New York Times Investigation into US Racing

Several weeks ago I posted a link to an article that had been run in the New York Times regarding the state of US racing.

They said at the time that this was to be the first in a 4 part series, and yesterday they published part 2.

You can read the latest article here: Part 2

Bear with it, it is quite long (and shocking in places), but it gives you a rough idea of some of the problems racing is facing in the US.


For those that didn't see it first time round, the first part of the series can be read here: Part 1

 

Haven't read it all but got the gist. Anyone who drugs a horse to run should be banned forever in my opinion. Absolutely disgusting. And we worry about racing here. I hope they clean it up soon with zero tolerance and in the meantime I hope all non US trainers and owners boycott the Breeders Cup.

 

Everybody just wants a horse, and they want him now to race in 10 days,” he said. “I want a horse today and I don’t want it tomorrow. I’m a businessman.”

Just about sums it up really... They have no connection to the horse, sport or the whole package that comes with owning a horse and the commitment to the health and welfare of the horse...

This is article is just about the owners, if you can call them that, saying 'that horse of mine has made me x amount of $'s isnt that good...'

Its paints rather a sad picture of the state horse racing and ownership in America...

 

I knew it was bad, but this article, although sensationalised, is still an eye opener.

 

I only read half but that was more than enough.

The authorities in the US need to impose a zero tolerance and impose it NOW

 

I've been chatting on an American forum for a little while and they've explained to me that the main problem with racing over there is that there is no governing body, no one with the authority (except the Government) to implement national rules and monitor their enforcement.

To be fair to the fans, they are completely disgusted. If change comes soon, I think it'll have to be a grass roots thing unless Congress steps in.

 

Can I please ask what the American forum is RD?

 

TVG. It's based in California so it can be a bit biased towards the West Coast but there are some fairly knowledgeable people on there. Thoroughbred Champions is another one.