My opinion is that Racing with a capital "R" is not in a good position to take on drug issues at this point in time.

The issue would have to be confronted by an alliance among the 4 major US racing circuits - NYRA, Cal, Fla and KY - and each of these circuits currently have internal issues which need addressing, or are in a state of flux.

In the current climate it would probably take a good deal of expense to attack the drug issues, or at least identify the issues. The result of stricter enforcement would eventually be fewer starts per horse per year (horses' recuperative powers would arguably be reduced without chemical aid). In essence, track operators will be asked to make an initial capital investment which will eventually lead to decreased revenues (smaller fields = decreased handle).

An initial capital outlay which DECREASES revenues is pretty hard to tolerate even in boom times.

If drugs in racing bother you, Party Poker On!, because they are not going anywhere anytime soon. Racing with a capital "R" is not strong enough at this juncture to take on the issue. As TGJB and others have pointed out, the more "resourceful" trainers and vets have already figured out how to "beat" the pre- race detention barns.