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NEWSLETTER – 11/12/2023 – Draining the Swamp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A LETTER FROM JEFF GURAL REGARDING THE 60 MINUTES INTERVIEW…

60 Minutes is doing a story this Sunday (Nov. 12) on our industry, along with the thoroughbred industry. Since 60 Minutes invited me on the program to weigh in with my opinions, and because I believe strongly in transparency in our industry, I thought it best to give stakeholders like you a heads up on what I forecast to be a less than favorable and not very flattering story to be aired.

I have been criticized by some in our industry who have placed blame on me for the decline of the average sales price at Harrisburg given my efforts to rid our industry of the purchase and use of illegal medications on our horses. At the same time that I have been a staunch and visible advocate against the purchase and use of illegal substances in our industry, I have invested heavily in insuring that we have viable and attractive venues to race our horses. Everyone appreciated it when I stepped up at the last minute to keep The Meadowlands afloat and rebuild its grandstand. Everyone was pleased, especially New York breeders like myself, that I was able to rescue Vernon Downs from bankruptcy and opened Tioga Downs, insuring two additional racetracks in New York to race our New York-breds. My personal and abiding commitment to the industry is reflected by the above and are very consistent to an industry that I love.

It should come as no surprise to many that I am also a very honest and transparent person. It has become very apparent to me that my candor does not sit well with some people. Nonetheless, I feel very strongly that horses should not be racing while employing illegal medications if our industry is to remain credible and sustainable. I believe most horsemen choose to be honest and agree with me. I would much prefer they not be placed in the untenable position that to compete they have to resort to the use of such medications.

I have spent over $2.5 million in this effort to address the improper purchase and use of performance enhancing medications and related substances. Apparently, the Department of Justice feels the same way about these substances as I do. That is clear from DOJ’s prosecutions in the Southern District of New York in the case of United States v. Navarro and related prosecutions against Seth Fishman, DVD, Lisa Giannelli and 27 others. These prosecutions in the Fishman and Giannelli cases have confirmed that it remains important to further investigate the issue of performance enhancing drugs in our industry especially in light of the information disclosed in the trials of Lisa Giannelli and Seth Fishman.

When we had the opportunity to make changes to the HISA legislation which would have effectively addressed our concerns, the USTA did not weigh in with the necessary language to do so. I believe this was a mistake. In my opinion, spending millions to fight that legislation in court sends the wrong message that our industry lacks the resolve and desire to solve the problem. So far, the various court challenges have failed and now the USTA is trying to advance new legislation which, in my view, has little hope of passing and effectively addressing the problem. The bottom line is that simply maintaining the status quo and not being proactive places our slot subsidy in jeopardy as the public does not support the use of illegal medications on race horses.

In my view, we have an opportunity now, unlike the thoroughbreds who now have an unsolvable problem of seeing horses die in training and, worse yet, in races. The drug problem in our industry can be solved.

I have not seen the 60 Minutes piece, but I doubt it is going to be helpful, especially since most major thoroughbred racetracks are now operating under HISA’s rules and regulations. Our horses are not dying and there is the opportunity now to clean up the drugs with strong regulatory oversight.

Jeff Gural / owner The Meadowlands, Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs

FROM JASON SETTLEMOIR TO THE STANDARDBRED RACING COMMUNITY…

Do me a favor and read this twice!!

Today we released the information to the industry that Mr. Gural would be on the upcoming 60 Minutes show on CBS Sunday evening at 7pm regarding the serious issue we have with doping of racehorses in our sport. Everyone should watch and learn the truth. We sent to the industry trades as we are accustomed to doing and I followed up with a polite email to the USTA asking for the story to be posted on the website so everyone knew of the show and they could tune in. Everyone had posted the article except for… you guessed it… the USTA. Mike Tanner did make a very nice and polite phone call to me to let me know the decision was made “higher up” to not run the story.

Please don’t ever ask me why this sport is in the position it is. You know damn well why! Look around folks! It’s decisions like these that continue to fuel a fire that we can’t extinguish. The cat is out of the bag. Politicians are quickly learning what’s going on in the sport of horse racing and the public is outraged. I told you when I ran against Phil Langley (God rest his soul) and Russell Williams for President of the USTA “the Feds are coming”. Well here THEY are! Why are we hiding from the problem that plagues our sport?

Putting our heads in the sand only furthers the problem. Call Russell, and Joe and ask them why on earth are we hiding the 60 Minutes piece from our paying membership? What are we hiding? The customers have already voted with their feet (empty grandstands). We have limited time to fix this problem and work with the federal government before the government says enough is enough and pulls the plug on subsidies.

Now is the time to work hand in hand with the government and not fight them. If you don’t like what I have to

say, stop following me on Facebook. Enough is enough! Let the “higher ups” at the USTA know how you feel.

 

While the USTA and most who are involved in the Standardbred industry are doing NOTHING to save the sport, the abolitionists are winning. Quit criticizing people like me who are trying to address and repair the problems and let your voices be heard at the USTA.

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October 29,2023

Subject: Brian Brown

By: Tim Finley

By now most in the Standardbred circles are aware of the video circulating regarding the Brian Brown yearling (I heard it was a filly) that threw itself on the track. The USTA quickly and appropriately declared one of the participants, Brevin Lupton, ineligible for USTA membership. I read this on the USTA website. What I learned later, which was not on the USTA website was that Brian Brown was the trainer of this horse. Then, I saw the video. Firing the groom and denying him of USTA membership does not punish the trainer – Brian. Brain gets a lot of glory, so should also get the punishment.

It ’appears’ Brian Brown was on the jog cart and after he got off the jog cart began whipping the filly while she was lying on the ground, after the groom kicked the horse. This fiasco obviously was very unprofessional and cruel, especially when Brian is one of America’s leading trainers. It causes one to wonder how good Brian really is. In case you have not seen it, here is the disturbing video.

Social media has been inundated with videos of this incident including comments. Most are concerned with the whipping and kicking, as am I. However, as an experienced horseman, I believe the unprofessionalism began when Brain decided the filly was ready to be hitched. My indoctrination into the Standardbred racing sport began at the Ohio State fairgrounds 50 years ago, and throughout the years, I have seen thousands of yearlings broken. Most trainers use the customary method of buying a yearling and then hurrying to get it hitched. Although this customary method works much of the time without incident, I was privileged to witness the wrong way of doing it early on. When I say “privileged,” I am not stating it was pleasurable, but it did enlighten me to finding a better way. Here is the story:

Shortly after purchasing my first Standardbred and moving it into the Ohio State Fairgrounds, I was watching a lady hurry to get her horse “broken”. It reared and fell backwards rupturing its aorta. It lay there blowing bubbled blood from its nostrils gasping for air. The owner and I shoveled bubbly blood and put it into five-gallon buckets for an hour until Doc Davis got there to euthanize it. I knew at that time there must be a better way, so I put a lot of creative thought into it and began using a better way.

The photo below is me taken about 40 years ago in Ohio at an all-world, all-breed horseshow. People from around the globe were in attendance. I was invited to demonstrate the proper way to prepare/educate/break a horse for driving. The photo depicts what a good horseman does before hitching a horse to a jog cart.

It has been rumored the USTA told Brian if he fired the groom, they would overlook his mistreatment of the horse. The USTA, like most, has overlooked the fact Brian hitched her before adequate groundwork was performed. Obviously, he was playing cowboy.

It has also been rumored that PETA has been advised and invited into this problem. It is my professional opinion that if the USTA takes the appropriate disciplinary action towards Brian, and then they advise PETA that they have control of the problem, that PETA will step aside. What the Standardbred industry does not need is more of PETA.

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SAFETY ISN’T FOR SISSIES!

Even the NFL is working to make their sport safer. What is the USTA doing to make Standardbred racing more palatable to the public? Nothing.

COMING SOON

A REVOLUTIONARY ENDEAVOR TO ELIMINATE WRECKS

STANDARDBREDS CRY FOR REFORM

A memorial and library of present and past harness racing’s crude, cruel, and primitive “bad wreck” videos and photos presented by reform advocates, Tim and Loveda Finley, with comments made by Tim Finley.  This is a project in progress, so please check back frequently for updates and additions. Tell your friends that someone is finally addressing the “bad wreck” problem.

Hey you! Ya, you. What are you doing to eliminate wrecks in harness racing? Just like everyone else, you are probably doing nothing. Well, my wife, Loveda, and I are taking a serious and aggressive plunge.

We are frequently criticized for our dramatic concern for the horses that are injured or killed. Our opponents claim that accidents take place in all sports and that racecar drivers, football players, motorcycle racers, etc. are frequently injured, so an injured horse is no big thing. THE HUGE DIFFERENCE IS THAT HUMAN PARTICIPANTS CHOOSE TO COMPETE. HORSES HAVE NO CHOICE.

MY METHODS TRUMP YOUR NO METHODS! I am constantly criticized for my “method” of posting photos/videos of horses that are injured, killed, or euthanized on racetracks. If you are one of the critics of my “method”, chances are my “method” is better than yours, which is “no method”. If you disagree with my technique, that is OK, but only if you are active in developing a better solution. STANDARDBREDS ARE DYING.

I believe in hitting problems head-on, which sometime necessitates revealing unpleasant visuals. Visuals reinforce the need for change. Had the videos of George Floyd been concealed from public because they were gruesome, there is a good chance the aftermath would have been continued police brutality. A white policeman kneeling on the neck of a black citizen as he gasped for breath spoke volumes and it generated action. One picture is worth a thousand words.

I am a big softy regarding the well-being of Standardbred racehorses, so when I become aware of a horse being injured, I want to know what happened and why. Concerned by a horse going down, being pulled-up, etc., sometimes I am forced to spend several days attempting to ascertain what happened and why. The reason it takes so long is that predicaments that take place on a racetrack are quickly hidden from the public, so if someone wants to gain knowledge about it, it can be a complicated chore. The racetrack managements, horseman’s associations, judges, racing commissions, the USTA, plus most other horsemen want the public to think of harness racing as a pleasant, problem-free sport. They realize if the public learned the truth, the sport would probably lose its subsidies. For a couple of decades, it has been on life-support because of its diminishing loss of popularity. Rather than taking the necessary actions to renovate the sport, the participants prefer to bleed it till it dies.

Because I have owned, trained, and driven (a little) for five decades, I love Standardbred training and racing. I appreciate the obedience, competitiveness, and the loyalty of the breed. When horses hurt, I hurt. That is why I have accepted the weight of this project.

To reiterate, very little, if anything, is reported regarding the tragedies that take place on our racetracks. Most participants in the Standardbred racing industry are afraid to admit they are involved in a sport that kills horses.

ADDING INSULT TO INJURY, MOST HORSES ARE QUICKLY DUMPED INTO A HOLE IN THE GROUND OR CREMATED WITHOUT ANY ACKNOWLEDGMENT OR RECOGNITION FOR ITS SERVICE.

In our competitive society, if a high school athlete loses his/her life during competition the incident instantly receives national attention. A thorough heart-felt investigation is initiated, and the results are publicly revealed. THE DECEASED ATHLETE IS ALSO GRACIOUSLY MEMORIALIZED.

If a racecar driver crashes and dies, the tragic incident saturates the media. The accident is investigated and reported publicly. THE DRIVER IS REMEMBERED FOR DECADES.

When a soldier loses his or her life fighting for our country, a special memorial is automatic and well deserved. HIS OR HER LIFE IS HONORED, BRAVERY REVERED, AND PATRIOTS FROM COAST TO COAST SHARE THEIR PERSONAL SORROW.

POLICE DOGS ARE MEMORIALIZED FOR THEIR SERVICE.

EVEN WHEN 89-YEAR-OLD GRANDMA KATE DIES FROM OLD AGE, HER LIFE IS EULOGIZED IN THE OBITUARY SECTION OF HER HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER.

When a Standardbred dies before the wagering public, it is treated as though the horse never existed.

The necropsy and toxicology’s are hidden in mounds of paperwork, which nobody takes the time to research. I doubt if the driver, racetrack owners, judges, racing commissions, or anyone else cares what caused its death. The necropsy and toxicology are just a meaningless routine.

Is sweeping the death under the rug done because horsemen are crude, cruel, stupid, lazy, or are they afraid the general public will consider the sport as being brutal to animals so folks can place a wager? Those questions should haunt you.

A Standardbred racehorse trains daily for six months before participating in a wagering event, and throughout its training its freedom is limited – usually spent in a 12X12 box stall with one window. Admittedly, most horses are loved and given excellent care, but if killed while working, it is immediately ignored. Of course, if the dead animal had been a famous world champion, some consideration is given, but that eliminates 99% of those who are just common workers.

This memorialization functions to honor our unsung athletes boldly and properly. When possible, we will post photos and videos, plus provide the horse’s name, birthdate, sex, gait, owner’s name, trainer’s name, and the name of the driver. We will publish stats and when possible, follow through with the complete necropsy and toxicology. We are trailblazers.

This memorialization also strives to motivate the Standardbred racing community to realize the frequency and seriousness of wrecks in an effort to begin to address the problems and seek solutions. Each video and/or photo are worth 10,000 words. We will discuss the “accidents” in Standardbred racing and present ideas regarding how they can be avoided.

