For the Love of Racing

re: For the Love of Racing

maria disalvo — Thu, 15 May 2014 16:36:35 GMT

SO WELL WRITTEN AND SO TRUE. WE, THE FANS, MUST STEP UP MORE AND CONTROL THIS SPORT THAT WE ARE SO IN LOVE WITH.

I REMEMBER MY FIRST RACE IN 1966 (BELMONT STAKES).IT LEFT SUCH AN IMPRESSION ON ME THAT I WAS A PROFESSIONAL HORSEWOMAN FOR OVER 25 YEARS, OWNING MY OWN FARM AND RETRAINING THOROBREDS OFF THE TRACK FOR THEIR SECOND CAREER. THERE IS SOOO MUCH HISTORY WITH THIS SPORT AND THESE BEAUTIFUL HORSES. MY FAVORITE BREED.

re: For the Love of Racing

Jan Ehl — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 16:46:15 GMT

I love horses and had always loved horse racing. Twenty four deaths per week due to breakdowns and exploding heart valves are not acceptable. Of course you hear of medication violations and an occasional breakdown. The extent of the suffering and actual statistics are kept from race fans. Someone had wrote that nothing illegal had occurred. How about morally?? What I saw was horrifying. These horses are over-bred, raced too young, drugged, and forced to run while injured. In 2008 while attending the races at Churchill Downs, I and a friend saw a Breeders Cup winning jockey abusing a horse simply because he lost and he was throwing a temper tantrum like a child. Others in the crowd made comments on the abuse. Thinking he would certainly be punished by Churchill Downs for his actions, I kept watch in Blood-Horse looking for a story or comment, but nothing. This sport needs a LOT of cleaning up before I return to supporting it. Rachel Alexandra is one of my favorite race horses ever and I shudder to think what Blasi and Asmussen did to her while she was in their care.

re: For the Love of Racing

Suf10Jul35 — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 12:30:56 GMT

A most eloquent essay on the sport that is near and dear to us all. Thanks, Mandy. Thanks, Steve. Keep up the great work/All the best.

re: For the Love of Racing

Terry M. — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:06:24 GMT

The most important statement is the last paragraph. The good guys need to take back the sport. That is the bottom line. Well said, Mandy.

re: For the Love of Racing

sceptre — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 01:42:51 GMT

So, if we got rid of all drugs we'd soon notice a drastic reduction in breakdowns/deaths, severe injuries, etc.? The well-being of the racehorse would be much improved? Those who believe this simply don't understand the plight of the thoroughbred racehorse. And, should this be more about saving the horse, or saving the sport?

re: For the Love of Racing

lisam — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 16:23:16 GMT

Brava Mandy! Beautifully written article. Your description of mornings at Saratoga brought back many fond childhood memories. For me, the most perfect mornings were listening to the horses munching their hay while watching my grandfather take care of them.

All my life I've had a love/hate relationship with racing, but I believe there is much more good than bad in horse racing. As you say, let's start conversations and highlight the good guys like Janet DelCastillo, who helps people train their horses using the hay, oats, and water philosophy, or Dr.Cohen, who may run a horse in the Wood Memorial on the same philosophy.

Thanks Mandy for reminding us why we need to speak up.

re: For the Love of Racing

TerriV — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 21:50:15 GMT

Wow! So very impressive. There is real insight in your statements about the use of medications everywhere in today's world. I have also truly enjoyed reading all the heartfelt comments from readers.

No athlete who has to be on drugs to succeed in a sport should be participating in that sport. Horses most of all, because, as you say, they have no choice.

We need to do something but I admit I don't really know what or how. It seems to me that the "good guys" in this sport need to stand up now. The fans will back you, we want something to fix all this.

What is that saying? Evil triumphs only when good men remain silent.

re: For the Love of Racing

Mike Relva — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 02:17:36 GMT

Rechelle,

Typical of some looking the other way. As if his record is squeaky clean. lol Perhaps you can assist him paying the legal bills that's coming his way.

re: For the Love of Racing

Bonnie Mizrahi — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 23:46:52 GMT

The invitation is still open for people in the industry to get involved with The Exceller Fund.

So far though, other than our President, NY Trainer Gary Contessa, we have had no other takers.

re: For the Love of Racing

lysa slater — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 18:20:58 GMT

Steve, do agree with the article quoting Mr. Phipps posted on bloodhorse.com today? What are your feelings on this matter? Would love to hear from you about this issue. I highly regard your opinion.

re: For the Love of Racing

sceptre — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:43:02 GMT

Bloodline Bob:

Time for a wake-up call; and that's the most polite way I can put it. Yes, all living things eventually die, so does that mean we should ignore each and every cause of death?..And while many of the BloodHorse staff (composed mainly of journalists, not owners or breeders) are, no doubt, passionate about the sport of horseracing, I fail to see clear evidence to suggest that they are equally passionate about the welfare of the horse.

re: For the Love of Racing

JayJay — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 06:59:33 GMT

Evie : I really like the no 2 yr old races, although the focus of this horrible event was on the use of drugs and animal cruelty. Unfortunately, I don't think the industry sees racing 2 yr olds as cruelty. I hope they do figure out how to get rid of unnecessary medications. With all the technology we have, there should be a way to determine which medications are needed by horses and which ones are enhancement drugs.

re: For the Love of Racing

TerriZ — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 03:47:41 GMT

Thanks Mandy for such an outstanding article. And now a question for father and daughter: How come the state board of licensing is not questioning the vet regarding Nehro's care? If his feet were so terrible, why was he still in a racing stable and not in a veterinary facility?

