I received the following in response to our post introducing the doping page:
“I’m so happy you’ve decided to post/write about the illegal drugs used in horseracing. I’m a Canadian who has raced Standardbreds as a member of Standardbred Canada in Ontario since my father passed in 2005 (second generation). Since that time, the amount of illegal drugs being used has become out of control. I’ve witnessed (along with my wife) numerous occasions of horses being treated – by trainers, by vets, sometimes working together – just hours before they race. It’s a common occurrence in Ontario these days – in fact, it’s EVERY day.
“Over the past 20 years – since slot money (government subsidies) was introduced – the cheating/abuse has made its way from the “claiming” ranks right up to North America’s biggest and richest races. I’ve reached out to multiple media outlets, but NO ONE wants to report on this taxpayer-subsidized abuse and cheating.
“Horses are dying, and the same cheating/abusive owners and trainers keep making millions every single year. It’s money that could be used for better purposes – education, healthcare, transportation, etc. It’s clear the industry cannot police itself, and the penalties (fines and suspensions) are a joke, no more than a slap on the wrist.
“These abuses need to be told to the public. Thank you.”
Brett Carachi
Agree on all points Brett. I hope you have left or are going to leave the” Crooked, Crummy, Gamboling Game” We once were active participants in the Thoroughbred industry from 1977 until 2004. A certain pair of horses in the late spring of that year were our wake up call. We were actively involved with the poor lower level “Claimers” as a groom & later galloping on several tracks both public & private here in the NW as well as participants in several auctions too. Get out while you still can walk away like we did in 2004.