NYT, 2nd in Series, right on time for Derby Week

[Grits]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/30/us/casino-cash-fuels-use-of-injured-horses-at-racetracks.html?_r=1

Anticipated this was to come this past weekend. When it didn't? . . . knew it was only a matter of hours. Timing's everything.

Maybe after reading this one, the other two stories on the possible investigation of NYRA unfolding, and the Senate hearings being conducted this very moment, we can all ..... well, I ain't sure .........

a. Pray

b. Mumble "screw it"

c. Continue to go over one's advance Derby past performances.

Either way, its hard to feel confident that our sport's not circling the drain.

[Cholly]

If you think the article is bad, wait 'til you read the public's comments.

Racing is up against it, and the wound is self inflicted.

[FantasticDan]

Devastating article. My current personal favorite story of a horse being potentially "run to death" is Say Toba Sandy, a 7yo $340K earner, former stakes quality mare that's been a relative win machine in low level NYRA races for awhile now, despite a host of physical issues.

In less than a year, she's been passed around to Jacobsen, to Imperio, back to Jacobsen, to Contessa, to Schettino, to Matthew Clarke. God knows what cocktails they're pumping into her to keep her going..

[cj]

There is a bunch of stuff in that article that has been said here for a while now. An equine version of "Flip Men" is what I called it.

[Grits]

There is a bunch of stuff in that article that has been said here for a while now. An equine version of "Flip Men" is what I called it.

"Flip Horses", its profitable, too. And yes, much of it has been said here. Recalling the anger over Gill, its not surprising that he'd get top billing. Maybe he'll sue the NYT. He likes to sue. Good luck with his approaching court date on his most recent lawsuit.

Still, one doesn't want to read remarks such as those of trainer Juan Serey or Linda Rice. Both, holders of Aqueduct training titles. Rice isn't looking half as sharp underneath the photo caption as she has at Saratoga.
Among them was Bojan, a valuable commodity, but a disposable one, too.

Bojan possessed enough good looks and pedigree to fetch $107,000 at a yearling sale in Kentucky in 2008. Now it was April 6, 2012 — Good Friday — and just as Bojan was about to run in the first race at Aqueduct, a trainer named Juan Serey dropped a slip of paper into a box in the racing office, agreeing to pay $10,000 for him on behalf of an owner who employed him. But the horse would not be his until after the race.

Mr. Serey, who has been the leading trainer at Aqueduct, knew the horse had a fragile tendon and puffy ankles. It was why Bojan kept coming up for sale at the bottom of the claiming ladder, why he had changed hands twice in two months.

Even so, Bojan had continued to prove a sound investment. He had earned more than $19,000 for one owner and trainer, Linda Rice, in the span of 16 days, and his current co-owner and trainer, David Jacobson, had owned Bojan for a single race — a victory worth $17,400.

Mr. Serey decided to roll the dice.

“Everybody just wants a horse, and they want him now to race in 10 days,” he said. “I want a horse today and I don’t want it tomorrow. I’m a businessman.”

Turning for home, Bojan led the field and it looked like Mr. Serey had chosen well. Suddenly, however, the horse faltered and his jockey stood up in the saddle. They hobbled home, finishing fourth. Moments later Bojan was boarding a horse ambulance.

“They tried to roll him and win the race and get the money,” Mr. Serey said of Bojan’s owners.

Indeed, the owners walked away with the $1,150 fourth-place check.

Mr. Serey had no regrets. “You’ve got to take the good ones and the bad ones,” he said, adding, “If somebody takes my bad horses, it’s good.”
A comment from one reader on trainer, Linda Rice's, remarks in one of the slideshow's photo captions. The slideshow is tough; reading Rice's comment, pretty bad, as well.

This is shameful. Owner Linda Rice's comment in the accompanying slide show comparing a horse injured on the track to a bad day on the stock market reveals the way owners think about these animals. They are nothing more than commodities. Absolutely despicable.

