Do racetrack incentives lead the way to a drug-free future?
The horseracing industry is battling for its life, and the key point of contention is medication—not just a push for uniform medication rules, but a movement to eliminate all race-day drugs. Two years after the Breeders' Cup banned anti-bleeding medication for its juvenile races, Gulfstream Park in Florida has announced its intention to offer Lasix-free races for 2015, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is considering doing the same for its tracks. North America is the only region of the world that allows race-day medication.
Should sales catalogues include information on medication?
Geir Stabell (01 October 2007 - Issue Number: 5)
Should sales catalogues include information on medication - it's a case of black and white!
Not too long ago, I saw a TV interview with Terje Haakonssen, three times World Champion snowboard rider. When talking about his lifestyle, and that of the general public, he made an interesting point; “Look carefully at what you eat, take it seriously,” he said, “People don’t. You know, a man is ever so careful about what quality of petrol and oil he gets for his new car. But when he has filled it up with the best he can find, the most expensive, he buys a full-fat cheeseburger and a large coke for himself.” Perhaps many of us value our cars more than we value our bodies.
Geir Stabell (European Trainer - issue 19 - Autumn 2007)
California Horse Racing Board explain their drug testing procedures
The rules of racing are intended to maintain a level playing field; any
drug testing program is meant to monitor compliance to those rules. In
reality, drug testing is a deterrent. For truly illicit activity where
the intent is to take an unfair advantage (cheat), the current program
in California is working well. But we know it isn't perfect. We are
always looking for holes in the system and ways to improve the program.
Rick M. Arthur, DVM, - (01 July 2007 - Issue Number: 4)
Is no matter more pressing than international rules on medication?
There is a need for several changes and improvements in international racing. None can be more pressing that the issue on international regulations on the use of medication. Both on and off the tracks.
Geir Stabell (19 May 2007 - Issue Number: 3)