NYT Two Trainers Accused of Cruelty To Animals

[Senator L]

Maybe because deep down we always had that vague suspicion and thought nah, surely not, some no-account minor players maybe, not the big boys that win the awards and the acclamation.

That's probably it. it's not like i'm hurting the horses

[Raven]

Came across this yesterday:  http://www.tbracingleague.com/

Thanks for the link!!

[Man o Taz]

Also in the news:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/23/sports/horse-trainer-steve-asmussen-fires-his-assistant.html?_r=0

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/83936/zayat-scratches-asmussen-trained-horses

[serenassong]

A letter from Mr. Phipps
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/84054/phipps-clock-ticking-on-adoption-of-reforms

[Dusty]

Came across this yesterday:  http://www.tbracingleague.com/

Kudos to Mr Porter -

[KD]

From the last link...

"However, there's nothing preventing a national governing body from implementing its own regulations beyond those of the racing commissions."

If "nothing" includes each and every track and state and locality and the legions of lawyers they'll hire to influence each and every politician who might possibly be involved with any possible legislation needed to do whatever the hell any of us might think is needed to fix whatever the hell any of us believe needs fixing then yeah, there's nothing preventing that.

Now I know not to wish any of you luck with all that, since real horseplayers don't believe in luck.

Which leaves us right where we are and shall remain.

[Man o Taz]

NYT Article on use of buzzers
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/28/sports/new-light-on-seamy-role-of-buzzers-in-horse-racing.html

[Man o Taz]

NTRA President Supports Uniform Drug Rules
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/84258/waldrop-uniform-drug-rules-must-be-adopted

[Man o Taz]

What do you think?

Should Steve Asmussen and/or Tapiture/Untapable be at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby/Oaks?
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/10749477/wanting-asmussen-kentucky-derby

Should Steve Asmussen and Tapiture/Untapable stay at home or be banned from Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby/Oaks?
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/10727939/steve-asmussen-difficult-derby-decision

I tend to agree with Bill Finley on this one.

The more attention the better.

[Man o Taz]

http://www.wdrb.com/story/25183170/dyche-horse-racings-biggest-problems

[Man o Taz]

ESPN's Gary West on the road to rational reform...
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/10777270/road-rational-reform

[Man o Taz]

Excerpt from:

http://www.paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/stronach-takes-lead-on-medication-integrity-issues/

In addition to supporting the key principles of the National Uniform Medication Program, The Stronach Group is committed to implementing the following measures at all of our racetracks aimed at eliminating drug abuse and the mistreatment of horses:

–Creating a strictly regulated pharmacy to dispense all medications prescribed and administered on association property.

–Prohibiting anyone from having any medications in their possession unless those medications have been properly prescribed for a therapeutic treatment program.

–Instituting random spot checks of veterinarians and all personnel that have access to the horse.

–Automatic drug testing for all horses that ship-in to race.

–Establishing a program of random drug testing that can be administered at any time for all horses.

–Banning individuals found guilty of animal abuse from competing.

–Having the right to request all veterinarian records and have them examined by an independent team of veterinarians.

–Creating a shared database of all racing and training fatalities.

–Prohibiting the use of buzzers or other devices designed to manipulate or abuse horses.

–Providing horse ambulances and stalls fitted with special equipment to ensure the safe and humane movement of an injured horse in order to provide immediate care with the ultimate goal of rehabilitation.

[Man o Taz]

Jockey Club Chair calls for Triple Crown vet records to be made public
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/10785740/make-public-triple-crown-vet-records

Well, its a start.

If they banned drugs then one wouldn't need to see any vet records, but baby steps I guess.

[peeptoad]

Asmussen investigations begin:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/84427/regulators-begin-asmussen-investigations

[Man o Taz]

We'll see what happens. We saw how inconclusive Life At Ten's investigation was. Hopefully this effort will be more substantial.