Sudden Deaths: Baffert and Vets Violated Drug Rules?

[Whirlaway]

California Horse Racing Board Rule Book
Article 15. Veterinary Practices
1843. Medication, Drugs and Other Substances.

It shall be the intent of these rules to protect the integrity of horse racing, to guard the health of the horse, and to safeguard the interests of the public and the racing participants through the prohibition or control of all drugs, medications and drug substances foreign to the horse. In this context:

(c) No person other than a licensed veterinarian or animal health technician shall have in his/her possession any drug substance which can be administered to a horse, except such drug substance prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for a specific existing condition of a horse and which is properly labeled.

Report on the Investigation and review of the seven sudden deaths on the Hollywood Park main track of horses trained by Bob Baffert and stabled in Barn 61

Page 1. There is no evidence whatsoever that CHRB rules or regulations have been violated or any improper activity played a part in the sudden deaths.

Page 13. Throxine must be administered by a veterinarian, but as in the Baffert situation, thyroxine is often, if not usually, dispensed at the trainer’s request. Per Dr. Latson, the recommended dose is 12mg which by the label is one level teaspoon. How carefully the dosage was followed was not determined. Per Baffert,barn staff including grooms, were involved in administering the thyroxine in feed. The veterinarians conducted no laboratory tests in Baffert’s stable to determine whether any of the horses were hyperthyroid or hypothyroid before treatment.
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The report indicates, “Throxine must be administered by a veterinarian,” but the investigation found, “barn staff including grooms, were involved in administering the thyroxine in feed,” and “How carefully the dosage was followed was not determined.” These acts violate 1843, “ . . . protect the integrity of horse racing, to guard the health of the horse, and to safeguard the interests of the public and the racing participants through the prohibition or control of all drugs, medications and drug substances foreign to the horse."

The report indicates, “The veterinarians conducted no laboratory tests in Baffert’s stable to determine whether any of the horses were hyperthyroid or hypothyroid before treatment.” These acts of omission violate 1843 (c), " . . . except such drug substance prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for a specific existing condition of a horse and which is properly labeled."

Based upon the CHRB rules and the Baffert Sudden Deaths Report, the statement, "There is no evidence whatsoever that CHRB rules or regulations have been violated or any improper activity played a part in the sudden deaths," is not accurate and this case should be revisited by the CHRB.

[TJ]

As with all medication's sold in bulk and used daily by stables which require a prescription, they are prescribed and dispensed by the vet and administered by a responsible rep of the stable. The same thing goes for all bulk prescription drugs used often....such as Ventipulmon Syrup, Antibiotics in pill form, Thyro-L, Gastrogard, Regu-Mate, bute and an array of other drugs. Any drugs administered IM or IV is solely done by the vet. The vet does not administer the bulk sold drugs, he just prescribes how to administer it and the daily dose....it has always been up to a high ranking member of the stable to assure it is carried out correctly. When was the last time your Doctor dispensed to you a prescription for antibiotics, then came to your house to administer it? TJ

[Whirlaway]

As with all medication's sold in bulk and used daily by stables which require a prescription, they are prescribed and dispensed by the vet and administered by a responsible rep of the stable. The same thing goes for all bulk prescription drugs used often....such as Ventipulmon Syrup, Antibiotics in pill form, Thyro-L, Gastrogard, Regu-Mate, bute and an array of other drugs. Any drugs administered IM or IV is solely done by the vet. The vet does not administer the bulk sold drugs, he just prescribes how to administer it and the daily dose....it has always been up to a high ranking member of the stable to assure it is carried out correctly. When was the last time your Doctor gave you a prescription for antibiotics, then came to your house to administer it? TJ

The rule is clear and unequivocal.

1843 (c) No person other than a licensed veterinarian or animal health technician shall have in his/her possession any drug substance which can be administered to a horse, except such drug substance prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for a specific existing condition of a horse and which is properly labeled.

A "responsible rep of the stable" or a "a high ranking member of the stable" is not a licensed veterinarian or animal health technician. Nor is such stated in the rule. If a "responsible rep of the stable" or a "a high ranking member of the stable" is in "possession of any drug substance that can be administered to a horse," such person is in violation of said rule. Not only was the drug uncontrolled, ("How carefully the dosage was followed was not determined") in violation 1843 and administered improperly in violation of 1843(c), the drug was administered without a specific existing condition, which is also a violation of 1843(c).

This investigation should be reopened to determine if said drug was controlled or uncontrolled; the amount of the drug given by the "barn staff and grooms" should be quantified to determine if the amount given was an overdose that may have led to the death of the seven horses and the investigation should determine if said drug is being administered to any other horses without a specific existing condition.

In conclusion, I found it strange and unusual that said drug was not listed in the toxicology report.

