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Originally Posted by Cannon Shell
If I had vitamins that helped my horses recover from a race faster than people without those same vitamins would I not have an advantage? If i has special hay that kept weight on nervous fillies and others did not have it, would i not have an advantage? Would performance decline in an individual horse? Possibly. If we took away gastrogard from certain horses I know for a fact that their performances will decline. People dont understand the issue of anabolic steroids and their effects in horses versus humans. If you feel the need to be outraged or mad than turn your anger on the racing commissions which never put in effect regulations concerning them. But now they are overcompensating and casting stones at horseman like we are the bad guys. It is not a black and white, good guys versus bad guys issue yet it will most definitely be portrayed that way during this Federal hearing especially in light of the 'witness' list.
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Chuck, while I think you make some excellent points, I don't think the stones are only being thrown at "horsemen" or trainers in general. As it relates to the Federal hearing, yes, this is no doubt political. Do I want to see the Feds get in the game and regulate? No, of course not. IMO, it won't and can't work.
However, be that as it may -- without the Feds "taking over" so to speak, can these hearings possibly bring about change? How about bringing about change quicker and faster? Can this be the catalyst for change? Perhaps it can be. Maybe this is the "threat" that is needed. Personally, I don't know.
But, holding owners accountable -- within reason -- uniform medication rules, enforcement, all of this and more, is all needed to have this sport and industry go through the "cleansing" process that is needed. Perhaps I am being too optomistic. But, being in this business my entire adult life, like many others here including you, perhaps you can see why my attitude is what it is. One thing that is incredibly crucial to note is that -- like you -- I don't rely on this sport or business as my primary livlihood per se.
All excellent points though and thanks.
Eric