Race horses everywhere will be running on their own soon without performance enhancing drugs, as New York joins the steroid ban tidal wave of enthusiasm.
In the meantime, trainer of Big Brown, who failed to deliver the Triple Crown this year, Rick Dutrow, is still being given a pass — even though he confessed. Suspend these criminals for horse’s sake.
And forget the punters for a moment.
How about we get rid of the killer culprit pharmas used to mask injuries, and running lame horses literally to death. These time release murderers should lose their training licenses for life, and never be allowed on a racetrack unless its to muck out stalls. No wait. Just kick them out of horse racing altogether. Are you listening Tommy?
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By KAREN MATTHEWS , Associated Press Writer
last updated: October 27, 2008 03:47:22 PM
New York toughened its steroids policy for racehorses Tuesday, following the lead of the two other states that hold Triple Crown races.
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board said the new rules take effect Jan. 1 at all thoroughbred and standardbred tracks in the state. That includes Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. The new rules set limits for steroids that are permitted.
“We have moved to eliminate anabolic steroid use from the horse racing industry in New York State,” said John Sabini, chairman of the racing and wagering board. “Steroids are no better for four-legged athletes than they are for two.”
Prompted by the death of the filly Eight Belles at the end of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky and Maryland moved quickly to institute steroid restrictions. Trainer Rick Dutrow acknowledged using an anabolic steroid on Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown.
The issue of drugs in horse racing has come under increased scrutiny since the Triple Crown races, and several other racing authorities have responded by instituting new policies. Horses competing in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., on Oct. 24-25 will be tested for drugs, including steroids.
“My hope is this is the beginning of no steroids in racing. A diet of hay, oats and water should be our goal as we move towards a racing industry that is drug free,” board member John Simoni said. Modesto Bee/AP
Tuesday's Horse 