[cj]

I commented elsewhere that having a known cheat like Serey stupidly comment will make horsemen everywhere cringe, but it was a smart move by Drape. I'm surprised he didn't mention his illustrious past.

[nijinski]

Many of these stories have been circulating the social networks. Earle Mack's
Star Plus was a feature of Paulick Report and discussed on facebook .It was also mentioned here. Nice steal NYT.
There are plenty of folks who are passionate about the horses and the sport
putting in tirelesss efforts to change what's going on with the bottom level claimers. The story misses that , with the exception of Moss and Mack.
There has been no love for Gil and great joy for his farewell for a long time . Now they bring him up :rolleyes: .
But in the end , the commissions have sat back and done little to change things , so there is a price to pay. Time to get rid of the dirtbags .

[Grits]

I commented elsewhere that having a known cheat like Serey stupidly comment will make horsemen everywhere cringe, but it was a smart move by Drape. I'm surprised he didn't mention his illustrious past.

I wouldn't bet on a Serey horse if hell froze over. Right now though, Rice ain't looking any better, or any brighter!

[cj]

Many of these stories have been circulating the social networks. Earle Mack's
Star Plus was a feature of Paulick Report and discussed on facebook .It was also mentiones here. Nice steal NYT.
There are plenty of folks who are passionate about the horses and the sport
putting in tirelesss efforts to change what's going on with the bottom level claimers. The story misses that , with the exception of Moss and Mack.
There has been no love for Gil and great joy for his farewell for a long time . Now they bring him up :rolleyes: .
But in the end , the commissions have sat back and done little to change things , so there is a price to pay. Time to get rid of the dirtbags .

Does it matter? The truth is, this being printed in the NYT has infinity times more power than anything floating around Facebook, Twitter, the Paulick Report, and PaceAdvantage. Anybody that cares about the horses should be thrilled this is in the Times.

[classhandicapper]

Anybody that cares about the horses should be thrilled this is in the Times.

+1000

[FantasticDan]

NYS Racing & Wagering Board announcement:

http://www.racing.ny.gov/pdf/04301213381204.30.12.rel.ClaimPriceLasix.pdf

[Grits]

Among the most recent comments this afternoon: This one from a lifelong fan.

This article really broke my heart. I grew up going to the racetrack with my grandparents in So. Calif. It was a family thing for us and from childhood I loved to go. As kids we were allowed to make a $2 bet on our favorite horse. I have always loved horses and enjoyed horse racing. My Great Uncle George owned racehorses. I rode horseback with my friends in Arroyo Seco Canyon growing up. Reading this article has led me to decide that I will never set foot on a racetrack again. This is a crime, and the people who do this should be in jail. Something must be done immediately to save these innocent horses.
Another:
If horeseracing cannot be conducted in a humane and transparent manner, then it may have outlived its social usefulness. Regulate the activity or terminate it.

[samyn on the green]

I agree that racing has a cruel & nasty element. The times is exploiting this for the benefit of its masters. Only jumping in on behalf of the oriental casino owners of Aqueduct to besmirch racing. GIt is no secret that genting wants to get racing out of the picture. When you have the potential to make billions the local paper all of sudden is scrambling to the high moral ground on your behalf.

The exoteric truth is that the times cares about horses. This is the paper of people that want to save the whales and eat organic granola. It is also the paper of those that slaughter 4,000 babies a day. So if they can get behind that holocaust what is wrong with thirty horses over a winter? This article is all about supporting the local oligarchy and oriental casino owners so they can keep all the casino profits themselves. If the Times has to take a posture of moral uprightness all the better. Not only will they get rich but they will do it while supposedly ridding the world of the evil of animal cruelty!

If the Times is so concerned about beings whey doesn't extend the same courtesy to the 30 horses that died this winter to the 4,000 babies that will be murdered in the womb today? The esoteric truth is that the times could careless about the horses as it cares less about the 4,000 babies murdered every day. This is all about cutting horse owners out of the casino trough.

Among the most recent comments this afternoon: This one from a lifelong fan.


