Reminder: 2YOs in 2013 BC Are Racing W/O Lasix

[Patuxet]

The Breeders Cup's noble experiment to ban the use of Lasix ends today with a whimper, not a bang. BC powers-that-be, obsessively enamored of Santa Anita as a venue, buckled under to the bullying tactics of California horsemen. Starting with next year’s event, the ban on 2YO Lasix use will no longer be enforced.

So the drug, which is prohibited on race day in almost every other major racing jurisdiction worldwide, will continue to be widely injected into US equine athletes whether they require it or not and without any clear understanding of the consequences of its widespread use.

The smiles on the faces of CA trainers and veterinarians must be as bright as the states fabled sunshine.

[Whirlaway]

I think the drug abuse will likely come to an end at some point, hopefully soon. Drug use and abuse cannot be a tenable position, particularly in this day and age.

I believe it is a matter of pressure, economic pressure. If the sponsors knew of the doping I believe they would flee as soon as they fled when they discovered the doping by Lance Armstrong. What was the name of that southern cook, Paula Dean, how long did it take for her sponsors to take off? And who was that golfer, oh yea, Eldrick Woods, how long did it take for his sponsors to hit the road? Economic pressure is the key and there are several ways to bring about this pressure.

I think if enough fans protested, word gets out, sponsors flee. Hard to think fans can think collectively, but maybe - it would only take only a few about 30, 40 maybe 50 or so protesting at next years Breeders' Cup. Get some good ol' air time on the major networks, maybe ESPN, MSNBC and the rest of em' - story goes viral, sponsors would feel the pressure and would be gone.

I think a legal case can be made against those illegally doping horses if such doping results in the catastrophic injury of the jockey. If such a case can be made, or if even such a case is brought forth, no doubt the trainers and their vets will give second thought to doping if they know their economic livelihood is at risk. Stop em' dead in their tracks.

I think a moral case can be made against doping horses. Is it morally right to dope a horse for profit and entertainment? Is it not the duty and obligation of those so inclined to end such abuse?

I think likely the legal avenue would be most effective.