An injured/dead driver or horse can no longer be accepted as just the “cost of doing business.”

Utilizing creative thought and action, we can dramatically reduce the number of life-threatening accidents that tragically occur on our racetracks.

As the casino world expanded, Standardbred racing shrunk, and it will continue to shrink unless and until our serious problems are healed.

Horses have been our friends, companions, and servants for thousands of years. The Standardbred breed became popular when wagering on them became legal, but strictly as a venue for gambling is no longer acceptable. STANDARDBRED RACING MUST BE TRANSFORMED FROM BEING ONLY A GAMLING VENUE TO ALSO BEING A SPORT. DEAD HORSES ARE NOT SPORTSMANLIKE!

Fans watching the bodies of drivers and horses flying through the air is one more nail in the casket. It is sickening to most sports minded and kindhearted people. It must stop!

Heretofore there has been very little done to ensure the safety of the horses and drivers because there has been little leadership. That is why we are stepping up to the plate with a large bat. Anyone who does not understand this should step aside and allow us troubleshooters to do what we do. Short-term concessions must be made in order to have long-term gains. No pain – no gain.

Our lonely mission is to raise awareness in the sluggish Standardbred community that changes must be made, or the enemies of the sport will prevail.

What are the leaders of the Standardbred industry i.e., the USTA, doing to remedy this gruesome problem? Nothing but kicking the can down the road.

The USTA has spent several years, and extreme caches of money fighting to keep HISA from our sport, and now they are supporting RHSA (Racehorse Health and Safety Act) which has very little chance of being implemented.

The USTA is in a perfect position to begin policing its own industry, but they are either inept or lazy.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SERIOUS, CREATIVE, AGGRESSIVE, AND QUALIFIED USTA SAFETY COMMITTEE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED AND IMPLEMENTED YEARS AGO.

The USTA recently proudly announced a school for new outriders. Outriders are necessary for problems that could occur before the start, and they are also necessary to catch horses, but that is AFTER they fall and IF they are able to get up. WHERE IS THE PREVENTION TO KEEP THEM FROM FALLING?!

Prevention eliminates many potential catastrophes!

Examples of matters to be aggressively addressed, are as follows:

1. Stricter rules.
2. Larger fines and suspensions for whipping, changing lanes causing confusion, and other on-track violations.
3. Special paddock judges should be employed to examine equipment to assure it is in excellent condition, connected correctly, and safe. A 1000-pound horse pulling a 150-pound person in a small cart at a speed in excess of 30 MPH that is vulnerable to a chain reaction must pass strict equipment rules.
4. More thorough and precise drug tests. Millions of dollars of illegal drugs were confiscated from vets and trainers, yet none of the arrests were the result of a positive test. This is ludicrous.
5. More thorough and precise necropsies and toxicologies. I may have missed one or two, but throughout my five decades of being involved in Standardbred racing I have never seen a trainer fined or suspended as the result of a necropsy or toxicology. It is my opinion that the vets who perform these are too lazy or incompetent to report that a horse broke down as the result of the misuse or overuse of cortisone in a joint.
6. More honest testing in major races. I have never seen a positive testing result issued during Jug week or during Grand Circuit racing. It makes common sense that these huge record-setting miles are not merely the result of newer equipment, better training, superior genes, and/or good quality corn and oats. I have been in the business for five decades and estimate 95% of all horses that go behind the gate have an illegal substance running through its system. I have been there and witnessed it. Using chemicals to make horses go faster and farther than normal is a death waiting to happen.
7. INDIAN FILE RACING IS DANGEROUS! Single-lane racing and/or racetracks with slanted finish lines should be seriously discussed. I want you to give thought, not knee-jerk reaction, to a harness racing concept that deserves consideration and discussion.

 Ninety-nine percent of the people believe a line of ten horses in a cart strung out 100 feet single file on a racetrack is boring. I know this because I have done a survey. The only excitement begins in the last 15 seconds and that usually involves only two or three horses (not to mention the horses who are struggling to keep up because they became lame, made a break, or drew poorly). So, if it is boring, and if we are losing fans, why continue what is not working? The answer is nobody has the ambition or courage to try something new.NAll racetracks should have passing lanes/super stretches. It lessens congestion during the drive home and generates more excitement when a horse is coming up on the inside and outside of the horse on the lead.

Not only is Indian file cart racing (that is what people call it) boring, but it is also dangerous. Nose to helmet racing is the primary reason for most chain reaction wrecks. Historically, gamblers accepted it because Standardbred racing was one of few legal gambling venues. That was then and this is now.

We also know that outside post positions, due to the traditional “luck of the draw” makes it difficult for outside horses to compete effectively. The luck of the draw is a joke. Anyone who understands the sport realizes how dreadful an outside draw can be. The outside horses must go faster and farther than those on the inside, which can cause a breakdown. How does a trainer explain to a new owner that his outside horse probably will not pick-up a check, plus may be abused because of the additional distance?

Lane racing would provide excitement for most of the mile, rather than during the last eighth mile. It would be safer. It would also ensure that every horse had to go the same distance.

There are factors to be taken into consideration. Inside horses would have sharper turns and outside horses would enjoy the luxury of a little more speed in the turns. So, there would be more than just the speed of the horse to be taken into consideration. A competitive race would require the skill of a good reinsman.

Recent statistics regarding racing at Yonkers revealed outside post positions at Yonkers, particularly the 7-8 holes are at a significant disadvantage due to the added distance they must travel during the course of the race if they get away at the back of the pack which is usually the case. This results in terrible finishes. For instance, post 8 has 57 wins in 1577 races. Post 7 has 120 in 2187. On the opposite end, post 1 has 419 wins in 2415 starts and post 2 has 407 wins in 2415 starts. The top 3 posts this year in terms of wins are 4-5-1.

THE DISTANCE SHOULD BE ONE MILE FOR ALL HORSES.

8. Judges, including starters, should be more observant of bad- mannered horses. Bad mannered horses cause accidents and should be scratched. If an outrider must lead a horse to the gate, it should be suspected that there is a reason for the horse’s hesitancy. Perhaps the horse is telling us it has a physical problem. This was the case with Crunch Time earlier this year (2023) at the Meadowlands. The outrider had to pony the horse to the gate and when the gate sprung, Crunch Time, in an effort to run away from the pain, was on top by open lengths, and finished by many lengths. The horse was obviously lame scoring down but permitted to race. Worse yet, they allowed him to race the following week and it was Deja vu. I contacted the management at the Meadowlands to complain, plus posted my complaint on Facebook, for which I was criticized by those who have no concern for the well-being of a horse. Crunch Time has not raced since these two races. Apparently, my assessment was correct.

9. SULKIES LOCKING WHEELS IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN ACCIDENTS. Designing a sulky that would not lock wheels with another would be a major undertaking but for our sport to survive, we must tackle tough problems. Rather than spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight HISA, the USTA should use that money to hire an engineering design firm to solve the locking wheel problem. My career began as an engineer, so I know there is a solution.

Safety in racing should not be considered rocket science. We must do the following:

1. Admit/realize there is a problem.
2. Identify the problem.
3. Comprehend the problem.
4. Create innovative (new) ideas and solutions – this means think, think, and think some more.
5. Implement radical changes that will retain current fans and create new ones.

Drastic times call for drastic measures. Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. We must stop this madness! We will be adding information of the horses, drivers, trainers, owners, statistics, etc. as it becomes available.

NOTE: Additional information regarding safer racing can be found by searching the yellow menu at the top and clicking on “safer racing (new).”

Northfield Park  – 10/7/2023 – Race 3

This is the last wreck with which we are familiar. The two horses that did not finish were #1 Oh Honey, 3-year-old pacing filly by Western Terror out of In A Safe Place, driven by Aaron Merriman, and #6 Hello In There, 3 year-old pacing filly by Western Vintage, out of Hello My Dream, driven by Shawn Barker II. Neither horse has been entered to race as of October 15, 2023, so we will check with the track vet to see if both horses were ok. Aaron Merriman continued driving that night, but Shawn Barker II has not driven since. We will research that.

We researched the two horses that DNF and found that the drivers have raced since that race but the horses have not raced. We called the Ohio State Racing Commission on 10/25/2023 and left a message for Tonya Boulmetics, one of the Deputy Directors. We will update when we receive an answer to our voice mail.

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Fair – 2023

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WE ARE LOOKING AT THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIVES HERE, PLUS A BLACK-EYE FOR STANDARDBRED RACING. The baby laying on the racetrack is the two-year-old pacing filly, LIFEWASAWILLOW, owned by XXX, trained by Aaron Hamilton, and driven by airborne Chris Presley. This racing catastrophe took place on August 17, 2023, on the Rock Springs County Fair racetrack. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE PATHETIC OHIO RACING COMMISSION DOES NOT HAVE JURISDICTION OVER COUNTY FAIR TRACKS, THUS ANYTHING GOES! Five days later Hamilton raced her at another Ohio bullring (Woodsfield) on a “good” track and she was beat 20 lengths. This is not sportsmanship. It is cruel and unusual punishment. The two horses involved were FEAR THE EX, driven by Clemens, and CASH N DRAGON, driven by Alex Hawk. It was a two-year-old filly pace taking place on a “good” track. Rumors reported that the drivers and horses were OK, but the USTA neglected to report the story on the website, so most of us will never know. Normal people do not want to witness XXXXX this, so all avenues must be exerted to prevent it. SOP should be amplifying the race replay on a large screen, capable of depicting details, to be viewed by three sets of professional eyes to ascertain the “cause” of the incident. In addition, the judges should question the drivers to get their opinions, keeping in mind the incident could have taken the lives of horses and/or drivers. Furthermore, no race should be contested anywhere at any time without a qualified individual who inspects the equipment on each horse before the race. Pathetically, a few trainers and/or drivers will send a horse out with inferior/dangerous equipment. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Sane people do not enjoy watching horses and drivers being injured or killed. In case you didn’t know, our fan base has diminished, thus we are living on government subsidies. USTA membership has dwindled as has the number of foals registered yearly, yet they have done very little, if anything, to make the sport safer. Dozens of times I have suggested the USTA form a SAFETY COMMITTTEE, but to no avail. They have begun a program to train new outriders, but outriders are a last resort AFTER the horse is loose. Many people commented on this photo via various Facebook timelines stating that posting the photo was ammunition that can be used by PETA to close down Standardbred racing. Wrong! PETA does not have to do anything except wait. The industry is shutting itself down. If you want to point a finger, begin with the USTA (not PETA) for the lack of good leadership.

 

Harrington Raceway – 06/05/2023 – Race 4

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Saratoga Harness – 12/12/2022 – Race 2

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CLASSIC https://youtu.be/L8LWRQiwAWY?si=9ANasyPrhycaRnSfLANDING, a two-year-old trotting colt recently dropped dead shortly after crossing the Meadowlands finish line. Although the last to cross the finish line, he presented a valiant effort. That was his job. A very tragic ending for a young colt with such an impressive potential career. The betting favorite, he struggled not to disappoint the gamblers. In the end, he lost – really lost. Perhaps you didn’t hear about it. You see, it was kept a secret. They hurriedly moved him out of the way because the very next race was run right on time.

The only comment was by the announcer, Ken Warkentin, when he quietly stated, “There is a horse down in the first turn.” Nothing else was expressed regarding the incident for the remainder of the evening. Not even the horse’s name. I understand Ken’s hesitancy because a horse dying is a touchy tragic subject. Everyone is usually devastated and at a loss for words. I am not blaming Ken for skipping over it. I am confident he was as heartbroken as most everyone.

Always concerned by a horse going down, I spent two days attempting to ascertain which horse it was and what happened. I hate to hear of these incidents and believe many are preventable if acknowledged and addressed, so I stuck my nose in.

I am extremely livid that nothing was reported regarding this tragedy by the so-called Standardbred media, a cowardly media that only reports “Leave It to Beaver” news (thanks Hollywood). CLASSIC LANDING was figuratively swept under the rug for his courageous effort. Because of the weak media, out of respect for the potentially great colt, I personally accepted the responsibility to try and memorialize him. I realized I would be castigated on Facebook for reporting that a young equine athlete died while in service. “No good deed goes unpunished.” Many participants in the Standardbred racing industry are afraid to admit they are involved in a sport that can kill a horse, so they attack the reporter. The hardened gamblers don’t give a shit.

When a Standardbred dies before the wagering public, it is treated as though the horse never existed. The necropsy and toxicology’s are hidden in mounds of paperwork, which nobody takes the time to research. The used carcass is thrown in a hole or incinerated, and racing continues as usual. This is archaic, cruel, and absurd.

A Standardbred racehorse trains daily for six months to partake in the wagering event, and throughout its training its freedom is limited – usually spent in a 12X12 box with one window. Admittedly, most horses are loved and given excellent care, but if killed while working, it is immediately ignored. Of course, if the dead animal had been a famous world champion, some consideration is given, but that eliminates 99% of those who are just common workers, such as CLASSIC LANDING.

Is hiding the death because horsemen are crude and cruel, stupid, lazy, or are they afraid the general public will consider the sport as being brutal to animals so folks can place a wager? Those questions should haunt you.