Another:

[thaskalos]

I have never felt more embarrassed to be a horseplayer...

The thought of patronizing the Juan Sereys and the Linda Rices of this game, absolutely sickens me...

[Grits]

I have never felt more embarrassed to be a horseplayer...

The thought of patronizing the Juan Sereys and the Linda Rices of this game, absolutely sickens me...

Thask, I'm pretty much with you. Women? We cry easily--children and animals, we just do. I don't think I could feel more shame or disappointment than I feel right now.

As was just told to me. "Everything that is broken usually gets really bad before it gets fixed." I hope so.

This has been quite an afternoon. I don't see how any fan of thoroughbred racing, anyone that loves horses, cannot feel weary, and greatly concerned. :(

[tzipi]

Devastating is right.

The necropsy report picture(multimedia slide show) of the horses exploded leg with three screws exposed is devastating and one one of the pictures right up front in the NYT article. Not good. Shame what's gone on.

[nijinski]

Does it matter? The truth is, this being printed in the NYT has infinity times more power than anything floating around Facebook, Twitter, the Paulick Report, and PaceAdvantage. Anybody that cares about the horses should be thrilled this is in the Times.
The story when read will lump most in the industry as well as long time fans as condoning of the bad behavior and mistreatment of horses. They simply don't.That's my frustration. We can't get all the vulnerable bottom level claimers off the track , but the efforts are there.
What's been floating aroung the social media has had an impact IMO in ousting Gil and has gotten many a wear legged Veteran off the track.
I'm quite aware much more needs to be done if the sport survives this.

[iceknight]

I agree that racing has a cruel & nasty element. The times is exploiting this for the benefit of its masters. Only jumping in on behalf of the oriental casino owners of Aqueduct to besmirch racing. GIt is no secret that genting wants to get racing out of the picture. When you have the potential to make billions the local paper all of sudden is scrambling to the high moral ground on your behalf.

The exoteric truth is that the times cares about horses. This is the paper of people that want to save the whales and eat organic granola. It is also the paper of those that slaughter 4,000 babies a day. So if they can get behind that holocaust what is wrong with thirty horses over a winter? This article is all about supporting the local oligarchy and oriental casino owners so they can keep all the casino profits themselves. If the Times has to take a posture of moral uprightness all the better. Not only will they get rich but they will do it while supposedly ridding the world of the evil of animal cruelty!

If the Times is so concerned about beings whey doesn't extend the same courtesy to the 30 horses that died this winter to the 4,000 babies that will be murdered in the womb today? The esoteric truth is that the times could careless about the horses as it cares less about the 4,000 babies murdered every day. This is all about cutting horse owners out of the casino trough.
Don't try to twist the debate and go off topic. Your duty should be to fix the issue with horse abuse. You are lucky you are even getting a response to your attempt to switch topics. By the way, what about the other news where the sudden change in funding in Ontario is supposed to be causing 'abortions of horse foals"?

[Dahoss9698]

Don't try to twist the debate and go off topic. Your duty should be to fix the issue with horse abuse. You are lucky you are even getting a response to your attempt to switch topics. By the way, what about the other news where the sudden change in funding in Ontario is supposed to be causing 'abortions of horse foals"?

I don't agree with all of his post, but he's correct in what the NYT is doing.

Not to be crass, but none of the stuff being mentioned in this article should come as a surprise to anyone reading this board. We have all known what goes on and have been okay with it. At least okay with it enough to be supporting it with our money.

Could and should things be improved? Absolutely.

But excuse me for not pretending to be outraged by something I knew was happening because a paper is telling me I should be.

[PaceAdvantage]

But excuse me for not pretending to be outraged by something I knew was happening because a paper is telling me I should be.Have to agree with this solid point...

[Robert Fischer]

After we fix horseracing, I want BUSINESS to be start being conducted in a humane way.

[Grits]

I don't agree with all of his post, but he's correct in what the NYT is doing.

