“The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority’s decision last week to tighten drug rules for thoroughbreds may be just the first effort to clamp down harder on state medication practices. A state drug panel is also looking into revamping testing procedures, sanctions for drug violations, security at racetracks and medication research.” The panel is considering increased backstretch security and detention barns, among other things. (Courier-Journal)
A thought: I’ve been impressed by the quick movement of racing authorities in states such as New York, Kentucky, and California to implement stricter medication rules and drug-testing policies, but I’ve been wondering — what’s Massachusetts doing? Current rules allow for bleeder medications and one anti-inflammatory drug to be used on racedays. Is the state racing commission considering adopting the rules developed by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, which allow for bleeder meds only? Is there any kind of milkshake testing program in development? What kind of security measures will there be Suffolk Down’s big race, the Massachusetts Handicap? I’ve tried to contact the commission with these questions and haven’t received a response. I’ll be curious to see if there are any changes when the meet opens in April.
Related: Sherry Ross says Kentucky isn’t going far enough to ensure racing’s integrity. “You would think that Kentucky would be at the head of the line to outlaw illegal drug use or other performance-enhancing substances in thoroughbred racing. You would be wrong.” (New York Daily News)
Posted by JC in Medication/Drug Policies on 02/28/2005 @ 9:05 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
Leaving trainer Michael Stoute was a “massive wrench,” rider Kieren Fallon tells reporters. That the Ballydoyle deal is a three-year contract that pays Fallon four times what he was making with Stoute perhaps made the breakup easier. (BBC)
More: “It takes a little something to knock the Cheltenham Festival from the main slot on the agenda at this time of the year, but then Kieren Fallon has never been a slave to convention. We shall be seeing less of Kieren — in the flesh certainly if not the headlines — following his decision to take the king’s euro and ride for the Ballydoyle juggernaut next season. It is an obvious partnership: the pre-eminent European horseracing empire in conjunction with the best jockey in these islands. The wonder is why it has not happened before.” (The Independent)
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Louis, Man of Kendal, passes along this story from the BBC: “Premier League referee Mike Dean has been suspended indefinitely over his involvement in a betting website…. The crux of the investigation appears to centre on whether the 36-year-old has played on his status as a well-known figure in football to gain a financial advantage in racing. He advertised the partnership business [Arbitros Racing] in a recent edition of the Racing Post, in which it was stated: ‘Join Premiership referee, Mike Dean, in this great, new, exciting venture.’ Such wording might work against Dean, described as the partnership manager.” That wording is what Dean is in trouble for? The Brits are strict.
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Traditional bookmakers are crying foul over Betfair’s business model. (Business Week)
Posted by JC in International on 02/28/2005 @ 8:40 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
– Jockey turns novelist. Kris Prather was forced from riding by a string of serious injuries, now she’s at work on a book. “I think she has a very bright future as a writer,” says her agent Helen Brann. (CJ)
– Sun King did not disappoint with his 5 3/4 length win in Gulfstream’s 10th race on Saturday, writes Ed Fountaine (NYP) … The son of Charismatic still has a lot to prove, says Max Watman. “He looks good, and he certainly looked like he had gas in the tank on Saturday. But look to his next race — yet to be determined but no doubt in deeper company — to see what he’s really got.” (NYS)
– Harlington is off the Derby trail. Trainer Todd Pletcher says the colt wrenched an ankle during the February 12 Risen Star. (TT)
– Everyone around Lost in the Fog seems lost in the fog: Owner Harry Aleo, “It makes me feel like a damn fool”; trainer Greg Gilchrist, “This horse is a whole ‘nother ZIP code”; jockey Russell Baze, “Where this horse goes, I go” (SFC) … “Lost in the Fog sizzles in pre-Swale blowout.” The colt worked five furlongs in :58 1/5. (BH)
– “Without horse racing,” writes Ed McNamara, “my adult life would have been so much duller.” Mine too. (ESPN)
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com
Posted by JC in Miscellany on 02/28/2005 @ 8:35 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