It's time that veterinarians have to take responsibility for their judgment and actions.

Possibly, the horse's worsening condition with his feet led him to developing colic and resulted in his demise.

re: For the Love of Racing

Bloodline Bob — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 03:43:02 GMT

@LYSA SLATER of RYE, N.Y.: There are horses that die every day, just like us humans, THAT's LIFE. Lysa(who does not bet), how do you think I liked it when I was @ Saratoga one summer and I bet $200(win + place) on the horse that Angel Cordero was riding to beat Jose Santos for the jockey title and the horse went down right in front of my eyes. They had to put the horse down right there on the track with a big screen around so people could not see the horse's tragic end. Blood-Horse did not write about that horse either. Not every horse that passes on gets mentioned in the Blood-Horse or the DRF. I've been a subscriber of Blood-Horse for 16 yrs. and I can tell you that the BEST HORSE owners + breeders work for this great international publication. The staff at the Blood-Horse has more passion for horses than all of those gutless PETA people. Have a nice day Lysa(44 yrs. old) + say hi to Barbara(Mom) for me. Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. BTW, I would of given $400 more if they could of let that horse live that sunny day @ the SPA.

re: For the Love of Racing

Racingfan — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 02:53:48 GMT

Excellent column Mandy! I wish everyone had the perspective that you do!

re: For the Love of Racing

lysa slater — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 01:59:36 GMT

Okay Steve, you make a good point. I think I lost some of my manners getting caught up in learning about the dead filly. Would you consider looking into why bloodhorse.com did not report this tragic event? I would be very grateful to learn more about why and how this filly died and why it wasn't reported.

In light of the PETA article, I have to resist jumping to the conclusion that the bit of news regarding Asmussen's dead filly got shelved so as to avoid stirring the pot.

If you can provide some clarity on this matter, it would be greatly appreciated.

re: For the Love of Racing

Mike Relva — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 01:28:30 GMT

Great writing

re: For the Love of Racing

Gerry L — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 22:26:14 GMT

Excellent column Mandy. Best thing I've read on this subject. Hopefully someone will listen.

re: For the Love of Racing

Sail On — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 19:20:21 GMT

All good ideas, Evie Tubbs Sweeney!

Also establish an award for the welfare of horses, something like the Iditarod does. Recognize those who do right by the horses.

re: For the Love of Racing

Bonnie Mizrahi — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 18:49:10 GMT

Beautifully written and accurately sums up how I feel. It was 17 years ago when the shocking news of the death of Exceller prompted a number of racing fans to join together to make a positive difference. We were all active on the Blood Horse forum which has since been discontinued. But this small group of fans came together to create The Exceller Fund to honor the legacy of Exceller and try to help Thoroughbreds avoid his terrible fate. Back then our combined efforts were only able to save a couple of horses but our efforts grew to the point where we proudly stand with other like-minded organizations, now certified by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, to provide rescue, refuge, retirement and/or adoption for these horses that we love so much.

We are proud to have Gary Contessa as our President, and we deeply desire to have other industry figures join us on our Board of Directors. Sadly, to date, no other industry figure has accepted our invitation.

We are a coalition of fans and we eagerly network with other organizations such as New Vocations, Friends of Ferdinand, Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement, Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, Old Friends, Angel Acres, Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue to provide a place for these horses to go once their racing or breeding careers are over.

I would like to issue an open invitation to those involved in racing to join us, work with us, and find ways to ensure that these wonderful equine athletes get the treatment they deserve both on and off the track. One of our goals is to find a way to provide incentives for owners and trainers to retire horses that are struggling before they become too injured to be able to move on to a new career. We also want to find more avenues of funding to provide retraining for OTTB (Off the Track Thoroughbreds) to increase their potential for adoption.

You can contact us at mail@excellerfund.org or check out our website at www.excellerfund.org

Thank you again for your well reasoned opinion piece.

re: For the Love of Racing

Evie Tubbs Sweeney — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 18:02:53 GMT

Really appreciated Mandy's thoughts, particularly the vivid comparison to SeaWorld/Blackfish. What a spot-on parallel. The issue is not whether or not public perceptions (be they PETA or otherwise) are correct. The REAL issue is that the perceptions, in fact 1.) Do exist; 2.) Are fatally mainstream; 3.) And, are doing incredible damage. For those reasons, they should be addressed and resolved head on. And by us, NOT PETA or anyone else. In short, racing needs to wake up, stop treating this as typical horse people would, and start treating this professionally as any business or industry would: A Mt. Everest PR Nightmare that needs immediate attention for continued life as an industry in our society.