Not to be crass, but none of the stuff being mentioned in this article should come as a surprise to anyone reading this board. We have all known what goes on and have been okay with it. At least okay with it enough to be supporting it with our money.

Could and should things be improved? Absolutely.

But excuse me for not pretending to be outraged by something I knew was happening because a paper is telling me I should be.

You're correct. Still, this is the first time vet reports have ever been revealed to me. This is the first time necropsy reports have been shared with me. I never suspected that THIS many injections were being put into horses daily.

I'm sorry, Dh, maybe I've been foolish. I did not realize, had not been told, how dramatic the level of abuse was by unqualified, unfit, unscrupulous, greedy trainers. That their habits were this out of control. I didn't believe the majority of trainers in this game (taking care of 70% of our runners) would put anything in a horse's body to make him run, to make another dollar, to dump him. Hoping he'd get claimed.

I'm not outraged, but the disappointment is profound. I hope something changes. And quick.

[thaskalos]

You're correct. Still, this is the first time vet reports have ever been revealed to me. This is the first time necropsy reports have been shared with me. I never suspected that THIS many injections were being put into horses daily.

I'm sorry, Dh, maybe I've been foolish. I did not realize, had not been told, how dramatic the level of abuse was by unqualified, unfit, unscrupulous, greedy trainers. That their habits were this out of control. I didn't believe the majority of trainers in this game (taking care of 70% of our runners) would put anything in a horse's body to make him run, to make another dollar, to dump him. Hoping he'd get claimed.

I'm not outraged, but the disappointment is profound. I hope something changes. And quick.

And we hadn't heard "respected" trainers say that they considered a badly injured horse to be the same as..."a bad day at the stock market".

[Tom]

Dahoss makes a valid point, and a disturbing one.

[tzipi]

Dahoss and Grits make goods points from both sides. We all surely know that bad stuff goes on and see horses that run up the track everytime entered once again to be overun. But also most racetrackers have no idea if a horse is really lame or is running on a knee that is held together by screws,etc. They don't tell you in the racing form or at the track if horses(claimers,etc) had surgery and many don't hear a trainer saying in so many words, "whatever its just a game, lets see if we can't dump this lame horse or bad "stock"."

It is horrible to know some of the things that go on. This article just brings it more into the light in much greater detail. That's what's devastating. I mean, granted not all things or trainers/owners are bad at the track. We all know that. Many many good and honest trainers/owners and many honest track management. But some things have to change. It's only right.

[JustRalph]

What did we learn from this article that wasn't in the first one?

Not much...... except now the finger is pointed at New York instead of NM.

[cj]

Have to agree with this solid point...

I still bet, but I've been saying the same thing for months, that the game was begging for trouble.

[nijinski]

Matt Haggarty (DRF) tweeted this today. New York racing board came out with an emergency ruling." No race can offer a purse that is twice the claiming price of that race" .
Hopefully this is true and terribly disturbing that potential problems the
inflated purses would attract were not thought out before hand .

[Track Phantom]

Matt Haggarty (DRF) tweeted this today. New York racing board came out with an emergency ruling." No race can offer a purse that is twice the claiming price of that race" .
Hopefully this is true and terribly disturbing that potential problems the
inflated purses would attract were not thought out before hand .

Who is in charge of this industry? My god, just a bunch of frickin' idiots. It takes a NYT reporter to write one story for someone to react.

All this uproar and the industry won't take any significant action to correct itself. Everyone associated that has any type of power will scurry to their holes in the ground until the storm blows over. One of these days it won't blow over.

[Dahoss9698]

One of these days it won't blow over.

True, one of these days the game will just get shut down. Then all of the people who seem so happy about these events can get their wish and there will be no more horse racing.

Yay! Can't wait for that. :rolleyes:

[Track Phantom]

True, one of these days the game will just get shut down. Then all of the people who seem so happy about these events can get their wish and there will be no more horse racing.

Yay! Can't wait for that. :rolleyes:

No one wants that, of course, at least not anyone on this board. However, it's certainly hydroplanning in that direction. The stage is set for the game to completely erode. I think the only possible savior is if a governing body was formed and unification and direction was implemented. Short of that...death.

