More illegal horse racing discovered in Texas

Nine people were indicted on Dec. 19 by a Parker County grand jury for operating an illegal horse racing meet in Springtown, Texas, located 30 miles northwest of Fort Worth.

The Parker County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Racing Commission and other agencies discovered the illegal horse racing in October. Dozens of horses were involved, some racing more than twice during the same weekend. Police confiscated an unspecified amount of cash and also recovered a number of syringes, drug paraphernalia and electrical shocking devices used to stimulate horses to run faster.

“Some of the syringes were empty and some were full,” said Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler. “The substances are being tested for illegal substances, potentially harmful to equines. It allows a horse to be pushed to the limits under a race, but can cause serious health conditions and even result in the death of a horse.”

Police estimated more than 1,000 people were in attendance during the illegal races. No spectators were arrested. Some of those indicted are facing detainers from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

SO . . . ?

The concerns the Parker County Sheriff expressed about the mistreatment of horses in illegal horse racing, as admirable as that is, just so happens to occur as a matter of routine at licensed racetracks with licensed betting. Here again is what the Parker County Sheriff’s office reported:

“Police . . . also recovered a number of syringes, drug paraphernalia and electrical shocking devices used to stimulate horses to run faster.”

And . . .

“The substances are being tested for illegal substances, potentially harmful to equines. It allows a horse to be pushed to the limits under a race, but can cause serious health conditions and even result in the death of a horse . . .”

So you can get away with all that at a licensed racetrack — unlicensed you might get into trouble.

Source: The Weatherford Democrat (online), Dec 24, 2019.