We anti-racing activists are forever being lectured (by the other side) on the supposed primacy of the “equine athlete” in their beloved “sport.” The horses, they say, are loved, even pampered – “just like members of [their] families.” In fact, I’ve heard (ad nauseam) some racing people claim their horses are akin to their children. Imagine.
Thursday, this opening to an article in the Thoroughbred Daily News: “When President Trump announced sweeping updates to the United States’ global tariff structure Wednesday evening, there was some good news for the Thoroughbred racing industry…horses eligible under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will continue to cross the border duty-free…. Under the USMCA, Thoroughbred horses retain their status as duty-free goods, ensuring uninterrupted cross-border movement vital to the industry.”
There it is, codified for all to see: racehorses as goods – and “duty free,” at that! Vile stuff.
Thank you, Rebecca. And thank you Patrick, for your comment.
The mission is too important to allow politics to sully it.
The horses are the focus first and foremost.
Yes, I too must agree with Mr. Battuello, 100%, this forum is no place for politics. Politicians will do what politicians do – at that is, for the most part, whatever they find that will enrich themselves. They simply couldn’t care less about the fate of these poor horses, unless they stand to gain monetarily, publicity wise, or career wise.
Case in point: NY governor Kathy Hochul.
When I used to wager at the racetracks, I met people of all political stripes, but for the most part, the subject of politics never came up. We loved talking about the horses, the races, the ‘sport’, no matter who was elected in the White House, Congress, Senate or even the local towns – and I’ve been to New York, Kentucky, Florida and California to bet on the races..
Saving the horses from death, sickness, injury and despair should always be the primary focus here. As most posters know, I have not bet on the horses for years now, and although I am still in contact with many of my former racing cronies, I advise them constantly to get out of this fixed game, which only seems to be getting worse..
To Rebecca: Mr. Battuello always seems to be 100% focused on his mission, and his decision to cut the political talk here speaks volumes about his goals and aims. Therefore, I personally urge you to reconsider, and continue posting and commenting. Your thoughts and opinions, are, I am certain, always welcome by all.
-Joe
I appreciate your concerns, Rebecca, and truth is I’ve let too much political talk go. So henceforth, no politics. Let’s all just focus on the horses.
Wanda, you make it sound like the President is working hand in glove with the racing industry, and we both know that’s not the case. One thing I appreciated on this platform was the absence of political ideology, but I’ve seen more and more negative and even vitriolic comments coming in since this last election. I still support the work being done and the vision the creator and supporters have, but I’m honestly just tired of the negativity and criticism. I think I’ll just steer clear of this platform for a while.
How much did the horse racing lobby pay to our “maga” cult leader to have this so-called privilege of shipping UNWANTED “CHILDREN” A.K.A. RACEHORSES to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico “duty-free”???
There are two Thoroughbred mares available for purchase at Stroud Oklahoma Kill Pen. One is named PRETTYHOOD AND YOU (KY), born in 2009. She is posted on Facebook. The other mare was born in 2006. Call or text (970) 657-7049 for more information; “Stroud Oklahoma Kill Pen Horses” on Facebook.
Yea, duty free for all racehorses that we all know end up being cruelly “Processed’ at end of racing careers. Make those duties so high & pass the anti-shipping act to slaughter law for all horses! Sometimes were appalled at the things that happen here in America.
This must also apply to the unfortunate slaughter bound horses.