[proximity]

if this is the result of the big penn national investigation the ny times was supposedly conducting, i'm highly disappointed.

and not to throw gas on the fire, but maggie moss has used a super trainer or two and was the owner who first dropped a ( previously p.a. discussed) stakes winner named classic rj into the claiming ranks.

[cj]

if this is the result of the big penn national investigation the ny times was supposedly conducting, i'm highly disappointed.

and not to throw gas on the fire, but maggie moss has used a super trainer or two and was the owner who first dropped a ( previously p.a. discussed) stakes winner named classic rj into the claiming ranks.

I doubt they are doing two investigations at Penn.

Moss certainly has some dirty laundry in her closet.

[nijinski]

Excerp from today's Times.
Now it's the TRF being sued.


By JOE DRAPE

Published: May 3, 2012







The New York attorney general Thursday sued the directors of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to retired racehorses, saying they had driven the foundation into insolvency and failed to provide the financing for the basic care of the more than 1,100 horses in their control.

I didn't include the link. I can't stomach the photo that was taken at the Wallkill correctional facility. Breaks your heart. That program was once a very promising one . Who screwed this one up?

[Grits]

Its difficult to comprehend how Drape can still cover the Derby with stories in the last few days from the rail, stories about contenders, post draw, odds, etc, when presenting these stories at the same time. He must feel terribly conflicted. Or, maybe he's steeled himself, mentally, removed himself from it all, a necessary action for the purpose of carrying out his work. Good, I'd have to do, exactly this. It would be a difficult balance, to say the least.

I don't think anyone on this board cannot be convinced the governor and his officials are out to bury thoroughbred racing in NY. And the NYT is certainly forwarding their agenda. All of this has been calculated to garner national attention, right down to the hour the gates open on Saturday.

I loathe politicians. Its a common fact, every one of them are self serving, lying, hang at the trough, pigs. I don't care who is running the show. What party. What animal. They're all nothings. I wouldn't stoop to scrape a one of them off the bottom of my shoe!!!

[nijinski]

I'm with you Grits on the polticians.
I also thought about Drape covering the Derby . The Roses in the midst of the Gloom and Doom.

[andicap]

I loathe politicians. Its a common fact, every one of them are self serving, lying, hang at the trough, pigs. I don't care who is running the show. What party. What animal. They're all nothings. I wouldn't stoop to scrape a one of them off the bottom of my shoe!!!

Its comments like this that make Americans believe democracy isn't worth working for and that people should not participate in the political system. "Why should I vote: They're all corrupt pigs anyway?"

Yes, I agree. Your description fits MANY politicians. But I know scores of them who truly care about doing good for their state, locality or country. Many of them I don't happen to agree with but I don't doubt their sincerity.

Are politicians primarily pre-occupied with getting re-elected? Of course! Why would anyone purposely try to lose their job? Would you go up to your boss and be completely honest with him/her if it might cost you your job? Hell, no!

Sure you might argue pols should be held to a higher standard but aren't they only human after all?

Yes, politicians are part of the problem, but the bigger issue is the system that allows them to become corrupted. It's allowing these huge PACs to contribute unlimited amount of money and lobbyists who have way too much influence on elected politicians AND bureaucrats.

[Grits]

Its comments like this that make Americans believe democracy isn't worth working for and that people should not participate in the political system. "Why should I vote: They're all corrupt pigs anyway?"

I vote at every election. I listen, I read. I make up my mind, and I go to the polls with my decisions.

I don't talk to anyone before voting and I don't talk to anyone after. Politics and politicians are a requirement. I carry out my end of the bargain. This is more than I can say for the majority of them, as their overall integrity and trust level grows worse with each year.

One votes, always, holding on to hope.

EOC

[cj]

Excerp from today's Times.
Now it's the TRF being sued.


