It seems to me that the only solution to this ongoing drug problem is to adopt a true zero-tolerance policy as is done in Europe - and most other racing jurisdictions, I believe -

Any and all medication positives should constitute a violation and be dealt with severely...

I know that all of the racing venues around the country would be yelling and screaming about creating horse shortages, etc...but hell, most of them are running cards filled with five and six horse races anyway. When it gets that bad what's the difference between five horses or four?

The way it is now ther really isn't much negative consequence to having a horse test positive...So you forfeit a little purse money and the trainer pays a $1000 fine? What does a $150k mean to the Thoroughbred Corp.? Or $1000 to Baffert for that matter.



Post Edited (03-29-03 17:16)