Drugs turning horses into China Dolls

[karlskorner]

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"Drugs turning horses into China Dolls"

Good read

[Show Me the Wire]

I am wary of solutions based on circumstantial criterion to complex problems; such as modern day unsoundness is caused by lasix usage. This philosophy ignores a myriad of specific factors that contribute to unsoundness which are, longer racing seasons, poorer air quality, unforgiving dirt track surfaces, increase in racetracks or courses, and probably the most important factor the increase in thoroughbred horse population. These factors independent of lasix probably have more negative influence on the unsoundness of the breed.

I am not advocating that lasix is not a contributor to the perceived weakening of the breed, but it is only one factor out of several. A better solution to strengthen the breed would be as follows: use better track surfaces, race less sprint races, prohibit two-year-old racing, shorten the racing season, and require all race tracks or courses to operate outside urban congestion and pollution. However, it is easier, to ignore major factors causing breakdowns and lay the blame on lasix while pretending we are benefiting the equine athlete, because we banned lasix.

Horses are fragile animals; the hard racing surfaces coupled with the demands of sprint speed cause problems in their knees, ankles, and hocks. Current racehorses are more prone to experience respitory problems because of the overall environment, than their predecessors. And with the breeding industry increasing a fragile population, coupled with the above factors, the longer racing season grinds them down even more.

Before we see the return of the iron-man horse there has to be more changes than banning lasix.

In conclusion I want to state I am specifically addressing the issue alleging lasix is the sole reason causing unsoundness in the modern racehorse. I am not addressing the separate issue of drugs being directly responsible for enhanced performances.

As with all experiences things change.

Cordially,
Show Me the Wire

In mythical times all things were whole.

[karlskorner]

A couple weeks back I posted about a race at GP. M/C with either 8 or 9 entries, 3-4 may have ran, the blance FTS. Every FTS was FTL, every horse in the race was on L, that bothers me. The comments to the post where why not, the trainer has nothing to loose.

[Show Me the Wire]

Karl:

We have been this road before and have reiterated many times the benefits of lasix and why a trainer wants to get his horse on Lasix as quickly as possible. If you remember, I also opined lasix is not needed to disguise performance enhancing drugs (as many believed that was lasix’s primary function), at that time I was referring to EPO. As I stated in my post, my opinion is limited to someone’s agenda attempting to isolate Lasix as the sole factor for the perceived unsoundness of today’s racehorses.

Cordially,
Show Me the Wire

[Observer]

I agree that Lasix is not the sole contributing factor to the weakening of the breed. If I had to make a choice of which medication to keep, and which to ban out of Lasix and Bute, it would be keep Lasix, ban Bute, without question, without pause. No way we should be allowing horses to run on Bute .. if they need Bute, there is something wrong .. of course, in places where it's allowed, they're all running on it because they don't want the other to have the edge. But a horse on Bute has a problem .. some kind of ailment .. though admittedly most runners do have the little aches and pains of competition. Unfortunately, most trainers don't have the luxury of giving their horses all the time needed.

With that said, I do not see that this game could get by without running races for two-year-olds .. though I do think those races are being carded much too early in the year at some tracks. It is the responsibility of the trainer to bring horses up to the races .. if they are not ready, they shouldn't run .. however .. as I mentioned above .. most trainers don't have the luxury of playing the waiting game ... and in the end, we're seeing more and more horses being bred for precocity and speed .. not longevity and stamina for the classic races or classic distances.

[Show Me the Wire]

Observer,

I agree with you about bute for all the stated reasons. In my opinion, bute should be prohibited and clenbuteral should be approved for race day. I believe if human athletes can use asthma relief medication while competing, equine athletes should be given the same privilege.

Additionally, I understand economics do drive this market and many trainers and owners do not have the luxury time. I have no illusions the items I suggested would be considered.

I tried to illustrate pertinent factors I believe impact the perceived unsoundness of the modern racehorse as compared to their fore bearers.

Cordially,
Show Me the Wire

All things change.

[Show Me the Wire]

More information on economic pressure to over race horses:

"Arlington Park Executive Vice President of Racing and Racing Secretary Frank G. Gabriel Jr. announced the unveiling of the new "Arlington Park Frequent Starter Rewards Program" that will reward the trainers who start the most horses over four time periods in six different categories based upon stall allocation during the 2003 meet.
During each of the four time periods, trainers have a chance to earn a $1,000 American Express Gift Certificate. A trainer may only win one period award during the season regardless of any changes in stall allocation.
"We are always trying to find a way to thank our horsemen who day in and day out support our racing program," said Gabriel in making the announcement. "This is our way to say 'thank you' to the horsemen who participate the most during our race meet." "

quoted in part from Arlinton Parks press release.

I shudder to think some unfortunate horse will break down, due to this incentive program and then everyone can say it is because of lasix weakening the species.

Cordially,
Show Me the Wire

All things change.

[so.cal.fan]

What about steroids?

[Figman]

While your at it....what about peptide hormones?

[Show Me the Wire]

so.cal.fan.

What about them? I am really not of fan of their use.

Cordially,
Show Me the Wire

In mythical times all things were whole.

[so.cal.fan]

SMTW:
Welcome back!
In my opinion, steroids are really the big culprit.
Many people think they have even weakened the breed.

[Show Me the Wire]

so.cal.fan.

Thanks for the welcome back. I really do not know if steriods weaken the breed on whole, but I believe their use has a detrimental effect in the long run on the individual horse. Unfortunately, because of economics and inspired frequent starter incentive policies trainers turn to steriods to promote healing, in order to over race the horse.

I do not know if some of the people you are referring to, are talking about the two year old sales. I have heard many stories about two year olds being pumped-up on steriods to make them look bigger and stronger than their natural state. I have no personal knowledge of such happenings, but I have heard plenty of complaints from purchasers.

Cordially,
Show Me the Wire

everything changes.