I encourage the media to become bold and to do what is proper for our unsung athletes. Present a photo, give the name, birthdate, sex, gait, owner’s name, trainer’s name, and do not forget the driver. Publish stats and follow through with the complete necropsy and toxicology. You may lose advertising dollars, but when you leave this World, the only thing of true value you leave behind is your legacy. Make a significant part of your legacy that you were compassionate, a horse lover and trailblazer.

IF YOU LOVE STANDARBREDS IN THE WAY, YOU SAY YOU DO – MEMORIALIZE – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO DIE WHILE WORKING.

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Batavia Downs – 01/12/2023  – Race 7

Hollywood Gaming Dayton – 11/01/2022 – Race 8

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Mohegan Sun Pocono – Race 6 – 07/26/2022

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Harrington Raceway – 06/29/2022 – Race 11

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Mohegan Sun Pocono – 10/30/2021 – Race 11

PL Munson was setting 5th off the gate, coming out of the first turn went down taking with him the 3 following horses and drivers.

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Monticello Raceway – 09/16/2021

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Batavia Downs – Race 9 – 08/15/2021

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Meadowlands – 05/29/2021 – Race 7

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Vernon Downs – 05/15/2021 – Race 5

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Monticello – 03/22/2021 – Race 3

Finish Order: Metro Glide, Mrs Krabappel, Anytime Anyplace, Jasmine Ivy, Oka, Cruisinwithmybaby, Esteemed Members, TWICE AN ANGEL did not finish.

TWICE AN ANGEL was an eight-year-old pacing mare by Dragon Again, out of Darling Angel by Artsplace. TWICE AN ANGEL boasted 177 lifetime starts, had 24 wins-23 seconds-24 thirds. She earned a record of 1:52 4/5 on a 5/8.

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Meadows, 02/27/2017, Race 10

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Northville Downs – 05/13/2016 – Race 11

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Lincoln County Fair – 12/23/2014

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Cal Expo – 03/01/2014 – Race 11

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Freehold – 01/10/2014 (unsure of date) – Race 5 (Posted by Horses and More!)

This horrible harness horse racing accident at Freehold Raceway was human error. Whether it was the driver of the car, who may have accelerated too quickly, or maybe the tires on the car were not maintained or maybe the blame lies on the track superintendent who approved the track conditions to be safe for racing. Maybe the track super recommended cancelling, but race track management ignored the advice. We will never know because it is doubtful someone will take responsibility for this tragedy. The stewards also are responsible for making calls on track safety. The drivers of standardbred race horses and the jockeys of thoroughbred race horses have a hard time making decisions based on track conditions because the jockey colony usually has a spokesman or jockey representative who makes the ultimate call whether to race or not. If only a few drivers or jockeys feel the track is unsafe, then the racing will go on without them and they will be fined or suspended. On the other hand, if the drivers or jockeys stick together and say they will not race under these dangerous track conditions they can all be fined. This is not always the case, but sometimes everyone has a different opinion on track condition and safety and it’s hard to sort out, especially since there is more pressure toward not cancelling. There are different protocols for different tracks, but someone needs to stand up and make the right decision no matter how much money is at stake. Sure this is a hindsight situation, but it was also another preventable horse racing accident where horses who have no voice, were harmed. These standardbred horses are strapped into a harness and sometimes hobbled so their agility is very limited. Thoroughbreds can at least move freely and avoid hazards on the track, like a starting gate that gets stuck on the race track, and that happens more than you would think. Both these situations are very rare and this is the first time I have seen the gate car skid out of control and back into the horses, but plain and simple, it was human error that risked the lives of the drivers and race horses.

The point is, that horse racing is an inherently risky game and humans must do everything necessary to protect the welfare of the race horses who have no control of accidents such as the gate car crashing into them. These horse were trained to do what they do and they trust the driver is going to get them from behind the starting gate car to the finish line safely.

Race: 5 – Freehold Raceway – PURSE: $ 4,300 -GAIT: TROT- Early Betting – DIST : 1 Mile – STRS: 8 PP Horse Driver Clm. Med. 1 Civic Duty James Clarry $0 2 Big Sky Angelina Cat Manzi $0 L 3 Special Command Jim Marshall III $0 4 Silver Delivery Debra Rucker $0 L 5 Redwhitenbluestone Vincent Ginsburg $0 L 6 Brilliant Chief Chris Scicluna $0 7 Muscleslikesparty Jim Pantaleano $0 L 8 Region Hall Rick Pantano $0 L

How the starter crashes the gate car into the race horses, while skidding out of control, we may never know, but maybe the tragedy at Freehold Raceway wouldn’t have happened if horse and driver’s safety came before the almighty dollar. I guarantee you if management wasn’t so concerned about how much money they would lose for cancelling races that day, this would not have happened. The stewards don’t even have the ultimate decision for cancelling races because they are answering to race track management. Again, this may not be true at all tracks, and might not be true in this situation, but I am sure this harness racing accident at freehold raceway will change protocol because this was preventable.

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Saratoga – 08/07/2013 – Race 9

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Buffalo Raceway – 07/12/2013 – Race 2

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Monticello – 06/03/2013 – Race 2

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https://youtu.be/q4QcBeiACgI?si=aV-sQIDUnnKGSwwE

Meaadows – 04/08/2013 – Race 10

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https://youtu.be/PIqVwhkU8GY?si=VYzUs6O3scjXUFZk

Freehold Raceway – 5/8/2009 – Race 6

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https://youtu.be/Muq-SOwJs3A?si=GlF3–wB7jkIajay

Balmoral – 5/13/2009 – Race 4

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https://youtu.be/9T1yqCW4jds?si=8tymGV5mUx1PZJy6

Harrah’s Chester Philadelphia – 08/17/2008 – Race 12

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https://youtu.be/j2Dx9B4Efy4?si=0aQ-iYvPdHgrKy-i

Northfield Park – 5/24/2008 (the day is questionable) – Race 6

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https://youtu.be/o5RWvjZUB-I?si=83yHQ8gw4Y7s3ZPE

Scioto Downs – 09/08/2007 – Race 7

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Cal Expo – 7/7/2007 – Race 12

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Lebanon Raceway – 03/15/2007 – Race 10

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Northfield Park – 50th Anniversary – (maybe 2007 – not sure of date)

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Scarborough Downs – 06/06/1991 – Race 7

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Yonkers – 1990 (day unknown)

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Driver Ryan Stahl was taken to the hospital with multiple injuries.

An accident going into the first turn at MGM Northfield Park late Saturday night caused a No Contest in the 14^th race pace and cancelation of the 15^th race on the program.

It was a sloppy, rain-soaked track Saturday with a one second variance due to the weather. There were no instances of problems in the first 13 races on the program.

Then in the 14^th race apparently driver Ryan Stahl, driving One Fine Andi, was involved in the accident and was unseated from his horse.

The only two horses and drivers that were able to avoid being involved in the accident were Wild Nite Tina (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.) and With Wings (Chris Lems).

It was reported that Stahl was taken to the hospital suffering from a partially collapsed lung, six broken ribs and injury to his right leg and left hand and arm. No other drivers were reported with serious issues.

Three horses had to be put down and two others are in jeopardy. One of the horses put down was the outrider’s horse. Apparently, the outrider was able to catch one of the horses, but another horse ran head-on into the outrider’s horse.

More details of this accident and Ryan Stahl’s condition will be updated.

By Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink

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DALE (HITMAN) HITEMAN TONY ROSE CRITICIZES ME FOR CONDEMNING DALE HITEMAN ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE: Tim Finley But are you really doing anything? Really? Other than trying to get the 3 usual tree hugger followers that hug your nuts to bash people that work their asses of everyday. Have you ever had a horse flip over and get cast in a corner on you?? I assume not from your response. Your number one goal in that moment is to get them up and out of there BEFORE they do REAL damage to themselves. And before i get yelled at by your usuals that have probably never even seen a horse up close, no I’m not saying that I’ve done that. But doing what he did probably saved that horse from breaking its neck or breaking a leg. OR even dying! This is absolutely apples and oranges different from the people that are in prison. But none of these people that commented ridiculous stuff about him dying or whatever just sound dumb to the actual people that put in the work. None of us would be in this business working 12-16 hours a day in the heat and in the cold if we didn’t love horses. All you are thinking in that moment is “I have to get them up before they get really fucked up” I know the video looks bad to the average Joe, but I saw no malintent personally, because once they are in that position you can’t get too close to them or they’ll start thrashing and end up hurting both of you. Once they are wedged on their back in a corner there is no sweet “come on buttercup, time to get up, here’s a carrot” that is getting them out of that position. They are terrified at that moment and you HAVE to get them up as quick as possible BEFORE the panick kicks in and they start the kicking and thrashing. Did you notice that he didn’t keep hitting the horse once it was up? Wouldn’t you think if he was just hitting the horse because he was mad he would’ve kept hitting it once it was up? Did you know that they can actually suffocate and die in that position? But regardless, I’ll never understand your obsession with always wanting to post about the bad stuff in this business but NEVER the many awesome things about this business. To me it just seems like you and the guy that’s brothers uncles nieces son took a couple pictures that got put in hoof beats are so enraged that you yourselves never actually made it in this business, that you have vowed to burn the whole industry to the ground? I guess at this point, I wonder why you even watch races at all? If it’s all abuse and dead horses all over the place in your eyes. MY REPLY TO TONY ROSE: I never had any plans to be a horse trainer for a living. I was the VP of a NYSE Investment Company which paid very well. I trained for many years to reach that pinnacle and had no desire to leave it. When I got into the sport of Standardbred racing, 50 years ago, it didn’t take long for me to realize the sport was a game of chemistry and cheating. I loved the horses but not the corruption. I witnessed many Standardbreds that were abused or being trained by stupid people who thought they were trainers. One of my first encounters was a horse at the Ohio State Fairgrounds that reared and went backwards. It took an hour for Doc Davis to arrive, so in the meantime the owner and I shoveled bubbly blood from the barn floor as the horse struggled to live. Of course, it died. I realized then there had to be a better way than how Standardbred people broke (literally) their horses. So, I spent a year learning how to properly educate a yearling at an American Saddlebred stable. They know how to do it without injuring the horse. They know how to educate (I do not like the term “break”) without injuring the horse. From that point I made it my mission to buy horses that had been abused and to retrain them. I became very good at it, and it was NOT done by beating horses. I never had any plans to be a horse trainer for a living. My goal was not to be a big-time Standardbred trainer but to be a good horseman. I was and I am. In 2001 my wife and I moved to the South Florida Trotting Center where we resided for 4 years. We had an apartment so could hear everything that took place in the middle of the night. Several times a week we would be awakened by the sound of a horse that got out of its stall, or one that was cast. We would jump into our golf cart and rush to the scene. Everyone else was sleeping so we were responsible for catching loose horses or helping cast horses. We carried a pail of grain to catch loose horses and a hobble to use to roll over horses that were cast. I have forgotten more than you have ever known about training a horse. You condone what Hiteman did, which is repulsive. Please get lost you punk. Any act of cruelty to a horse Additional Details: 71 IAC 5-1-14(a)(9) While in the barn area of Hoosier Park on the morning of June 1, 2023 licensee Dale Hiteman was observed on video striking a prone horse, later identified as PRINCESS LAA, with a line, multiple times about the head and body. Mr. Hiteman was granted a hearing before the judges at Hoosier Park on June 29, 2023. After reviewing the video and considering Mr. Hiteman`s actions and testimony the judges have determined the following penalties: A $1500.00 fine A full suspension to begin on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 through Thursday, August 10, 2023 (inclusive) Probation for the remainder of the 2023 race meet at Hoosier Park During the period of this suspension Mr. Hiteman is denied access to all grounds under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission,. Any transfer of horses must be approved by the judges at Hoosier Park. USTA Membership Action Additional Details: Your conduct is deemed detrimental to and reflects adversely and unfavorably on harness racing and on this association as specified in United States Trotting Association bylaw §1.04(a)(2). Further, this brutal conduct is evidence of a lack of general fitness and your participation in harness racing is not consistent with the best interest of the sport as specified in bylaw §1.04(a)(1). For the above reasons, the membership and licenses granted to you by the United States Trotting Association are revoked, pursuant to the authority granted by bylaw §1.08.

 

 

The above is the link for the video of Dale Hiteman beating a two-year old filly.

THERE ARE NO BAD HORSES – JUST BAD HORSEMEN (I use the term “horsemen” loosely). In this audio you will hear DALE HITEMAN’S interview with the judges as he feebly attempts to cast the blame for beating his horse to the horse. He tries to make it sound like the horse is uncontrollable, rather than admit he is a hot-headed rodeo clown. I cannot believe the judges bought it. Apparently, the judges have never learned how to correctly tie a tongue by using good horsemanship. I gently rub my babies gums a few times a day with honey, molasses, or syrup for several weeks and then slowly begin rubbing it on their tongues. When they begin to automatically stick their tongues out for me in anticipation of a pleasurable experience, it is time to start gently tying. I make everything I teach my horses a pleasurable experience. A few years ago, I was visiting Paul Kelley’s stable at Sunshine Meadows and two of his grooms were wrestling a yearling in its stall by yanking its tongue halfway out of its head. It became so frightened that it reared and ripped a crosstie from the wall. IT IS YEARLING TIME, SO EDUCATE YOUR BABIES CORRECTLY AND GENTLY BY OUTSMARTNG THE HORSE.

