Raz: Actually, it would be hard to top Wygod’s spinning throughout this episode, including his statements immediately after the Santa Anita Derby that "Sweet Catomine will probably wind up at Belmont Park, with a leading trainer back there" to point for the Alabama, to speculating that prior to the Santa Anita Derby Sweet Catomine “was sedated. Leading up to the race, she was given three legal medications, including Lasix . . . I think those three medications put her to sleep" to all the nonsense about the van driver concocting the lie, etc.

One of my personal favorites is the following. Now, keep in mind that Sweet Catomine’s condition coming up to the Santa Anita Derby and immediately afterwards is still a very relevant, important issue for a number of reasons, including 1) Mota’s (the bettor’s) suit, 2) any claim Wygod makes against the CHRB relating to their investigation against him, and 3) any action any regulatory body considers about disclosure of health and treatment matters. Also keep in mind that one of the most important sources for any information about her condition is the vets who treated her leading up to that race. And finally, remember THAT THOSE VETS WORK FOR WYGOD AND THAT HE CAN AUTHORIZE THEM TO SAY ANYTHING HE WANTS ABOUT HER CONDITION. So, with all that in mind, a reporter challenged Wygod about her condition after Wygod announced her retirement. I’ll give you Wygod’s response, as quoted in the DRF on 4/21, and let you judge for yourself. I add emphasis for humor, to underline how large a farce this episode has become:

"[Her retirement] was totally based on doing the best thing for the filly," Wygod said. Wygod declined to provide specific details and said information could be provided later "WHEN THE VETS WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT."



Post Edited (04-26-05 00:27)