Among the many harness rulings last week for drug overages and heavy-handed whipping, there were these:
Running Aces, Aug 3: “It was noted by the State Vet that multiple marks were left on the rear of [3-year-old] Braggen Bliss by driver Nick Roland.” $500 fine, 3-day suspension.
Plainridge, Aug 4: “Andrew Monti was observed in the stretch repeatedly applying the whip inappropriately – ‘between a horse’s legs.’” $250 fine, 1-day suspension.
Under “Minor Penalties”:
Scioto, Aug 8: Driver Brady Galliers was fined $300 for “kicking a horse.”
Over a period of just five days (Aug 3-10) at Ellis Park, 11 horses were “scratched” by the regulatory vet (meaning their “connections” had every intention of racing them that day) for being “unsound.” In addition, 9 horses were scratched by private vets for being sick or injured. And these were noted by the stewards:
“Infinite Luck was pulled up; it was later reported that horse had returned lame.”
“Critical Threat finished 3rd and suffered a post-race heatstroke.”
“Whispering Charm was injured in the paddock and scratched.”
“McGinnis was injured in the paddock and scratched.”
“Dynamite finished 6th, suffered a post-race heatstroke, and required the horse ambulance.” (The chart, by the way, said nothing of the ambulance. In addition, four “claims” – purchases – of Dynamite were voided.)
“Sweet Kaufy, the winner, suffered a post-race heatstroke and required the horse ambulance.” (Again, the chart said nothing of the ambulance.)
From the stewards at Delaware Park, Aug 14:
“Maddie Ten was scratched by the Commission Vet behind the gate.”
“Lundi Loot was injured in the gate and scratched.”
And finally, staying at Delaware:
“On June 4, [trainer] Calixto Juarez was observed and recorded giving an oral substance to the Covered Horse Seafarer, and that substance was found to be the Banned Substance Ethanol. The bottle of the Banned Substance was also located in his barn and seized on that same date.”
The stakes-winning, $700K lifetime-earning Juarez admitted to this, and the case was resolved without a hearing: fined $25K, suspended three years. Now some may think this a strong response, but why would this scumbag ever be allowed an opportunity to come back and be around racehorses? Ethanol, folks. (HISA, incidentally, made a big show of this on its website, using the word “Banned” set against a red backdrop. Please.)
Vets sometimes use ethanol in badly damaged joints as a last-resort pain treatment. It numbs the joint. So, a horse feels no pain, crashes, and burns (sarcasm). Ethanol in gasoline increases octane, which improves engine performance in automobiles. If it works for automobiles, then maybe it can work for racehorses, who are, after all, just machines (more sarcasm).
I would say start with your local media, Magnolia. Perhaps a letter-to-the-editor. Thank you.
Is there a horse racing website or other regulatory media locations that we could write our concerns/complaints about racing?
Why would anyone use alcohol or ethanol on or in horses? Why would it be legal for a veterinarian to inject ethanol into the joints of a horse?