Long overdue update

As John Lennon once sang, "life is just what happens…while you’re busy making other plans." That’s the story of my summer, let me tell you, hence the grievous neglect of this journal. I have at last caught up on most of what needed to be done, and I am back to blogging, so look out world, etc etc etc.

Over the last few months, the racing industry has implemented or at least planned a number of encouraging changes. It's sad and bordering on unforgivable that it took a death at the Kentucky Derby to finally provoke this action. Certainly Go For Wand, Landseer, Pine Island, and George Washington, among many others, deserved more. But at least the probems with the sport are being addressed at last. Eight Belles did not die in vain.

1. Steroids Ban: As of September 28th, 16 states have adopted the rule to ban all steroids. The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium hopes it will be adopted in all racing states by January 1, 2009.

2. Drug Testing Continuity: The RMTC is also working on a plan to regulate drug-testing methods and standards around the country. http://www.bloodhorse.com/article/47266/rmtc-has-plan-for-drug-testing-standards.htm

3. Toe Grab Ban: The Jockey Club and graded stakes committee have ruled that toe grabs taller than 2 millimeters are forbidden, and any tracks not adhering to this rule will lose their graded status. Other traction devices have similarly been banned. The reaction from trainers has been mixed, but recent studies have shown compelling evidence that toe grabs contribute to catastrophic skeletal injuries. Both Barbaro and Eight Belles wore toe grabs…

4. Creation of Equine Injury Database: This database implemented by the Jockey Club will track racing injuries, the goal being "identify the frequency, types and outcome of racing injuries using a standardized format that will generate valid statistics; identify markers for horses at increased risk of injury; and serve as a data source for research directed at improving safety and preventing injuries." (BH 7/23/08) Resistance from some trainers and vets is expected, but the Jockey Club hopefully will insist on resposibility and accountability from all involved.


I am really thrilled to see that the racing industry has made such progress in only six months. These are steps in the right direction, and here's hoping the Jockey Club will strongly enforce these new regulations. The only problem that has yet to be addressed is the problem of breeding for speed and precosity rather than stamina and soundness. I'm not really sure that is something that can be legislated, but certainly the JC should think about incentives for breeders and owners who work toward breeding and buying horses from resilient lines. Though I keep putting that discussion off, it really is for another day, but hopefully before the Breeders Cup. Maybe the Arc this Sunday will inspire me to wax poetic on the virtues of stamina-laden horses. Go Zarkava!