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NEW YORK GAMING COMMISSION – PART ONE

Complaints about New York gambling flood newly independent watchdog

 

 

 

 

New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang speaks in a news conference at Empire State Plaza in Albany last year. Will Waldron/Times Union

ALBANY — The state inspector general’s office has seen a surge in complaints filed against New York’s Gaming Commission and the gambling entities it regulates since the office took over the handling of the commission’s internal investigations about two years ago.

Data indicates the inspector general’s office received more complaints since September about the oversight of New York’s multi-billion dollar gambling industry — which has recently expanded — than nearly every other sector of state government. Some of the complaints target the commission’s activities, while many have been leveled at the organizations it regulates.

State inspector general complaints since September
These agencies and entities received the most complaints as of Aug. 10. Those not shown got less than 20.This bar chart shows the number of state inspector general complaints each agency or entity received since September 2022.

Workers’ Compensation Inspector General…..1,277
Department of Corrections…..951
Non-jurisdiction…..896
Department of Social Services…..487
Gaming Commission…..267
Welfare…..227
Unemployment Fraud…..100
Office For People With Developmental Disabilities…..59
Division of New York State Police…..59
Workers’ Compensation Board…..49
Office of Mental Health…..48
City University of New York…..44
Department of Motor Vehicles…..38
Department of Labor…..37
Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance…..34
Office of Children & Family Services…..30
Department of Health…..30
Office of The State Comptroller…..29
State University of New York…..24
Empire State Development Corp……22
Department of Environmental Conservation…..20

We’re really out there working to build out our relationships with the gaming sector, which is really broad in New York, and to bring in additional complaints,” Lang said.” “We have a long way to go but I think it – starting with the transparency – is having the added benefit of hopefully increasing the inflow by dint of being separate from what it once was.”

A few other cases involved the commission’s work directly. Investigators found the commission failed to take key steps to enforce state ethics rules around outside employment for a state veterinarian. They concluded the commission and a state-funded standardbred racing and breeding fund “failed to consistently comply with the provisions” of their agreement to share employees and thus a veterinarian could’ve billed both entities for the same work at some times.

Sometimes, state employees personally drove drug samples from horses to a New York lab for testing, but the commission kept no written record of these events, calling the chain of custody for some testing into question.

The commission’s Executive Director Rob Williams said “none of these concerns are grounded in fact” in a letter to Lang. Williams said it was standard operating procedure for samples to be transported by commission staff in tamper-proof vessels to the lab when the usual shipping arrangements cannot be used, and these actions were documented. Williams said the commission and breeding fund hired employees as appropriate based on their agreement, and allegations of improper billing by a veterinarian were “without evidence.” The commission did develop a more detailed form to ask employees about outside employment and sends reminders to employees to report these activities, Williams said.

Investigators also concluded a veteran’s organization on Long Island was conducting illegal gambling for the second time in five years. They found after the organization’s first illegal gambling bust, the commission later reissued a registration number to the organization and advised it to contact local authorities to get a town license. The commission kept “no notes or records” of the organization’s prior malfeasance in its databases, according to the inspector general’s office.

Asked about this finding, Maione, the commission spokesman, said the agency would not comment on “ongoing investigations” but added that the gaming inspector has had multiple investigations in Long Island gaming establishments for several years.

“Our understanding of this is based on an informal complaint by a now-former commission investigator who voiced concerns about being used by the gaming inspector general in carrying out the investigations,” Maione said. “Additionally, with most charitable gaming operations, enforcement falls to the local governments that issue games of chance licenses to entities.”

The annual report also described the arrest of a Gaming Commission employee for “offering a false instrument for filing.” The employee was Donald Simmonds, a former horse racing judge at standardbred tracks, according to documents and interviews.

Simmonds was arrested based on charges of registering his car at a coworker’s address in New York while he resided in Pennsylvania in 2019, a copy of his indictment shows. The inspector general’s office referred the information to the state attorney general for prosecution.

 

 

 

Donald Simmonds is a former employee of the New York Gaming Commission. He was arrested on charges related to his car’s registration after an investigation by the commission’s inspector general. (Gus Chan for the Albany Times Union) Gus Chan

Simmonds and his defense attorney in the case said they were shocked by the charge because while the allegation was fraudulent, providing false information on a car registration is

believed to be relatively common. A 2011 state Senate report found each year thousands of New York residents register their car in another state to access lower auto insurance premiums.

Simmonds alleges his outspokenness about problems at the commission prompted agency officials to refer him for investigation for a minor crime, while the agency and investigators ignored bigger issues, including some he’d made written complaints about to supervisors.

“I know it’s personal in a lot of ways,” Simmonds said.

Maione, the commission’s spokesman, said Simmonds did not raise concerns to his supervisors during his employment.

“The claim from this aggrieved former employee is false,” Maione said. “The Gaming Commission has no record of any such written complaints by this former employee.”

Simmonds eventually pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, according to court records and Simmonds’ attorney. He agreed to stay out of trouble and pay a fine of $750.

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One sign said “it’s time to take back Amerikkka” and showed a man in a white-hooded outfit. Another showed an image of George Soros in front of a swastika with an incendiary message.

Maylock, the Lottery auditor, recalled that the signs were hanging on the wall near his coworker’s cubicle in 2019. Maylock shared photos of the signs with the Times Union to support his allegations.

Maylock also claimed the same coworker sent him text messages about white supremacist groups while the colleague was on the clock and made offensive comments about other workers.

Maylock found his coworker’s actions upsetting and filed a complaint with the state Office of Employee Relations. The commission sought to terminate the employee but after a union arbitration process the man was suspended without pay for 10 months and eventually returned to work, according to the commission and Office of Employee Relations.

According to other employees, that wasn’t the first nor the last complaint about racism and discriminatory behavior in the workplace.

Donald Simmonds, a former state horse racing judge at harness tracks, said in an interview he was told by other employees that he was hired in 2012 because it “would really annoy” some state officials to work with a Black man. Simmonds was one of two Black horse racing judges in New York before he left last year, he said.

Simmonds said he also had letters containing racial epithets pinned to his car and mailed to the track where he worked. Simmonds informed the commission and the state Office of Employee Relations in 2019 about it and they investigated, he said.

Don Simmonds, a former employee of the New York Gaming Commission, appears at home in Ohio on August 11, 2023. (Gus Chan for the Times Union) Gus Chan

“The investigation concurred that the note most likely was written by a non-government party affiliated with a harness trainer who was unhappy with the employee’s regulatory actions against them,” Maione said. “Obviously, the Gaming Commission cannot control third-party communications.”

In 2018, former commission employee Deanna Matsko sued the agency alleging her supervisor used a racial epithet and disparaged her biracial child, along with making sexual advances toward her and offering promotions in exchange for a physical relationship, according to her lawsuit. Matsko also alleged she was subjected to retaliation at the agency after reporting the problems. Several of her allegations were substantiated by the Office of Employee Relations and state Division of Human Rights.

Matsko’s case was settled, and the state agreed to pay an undisclosed sum, among other terms of the settlement, Matsko’s attorney Douglas Walter Drazen said. The agency admitted no fault.

Matsko and five other state employees described experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment or knowing of complaints of harassment filed against multiple male employees of the commission, some in significant roles.

One former employee said a commission executive asked her to travel with him on work trips in ways that made her uncomfortable. She described women “hiding in the bathroom” to avoid the advances of another male employee. She said one coworker had a Playboy centerfold hanging in his cubicle. These allegations were investigated by an external entity and were “unfounded,” Maione said.

Two employees in another division described a supervisor threatening a female client that his state authority allowed him “access” to her blouse. “The offending employee was counseled and their workstation was moved,” Maione said. The employees also said that supervisor was known for bullying and harassing a subordinate coworker, a situation management was aware of and tried to intervene in, but had failed to stop.

The environment was so stressful that one longtime employee said they once went to an emergency room after work because of the intense anxiety they felt in the workplace.

“There were a lot of tempers and attitudes,” the employee said. “People would slam doors and scream. I observed bullying, probably harassment, too. … It just seemed like this was the office culture.”

A few former state employees who worked at harness racing tracks recounted multiple incidents at least six years ago in which coworkers bought or used drugs or appeared high on the job, they said in interviews or in a sworn deposition. They remembered reporting this behavior to superiors, but those involved kept their jobs. No current employees recalled drug use among commission workers.

The commission has no record of an employee’s emergency room trip or alleged drug use by workers, Maione said.

New York Gaming Commission headquarters on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, on Broadway in Schenectady, N.Y. The Times Union obtained 15 never-before-released reports about the conduct of Gaming Commission employees and two state horse racing funds. Will Waldron/Times Union

Multiple employees said they tried to report the problems they witnessed to supervisors, commission leadership, human resources, outside agencies that investigate discrimination, or the Gaming Commission’s inspector general — an official who until recently worked for the agency instead of being part of an independent office.

Most said they felt those problems were ignored or insufficiently addressed, leaving them to feel even more frustrated with their employer. Their overwhelming feeling was having nowhere to turn to get real help addressing problems they saw in their workplace.

“There isn’t one central clearing house for complaints … which frankly does make it confusing for folks looking to tell their story,” McCann, the PEF representative, noted.

Maione, the commission spokesman, said all alleged issues are properly investigated and, where warranted, responded to with appropriate action.

“The commission cannot help if unnamed individuals are unsatisfied with the outcome of such investigations or actions,” he said.

For many commission workers, their experiences contributed to the feeling that it wasn’t the best people working for the agency. Eight employees told the Times Union they felt some workers were hired, promoted or stayed at the agency on the basis of their political connections, not their merit.

Maione disputed that allegation, saying hiring and promotion decisions are based on “merit, experience and expertise.”

Lawsuits

In addition to Matsko, who sued the commission over her supervisor’s inappropriate conduct and the agency’s alleged retaliation, several other employees have brought their struggles with the commission to court.

Two women currently employed at the Gaming Commission, Patrice Williams and Tanya Stephenson, sued the agency in 2019 for alleged discrimination based on their gender after they were passed over for promotions, court filings show. Their lawsuits in federal court came after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued determinations that it was reasonable to conclude that the agency discriminated against the women.

The commission, in court filings, denied the women’s discrimination allegations and asserted the agency acted without malice, believing its actions were proper. The lawsuits are pending, and the women and their attorneys declined interview requests from the Times Union.

The state is also facing ongoing litigation from James Murtha, an inspector in the horse racing division, who alleges the agency discriminated against him on the basis of his disability — severe work-induced asthma and breathing problems — and retaliated against him, court documents show. The state said in court filings that Murtha was dismissed for other reasons. Murtha’s case is ongoing in state court, after a federal court dismissed his claims.

Likewise, another former employee, Marivi Wolfe-Santos, who worked as a Lottery representative, alleged in state court the commission failed to accommodate her disability and subsequently terminated her. The state has disputed her claims and moved for a summary judgment in their favor. The case remains active.

Paul Dos Santos, a former employee of the New York Gaming Commission, poses at his home in Yonkers, N.Y. Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Dos Santos received a settlement from the agency after he filed an age discrimination lawsuit against it. Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media

Meanwhile, the Gaming Commission recently settled with two former employees — Dos Santos, who worked for the state for 33 years, and Marla Fischl, a veterinarian employed at the agency — after they filed lawsuits alleging their terminations amounted to age discrimination. The commission admitted no wrongdoing in the settlements reached in 2019 and 2022, respectively, and paid the plaintiffs thousands of dollars.

Dos Santos, in an interview, said he also worked at the state Department of Labor.

“A lot of things that management did there (at the commission), it would never fly with the Department of Labor,” Dos Santos claimed. “The reason why we were let go is we were ethical.”

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JULY/AUGUST NEWSLETTER

(A newsletter that does NOT sugarcoat)

ANOTHER DEAD HORSE. WHERE IS THE MEDIA?

By Tim Finley

I am 77 years old and live in South Florida. I should be basking in the Florida sun beside the pool rather than doing the job of the media.

We live in an imperfect society and sadly one of the strands woven into our cloth are those who get off by watching animals suffer. Thankfully these sadists are a dying breed, but they are not dying fast enough. Thankfully, society no longer tolerates chaining dogs to a little house on a six-foot chain. Cock and dog fights are illegal, and recently dog racing has been outlawed. Unfortunately, a horse dying on the racetrack is still accepted as a cost of doing business.

It is no secret that Standardbred racing is doomed. If it was not for subsidies, it would be dead. We all know the reasons, and we all know one of them is the fact that the public is becoming more sensitive to watching horses die before their eyes. Dead horses are another nail in the coffin.

Believe it or not, the incidents of dying and lame horses can be reduced, but it requires attention and exertion. As long as nobody addresses the problem, the sooner the demise of a beautiful sport.

Societal changes are usually the result of media bombardments, and God knows we need changes in our sport. The media can manipulate, influence, persuade, and pressure society mentally, physically, and emotionally.

