Weight allowance – do fillies and mares get a raw deal?

How many would disagree if I said that the weight-for- age scales currently being used in horseracing is full of flaws? How many would disagree if I said that these scales, meant to give horses of different ages an equal chance, in many cases do exactly the opposite? Quite a few, I suspect, since I heard no protesting voices after looking into this matter in a previous Trainer article. Protesting voices are not in short supply in horseracing circles. So, will there be any when I share the essence of my more recent ponderings that the current system of filly and mare allowances leaves a lot to be desired? Let's find out, says Geir Stabell

By Geir Stabell

First Published (21 October 2010 - Issue Number: 18)

Should medication-free horses be given preferential treatment?

From next year, any trainer who has violated rules regarding use or possession of Class 1 drugs over the past twelve months, will be barred from having runners at the Breeders’ Cup races, it was announced following a Breeders’ Cup board meeting in September, says Geir Stabell.

By Geir Stabell

First Published (20 October 2010 - Issue Number: 18)