Over the last week, that PETA video showed up in my non-racing friend’s Facebook feeds. PETA, whether you like it or not, is doing a better job meeting the public where they are at than we are. We live in the most animal-sympathetic society the world has ever known. On our best day, we are walking a tightrope in people’s eyes. If we do not start acknowledging these perceptions as important– whether we agree with them or not– Thoroughbred horse racing is on its way to being met with the same disdain as Greyhound racing in 10 years. It’s heart-breaking, as we have so much more to offer than these horrifying examples that only glorify the worst. What about the rest that Mandy talks about? Horse racing in its purest form offers stories so full of emotion, inspiration and soul that it can move a country. As Tom Hammond of NBC Sports said, “The Olympics offer the best stories. Horse racing comes next.” It’s not like we (or the horses) have nothing to offer. It’s just that we don’t focus on the right things.

The primary negative perceptions are focused around disrespect for the horse. If we really wanted to evolve with the society we find ourselves in, we would act swiftly, treat this as the PR nightmare that it is, and make intentional, committed changes. The obvious include:

1. Removing the whip altogether. Hand-rides only. Raise true horsemen again who encourage horses to run through good horsemanship, or because they want to, or both.

2. Tracks and organizations uniting to permanently disallow trainers who use performance-enhancing drugs. After the first five, trainers would seriously rethink everything. It would have to be a unified effort.

3. Getting rid of Lasix. For crying out loud, Europe already has.

4. Stop the racing of 2-year-olds (i.e. Don’t encourage racing until horses have fully matured.)

5. Donating 1% of all auction sales, wagering totals, and stud fees to Thoroughbred aftercare. Make it a publicly visible priority.

We need to stop letting others be the master of our fate. We need to stop the false thinking that if a public perception is incorrect, it doesn’t matter… That thinking is so not current. In fact, it’s archaic. It also highlights the wrong things, only drawing out unresolvable arguments. We need to be more forward-thinking for the sake of our sport, our history, and our horses. If we don’t, we deserve our fate.

re: For the Love of Racing

Steve Haskin — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:49:33 GMT

Lysa, your comment,"Come on, Bloodhorse. why no press on this?" seems to me should be addressed to editorial. considering you are criticizing them for not having anything. If you had asked me to see if they could look into it, I would have forwarded your request to them. But you chose to be critical of them for ignoring it through my blog.

re: For the Love of Racing

Irene Choi — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:44:54 GMT

I absolutely 100% agree with this opinion piece, thank you, Mandy.

I want to be proud of the one sport that I am actually passionate about. I used to spend time at a harness racetrack and I know that many people that work directly with horses just love the sport of racing, and would love to keep things clean and fair. We admire the horses for their natural talent; the trainers for honing these athletes; the jockeys for their skill.

Everything gets tarnished when people cheat.

I want racing to thrive. To do so, it absolutely has to address the problems that make the public turn away in disgust.

re: For the Love of Racing

slee — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:26:49 GMT

Nicely done Mandy! Thank you for the perspective.

I agree completely with this:….It’s time us good guys stopped diffusing responsibility and take over this sport that is rightfully ours….

Mandy's right - we are the fans, trainers, owners, breeders, reporters, track owners, grooms, vets and everybody else - we are the ones with the voice. Speak up! Don't assume that somebody else will say the right thing at the right time. Don't think somebody else will write the email you're "too busy" to do. You want to continue to watch horse racing? Now is the time to say something. We do need national policy and consistency and a whole lot less backbiting between jurisdictions. And we MUST have a reasonable and enforceable drug policy. If horse racing ignores this task, somebody else will do it!

But, sadly, I disagree with this:…..People say that horse racing is a dying sport. It can’t die off while we’re all still breathing life into it…..

If the government gets involved and non-horsemen look at it as a business, it could be killed. Think not? On a much much smaller scale, look at what Mr. DeBlasio, the new mayor of New York, is trying to do with the horse cabs in NYC - get rid of them completely. Some "humane" groups say the horses are badly treated. Some say friends of the mayor want the extremely valuable property at Clinton Park where the horses are stabled. The voice of the horse owners and cab riders? Essentially being ignored by the mayor's office, though valiant efforts are being made in social media and they're picked up supporters like Liam Neeson and Jimmy Fallon. Interestingly, last I read, the NY Times is in favor of the carriages…...

re: For the Love of Racing

Mahuba — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:25:04 GMT

I really appreciate reading all the comments; Mandy's article was wonderful! And yes, PETA's tactics have angered and sickened me in the past. I admit that I wasn't too upset by the Blasi episode--again I minimized it in my mind, thinking he was in the minority. But when I saw the Lucas/Stevens part regarding the electric buzzers, it overwhelmed me. Maybe they were just exaggerating in a "party" moment. But their attitudes really got to me. I was never a big fan of Mr. Lucas but I really thought very highly of Mr. Stevens. I am really disillusioned now. I plan to read Mandy's article again and again to help my attitude. I love those horses and always shall, but if this abuse is common, I can't watch or bet on the races anymore. I hope things get cleaned up, for mine and the horses' sake. There would be a big hole in my life without racing.