Albertrani Positive

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

>>>"I would never administer a drug like this to a horse before a race," Albertrani said. "This substance was not in my barn. It would be both counterintuitive (sic) and downright foolish for me to give the odds-on favorite in a Grade 1 race a banned substance knowing that she would be tested."<<<

Counter-intuitive unless of course you're betting against an odds-on favorite

usually odds on favorites that run poorly are sent to the test barn as well by order of the stewards. as are long shots who run well

[VOL JACK]

From all accounts I hear TA is a straight up classy guy as there is on the back stretch.
If he swears he didn't give the filly the drug....I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. JMO

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by VOL JACK

From all accounts I hear TA is a straight up classy guy as there is on the back stretch.
If he swears he didn't give the filly the drug....I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. JMO

Agreed

[banter]

Something that McLaughlin, Albertrani, and Bin Suroor have been publicly called out at more or less the same time...

"Sheikh Mohammed's Delegator Disqualified"--http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/142633/Sheikh-Mohammad-s-Delegator-disqualified

"Delegator Mile disqualification confirmed"--http://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2009/1207/delegator_celebrationmile.html

A methylprednisolone positive takes center stage in this case.

In my view, a 750 pound (about $1230) fine for a prohibited medication serves no useful purpose as a deterrent. Forget wrist slap, we're talking finger tap with that puny amount.

Even in situations in which a trainer misjudges the withdrawal time of a particular drug, penalties need to be stiff enough to make the stable connections pay scrupulous attention to dosing issues.

"Racing integrity" will remain an oxymoron until and unless such issues are stringently addressed.

I would suppose, although these articles don't say for sure, that not only was the win disallowed but the purse retracted and redistributed. Having the winnings taken away offers something of a deterrent and gives some satisfaction to Zacinto and his connections. Still, they were robbed of the race day experience of outright winning. Another horse got to stand in the winner's circle and have his picture taken.

I would add that the shame of getting caught should be a deterrent, but I see no evidence that things work that way.

And what about the news that the BHA will cut drug testing by 50% next year, or that the FEI will allow the use of bute for show jumping and events?

Disappointing news all the way around.

[Rudeboyelvis]

Originally Posted by jballscalls

usually odds on favorites that run poorly are sent to the test barn as well by order of the stewards. as are long shots who run well

JB - So is a post time favorite finishing third considered "running poorly"? It happens every single day.

I'm not indicting him, but the stuff didn't magically appear in GG's system either.

He's either aware of it, or someone is running around the backstretch in the middle of the night drugging favorites to bet against them. Can you offer a different explanation?

Either way, it is pretty egregious, and the owners and gamblers are due an answer - for him not to fight it or at least demand an investigation of his barn is troubling.

[reese]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

JB - So is a post time favorite finishing third considered "running poorly"? It happens every single day.

I'm not indicting him, but the stuff didn't magically appear in GG's system either.

He's either aware of it, or someone is running around the backstretch in the middle of the night drugging favorites to bet against them. Can you offer a different explanation?

Either way, it is pretty egregious, and the owners and gamblers are due an answer - for him not to fight it or at least demand an investigation of his barn is troubling.

Well, if a trainer objects to the penalties and goes for a hearing, the penalty doubles. The fact that a tranquilizer was found in Albertrani's horse is not debateable if the split sample tests the same. Easier for a trainer to take the days rather than fight.

Look at Assmussen....he had 6 month penalties in two separate states for pain killer violations. Everyone "defends" a trainer like Assmussen because he races all over the country and cannot be everywhere at once.

It seems odd that both K Mc and Albertraini both get "violations" simultaneously in KY. NY has a detention barn and comprehensive drug testing...why are these violations found ONLY in KY?

[Honu]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

JB - So is a post time favorite finishing third considered "running poorly"? It happens every single day.

I'm not indicting him, but the stuff didn't magically appear in GG's system either.

He's either aware of it, or someone is running around the backstretch in the middle of the night drugging favorites to bet against them. Can you offer a different explanation?

Either way, it is pretty egregious, and the owners and gamblers are due an answer - for him not to fight it or at least demand an investigation of his barn is troubling.

Its hard to fight something that they have proof of and all you have is your word saying that you didnt do it and no one on your staff did it. What would they investigate? Its not like tv , they dont have a crime scene unit that comes in lol.