A pair of U.S. lawmakers will unveil legislation next week that calls for a national ban as penalty for the use of performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing
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The legislation, to be introduced by New Mexico Senator Tom Udall and Ed Whitfield of Kentucky, calls for a permanent ban in thoroughbred or harness racing on any person with three performance-enhancing drug violations. It also seeks to ban any horse that tests positive three times for at least two years.
“The unfortunate reality is that not all is well with the sport of horse racing,” Udall was quoted as saying in a Washington Post article. “Too many racehorses are overmedicated and doped, and I believe the sport of kings is no place for such a drug problem. That’s why I plan to introduce legislation next week that would help bring integrity back to racing, while protecting the health and safety of the horses at the center of it all.”
In addition to performance-enhancing drugs and medications, the bill would also put a ban on race-day medications like Lasix. In late March, American Racing Commissioners International called for a gradual phasing out of race-day medication.
I could not agree more with
I could not agree more with Mr. Riga's comments. Lack of effort in my opinion is even more serious than drugs in some regards, at least the ones using drugs not that i condone that, are trying to win!Isn't that what a race is for. Education and conditioning should be done in the morning!
the trainers will only put
the trainers will only put down their groom or asst trainer? or their cousin or wifes brother etc.. how will this stop anything?
Make's no sense too me
Make's no sense too me banning the horses; they had nothihg to do with it! Gotta be another way; ban the people!
Only when cheaters of all
Only when cheaters of all stripes are taken out of this industry will it thrive and regain it's once prestigious post of being a wonderful sport for fan and bettor alike. By cheaters I am referring to anyone who seeks to change or affect the outcome of a race in a way that is immoral and corrupt and negatively affects the integrity of the sport. This would include but not be limited to anyone who administers or is involved in any way of the administering illegal drugs or substances to a horse that is for reasons other then the health and well being of the beautiful animal who is out there giving it's all for our enjoyment. It should also include any trainer, driver or jockey who affects the outcome of a race through lack of effort and doing their best to win a race (ie. sorry but just settling for purse money does nothing for the game. )
Then and only then will you see the fans and bettors, and yes even prospective owners like myself come back to the game we used to love but has been missing for so long now.
This has been a long time
This has been a long time coming!!
Hope this comes to pass although I would like to see the count down to 2 strikes
1 stern warning and the second one gone.