[TJ]

I was wondering, where did your headline come from, Baffert and Vets Violating Drug Rules ....is this your own headline from your own investigation? If so you could be causing a legal problem for the forum, by posting this....unless of course it is being looked into. I didn't notice the headline anywhere else? TJ

[Whirlaway]

I was wondering, where did your headline come from, Baffert and Vets Violating Drug Rules ....is this your own headline from your own investigation? If so you could be causing a legal problem for the forum, by posting this....unless of course it is being looked into. I didn't notice the headline anywhere else? TJ

Changing the subject demonstrates the weakness of your argument - if your position is indefensible, or you have no plausible reasoning aimed at demonstrating the truth, "smart" of you to change the subject.

[TJ]

I was wondering, where did your headline come from, Baffert and Vets Violating Drug Rules ....is this your own headline from your own investigation? If so you could be causing a legal problem for the forum, by posting this....unless of course it is being looked into. I didn't notice the headline anywhere else? TJ

Changing the subject demonstrates the weakness of your argument - if your position is indefensible, or you have no plausible reasoning aimed at demonstrating the truth, "smart" of you to change the subject.

Not changing the subject, just concerned for the legality of the post for the good of the forum. I know what I wrote is the way bulk drugs are dispensed at the track....prescribed by the vet and dispensed by the employees. TJ

[Whirlaway]

I stand behind what I have written and have full confidence it is in accordance with forum rules.

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California Horse Racing Board Rule Book
Article 15. Veterinary Practices
1843. Medication, Drugs and Other Substances.

It shall be the intent of these rules to protect the integrity of horse racing, to guard the health of the horse, and to safeguard the interests of the public and the racing participants through the prohibition or control of all drugs, medications and drug substances foreign to the horse. In this context:

(c) No person other than a licensed veterinarian or animal health technician shall have in his/her possession any drug substance which can be administered to a horse, except such drug substance prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for a specific existing condition of a horse and which is properly labeled.

Report on the Investigation and review of the seven sudden deaths on the Hollywood Park main track of horses trained by Bob Baffert and stabled in Barn 61

Page 1. There is no evidence whatsoever that CHRB rules or regulations have been violated or any improper activity played a part in the sudden deaths.

Page 13. Throxine must be administered by a veterinarian, but as in the Baffert situation, thyroxine is often, if not usually, dispensed at the trainer’s request. Per Dr. Latson, the recommended dose is 12mg which by the label is one level teaspoon. How carefully the dosage was followed was not determined. Per Baffert,barn staff including grooms, were involved in administering the thyroxine in feed. The veterinarians conducted no laboratory tests in Baffert’s stable to determine whether any of the horses were hyperthyroid or hypothyroid before treatment.
~
~
The report indicates, “Throxine must be administered by a veterinarian,” but the investigation found, “barn staff including grooms, were involved in administering the thyroxine in feed,” and “How carefully the dosage was followed was not determined.” These acts violate 1843, “ . . . protect the integrity of horse racing, to guard the health of the horse, and to safeguard the interests of the public and the racing participants through the prohibition or control of all drugs, medications and drug substances foreign to the horse."

The report indicates, “The veterinarians conducted no laboratory tests in Baffert’s stable to determine whether any of the horses were hyperthyroid or hypothyroid before treatment.” These acts of omission violate 1843 (c), " . . . except such drug substance prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for a specific existing condition of a horse and which is properly labeled."

Based upon the CHRB rules and the Baffert Sudden Deaths Report, the statement, "There is no evidence whatsoever that CHRB rules or regulations have been violated or any improper activity played a part in the sudden deaths," is not accurate and this case should be revisited by the CHRB.

[TJ]

[quote="Whirlaway"]I stand behind what I have written and have full confidence it is in accordance with forum rules.
I'm sure you are certain of what you have written....that wasn't what I asked. But this answered the question for me...nothing has been written under such a headline other than yours. It just may not be a good headline because it could cause legal trouble for the forum. Remember the Michael thing? Well...gotta get up early tomorrow....have a Happy Thanksgiving. TJ

[Whirlaway]

It is my contention that the fast, loose and profitable culture of prescribing, dispensing and administering drugs without a clinical reason is what led to the deaths of the seven horses. The drug business on the backside is rampant and out of control, drugs are being prescribed by vets at the request of trainers, and possessed and administered by staff and grooms in violation of CHRB rules. It is a racket without checks and balances. What is particularly troubling with this backside drug culture is staff and grooms are administering drugs without documentation. The dispensing and administration of drugs needs to be controlled and existing rules must be enforced.

Hopefully the FBI, DEA and ICE have read the CHRB report, don’t accept the conclusion, are working on the case, and will step in and take necessary action as they did in Pennsylvania.