The Standardbred media is the only facilitator we have left to save our sport, but they either do not know how, are afraid of losing advertising dollars, or are just plain gutless. We all know the USTA is asleep, and the racetrack license holders are mostly casinos who want to see racing deteriorate. Horsemen’s associations are powerless, and the individual horsemen are busy doing what they do. Who does that leave? The media primarily publishes feel-good stories. Just ask Hollywood Heyden. HRU, Harnesslink, Midwest Harness, and the remainder have done nothing to address and solve the serious problems that are driving nails into the harness racing coffin. ADDRESSING SAFETY AND OTHER PROBLEMS IS PARAMOUNT FOR THE CONTINUANCE OF OUR SPORT AND THE MEDIA MUST BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENCOURAGING OUR SO-CALLED LEADERS, WHOEVER AND WHEREVER THEY ARE, TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS AND FIND SOLUTIONS. DO NOT WAIT. START NOW WITH THE DEATH OF CLASSIC LANDING.

For example, the recent death of the 2-year-old trotting colt, Classic Landing, dying before the public has been swept under the rug. Most sane people do not want to see that, yet it continues with very little investigation. Has driver Yannick been questioned. What about Burke? Classic Landing vet? Were the judges and state vet sleeping when the horse was scoring down obviously lame, or were they afraid to question the professionalism, or lack-thereof, of the Gingras/Burke team.

It is the responsibility of the Standardbred media to take this bull by the horns and get answers for those of us who care – and there are many. And while you are at it, do not accept a “heart attack” for being the cause of death. The horse’s heart quit beating, but there could have been an extenuating cause for that.

In horseracing, the term “heart attack” has become a “catch-all” term that is usually imprecise because sudden death is usually not the underlying cause of a cardiac event. Although the death occurs when the heart stops beating, heart attacks are rarely the fundamental cause of the death, according to my vet. Strictly speaking, horses do not suffer from heart attacks the same way people do.

“A heart attack refers to the blockage of a coronary artery which supplies the heart. This causes part of the heart muscle to die, and if the blockage is big enough, a heart attack can cause sudden death in a person. Horses don’t get blocked coronary arteries, but they do experience sudden death for other reasons. Sudden death in horses is a rare event as a percentage, but because so many horses are raced, a fair number die each week at racetracks. Not all of these deaths are truly cardiovascular sudden death; many are INSTANCES OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY.” (Ref. Paulick Report 7/11/2016)

Other maladies that can contribute to sudden death are respiratory, digestive, and multiorgan system disorders. Therefore, do not be hood-winked by a lazy vet who fails to perform a complete, professional necropsy and toxicology.

I PRAY SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE IN THE STANDARDBRED MEDIA WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPORT DEATHS, INJURIES, AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THESE INDUSTRY KILLING PROBLEMS. THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE BY BOB HEYDEN NAILS IT.

The following article written by Bob Heyden was borrowed from HRU (Harness Racing Update). I would rather ask for forgiveness than ask permission.

by Bob Heyden

Doug McNair told us after the ninth race, the Roses Are Red final this past Saturday (June 17) at Woodbine Mohawk Park, that he went from lying on the track in the eighth race with Wheels On Fire that did not finish to just 20 minutes later talking about the fastest female mile in Canadian history, 1:47.4 with Grace Hill.

I’ll have to take his word for what transpired in race 8.

After race 9, McNair took off his remaining drives.

Mark MacDonald told me the accident, “wasn’t pretty. James [MacDonald] hit my back leg.” Mark was driving Billy Clyde who finished sixth and was placed eighth and James drove Linedrive Hanover who finished third.

I guess so.

It was the $100,000 Mohawk Gold Cup Invitational. That I’m sure of.

What you didn’t see was any replay of the accident that marred the finish of the eighth race. Abuckabett Hanover, Tattoo Artist and Linedrive Hanover finished 1-2-3, respectively.

Why no replay?

It appears — and this is not a Canadian or American thing — it’s an industry-wide issue that we don’t really deal with anything other than the good stuff. The last 15 years or so of standardbred racing has seen the Leave It To Beaver-ization of the sport. Would anyone like another piece of cream pie?

There were 13 races on Canada’s biggest night, and 12 replays.

Ever watch a big cycling event from France? I have. Any mishap, likely a chain reaction or accident, is carefully scrutinized, replayed, dissected, you name it. It happens, and they cover it. Fully, and quite well.

Damar Hamlin from the Buffalo Bills had a cardiac event in an NFL game with the Cincinnati Bengals and the crowd and the entire sport, and then some, followed his progress and celebrated his comeback.

Last week, a player from the Boston Red Sox got hit with a line drive in the face playing the Yankees. He was hospitalized, and it was all over the news.

It happens. To pretend it doesn’t is doing a monstrous disservice to the fans, the bettors, casual observers, everyone.

We just saw some of the best free-for-allers in the world, and the sport’s very best drivers, scattered at the top of the stretch with several horses and drivers hitting the deck. Boom. Six, seven, eight seconds or so, and then out of view.

What happened? Was anyone hurt? Are the horses okay?

Instead of showing us anything, management decided that an announcement was okay and it was “12 minutes to race 9.”

McNair drove Grace Hill to perfection and then took off his drives. What is the exact definition of okay?

It’s called reporting, folks. Reporters want the full story and are trained to analyze all the facts. We don’t need a hurried press release and a muted announcement that everything is good. Even if it is.

In 1984, on March 20, Jack Parker Jr. got in a terrible wreck at The Meadowlands driving Hope Valley A. It was touch and go for him and he pulled through and 35 years later he drove in a Breeders Crown elim. But that accident brought on new rules for helmets and potential head injuries. Pylons came out in 1991 or so, depending on your track, for safety precautions. No more hub rails to worry about. Good idea.

The NFL began slo-motion replay in the late 1960s, the instant replay rule as of the 1986 season and have updated that today to the point of maybe too much. But they want to get it right. Good move.

How is not showing our best horses — $9.4 million in combined earnings lifetime — in the Mohawk Gold Cup, in the best interests of anyone? Can’t we learn from the incident? Why 12 replays and not all 13? Because we might be turned off from the sport? It is real guys; it is a part of our sport. Drivers aren’t wearing vests for style points.

To promote the sport as one that does not have risks — occasional accidents — is the height of irresponsibility. On March 23, 2003, John Campbell had a mishap in the first turn with Bonanza Alert. The sport’s leading driver hurt his arm badly and missed some time. Imagine if this was flowered over and not covered.

I am not asking to promote a Joe Theisman/Lawrence Taylor-like broken leg ad nauseum. I am asking to be treated with the respect that all fans, bettors, casual observers and reporters deserve. The truth. The whole story. We do not have temporary amnesia. We saw it — it happened quickly — but we know for sure something happened out there.

We also know this is part of the sport. Forty-five of the 50 years since Secretariat’s 31-length Belmont triumph, jockey Ron Turcotte has been paralyzed. Nobody wants this to happen. But we sure as heck want to see it again, and again, and collectively learn what may be done about it to prevent it from happening again. Without our heads in the sand.

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The Death of a Dream Sparked the Birth of a Book

(Romans 8:28)

From the South Florida Trotting Center to Amazon

By Tim Finley

Cast in order of appearance: Loveda Finley, Eric Cherry, the late Terry Tucker, God, the Holy Spirit, Bill Finley as Dad, Carmen Finley as Mom, Jake, the late Reverend Harold Place, Jesus, the late Reverend Weldon Stockwell, Hanna (family dog), the late Jeanie, Danny Collins, Steve Wolf, Frank Pompe, Eric Irving, Wayne Huizenga, Jr., Wayne Oke, Scott Mangini, Seth Fishman, and Sam Stathis.

This story goes back about fifty years when I fell in love with training and racing Standardbreds. I skip over most of the details because they are not the purpose of what I am about to reveal.

However, the majority of what I will expose to you began in 2001, when my wife, Loveda, and I were fortunate enough to fulfill our dream of moving to Florida from Ohio to train and race Standardbreds. That dream came true, but soon became a nightmare. Those were the lemons, with which I made lemonade.

Why am I bringing this up now?

REASON NUMBER ONE IS THE DEATH OF A DREAM:

For the last 18 years, Loveda and I have held on to a little hope that our dream, destroyed in 2005, would eventually reemerge. But with the closing and demolition of Pompano Park, and the sale of the South Florida Trotting Center to developers, our dream perished forever.

The death of our dream has been so disappointing to us, we decided to expose the killers and reveal their deviousness.

Although it has been almost 20 years, it still hurts. Loveda and I are approaching 80, and although our life overall has been wonderful, and we are thankful for that, we are still hurt from the pain imposed on us that we did not deserve. Our last 18 years should have been training and racing in Florida, as we had hoped for and planned. Unforgivably, the dominance of the owner of the South Florida Trotting Center, the multi-multi-millionaire, Eric Cherry (owner of 350 royally bred Standardbreds), assisted by his General Manager, the late Terry Tucker, plus because of the feebleness of the Pompano Park management, our dreams were crushed like a bug.

If I come across as a bitter old man, it is because I am a bitter old man. I suppose I could have advertised my book (discussed below) without all of the South Florida Trotting Center drama, but I wanted to expose the creeps mentioned above for what they did.

BUT WAIT! REASON NUMBER TWO IS THAT WE ARE CELEBRATING AND PROMOTING THE BIRTH OF A BOOK:

Our problems with Eric, Terry, and Pompano Park began when Terry told me he wanted to burn down a gay church and I half-kiddingly told him he was crazy.

Everyone who knows Loveda and me knows we have been active Christian evangelists most of our married life. We are not the type of boisterous evangelists who condemns everyone and who wears our faith on our sleeves as a badge of superiority. We had lived at the Trotting Center for four years and had never been criticized for being Christians. If anything, people looked to us for guidance and trust.

Apparently, because Tucker knew of our Christian faith, he probably thought I was one of those many Christians who hate gays, which I do not. I allow people’s behavior to be between them and God. I limit my evangelism to teaching Christian salvation to those who want to learn about the free gift of eternal life in Heaven strictly via faith in Jesus as savior. I allow the behavioral changes in people up to the very influential Holy Spirit.

Tucker’s hatred for gays to the point of wanting to possibly kill them, or at least, burn down their place of worship haunted me for several years after we were heartlessly evicted from the Trotting Center. As time passed, hate speech regarding gays became more widespread throughout our country. Although I was fairly well-versed in the Bible, I had never done an exegesis of what the entire Bible states regarding homosexuality. I will explain the meaning of the term “exegesis” later.

That haunting of Tucker’s cruel remark, accompanied by the urging of the Holy Spirit prompted me to spend a couple of exhaustive years writing my exegesis. A few years later, the Holy Spirit powerfully guided me to author a book – a book that presented every passage and verse from the Old Testament through the New Testament regarding homosexuality. The book is not based on my personal opinion, but on the opinion of the Creator God.

June was Gay Pride Month. Although the book was completed and published in 2014, now is the time to share it. Homosexuality, no longer hiding in a closet, is a subject dividing society. Although birthed by our personal pain at the Trotting Center, Loveda and I are pleased that this book may assist in resolving this social problem. We made lemonade from lemons.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.

Why a book about gays and God?

Prior to my authoring this book, I surveyed several dozen people, both Christians and non-Christians. I asked one question: “Can gays go to Heaven?” About half said a loving God would not send someone to Hell for loving someone of the same sex. The remaining half said God calls homosexuality an abomination, thus He would send them to Hell. Hmmm…both cannot be true. I could not accurately theologically answer that question, and that kept weighing on my mind.

Not one person had any theological knowledge regarding this subject. They all had preconceived personal opinions based on what THEY thought. Basically, most stated what “they thought” God SHOULD do. That ain’t theology, my friend. You cannot do God’s thinking for Him!

Knee-jerk, armchair personal opinions are not a systematic acceptable way to establish Christian doctrine. Cherry-picking one or two passages from one’s personal Bible can be dangerous.

The Bible can be confusing because each chapter may touch on multiple doctrines. Touching is not good enough because one or two particular passages may only present merely a “portion” of truth. To clearly understand what the Bible “means,” we must study from the beginning of the Old Testament through the end of the New Testament, and in the process gather all of the pertinent passages into one package. Only then can we begin to form an opinion. Few can or will do this. I did it for you. Remember, that package is just the beginning. Now we must begin to analyze utilizing critical analysis (explained below).

A great example of why one must be so careful and diligent when seeking the truth from one’s personal Bible lies in the little-known fact that most Bible publishers are “for-profit” corporations. That’s right. Your Bible contains flaws. To be able to be competitive in the capitalistic arena of Bible publishing, the publisher must produce a Bible that is superior or different to others. Once the Bible is ready to be printed, the “for-profit” company must copywrite their product. To be able to copywrite their product, it must not be a duplicate of any other Bible that has been previously published. Consequently, in order to adhere to copywrite laws, changes must be made throughout the new Bible to make it read “somewhat” differently from those in existence. Although Bible publishers strive to be historically and theologically accurate, sometimes they may be forced to fudge a change here and there that may cause this new Bible to be “different.”

