Recent rulings from harness world…
Hoosier, Feb 19: “Trainer Amy Husted was found to be in violation of the 24-hour administration rule. Prior to race 5, the horse Peace Star was observed in the paddock with a foreign substance coming out of his mouth. For this, Ms. Husted is fined $1,000. Ms. Husted waived her right to a hearing and accepted the penalty.” Of course she did. Peace Star is slated to be raced at this same track today – still under the yoke of Husted.
Bangor, Oct 19 (it was only just adjudicated): “The Commission found that Benson Merrill violated [the rule on] excessive whipping [on 10-year-old Bush Man N] prior to the start of race 9.” To repeat, he whipped his horse (excessively) before the race. Merrill was also busted for interference during the race and thus suspended 30 days and fined $500. But, this is a driving suspension only; as of a race Feb 26, Merrill remains Bush Man’s trainer.
And on the other side… Northfield, Feb 18: “While driving Spartan Hill, Braiden Rhoades whipped the horse after the finish.” Rhoades was fined $500, but “the penalty will be reduced to $300 if not appealed.”
And finally, NY reports this for Funky Bunch at Tioga yesterday: “Horse diagnosed with Purpureocillium lilacinum [fungus/infection] in left hock, failed to respond to treatment, euthanized.” Funky was five and had last been raced Jan 28.
The fines are more or less pocket change for the racing commissioners while the diehard abusers of horses are free to go back to the same mistreatment of horses whether they choose to be a little more sneaky about it in the future or not.
A suspension is only a slight inconvenience because the abusers are still free to abuse horses.
This industry cinsists of morally depraved people who have no redeeming qualities to society as long as they get any money at all for being cruel to horses. Actually, that would include the stewards and the commissioners as well because they “oversee” the daily routine mistreatment of the Standardbreds and dish out slap-on-the-wrist fines and suspensions but the abuse continues to varying degrees.
Just viewed the video of Chapter & verse dying at Mahoning. One of the saddest videos we have seen! A 4year filly old being ridden to her death. The stupid jockey not having enough intelligence to quit riding her when she started traveling poorly. Then just tossing his hands in the air. Warhorse does have some very good videos of what`s happening to racing horses. Also glad your covering harness racing wrongs as well. Have handled Standardbred horses, both stallions & broodmares. Some of the best tempered horses to be around.