There are lots of reasons to have ongoing dialogues about finding new and thorough ways of managing the dilemma of “drugged” horses. Yes, there are trainers, vets, grooms and owners in the world who try to find ways of enhancing the performance of these fragile animals that we love to bet on (or own). Some of these “illegal” drugs (so called Type A, B, or C) have no business being in a horse while racing. Other “types” (D or E) are mere medications that any of us would take to aid in the management of itchy skin, sneezing, headache, etc. Let’s face it, these animals live in dusty places, which have rodent droppings, cat hair, rooster feathers and other horses’ manure under their roof 24/7. What concerns me is the quickness to judge and the guilty- before- trial- mentality of many handicappers. In light of the e-coli problems with lettuce, green onions, etc, especially originating from California, we must ask if it is it ever possible that farms selling products to the racing industry may have a role in this. For example, handlers preparing and packaging hay, feed, carrots or any other items critical in the racing/agriculture industry, may be drugs users or not clean in their handling of these items. Any innocent trainer/handler would not know this in advance. Or, can it be the outrider or valet or jockey or friend of a friend petting the horse? I know 2 people who were hospitalized for e-coli. I also know many people who have tested positive in a work environment and were found innocent afterwards after learning it came from a fellow co-worker. In one case, there were traces of cocaine on the hands of another who shared, ate/touched candy and cookies from a tray at work. So, moral of my story is please watch the negativity and jumping to conclusions that there is a “definite” connection to the trainers. Yes trainers are “in charge” but so are the CEO and Board at Taco Bell.