Think about this. There are hundreds of Bible translations, all that are somewhat different. Which is accurate? I will tell you that most Bibles are similar in nature, yet minorly “different” in one way or another. Claim is often made that the purity and integrity of the Biblical text has been so altered throughout the centuries through copying and revisions that we can have wavering confidence in what it originally said. The original manuscripts were destroyed, so publishers must use copies of copies of copies. That does not mean Bibles have no value because the theology they present is historic and priceless – if carefully scrutinized. Scrutinizing is a tedious process. I did that for you.

I treasure the Bible as being God’s Word, but to become absolutely certain regarding a topic/doctrine, extensive research must be done, and it must be done with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, who is the most powerful force in the World. When writing my book, rather than my just using my one favorite translation, I used 30 translations/versions while comparing each in a effort to find exactly what the original manuscripts meant. Comparing Bibles and also reading the commentaries of trusted theologians usually reveals what message the Bible is trying to convey. This is referred to as an exegesis.

Exegesis means “exposition or explanation.” Biblical exegesis involves the painstaking, thorough examination, and interpretation of a particular text or topic of Scripture by comparing reliable translations, studying the commentaries of trusted theologians, plus using all reliable resources to ascertain Biblical truth. Exegesis is a part of the process of hermeneutics, the science of interpretation. A person who practices exegesis is called an exegete. I am an exegete.

Good biblical exegesis is actually commanded in scripture. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV). According to this verse, we must handle the Word of God properly, through diligent study. Personal opinions do not count in God’s World.

Another method of finding truth is to apply the principles of critical thinking. Enjoying your own bias disgraces the Word of God. Critical thinking entails methodically formulating evidence that is logical and well-thought-out. It is a way of thinking (forming an opinion) in which you do not simply accept all arguments and conclusions to which one is exposed, but rather by developing an attitude involving objectively evaluating such arguments, comparing differences of opinions, and then making conclusions based on all research and evidence. I am definitely a critical thinker.

My book makes learning easy for the reader because I researched both the Old and New Testaments for all verses and passages regarding the topic of homosexuality and salvation. I used exhaustive techniques resulting in my presenting approximately 1000 Bible verses. You will not be confused by stories that have no application to anything other than what the title of the book, “WILL GAYS GO TO HEAVEN” addresses.

If you are going to have an opinion, base it on what the Biblical research reveals. Know what you believe and why you believe it. Give my book a try.

Digressing to when I fell in love with Standardbreds

In the late 60’s, I was an engineer for a large steel company in Canton, Ohio, which provided me with adequate income to support my two children from a failed first marriage. Mental stress from the divorce caused me to quit my office job to work in a factory as a laborer. A much lower income caused financial difficulties, so I discovered my residence in the Graybar Hotel (jail) for non-support a few times. I was not a dead-beat dad, but my low income was not enough to satisfy my ex-wife or the court. Dad loaned me the money to catch up, so when released I moved back with Mom and Dad and then later to the comfort of a room at the YMCA. I did not feel like much of a man depending on my parents for accommodations. I was a bone-fide loser.

To start over, I moved from Massillon to Columbus, Ohio and worked in a factory by day while studying for my New York Stock Exchange license by night. It took 18 months, but I passed the exam first time out, and landed a position with a brokerage firm. They were reluctant to hire me because of my previous marital problems and accompanying arrests, but I promised to be one of their best producers. I kept my promise and in return was soon promoted to VP.

Because I had only minimal visitation with my two children, I needed something to keep my mind occupied during my free time. I missed seeing my kids overwhelmingly.

I bought a set of golf clubs, but I was lousy, and golf was too slow. I hated it.

Next came my flying lessons. I got my license but was so afraid of heights that I had to give it up. In aviation, generally speaking, the higher the altitude the safer it becomes in the event of a malfunction. That extra height provides additional time for the pilot to analyze and fix the problem. In addition, it allows the pilot more time and a greater area from which to choose in the event of an emergency landing. I did not look at it that way. I thought the higher I went, the further I had to fall. The FAA warned me not to fly close to the rooftops again. I quit flying unless commercially.

But wait! I was figuratively struck by lightning when my friend, Jake, a former Amishman, suggested I partner with him on one of those horses that pulls a buggy around a racetrack. Jake’s brother-in-law, an Old Order Amishman, had a family buggy horse that had previously raced, but was sent to the farm to transport the family in what we modern folk consider to be an antiquated fashion of transportation. Apparently following some time as the family’s mode of transportation, the horse seemed fit to return to the racetrack.

Jake and I drove to Walnut Creek, Ohio, one Saturday morning to make an evaluation. I knew nothing about racing horses, but the second I climbed into the family buggy and started down the gravel drive preceded by that beautiful animal, I was hooked. The clippity-clop was music to my ears. I found my hobby! I immediately wrote a check  for 50% and have been writing checks for many more Standardbreds  since.

It was in the mid 70’s that I became addicted to owning and training Standardbred racehorses. My position as VP of a prominent brokerage firm competed with my love for my newly discovered sport. I loved the action of the fast-moving markets, but the smell of a horse barn trumped my day job. I got my fair license, then my Q, and finally my P. I kept the day job but would frequently tell my secretary to tell anyone who called for me that I was at a conference. Truth be told, I was probably racing a horse somewhere.

Most people who know me are aware of the fact I have been involved in training and racing (harness racing) Standardbred horses for five decades. Consumed by every aspect of the sport, it is not what I do but defines who I am. The only difference between the addiction of addictive substances and racing horses is that there are cures for substance addiction. To date, there is no cure for being hooked on racehorses.

I was also hooked on my girlfriend, Loveda, the love of my life. When we met, she was inexperienced in horses and racing, but soon fell as hard as I had. We were both so actively involved in Standardbred racing that we exchanged our marriage vows in a small chapel, located on the backside, at Scioto Downs racetrack between the second and fourth races on June 26, 1977. The small wedding was officiated by (the late) Reverend Harold Place, an ordained Methodist minister, who also trained and drove Standardbreds.

Our lives were great. We were doing most things correctly, including a beautiful new home on five acres in Delaware County, as pictured below.

We had a small stable of horses at the Delaware fairgrounds, and executive type jobs in Columbus. Wonderful children – one from Loveda’s first marriage and two from my first marriage. Admittedly I spent too much time training and racing my horses, but we could afford it financially and loved our time with the horses. I was not a gambler per se’ but addicted to the day-to-day activity around our horses.

Our long-term plan was to eventually retire from the dress-up jobs, after the kids were raised and settled, pack-up our pets, our horses, and relocate to sunny Florida to train and race. That was our dream!

Training Standardbreds (trotters and pacers) is an art that can take decades to learn – if ever. So, daily and diligently I enthusiastically and expensively beavered at my future occupation, learning as I went. Loveda, always at my side, was learning with me and she was as excited about eventually relocating to Florida and training horses as me. Although our incomes were substantial, we realized our future finances would get us there, and support us for a while, but we would have to supplement our income via training and racing.

WE LIVE OUR FAITH…

Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association

1979 found me on an additional exciting path as I began my mid-life crisis. One of the first matters was to ascertain if I had evolved from a monkey or a part of this creation belief. I had a deep belief in a creator, but no religion per se’. For a year I studied all of the major World religions, but kept coming back to the Jesus fellow who was the only religious leader who seemed to have raised himself from being dead. Plus, I was told that by simply believing/trusting that He was God incarnate who came to Earth in the form of a man, and who died for ALL sins, for ALL mankind (that included me), for ALL time, I would be guaranteed eternity in Heaven. My heart told me to go for it, so in 1980, I accepted Jesus as my savior. Best thing I have done. Received peace.

Simultaneously with becoming a Christian, I wondered if I would have to quit racing horses because of the gambling involved in the sport. I prayed diligently until I was given an answer. Jesus instilled in me a convincing calling to begin a Christian ministry in the sport of Standardbred racing. That seemed odd to me. I was sure people would laugh at me for merging Christianity into a horseracing/gambling sport, but I could not resist the Holy Spirit. He gets what and who he wants.

For months I sat at my kitchen table, scribbling down plans, designing pamphlets and advertisements. I really did not know if this would fly until I read a Bible verse that read, “But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” Acts 5:39 (NLT). I thought to myself that if it was indeed a calling, it would fly. In 1983, I incorporated the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association and hired a retired pastor named Weldon Stockwell to be the Executive Director. That organization flourishes today, and although I am not active in its administration, I was appointed Lifetime Honorary Trustee in 1993.

Below: God blessed us to be partners in a horse that raced in the 2017 Hambletonian, named Give It Gas and Go, finished 5th and 6th. We were fortunate enough to attend the race and while at the Meadowlands, we visited the CHHA Booth and were surprisingly gifted with a 40th wedding anniversary present.

Below left: Tim boasts about what Jesus did for all mankind.

Below right: Jesus said, “Let the little ones come to me.”

Below: Tim and Loveda praying in a Wendy’s restaurant that Founder Dave Thomas’ efforts to promote choosing life over abortion are fulfilled.

Below: Tim’s first book. An exegesis on the free gift of salvation. Currently available on Amazon. Praised by President George W. Bush.

Below: Loveda teaching a class on Salvation.

Starting from post position eight in the following video is my wife, Loveda, representing the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association, in a Mini-Trot Fundraising race for Wally Ross, Jr. It took place at POMPANO PARK, The Racetrack from which Loveda was eventually barred “FOR NO REASON.” She may have finished seventh, but she was first in my book. I was so proud of her!

While on the topic of Loveda, I am also very proud that she was known throughout Ohio as the “Woman on a Mission”, a title she was given following her creating a new formula of pepper spray that ladies could attach to their keychains. She was summoned by police departments to give seminars to the public. Lives were saved. She sold the company before our relocating to Florida. Most of our funds were used to support our horses.

Below and to the left: An artist rendition of a racetrack chaplain leading a prayer in the jockey room before a day of Thoroughbred racing.

Below and to the right: Tim with the late, great Sam McKee at a CHHA Little Brown Jug Breakfast in Delaware, Ohio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tim loves sharing with others the Good News of salvation by grace thru faith in Jesus’ finished work, evidenced by the following photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRISON MINISTRY. While living at the South Florida Trotting Center, Tim was able to adjust his work schedule to become involved in Kairos Prison Ministry at the South Bay maximum security prison. It was definitely the most rewarding endeavor of his life. Lives transformed via the Holy Spirit. Loveda also accepted the calling to minister to those incarcerated, by ministering at a South Florida woman’s facility. Video of Kairos follows.

Below: Loveda’s Kairos’ Weekend – Sharing God’s Special Time

Below: Tim jogging Rambling Willie, “The Horse that God Loved.”

Health problems expedited our move to Florida

Fast forward to 2001. Our children were raised, and our nest was empty except for our critters. I was diagnosed as having had a series of mini strokes. My doc told me to consider changing my life’s path to something less stressful than being a stockbroker. It was time to head for Florida. Maybe the health problems were a part of God’s plan to move us south.

Tally Ho

We liquidated much of what we had acquired throughout our marriage, but we still required a do-it-yourself moving van to haul our remaining furniture, bed, clothing, etc. We still had a bunch of “stuff.” I drove and Loveda sat shotgun. Our pooch, Hanna, sat between us. Our cat and parrot were tucked into our black Jeep Cherokee, which had been loaded onto a trainer that tagged behind the van. I had never piloted such a big rig, so had no idea what laid ahead.

Tears of joy and happiness rolled down our cheeks as we pulled away from what was once our happy Ohio home. Our dream was being fulfilled as we headed for the South Florida Trotting Center. Florida was about to become our lifetime residence!

I had sent three horses ahead in a horse transportation van, which we anticipated would arrive simultaneously with our life’s treasures all packed in that moving van.

Our plan was to drive straight through from Ohio to Florida. I had done it before in our car, which took approximately 20 hours, but I added four hours because of the big rig. Boy, was I wrong!

After just eight hours of maneuvering that rig my nerves were shot. Being responsible for the safety of my family, all of our belongings, plus concerned about the safety of others on the roadways took a toll on me. We checked into a motel.

The second day was significantly more stressful because I had to weave through the mountains up and down hills. Eight hours later, another motel was mentally and physically necessary.

The third day on the road was thankfully our last and the only problem we had was running out of gas. I had misread the gauge. We sat on the side of the road until a very kind patrolman finally came by and took me to get gas in a can. I never claimed to be the brightest lightbulb on the tree.

Welcome to Florida!

We had tears of joy when we left Ohio and experienced them again when we crossed the Florida border. The tears were followed by cheers of joy and excitement. HOME!

Florida is a long state, so just crossing the border is not the end if one is going to the southern end. Eight hours later we finally pulled into the driveway of the South Florida Trotting Center.

9/11 had taken place about a week earlier, so we felt patriotic when we drove past the South Florida Trotting Center tack shop and noticed an artist had skillfully painted “GOD BLESS AMERICA” on the shop window. Yes, God bless America.

The next day the sign only read “BLESS AMERICA.” We asked someone where God went and were informed that Eric Cherry, the Trotting Center owner, was a dedicated atheist, and he did not want the word “GOD” appearing on that window. We were also told Eric was active in a movement to stop “In God We Trust” from being printed on our currency. We wondered how he could dislike someone (God) who he thought did not exist. After living there for a while, I realized Eric’s god was money.

