Reader Feedback
March 15, 2007
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I would like to say that I am pleased that the decision has been made to allow the trainers with Aminorex positives to race, although it is out of retention. Please hear what I am about to say: it does not solve the Aminorex problem - this will be an ongoing problem for everybody including trainers, owners, breeders, grooms, racetracks, and the ORC until this mystery is solved. I have several horses coming up to race in Ontario and obviously I do not want any positives. I am terrified of the Aminorex test. What options do I have as an honest trainer? Do I race and risk a positive, or let another trainer race my horses I have worked a lifetime to get? Maybe WEG could put their guards on the horses 24/7 - that I would welcome with open arms.
Chris Ryder
Allentown, N.J.
Just how does the reversal of this decision protect any of us? The honest and hardworking horsepeople, the few remaining bettors and, most importantly, the most innocent of all, the horses, have been let down once again. While these trainers claim to be unaware of the source of this drug that was found to be in their horses systems, they are still the caretakers that hold the responsibility of ensuring safe conditions for their animals.
By reinstating their rights to participate at WEG, Flamboro, Western Fair and Georgian Downs, a message has been sent to all that there is little or no substance to the rulings that come down from the ORC and four of Ontario's most prominent racetracks. What appeared to be a pro-active stance from these racetracks has now turned into a complete joke with many of us wondering if and when the whole industry will eventually collapse because of the inability of anyone to control the trainers who blatantly or "ignorantly" use illegal methods to win. Just who has the power here? Disappointing is a mild description of my reaction.
Lynne Magee
Wingham, Ontario
I am very disappointed with the decision of the ORC to allow those trainers and drivers to continue to race after tests on horses were positive. When an impaired driver is charged his license is suspended for 90 days to begin with and then he has the chance to defend himself in court. This should be the same for these guys.
Ted Watt
Arthur, Ont.
Great decision. You class 1 offenders go ahead and race. You class 3 offenders are banned for 3-12 months.
Don Beanland
Burlington, Ont.
For the briefest of moments, the dark cloud that has plagued this sport cleared from certain tracks and the honest horseman saw a chance to make an honest living with respectable clean horses. There are an unusually high amount of positives because the ORC is finally cracking down and catching people and while this does not mean the cheating has stopped, it certainly puts the message out there. We are tired of cheaters and eventually you will be caught. However, by allowing these and any other trainers in the future to continue to race while receiving positive tests for any drug listed as illegal is ridiculous and sends the message that cheating is okay, at least for a little while longer.
Amy Haskins
London, Ont.
This reversal is outrageous!! Those whose horses tested positive have the responsibility to ensure something like this doesn't occur and accept that responsibility with the "Trainer Responsibility" rule. Simply put, the mere presence of any medication whether it is a Class 1 or Class 5 is a violation---no matter how it appeared there.
Dein Spriggs
Jupiter, Florida
Enough already! I can't believe it took WEG and the other tracks this long to reverse their previous decision. Horesmen like Ben Wallace and Rick Zeron aren't the type of people to risk their hard earned reps. Maybe the ORC should have practiced more thorough due diligence in the Aminorex matter instead of shooting another bullet at an already badly wounded industry. This is just my two cents from a former owner/breeder who for some reason hasn't lost all faith in the game, and will still continue to wager my dollars on horses until the next hasty decision by racing's governing bodies and organizations causes me to lose what little hope I have left in a sport I love and follow religiously.
Milton Farfara
London, Ont.
I believe this decision has done irreparable damage to the industry! Does anyone at the ORC, OHHA or WEG have any concept what damage is done when you attempt to implement "due process" after you have already hung someone? The ORC was beginning to look like a world leader in our industry with the position they took and WEG seemed to be the only ones who really understood the task ahead of them. I still believe WEG is the only one that understands what they must do! The ORC has failed miserably by executing these trainers first and then trying to breathe life back into the bodies.
Joe Intine
Cambridge, Ont.
This soap opera (Integrity vs. Greed) is sure to end with the later the winner. Stay tuned for the next installment.
Allan Casselman
Peterborough, Ont.
Well, WEG and ORC have taken one big step backwards. I was confident that they were making headway. I am very disappointed with this announcement. They either had a positive test or did they not have a positive test. This will certainly make the business look good in the betting public's eyes. What a joke....
Peter Ward
Florida
I'm extremely impressed with how quickly the ORC can back-peddle. Lance Armstrong would be proud. If testing positive for a class 1, banned substance doesn't restrict a trainer/owner/driver from racing, perhaps everyone involved in the industry should start using these products. Thank you for another step in the wrong direction. This is yet another reason for the progressive decline in pari-mutuel wagering on standardbred racing in Canada. As for the integrity of the industry, how can the commission justify allowing these individuals back in the door immediately?
Joel Windsor
Ailsa Craig, Ont.
Any opinions and views expressed are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Trot Magazine or Standardbred Canada.