Blenheim
10-30-2013, 12:39 AM
Breeders’ Cup Anti-Doping Protests Target Celebrities
By Horse Racing News Staff and George O. Welles
November 2, 2013
Anti-doping protests intensified at the second day of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park. An estimated 100 protestors chanted anti-doping slogans and handed out flyers near the main entrance while a smaller group displayed a syringe riddled artificial horse near Millionaire’s Row. The atmosphere was tense and security was in full force throughout the fabled horse racing venue. There was no report of injuries.
Asked about the increase in the number of demonstrators, H.A.D.A. spokesman Carl Cook said, “A busload of members from the Horseplayers United to Save Horseracing showed up early this morning and a slew of racing fans walked with us before racing started - it was gratifying.”
Santa Anita spokesman Pat Kane said race track management was prepared for the increase, “We augmented our security and safety personnel throughout the facility. We are please there was no incident related to the demonstrations.”
A syringe riddled mock horse greeted luminaries arriving at Millionaire’s Row. Cook said, “We wanted to make our point - both visibly and emotionally. We’ve seen drug use hurt the celebrity community and we wanted to let the celebs know that drug use is hurting the horse racing community. Maybe they can help.”
Asked for a comment, celebrity chef and Thoroughbred owner Bobby Fillet said, “Sad to see the Breeders’ Cup ruined by demonstrations, it’s a shame.” Sports program anchor and Thoroughbred owner Jim Burning voiced his concern, “Doping hurts the sport, it hurts any sport.” Frontline producer and horse racing enthusiast Steven Selvedge commented on the information found in the flyer. “From what I’ve read, they’re doping horses with everything from snake venom to Cialis, there appears to be a problem. I’m gonna take a look at it, maybe Frontline can produce a documentary.”
Contacted for a response, the Breeders’ Cup Medication and Safety Committee spokesperson Kaitlin Belles concurred that most of the horses receive medication prior to racing. “Furosemide is allowed under state law and is administered to most of horses prior to the race. However, the two-year-old races are run drug free.” Asked if there were plans to change the drug policy in the future, Belles refused to comment.
The feature race, the Breeders’ Cup Classic was won Mucho Macho Man with Gary Stevens up.
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This report is fictitious. It has a dual purpose. To illicit critical thought and response in the continuing debate to get drugs and the drug industry out of horse racing and to motivate horse racing fans to take back their sport from the drug dealers and do nothing industry executives.
By Horse Racing News Staff and George O. Welles
November 2, 2013
Anti-doping protests intensified at the second day of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park. An estimated 100 protestors chanted anti-doping slogans and handed out flyers near the main entrance while a smaller group displayed a syringe riddled artificial horse near Millionaire’s Row. The atmosphere was tense and security was in full force throughout the fabled horse racing venue. There was no report of injuries.
Asked about the increase in the number of demonstrators, H.A.D.A. spokesman Carl Cook said, “A busload of members from the Horseplayers United to Save Horseracing showed up early this morning and a slew of racing fans walked with us before racing started - it was gratifying.”
Santa Anita spokesman Pat Kane said race track management was prepared for the increase, “We augmented our security and safety personnel throughout the facility. We are please there was no incident related to the demonstrations.”
A syringe riddled mock horse greeted luminaries arriving at Millionaire’s Row. Cook said, “We wanted to make our point - both visibly and emotionally. We’ve seen drug use hurt the celebrity community and we wanted to let the celebs know that drug use is hurting the horse racing community. Maybe they can help.”
Asked for a comment, celebrity chef and Thoroughbred owner Bobby Fillet said, “Sad to see the Breeders’ Cup ruined by demonstrations, it’s a shame.” Sports program anchor and Thoroughbred owner Jim Burning voiced his concern, “Doping hurts the sport, it hurts any sport.” Frontline producer and horse racing enthusiast Steven Selvedge commented on the information found in the flyer. “From what I’ve read, they’re doping horses with everything from snake venom to Cialis, there appears to be a problem. I’m gonna take a look at it, maybe Frontline can produce a documentary.”
Contacted for a response, the Breeders’ Cup Medication and Safety Committee spokesperson Kaitlin Belles concurred that most of the horses receive medication prior to racing. “Furosemide is allowed under state law and is administered to most of horses prior to the race. However, the two-year-old races are run drug free.” Asked if there were plans to change the drug policy in the future, Belles refused to comment.
The feature race, the Breeders’ Cup Classic was won Mucho Macho Man with Gary Stevens up.
~
This report is fictitious. It has a dual purpose. To illicit critical thought and response in the continuing debate to get drugs and the drug industry out of horse racing and to motivate horse racing fans to take back their sport from the drug dealers and do nothing industry executives.