Deaths, drugs & subsidies

[PaceAdvantage]

Another puff piece on racing:

https://www.inquirer.com/business/a/...-20210325.html

Despite repeated efforts at reform, doping of horses remains a key reason for why so many die in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. At a 2017 trial in a sweeping doping case, the former president of the Pennsylvania Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association said up to 98% of race horses — including her own — were illegally drugged to block pain and increase performance.

Doping, in a classic vicious cycle, has become ever more prevalent as owners and trainers conclude it’s the only way to stay competitive in a sport rife with drugs.

[castaway01]

Fifty-nine deaths at Parx in 2019. Santa Anita was shut down for less (and yes, I know Parx runs year-round so prorated it's probably a similar number).

Stephanie Beattie saying 98% of horses are drugged is like Barry Bonds testifying on everyone else using steroids.

Other than that, it's just confirmation of what everyone who has followed PA racing since slot machines has seen. It's the Wild West out there, though who has the most powerful gun changes year to year.

[Mulerider]

53/1 winner ZENDEN broke down after the finish line this morning in Dubai. The horse was trained by former Jason Servis apprentice Carlos David. The barn posted video of the win on its Twitter page. Not so much as an RIP for the horse.

Edit: after getting scorched in the comments, the barn removed the tweet.

[The_Turf_Monster]

There’s a simple solution to this, publish vet records and let people file claims with their state veterinary association to challenge the license of the vet. Then let the vet try to pin it on the trainer and down the line. Once that license is gone, even if honored by another state, that vet is out of business. I don’t expect trainers to have ethics, but I expect professionals to