. More importantly, I don't think it's the solution. There will always be owners for people who produce results. I don't think this addresses the problem, again, not directly. Should I not be give my horses to Scott Lake because he has clentbuterol positives? There seems to be a disconnect here.

As far as the Greg Martin case, you are right, this did in fact happen. I don't know if it was the court system, NYRA, the NYSR&WB, or a combination thereof, but that case was very different. Denying stalls -- I think that could be part of a solution, but I am sure there are also issues there as well. I've seen in Ontario where a trainer is suspended and they don't allow the horses to be given to his sons. Sure, this can work -- not in and of itself, but as part of a solution.

Our judicial system is based upon prosecuting, convicting and penalizing those who commit crimes, those who are found guilty, etc. Sure, there are cases where going after the gun manufacturer, along with the shooter, may be appropriate. However, I think some of these solutions are off target and don't address the real problem. Now, understand, that's JMVHO. If several of these ideas were strung together, along with some others that address testing, technology, etc. -- I am all for it. A mutifaceted solution is neccessary here.

Eric

Originally Posted by eurobounce

What does Europe do with bleeders?

They send a lot of them to the US where they become stakes horses.

Originally Posted by oracle80

They send a lot of them to the US where they become stakes horses.

They may send some over here. But how many do they send in comparison to how may stay over in Europe? Look at a card at any US track and see the number of horses using lasix. I find it real hard to believe that every horse that is on lasix needs it.

[ALostTexan]

How ironic is it that Barry Irwin pens this opinion piece for the Bloodhorse the same week that his trainer, Todd Pletcher, has his suspension upheld by the NY courts. Once again, do as I say not as I do.

[GenuineRisk]

Thanks for posting the link, Rupert. The thing that resonated most with me from the article was that it's very difficult to attract new gamblers to the game because there is such a strong perception that the game is fixed due in part to use of drugs. Which may ultimately be the only thing that will get the sport cleaned up even a little bit-- as much as many of us love the sport for the beauty and the thrill of it, it's the gambling that keeps it going.