Our horses had arrived three days earlier safe and sound. Within a few days our small worn, but cozy, apartment took on the ambience of home and our small stable looked as good as the larger stables, only smaller. We hung a yellow awning and lined the front of the stalls with baskets of yellow flowers. We also planted nice looking shrubbery along the front.

We could not have been happier. God Bless America!

The South Florida Trotting Center was our new home

The Trotting Center was all we had expected, and more. It was 100% horses, horsemen, training equipment, barns, walkers, two training tracks, a horse swimming pool, and a horsemen’s restaurant. The horse smell was like an expensive perfume, only in reality it costs more than perfume. If you have ever paid the bills on horses, you know what I mean. This would be our home maybe until we die – at least we hoped. We could not have been happier.

The entire facility sat on 150 acres of tropical Florida property. About fifty acres were planted with mature orange and grapefruit trees whose fruit was not regularly harvested and sold. We were told to freely take all we wanted because it was just going to waste. We did. Every morning we would climb aboard our bright yellow golf cart, appropriately named “Golden Boy”, accompanied by our pooch, Hanna, and head for the groves.

Below: Tim exercising our Ohio yearling purchase, Sandy Hoofprints, named in similarity to “Footprints in the Sand” and our “Golden Boy” golf cart. Sandy Hoofprints was a hard-hitting trotting female who beat many of the boys. Eric Cherry eventually purchased one half interest in her.

We had fresh grapefruit and orange juice every morning. The healthy taste of Florida!

Our small ground-floor apartment was centrally located on the property, so we were aware of most of what took place on the property. For instance, about once a week in the middle of the night we would hear horses squealing and the sound of hoofbeats running from barn to barn. Concerned about the welfare of all of the horses, we would jump out of bed, quickly dress, grab our “emergency” bucket of grain (knowing what was happening on a regular basis we always had an emergency bucket of grain) and we would hop into our golf cart and head toward the commotions.

We always knew it was a horse that got out of its stall and was running around the property enjoying its freedom from a 12X12 stall. Most of the horses had been sleeping, but with all of the commotion they were all soon awakened and hopping around their stalls in excitement.

When we spotted the culprit, we would ease, so as to not scare, our way to it and hold out the grain bucket, shaking it to entice the critter. It never failed. Within a few minutes we were able to put a lead on him/her and begin looking for its vacated stall. We lovingly tucked him/her back in bed, then we would put on two double snaps to secure the stall gate. Two snaps were used to keep the horse from doing it again, plus to alert the groom or trainer in the morning their horse had been loose and needed better care to assure its safety (many stables used only one snap).

The worst situations were those horses secure in their stalls but cast. Being cast is when they lay down but cannot get up because of confinement in a very small 12X12 area. The panicking horse’s legs and feet become lodged against a wall, and they become terrified, which oftentimes causes extreme physical harm or death. This is a very serious hazard, but we never lost one. We always carried a hobble in our golf cart for such an emergency. I would put one end of the hobble over one leg and carefully pull the horse’s leg toward the center of the stall and then carefully urge it to safely get to its feet. It is a very good feeling.

Although we enjoyed helping the loose or cast horses, we thought it irresponsible and cheap that Eric did not hire a night watchman to safeguard millions of dollars’ worth of horses. But we enjoyed helping out so continued free, although we never received so much as a thank you.

Substance abuse is not a stranger to racehorse people. We had several addicts on the Trotting Center grounds to whom we would reach out in an effort to help them get their lives on good footing. Our local church had a recovery program to which we would drive these folks once a week for their meetings. Helping others made/makes us feel good.

Jeanie, a former addict, and Trotting Center resident became seriously ill with terminal cancer. Jeanie was forced to quit her job as a caretaker, and she just laid in bed dying in her tiny one-room groom’s quarters. We took Jeanie under our wing, helping with her personal care, delivered food to her, plus took her to a Christian salvation church service in which she accepted Jesus as her savior. Toward the end of her life, we moved her to a Hospice residence where she passed peacefully. We were at her side throughout her end-of-life journey. I can say with confidence neither Terry nor Eric ever lifted a finger to help Jeanie. Why should they – she was just a lowly groom.

Loveda and I felt very comfortable with our presence because we felt we were making our little corner of the World a better place in which to live.

We did, however, feel a little uncomfortable because of some of the antics of Terry Tucker. A fair and accurate description was that he was mean and evil. Over time, my relationship with Tucker became laborious. He would lie, cheat, and steal, especially taking advantage of those less fortunate. I began to disrespect Eric because Tucker was his best friend and Eric, being no dummy, allowed it to happen.

In about the second year of our residence, Loveda was offered a job at the horsemen’s restaurant to share the responsibilities with another SFTC resident. Maybe a year later, Eric offered Loveda the job as manager of the Trotting Center restaurant without the shared responsibilities of the other person in exchange for our receiving free monthly rent. Even though she did not know why the other person was let go, it was a welcomed offer because we were getting short on cash. When we made our plans to move to Florida, we did not realize that keeping horses in Florida was extremely expensive. The stall rent was $350. a month versus $50. in Ohio. Hay was $15.00 a bale versus $2.50 in Ohio. The list goes on. It costs about four times as much.

Although Loveda was the “manager,” she had no employees or assistance. She cooked, cleaned, ordered supplies, was cashier, hostess, washed dishes by hand, and delivered custom made meals to the grooms and trainers in their barns. The job was too much for one person, so I asked Eric if I could be her assistant at no cost to him. I did it for Loveda, and not for Eric. Eric had a reputation for being selfish and cheap, so I did not ask him for pay. I figured if he had a heart, he would send some money my way. He did not. I did not have the heart to allow Loveda to do all of that by herself, so I worked free.

I got along well with Eric, at least it seemed so. I had brought an unbroken yearling trotting filly from Ohio (seen in the photo above being towed in the yellow golf cart). After I got her ready to race, I sent her to the Meadowlands to race. She had a heart of gold, speed, and endurance. While she was racing at the Meadowlands, Eric bought half of her from me at a fair, honest price. This new partnership excited me because I was able to use that money, plus I thought it could be the beginning of Eric and I being partners on a few horses. I liked being partners with the big gun, and I believed he respected me, or he would not have entered into that partnership. I had a reputation for being a creative, hard-working, animal loving, trustworthy trainer, so I thought my new career was ready to take off. Hence, the blossoming career as a trainer was a financial blessing.

Because we ran the restaurant, we became close friends with most of the owners, trainers, grooms, and SFTC staff. Most were customers and we were delighted that we were able to cook for our friends. There were a few tips, but because many of our customers were from Canada the tips were minimal. Canadians do not tip.

Speaking of friends and the restaurant, I need to get this off my chest. It has bothered me for decades. We had a regular breakfast customer who was a retired lady who had one broodmare that she bred every year and whose foals she would sell for extra income. One morning she was excited that Eric had offered to buy her yearling for $25,000. Her instructions were to have it delivered to Danny Collin’s barn; at which time she would be paid. Upon delivery she was given only $20,000. by Terry Tucker. She reminded him the price was $25,000. Tucker said, “Take it or leave it.” Of course, she had no choice but to take it. I do not know if Tucker pocketed the $5,000., or if he and Eric split it, or how the deal worked, but it reeked of wickedness.

Although friends with most of the people there, I realized the Trotting Center was a haven for crooked trainers. If they paid their rent, they were welcomed. Those evicted from training and racing at Pompano for drugging horses or cheating were immediately welcomed at the Trotting Center. Although the sleezy management of Pompano Park knew it, they did nothing. Why should they rock the boat? They were getting their paychecks, and then some. The hell with integrity.

The evicted trainers would continue to train, but on race-day, a beard (crooked) trainer would pick up the horses to be raced that night, and then take them to Pompano, do all of the work, be programed as the trainer (although they were not) and then bring them home after the races. Eric, Terry, the sleezy Pompano management, and the crooked Florida racing commission knew this was taking place, but they all looked the other way.

I did not like what I saw but was in no position to complain. I was living at the Trotting Center and racing at Pompano, so could not do anything heroic. Besides, I did not want to wake up with a horse head in my bed. For Loveda and my safety, and for the safety of the horses, I kept my mouth shut. I do not want you to misunderstand me. There were many fairly reputable trainers at the Trotting Center.

Then came the lemons

In the Bible, Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek. I have never been very good at that. I firmly believe Christianity appears to many men as The Great Emasculator. Consequently, numerous men reject Christianity.

In June 1971, Nixon officially declared “War on Drugs” as public enemy number one. We have lost that war, but if I had anything to do with that war, there would be many dead drug dealers. I do not believe we should yield to evil.

You must take a stand for God’s kingdom, not the kingdom of the world, and to be prepared for the “bullies” of the world to hate you as they hated Jesus. Fighting for goodness is not a sin.

Although the Trotting Center did not have a lemon grove, it had its fair share of lemons. Loveda and I eventually tasted the bitterness of Terry and Eric. And boy did we. I have described above that Eric, and I got along well, but he certainly turned his back on us to support Tucker. What he did was illegal and immoral. I had expected more from Eric. I lost respect for him and his lack of character. I am sure he would have treated us differently if we were big-time trainers or people of influence.

Our happiness came to a screeching halt one morning when, in the Trotting Center restaurant, Tucker told me there was a gay church in Palm Beach County that welcomed gays and suggested we burn it down.

I half-kiddingly told him he was crazy; at which time he proved his craziness by going berserk. Obviously, I struck a nerve when I suggested he was crazy.

He immediately retaliated by screaming that Loveda and I must move our residence, including our horses from the SFTC by midnight or he would turn our horses loose on Route 441, a highly travelled highway.

Because I feared for my life, Loveda’s life, and the life of our horses, I did not argue, but instead began to make plans to move. Tucker was extremely terrifying.

I called Steve Wolf at Pompano to see if I could get a couple stalls at the racetrack but was authoritatively told we had been barred from racing there and not allowed on their property. I requested a reason but was told they did not need a reason. Obviously Wolf had his strings pulled by the long arm of Eric’s money. We had been racing at Pompano regularly since moving from Ohio, and we had no violations, so I knew Tucker or Cherry had made a phone call. Money talks and Finley “literally” walks.

The following video is of THANK YOU SAM, one of my favorite horses, winning at Pompano before we were thrown out and not permitted to race there – for life. No reason given other than they could allow or disallow anyone they choose to race. This unfair and brutal act of the Pompano management caused me to send Sam to racetracks in the norther U.S. to race. Oh, the power of money! The entire story is now written.

From that point forward we were literally forced to walk because Tucker had ordered the Trotting Center mechanic, Frank Pompe, to remove the battery from our Jeep, which they had moved from our apartment to the maintenance building where they painted MANURE WAGON on the side. It remained titled to me thus it remained the MANURE WAGON. The cowardly Eric Cherry, once my partner, allowed this to happen. Frank Pompe and I had been Christian brothers and although he appeared masculine physically, he was gutless – afraid of Terry and Eric. Frank was present when Tucker told me he wanted to burn the church, so he should have been man enough to take a stand against evil. Frank was even to chicken to help us load the truck. He sat in his truck and watched Loveda carry heavy furniture. The only other person to offer us help was a young pregnant woman. The rest were chickens. I have not seen Frank since it happened, but I have changed his name from Frank to Judas.

It took about a week for us to vacate the Trotting Center, although we were not able to move everything. Throughout that week, Tucker continued to sneakily sequester our property, plus he constantly harassed us by trying to run us over with his van while we were driving our only means of transportation, our golf cart. It was a week of total harassment and fear. I called the police several times and they warned Tucker to back off, but he did not. The police insisted it was a civil matter because it was on private property, but I believe it differently. I called a couple of attorneys but was cautioned by them Eric had too much money to try to fight. American justice!

We finally purchased a $300. vehicle from a nice young trainer named Eric Irving. The beat-up little Toyota had been sitting in a field on the property for a year. We were forced to live in that $300. car for a month while we sought other housing. While we slept in our car, the owner of the SFTC was comfortably between his sheets in his $40,000,000. oceanfront mansion. After I got back on my feet, I took Eric Irving more money because I thought he sold the car to me too cheap. He could not believe someone would be that honest but being honest with him made me feel good. It was worth every dollar.

Even though we were able to move 70% of our possessions, Eric and Terry were still able to take jewelry, which had family sentimental value, furniture we had moved from Ohio, six expensive stall mats, and two practically new jog carts which we purchased before our move from Ohio. One of the jog carts was an anniversary gift from Loveda to me. There were other miscellaneous things, but what was missing most was the trust I had for Eric. Why would Eric need our junk unless he is just plain mean.

We were able to move two of our horses to the farm of Christian businessman Wayne Huizenga, Jr., but before we could get our recently acquired young trotting filly moved Tucker craftily arranged and allowed her to be moved by Wayne Oke to Kentucky and then sold her to an Amishman. I am not sure what a deal Tucker and Oke had but am sure it was crooked. Oke later became a judge at Running Aces but was disgracefully fired and fined $5000. by the Minnesota racing commission (Karma).

While all of this was taking place, I sought help from the Florida Department of Pari-mutual Wagering, but they refused to help. I am sure they were following the instructions of Pompano Park and Eric Cherry. Government officials do not govern the racetracks – the racetracks govern the government officials. That was recently proven when Jeff Gural had to spend close to a million of his personal money to begin draining the swamp.