The report, in its ineptitude, did not determine who administered Thyroxine, how much was administered, when it was administered and under whose authority. Nor did the report provide toxicology data relating to the amount of drug present in the dead horses. How can this report be accepted when fundamental questions were unanswered? The CHRB inquiry failed and their report must not and should not be accepted. An independent objective bipartisan board must be appointed to investigate and determine the cause of the death of the seven horses.

[TJ]

It is my contention that the fast, loose and profitable culture of prescribing, dispensing and administering drugs without a clinical reason is what led to the deaths of the seven horses. The drug business on the backside is rampant and out of control, drugs are being prescribed by vets at the request of trainers, and possessed and administered by staff and grooms in violation of CHRB rules. It is a racket without checks and balances. What is particularly troubling with this backside drug culture is staff and grooms are administering drugs without documentation. The dispensing and administration of drugs needs to be controlled and existing rules must be enforced.

Hopefully the FBI, DEA and ICE have read the CHRB report, don’t accept the conclusion, are working on the case, and will step in and take necessary action as they did in Pennsylvania.

The report, in its ineptitude, did not determine who administered Thyroxine, how much was administered, when it was administered and under whose authority. Nor did the report provide toxicology data relating to the amount of drug present in the dead horses. How can this report be accepted when fundamental questions were unanswered? The CHRB inquiry failed and their report must not and should not be accepted. An independent objective bipartisan board must be appointed to investigate and determine the cause of the death of the seven horses.

Blenheim, I agree with Grits, johnhannibalsmith and the Pace Advantage administer....three wise men. TJ

[Whirlaway]

It is my contention that the fast, loose and profitable culture of prescribing, dispensing and administering drugs without a clinical reason is what led to the deaths of the seven horses. The drug business on the backside is rampant and out of control, drugs are being prescribed by vets at the request of trainers, and possessed and administered by staff and grooms in violation of CHRB rules. It is a racket without checks and balances. What is particularly troubling with this backside drug culture is staff and grooms are administering drugs without documentation. The dispensing and administration of drugs needs to be controlled and existing rules must be enforced.

Hopefully the FBI, DEA and ICE have read the CHRB report, don’t accept the conclusion, are working on the case, and will step in and take necessary action as they did in Pennsylvania.

The report, in its ineptitude, did not determine who administered Thyroxine, how much was administered, when it was administered and under whose authority. Nor did the report provide toxicology data relating to the amount of drug present in the dead horses. How can this report be accepted when fundamental questions were unanswered? The CHRB inquiry failed and their report must not and should not be accepted. An independent objective bipartisan board must be appointed to investigate and determine the cause of the death of the seven horses.

Blenheim, I agree with Grits, johnhannibalsmith and the Pace Advantage administer....three wise men. TJ

[Whirlaway]

It is my contention that the fast, loose and profitable culture of prescribing, dispensing and administering drugs without a clinical reason is what led to the deaths of the seven horses. The drug business on the backside is rampant and out of control, drugs are being prescribed by vets at the request of trainers, and possessed and administered by staff and grooms in violation of CHRB rules. It is a racket without checks and balances. What is particularly troubling with this backside drug culture is staff and grooms are administering drugs without documentation. The dispensing and administration of drugs needs to be controlled and existing rules must be enforced.

Hopefully the FBI, DEA and ICE have read the CHRB report, don’t accept the conclusion, are working on the case, and will step in and take necessary action as they did in Pennsylvania.

The report, in its ineptitude, did not determine who administered Thyroxine, how much was administered, when it was administered and under whose authority. Nor did the report provide toxicology data relating to the amount of drug present in the dead horses. How can this report be accepted when fundamental questions were unanswered? The CHRB inquiry failed and their report must not and should not be accepted. An independent objective bipartisan board must be appointed to investigate and determine the cause of the death of the seven horses.

Blenheim, I agree with Grits, johnhannibalsmith and the Pace Advantage administer....three wise men. TJ

Your "wisdom" or lack thereof was displayed in your 11/27/ 9:46 post and the fact the post was allowed to stand demonstrates those that moderate agree your post had no merit.

[TJ]

It is my contention that the fast, loose and profitable culture of prescribing, dispensing and administering drugs without a clinical reason is what led to the deaths of the seven horses. The drug business on the backside is rampant and out of control, drugs are being prescribed by vets at the request of trainers, and possessed and administered by staff and grooms in violation of CHRB rules. It is a racket without checks and balances. What is particularly troubling with this backside drug culture is staff and grooms are administering drugs without documentation. The dispensing and administration of drugs needs to be controlled and existing rules must be enforced.

Hopefully the FBI, DEA and ICE have read the CHRB report, don’t accept the conclusion, are working on the case, and will step in and take necessary action as they did in Pennsylvania.