By JOE DRAPE

Published: May 3, 2012







The New York attorney general Thursday sued the directors of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to retired racehorses, saying they had driven the foundation into insolvency and failed to provide the financing for the basic care of the more than 1,100 horses in their control.

I didn't include the link. I can't stomach the photo that was taken at the Wallkill correctional facility. Breaks your heart. That program was once a very promising one . Who screwed this one up?

Response from the TRF:

http://www.paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/trf-issues-statement-in-its-defense/

[Cardus]

Excerp from today's Times.
Now it's the TRF being sued.


By JOE DRAPE

Published: May 3, 2012







The New York attorney general Thursday sued the directors of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to retired racehorses, saying they had driven the foundation into insolvency and failed to provide the financing for the basic care of the more than 1,100 horses in their control.

I didn't include the link. I can't stomach the photo that was taken at the Wallkill correctional facility. Breaks your heart. That program was once a very promising one . Who screwed this one up?

The Attorney General and The New York Times.

[Cardus]

TRF's response is phenomenal. Obviously, a serious writer handled this matter.

This letter is an example of how you handle The New York Times' corrupt agenda.

(And why it is usually helpful to react after reading a smeared group's response, particularly in the racing industry.)

[Grits]

TRF Board Of Directors wrote: But it strikes us as ironic that while thousands of owners deliberately send their horses to slaughter every year, under unspeakable and abhorrent conditions, nobody is suing them. But when a board of a dozen or so people tried to step up and help and save others from that fate--spending their own money and thousands of hours of their time to rescue and rehabilitate those horses, they become the target of a vendetta of a news organization who clearly has it out for the racing industry.

Unusual, extremely odd. The board penned, virtually, the same word in their release regarding the suit filed against them. -- vendetta.

Cuomo family sure does hold on to grievances. One generation to the next. Carried one century to the next.

Its staggering how vengeful, how dangerous politicians and their chosen cronies can be.

This is vindictive, this board knows it and clearly states so.

The governor's stance towards NYRA is not a family vendetta or a grudge.

You may want to phone the board and give them your thoughts. You'll be able to correct them.

[Cardus]

Unusual, extremely odd. The board penned, virtually, the same word in their release regarding the suit filed against them. -- vendetta.



This is vindictive, this board knows it and clearly states so.



You may want to phone the board and give them your thoughts. You'll be able to correct them.

The board concluded that it was the object of a vendetta "of a news organization", not the governor.

Please don't phone the board with your thoughts.

[Cardus]

And the genuflecting over, and tortured soul analysis -- which is purely guesswork -- of Drape is ridiculous.

[Grits]

The board concluded that it was the object of a vendetta "of a news organization", not the governor.

Please don't phone the board with your thoughts.

Don't worry, big guy. You're all over it. Hopefully, you can find favor with them and stay off women for a little while.

[Cardus]

Don't worry, big guy. You're all over it. Hopefully, you can find favor with them and stay off women for a little while.

There isn't anyone who takes criticism here worse than you.

You're wrong: the board did not say that it was a governor's vendetta, but that of a news organization.

That's all, really simple.

[Grits]

And the genuflecting over, and tortured soul analysis -- which is purely guesswork -- of Drape is ridiculous.

There isn't anyone who takes criticism here worse than you.

You're wrong: the board did not say that it was a governor's vendetta, but that of a news organization.

That's all, really simple.

Criticism? You can't manage to string more than four sentences together. Instead, your criticism is found in one line put downs and snide directives. I've taken plenty. Hammering? I've taken and handled that, too. From you though? I've taken all the hammering I intend to take.

Only thing that's ridiculous here is your continued trolling of what I post and your fixation with knocking me and everything I write in the dirt whenever you see fit. You've come crawling twice in the last two days on the heels of something I wrote, taking another hit at me--removed by the moderator. And if you think I had a thing to do with that, buddy, you've got another think coming.

Maybe I should feel flattered that I'm the object of your trolling. But I don't. I'm sick of it.

So, we'll roll and tumble for as long as you want. I promise, if you're waiting on me, you're backing up.