Role of the NTRA - Part III - Safety & Integrity

re: Role of the NTRA - Part III - Safety & Integrity

sfcynic — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:59:46 GMT

The NTRA's efforts are typical race horse industry fluff, they hire a few overpaid guys from the old boys network to rubber stamp approvals for safety that no one believes or cares about. As far as wager security they still allow offshore wagers into our pools even though by the washington posts accounts on offshore poker there is virtually no way to secure, prosecute or punish any of those running those sites for wrong doing. This effort is a total waste of funds and is purely political.

re: Role of the NTRA - Part III - Safety & Integrity

Kevin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:45:21 GMT

I must commend NTRA for the efforts put forth in insuring a safer climate for both rider and horse. As in all sports, there will always be unfortunate accidents, however anything that can be done to eliminate the avoidable should be done. The information NTRA gathers from the racetracks should not be over analyzed. It should be acted upon immediately, with the old saying "where there is smoke, there is fire" kept in mind.

Off issue, the thoroughbred industry should be wary of the Slots/VLT. The companies behind this form of gambling have no use for the thoroughbred industry. We are a means for them to establish a hold on the gambling dollar. Once established, they will try to eliminate the competition of the race horse. This has already happened in smaller markets, and in the greyhound racing world.

The most glaring thoroughbred example is Atlantic City Race Course. Owned by a Pennsylvania Corporation with slots and (racetrack) just across the river, also feared by the Atlantic City Casinos, this grand old lady of racing's past is allowed to wallow in a pit of disuse. She gives competition for only six days a year. That is done with reluctance by the corporation because of a requirement, so they may keep an off track betting parlor in place.

To the thoroughbred industry, use the slot/VLT money as a present crutch if you must. Just don't count on the money to insure racing's future. The crutch can become a bat that will beat you down and destroy what is left.

All attacks on the thoroughbred industry/racing will not come directly from the Casino/Racino Corporations. They will use bought politicians, misguided though well meaning animal rights groups, and real estate interests as the front line soldiers. The newspapers who depend on the casinos for advertising dollars, who no longer promote the sport of horse racing, will be the cheerleaders. They are promoting racing's decline in their editorials, while insuring it with their lack of coverage in the sports section.

There are many battles to be fought, needed to be won, so that thoroughbred racing may have a future. As I said I commend your battle for safety, march on, it is important, but only one of many, not any less important then the others, but only one of many.

re: Role of the NTRA - Part III - Safety & Integrity

Michelle — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:35:17 GMT

Rachel and Slew - I agree with both of you. There is still a lot of work to be done. It appears to me that more attention is paid to the tracks and the horses during a stakes day or a major prep race for the Derby. I was at Oaklawn for the Apple Blossom and Arkansas Derby and was told by a local horseman that they sure wished that the track was maintained as nicely during the entire meet. It is a shame that the track is not maintainced at the top level for every horse running whether it is a Zenyatta (who I love) or a low level claiming horse.

re: Role of the NTRA - Part III - Safety & Integrity

Slew — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:17:13 GMT

While watching a race at the Fair Grounds, one filly reared up and went over backwards on top of the jockey, Mena. Any other race track would have scratched that horse...but no..within a minute, horse and rider were through the gate and down the stretch leading a race they eventually lost. Where was the "honesty and integrity" then? Exactly when did the vet check out the filly? I did not see it..there was not enough time. All the newspaper reported was she "acted up" in the post parade. "Integrity" is a neat word...only when you can live up to its meaning.

re: Role of the NTRA - Part III - Safety & Integrity

Rachel — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:13:17 GMT

Now eliminate dehydrating horses on race day and painkillers that allow a sore horse to run a race when it should still be recovering.

That's integrity.

re: Role of the NTRA - Part III - Safety & Integrity

Michelle — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:49:39 GMT

I appreciate all the efforts being made for the safety of the horses and the jockeys. I do believe it has made a difference. However, I would like to see more efforts to end horse slaughter. I realize it is not feasible to find homes for every horse but to send these beautiful animals to slaughter is just unacceptable to me. They are not livestock being raised for food and should not be sent to slaughter when they are finished racing. I believe the people in the business and the fans owe it to the horses.