The report, in its ineptitude, did not determine who administered Thyroxine, how much was administered, when it was administered and under whose authority. Nor did the report provide toxicology data relating to the amount of drug present in the dead horses. How can this report be accepted when fundamental questions were unanswered? The CHRB inquiry failed and their report must not and should not be accepted. An independent objective bipartisan board must be appointed to investigate and determine the cause of the death of the seven horses.

Blenheim, I agree with Grits, johnhannibalsmith and the Pace Advantage administer....three wise men. TJ

Your "wisdom" or lack thereof was displayed in your 11/27/ 9:46 post and the fact the post was allowed to stand demonstrates those that moderate agree your post had no merit.

I do appreciate your well thought out comments....especially those like this one. If I had the slightest bit of respect for your posts....I'd be upset. TJ

[Whirlaway]

It is my contention that the fast, loose and profitable culture of prescribing, dispensing and administering drugs without a clinical reason is what led to the deaths of the seven horses. The drug business on the backside is rampant and out of control, drugs are being prescribed by vets at the request of trainers, and possessed and administered by staff and grooms in violation of CHRB rules. It is a racket without checks and balances. What is particularly troubling with this backside drug culture is staff and grooms are administering drugs without documentation. The dispensing and administration of drugs needs to be controlled and existing rules must be enforced.

Hopefully the FBI, DEA and ICE have read the CHRB report, don’t accept the conclusion, are working on the case, and will step in and take necessary action as they did in Pennsylvania.

The report, in its ineptitude, did not determine who administered Thyroxine, how much was administered, when it was administered and under whose authority. Nor did the report provide toxicology data relating to the amount of drug present in the dead horses. How can this report be accepted when fundamental questions were unanswered? The CHRB inquiry failed and their report must not and should not be accepted. An independent objective bipartisan board must be appointed to investigate and determine the cause of the death of the seven horses.

Blenheim, I agree with Grits, johnhannibalsmith and the Pace Advantage administer....three wise men. TJ

Your "wisdom" or lack thereof was displayed in your 11/27/ 9:46 post and the fact the post was allowed to stand demonstrates those that moderate agree your post had no merit.

I do appreciate your well thought out comments....especially those like this one. If I had the slightest bit of respect for your posts....I'd be upset. TJ

Your have your position, I have mine, thank goodness we do not agree.

I am absolutely confident that I stand on the moral and ethical high ground of this doping issue, whereas you can be found on the opposite side. I am absolutely positive history will prove I am correct. And as demonstrated in the Pennsylvania case, the lack of ethics you represent will not stand.

Once again, and I repeat, the conduct you have demonstrated in this post and others, represents the same conduct that has led to more than thirty years of decline in the sport horse industry. I fully expect more of it, but hope soon that pending legislation or the FBI will rid the sport of what you represent.

[TJ]

It is my contention that the fast, loose and profitable culture of prescribing, dispensing and administering drugs without a clinical reason is what led to the deaths of the seven horses. The drug business on the backside is rampant and out of control, drugs are being prescribed by vets at the request of trainers, and possessed and administered by staff and grooms in violation of CHRB rules. It is a racket without checks and balances. What is particularly troubling with this backside drug culture is staff and grooms are administering drugs without documentation. The dispensing and administration of drugs needs to be controlled and existing rules must be enforced.

Hopefully the FBI, DEA and ICE have read the CHRB report, don’t accept the conclusion, are working on the case, and will step in and take necessary action as they did in Pennsylvania.

The report, in its ineptitude, did not determine who administered Thyroxine, how much was administered, when it was administered and under whose authority. Nor did the report provide toxicology data relating to the amount of drug present in the dead horses. How can this report be accepted when fundamental questions were unanswered? The CHRB inquiry failed and their report must not and should not be accepted. An independent objective bipartisan board must be appointed to investigate and determine the cause of the death of the seven horses.

Blenheim, I agree with Grits, johnhannibalsmith and the Pace Advantage administer....three wise men. TJ

Your "wisdom" or lack thereof was displayed in your 11/27/ 9:46 post and the fact the post was allowed to stand demonstrates those that moderate agree your post had no merit.

I do appreciate your well thought out comments....especially those like this one. If I had the slightest bit of respect for your posts....I'd be upset. TJ

Your have your position, I have mine, thank goodness we do not agree.

I am absolutely confident that I stand on the moral and ethical high ground of this doping issue, whereas you can be found on the opposite side. I am absolutely positive history will prove I am correct. And as demonstrated in the Pennsylvania case, the lack of ethics you represent will not stand.

Once again, and I repeat, the conduct you have demonstrated in this post and others, represents the same conduct that has led to more than thirty years of decline in the sport horse industry. I fully expect more of it, but hope soon that pending legislation or the FBI will rid the sport of what you represent.

Your comments are pathetic and antagonistic and it is a shame this is the only way you can respond. Once again, if I respected your distorted views of modern racing in America, I would be very upset. Oh well, TJ