Reader Feedback
March 7, 2007
Click here to send us your thoughts on any of the comments below.
The actions taken by WEG and GCGC to exclude these horsemen without due process are detrimental to the racing business not only in Toronto but throughout Canada. In my opinion Rick Zeron has been a great ambassador for our sport through the last 20 years. His willingness to be interviewed on television and his interaction with the racing public has been nothing but flawless as far a giving a positive image of racing. To destroy all that goodwill on the basis of a positive test (that could result from improper veterinary practice) is like shooting ourselves in the foot. Our industry does not need that especially at this time.
Normand Tremblay
Terrebonne, Que.
I strongly disagree with preventing horsemen to race before a hearing. Investigations are sometimes a long drawn-out process. I can't think of another industry where you can be hung before your trial. I realize the necessity to punish those who treat animals in a cruel way by administering harmful drugs but they MUST be absolutely correct in their findings.
Sandra Houghton
Campbellville, Ont.
I applaud the ORC for taking this action as a precautionary measure to protect the betting public. I recognize there may be a possibility that there is something wrong with the tests and that these people may be wrongly accused. If this turns out to be the case then these individuals should be compensated for the downtime but for now I think you have to protect your customers who are the driving force for your revenues on a long term basis.
Mike Glatt
Ontario
How is the ORC/WEG going to back track on all these Class 1 positives when they do come up as being false? Will they ask the Toronto media to print front page news about it?
Harry Braiden
Troy, Ont.
As a horse owner I'd like to see the commission in my area do as good a job as the ORC and make racing fair here as well.
Wade Mason,
Charlottetown, PEI
I think the big point here is groups like WEG are much like a club that sets the rules of conduct if you wish to participate in their events. Therefore, if the rule states that you cannot use banned drugs and compete at their facility then trainers must abide by that or not be a member of the club. I have yet to here any guilty or innocent verdicts but the testing methods, which must have been approved by the ORC, have found banned substances in these horses and therefore that has violated club rules and the suspension is in place until such time as the researched verdict can be given.
There are many varying types of clubs in this country that contain paying members and all have some type of rules of conduct that must be agreed to upon admission, and at the end of the day everyone knows there are usually consequences for breaking those rules. I'm sure the ORC and WEG will take everything into consideration including accidental drug exposure but it appears they have to carry this through with due diligence to protect a once-proud industry.
Terry O'Connor
Dryden, Ont.
The ORC and WEG would not be taking action without consideration and I'm sure time will tell the whole truth.
Marilyn Ilkiw
Brantford, Ontario
I'm an owner who has invested significantly in racehorses over the past 30 years. Use of illegal drugs on horses and the resulting negative media attention is detrimental to the racing industry and our livelihoods because in the end it impacts on public perception of our integrity and therefore on wagering. Trainers with positive tests should get hefty suspensions provided the evidence is conclusive.
However, with uncertainties about recent test results, trainer suspensions are premature. I'm questioning whether due diligence has been done. If not, those responsible for damaging personal reputations and for jeopardizing the future of the racing industry should be held accountable.
Glenn Tarver
Toronto, Ont.
I have been going through the comments and it seems everyone has a good point on the subject in one way or another from all perspectives. One fact that I think is missing is that the listed trainer is responsible for the care and health of horses in their charge. This means they should be aware of restricted products being in feed even if not on the label, and ask questions of the manufacturer. If it is contamination, they are to ensure that no one can access the feed unless it is a trusted person. These are caretaker 101 practices so if you test positive it is by your own negligence, is it not?
In being a former trainer and now just a watcher I feel the efforts being made are great strides to get people back in the sport. WEG's decisions, harsh as they are, are now going to be common place and I agree with the other tracks following suit in not allowing participants to race at their tracks. One thing that really needs to happen is that the due process gets sped up and be absolutely sure before reporting names. If you are that sure, fine and suspend them.
Greg Parke
Orangeville, Ont.
While I applaud the ORC and WEG for taking a stand against the blatant use of illegal drugs in this industry, I do believe that the accused should be processed through the system in a timely fashion. When they have all but lost their livelihoods, the procedure of proving innocence or guilt should be accelerated so that they can either get on with their racing career or find another one.
Lynne Magee,
Wingham, Ontario
Any opinions and views expressed are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Trot Magazine or Standardbred Canada.