"Drugs and horses just don't pass the smell test. I don't want to make us like Europe, I want to make us like the world."
A very controversial stance on medication in thoroughbred and harness racing was taken this week by Racing Commissioners International. On today's episode of Trot Radio, new RCI Chairman William Koester discusses his thoughts with Norm Borg. Koester clarifies what should be accepted practice for therapeutic use.
"I have no problem with therapeutic medication. If a horse needs medication, that's fine. All I'm talking is 48 hours before a race," states Koester, who also sits on the Ohio State Racing Commission. "In the standardbred world here in Ohio, we don't have a rule that a lot of states have where you can run a two-year-old on Lasix. To me, giving a baby Lasix is unconscionable. If the baby needs Lasix, if the baby's a bleeder, that baby needs to go back to the farm and grow up."
The full interview with Koester is available below.
Episode 193 – RCI Chairman William Koester
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
Please note that the opinions expressed in the following interview are those of the participant and do not necessarily reflect Rideau Carleton Raceway and/or Standardbred Canada.
(Should you wish to comment on this topic, please voice your opinion by commenting on the original note, "Leaders Call To Phase Out Drugs".)