Drug Free Racing

[ShadowRoll]

Originally Posted by geeker2

Simple question: Why can't the Racing Secretary just simply start writing races for horses that race completely drug free?

We hear a lot of trainers/owners say they want the racing to be drug free..

That would be their opportunity to step up and show some leadership in a Sport that sorely needs it.

They'd never fill such a race.

[geeker2]

Originally Posted by ShadowRoll

They'd never fill such a race.

You have to look at the big picture. If such a race got some publicity and guys like Andy Beyer, Steve Crist , Steve Byk and the media got behind it..it would put the trainers/owners in a position to make a clear public choice.

You've got to start somewhere...

[dellinger63]

Drugs don't equal cheating and believe it or not are given for the good of the horse.

[deltagulf]

look its done everywhere no drugs but here in the states.
also the use of the whip doesn't have to be used to get the best out of the horses. look at the past history of racing no drugs and very sound horses. who raced more then what they do today.

[otisotisotis]

Originally Posted by deltagulf

look its done everywhere no drugs but here in the states.
also the use of the whip doesn't have to be used to get the best out of the horses. look at the past history of racing no drugs and very sound horses. who raced more then what they do today.

after reading a biography on Man O War, i would have to say this is very untrue.
seems there was more cocaine flying around back then, than an 80's big hair band after party.

[ALostTexan]

Originally Posted by dellinger63

Drugs don't equal cheating and believe it or not are given for the good of the horse.

To an extent this is true, but abusing and/or overusing the drugs that are given to a horse is not for the good of the horse.

Yeah, injecting a sore knee of a horse with buvicaine can be good for the horse, as it will lessen the pain, but the risk verses reward isn't worth it and the horse can run through the pain.

Just one example...

[Storm Cadet]

Clean race...no such thing anymore...


Personally I'd like to see a race with ONLY JUICED UP horses from the usual suspect trainers...Big Purse,,,no wagering...no deterntion barn prerace or post race drug testing...and let the druggies slug it out for one race. Winner take all! Can you imagine the fractions and staying power they'd have! The only downside is we might have to get about 8 horse ambulances to get them off for the next race to begin.

It would be like the MLB Home Run Derby of years back...Giambi, Bonds, McGuire, Sosa, Palmeiro, Sheffield et al !!! Yo Big Mac -Pass the snake venom please!

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by dellinger63

Drugs don't equal cheating and believe it or not are given for the good of the horse.

I agree with you.
Most horses "run through the pain".
One of my fillies had a swollen hock. No big deal, no limp or favoring, but just to keep her moving forward, a little bute.
Drugs are part of the equation when used to help, not cheat.
When misused, the horse, or worse yet, the rider can get hurt.

[geeker2]

Originally Posted by Downthestretch55

I agree with you.
Most horses "run through the pain".
One of my fillies had a swollen hock. No big deal, no limp or favoring, but just to keep her moving forward, a little bute.
Drugs are part of the equation when used to help, not cheat.
When misused, the horse, or worse yet, the rider can get hurt.

but isn't that exactly what we have now? a situation that us un-policable - everyone thinking the trainers is doing these things for the good of the horse, but in reality some abusing?

Doesn't drug free racing work in Europe?

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by geeker2

but isn't that exactly what we have now? a situation that us un-policable - everyone thinking the trainers is doing these things for the good of the horse, but in reality some abusing?

Doesn't drug free racing work in Europe?

I really don't know much about European racing.
But I can tell you that ace, bute, and other common "drugs" like lasix are part of the game here. Think mild tranquilizer for a jittery horse, ibuprophen whe mild pain (like human's take for a head-ache), and lasix to prevent cappilaries in the lungs from breaking during exertion.
Heavy drugs that would numb a horse's leg to the point where it can run in a race would be a big concern. The horse could break down, the jock could get hurt. So, to keep it short, if safety is the issue, I'd say it's better to be safe than sorry. Heavy pain killers and stimulants shouldn't be allowed.

[letswastemoney]

I agree with Geeker.

Too often the only reason put drugs in their horses is because everyone else is doing it and they don't want to lose an advantage. How do thousands of horses in Europe race without a problem with no lasix??? Yet every first time maiden in America immediately begins with lasix? I doubt every single maiden here is truly a bleeder. They just don't want to lose that 2 or 3 length advantage.

Having 1 or 2 races a day for clean horses is a great idea.

[jwkniska]

Originally Posted by geeker2

Doesn't drug free racing work in Europe?

it works perfectly fine in Dubai.