Forbidden at Pompano, we had to send our horses to trainers in the northern part of the U.S. to race. Our GOLDEN YEARS were slaughtered.

Later

Tucker died a swift and unexpected death at about age 60 (Karma).

Although we were no longer residing at the Trotting Center when Tucker passed, we had remained friends with many of the people who were still there, so we heard the scuttlebutt.

Guess who Eric chose to replace Tucker as GM? None other than the infamous, registered/licensed pharmacist Scott Mangini. If that name does not ring a bell, Mangini was one of the several dozen felons sentenced to prison for manufacturing and distributing illegal performance enhancing drugs for racehorses. In case you did not know, Mangini and Fishman were connected at the hip headquartered at the Eric Cherry Trotting Center. Criminals were permitted to do their dirty deeds at the Trotting Center, yet Loveda and I had been evicted. What does that say about Eric Cherry’s character? We need wealthy people in our world of capitalism, but not when they use their power to destroy innocent people. Money should be used to help people.

This fiasco caused untrue rumors regarding me for many years. Eric knew we were good tenants and employees, so could have saved us from the pain and embarrassment, but he obviously did not care. Lies from a wealthy man are oftentimes believed simply because he is wealthy.

Years later

A few years later, we heard that the Trotting Center had been sold by Cherry to a man named Sam Stathis. I suggested to Loveda we go meet Mr. Stathis and see if we would be allowed back on the grounds. She agreed, but it took about a month for Loveda to remain calm enough to go through the gate. Each time (about once a week) we started through the entrance gate, she would hyperventilate and become extremely panicky. She was afraid it would begin again with Mr. Stathis, based on lies Eric may have told Mr. Stathis. Remember, her memories were of when we were persecuted and forced to be homeless. It was similar to a person who had survived a plane crash, but who had the need to overcome flying again.

Finally, when Loveda worked up the courage, we met Mr. Stathis, who was extremely gracious and kind. I still do not know to this day if he knew the problems we had with Tucker and Cherry, but his graciousness and friendship enabled us to finally feel comfortable at the place we once called home.

I hung on to hope that I could eventually win my way back into Pompano, but Pompano was closed and is being demolished. So, my dream of racing there is dead forever – dead!

Unfortunately for us, Mr. Stathis sold the Trotting Center to a development company. Obviously, now I have nowhere to train or race.

Last thoughts: If it were not for my faith in Jesus, I would have been tempted to retaliate to those who hurt us with an automatic rifle. You remember that when you want to squash someone like a bug or take prayers from our schools. Hurt people pay back pain with pain. Our country is overrun with hurting people. Jesus not only saved me, but he also saved Eric Cherry and a few others.

What a nightmare!

The only thing wrong with this is that it is not coming from the lips of one the USTA executives. Michael has the intelligence and courage to take the bull by the horns.

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09/09/2022 – Rick Dane Jr. Sentenced…

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09/08/2022 – Lisa Giannelli sentenced…

Petrelli comments on Giannelli sentencing…

Horse-lover Michael Petrelli apparently was the only Standardbred participant who attended the sentencing of Lisa Giannelli, and then gave a thorough analysis of the comments made by the judge and Ms. Giannelli’s attorney. Mr. Petrelli’s analysis is, as follows:

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Teaching a Yearling

TUTORIAL FOR PROPERLY BREAKING (I PREFER THE TERMS TEACHING OR EDUCATING) A YEARLING (OR BAD-ACTING) STANDARDBRED

By Tim Finley

In 2019, a good friend called and asked if I would be interested in buying and training his well-bred filly, named “J” that he had purchased a few months earlier, but that he wanted to dump (cheap). She apparently had been “broken” not by my friend, but by someone else who admitted to me she was very impatient with fillies. This filly was a mess. I am patient, kind, and creative so I bought her. J was just what I wanted.

Upon further investigation, I discovered she had busted up two jog carts, was a kicker, and refused the gate in her third attempt to qualify.

J’s miserable past experiences, plus having watched bad acting horses throughout my fifty-year racing career bothered me so much that I expedited this tutorial in hopes that someone might avoid the same mistake made on this nice filly by a hurry-up cowboy. The filly was NOT responsible for misbehaving. It was the fault of whoever “broke” her. She was “broke” indeed. Had the original trainer been capable of “carefully” evaluating a horse, she would have known J was not ready to hitch to a jog cart. It is that simple, and that sad.

I prefer using the terms teaching or educating because many horses that are broken the traditional way, are actually “broken physically, mentally, and/or spiritually.” “Breaking” a horse the traditional way frequently results in broken equipment in addition to a broken youngster.

Throughout this tutorial I will usually refer to the horse as a yearling, because those are usually the ones who need the most attention. Bad-acting horses can also be reformed using this method.

This system will condition your horse daily without the danger of immediately hitching it to a jog cart. The last thing you should do is hitch your horse to a jog cart. HUH? That is correct. Having a well-educated, uninjured, well-mannered animal is of the utmost importance. Risking the injury of a horse or person is not worth hurrying to do something that is of such importance.

Of course, there are many great horses that have been rushed along and become champions, but there are also those who could have been champions had the trainer spent more time teaching instead of “breaking” in the very beginning. Many Standardbreds have been completely ruined by reckless, in-a-hurry, trainers. Some of these trainers have great reputations, but we do not hear about the horses they screwed up and/or left behind.

My system will not lose any time in the mental and physical conditioning process. When the cowboys are jogging three miles, your valuable horse will be right beside them, even though your horse was educated and conditioned differently. And, when you first hitch your horse to a jog cart you will not need a third and fourth line. That is how well-educated and well-mannered your equine student will be, with no time being lost. Wait until you have read all that follows before you decide.

Throughout the last four decades, I have cheaply purchased several dozen mares and a few geldings that showed great potential, but who were broken (I say broken) the traditional way. Unfortunately for the horse, the traditional “breaking” way hurled the horse backward rather than advancing it forward. It was my pleasure to start from scratch with these “broken” animals and put them on the road to success. My goal has always been to be a “good” horseman and trainer. Money and fame were not a part of my aspiration.

In the early 1970’s, when first introduced to Standardbred racing, I was present when a young horse reared and fell backwards. It was lying there dying, but as it died, blood was leaking into its lungs and then being blown out of its nostrils in a heartbreaking bubbly substance. I will never forget it.

I jumped in to help clean the pools of oxygenated blood while the vet was summoned to put the poor horse out of its misery. We shoveled about ten 5-gallon buckets of blood before the horse was finally euthanized.

Following that tragedy, and watching many other horses being so-called “broken,” I soon realized something was seriously incorrect with the dangerous method being employed by the Standardbred trainers. It appeared that the trainers and grooms were enjoying wrestling with the horses, creating rodeo shows rather than educational sessions. This was certainly not horsemanship as I had envisioned it.

Realizing that Standardbred people are reluctant to change, I feel motivated to share my methods for those who may want to educate their green horses without the risk of injury to the horse, trainer, or caretakers.

Standardbred trainers are notorious for being among the most impatient when teaching horses, the do’s and don’ts of pulling a wheeled cart. Hurry, hurry, hurry! Some appreciate putting on a cowboy show for the onlookers regardless of what might happen to injure the green youngster.

I fault most trainers for the many horses, especially trotters, that make breaks behind the starting gate. This is usually due to a lack of proper training. It is not a flaw in the horse, unless the horse has physical/mechanical problems. After a breaking horse flattens out, if it can trot flawlessly, the horse probably has an anxiety problem that manifests itself behind the starting gate. Of course, we want our horses gutsy behind the gate, but there is a distinct difference between being gutsy and nervous. A relaxed horse will save its energy until the stretch drive and not waste it the first 100 feet. A relaxed, fast horse can leave like a rocket and not lose all of its fortitude the first 100 feet. Anxiety problems must be addressed and cured in the very beginning of the horse’s educational process by teaching the horse to relax under all circumstances. Relaxing does not mean making it into a deadhead. It is training it to be cool, calm, and collected in all circumstances. “Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.” Muhammad Ali

Until you study my entire advanced system you may be under the wrong impression that it is too slow, and not exciting enough; but in reality, after a month of educating the horse, the yearling will be more physically fit and better mannered than the horses educated (broken) the traditional (old) way.

Several Standardbred people have told me that my method is not necessary because the Standardbred has evolved into a smarter, easier-to-handle breed. This may be true, but I have seen many accidents in the newer Standardbred horses. They still rear, kick, pull, make breaks behind a starting gate. Do not kid yourself – they are still uneducated horses, and they are all different. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Rather than training a horse to trot, American trainers just throw hobbles on these so-called better-bred equines. I ask you, “If today’s Standardbreds have progressed, why the need for trotting hobbles?” You think about that.

Back to J. This big, beautiful three-year-old well-bred filly refused to do almost everything but eat. Before purchasing her, I was told they “attempted” to beak her the “traditional” way. They threw on the harness and jog cart and expected her to go forward. Instead of going forward, because of innate fear, she refused. Impatient and aggravated, they began employing the use of a whip. She began to kick which caused her to get one leg over a shaft which terrified her, plus demolished the jog cart. So, the rocket scientists continued to beat her and even used a cattle prod on her. It was rumored she had shattered a few more jog carts, run out of a few draw-gates at training tracks, oftentimes reared, and was famous for her kicking. Then, she was labeled “crazy.”

When she came to live with me, she was petrified of everything and everyone. I knew her maladies were manmade because I could see that beneath that crazy exterior was a sweet, gentle, yet fearful animal. Realizing I had a monumental task ahead, I accepted the mission of keeping her from being Amished (you know what that means).

Five veterinarians and about 100 horsemen told me she would never make it to the races. They also labeled her crazy. Although I have never been educated in veterinary medicine, nor am I a famous trainer, I know and love animals and knew she had the credentials and the ability to race. I may not be the brightest light bulb on the tree, but I can analyze animals and improve their behaviors.

I started from square one with this big, beautiful filly by carefully following the steps I have developed. Still a work in progress, she is now racing. She still has some minor issues, but they are getting better as she is more trusting, and she realizes that her job can be enjoyable.

Working with “behavioral project horses” is what I have loved to do for forty years. I have made many mistakes along the way, but I learned from them.

DIGRESSING TO WHEN I BEGAN TO RESEARCH A BETTER WAY

At this point, and before I begin my teaching techniques, I am going to digress to why and when I became captivated by learning and applying a new, more specialized way to instruct green horses.

In the mid 1970’s, following my introduction to the Standardbred racing business, I was stabled at the Ohio State Fairgrounds when I witnessed that horse dying as the result of rearing and falling backwards. Rather than merely accepting the fact it reared, I began to analyze why it reared, and what could have been done to prevent it.

That disgusting episode, coupled with my observations of many Standardbreds not well-mannered, I was 100% convinced it was the fault of the trainers and not the animals. It was my opinion that some horses would have been happier if their trainers would join the rodeo circuit and leave Standardbreds to those who know what they are doing.

It was obvious that many trainers, although they seemed somewhat adequate as horsemen, were always in a hurry to get the horses done, so they could sit around and drink beer while jawing. Training facilities seemed more like social settings than training facilities.

Personally, I wanted to be a good horseman and not a chit-chatterer.

I had recently moved my young family into a newly built house in the heart of Delaware, OH. horse country and was fortunate to have a well-respected American Saddlebred training facility as a neighbor. I constantly noticed these accomplished horsemen/horsewomen driving their exceptional mannered horses throughout the vicinity absent any problems. The difference between the manners of Standardbreds and American Saddlebreds and their trainers intrigued me. So intrigued, that I strolled to their facility one day to investigate.

I asked the training center owner, Lynn, if I could watch the American Saddlebred people train their horses, and she quickly gave me an open invitation. These horses would do everything the driver requested. They would go, stop, stand, back, turn, etc. I asked Lynn what the secret was, and she replied that it was patience and vigilant educating. The trainers/owners were interested in quality rather than quantity.

So impressed, I asked if she would teach me how to properly educate a green horse. She enthusiastically agreed.

I spent an entire year on a daily basis watching and assisting, while comparing these trainers to Standardbred trainers and the comparison was a unquestionable revelation. Hurry is not in the American Saddlebred language.

At the end of a year of my groundbreaking education, and after incorporating some of my own techniques, my reputation within the horse world blossomed. I was accepted as being very proficient in training young horses and rehabilitating horses with bad habits. I was honored to be invited by several all-world horse shows to demonstrate the proper way to break/educate a young horse properly.

In addition, I was hired by a few Standardbred trainers here and there to re-educate their horses that had behavioral issues. I probably could have started a public Standardbred stable, but I had a great job and a family to feed, so I benefited from the freedom of just training mostly my own.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING NOTES

NOTE 1: Although I have presented this in steps, a trainer may change the steps to accommodate what works in the best interest of the horse.

NOTE 2: There are many breeds of horses. Great trainers spend many hours a day with each horse. I realize this would be difficult for the owner of a large Standardbred stable, but it is the correct way to do it. Most caretakers pride themselves in working fast and furious so they can go home. If this characteristic fits your grooms, fire them and downsize. The horse comes first.

NOTE 3: Memorize the term groundwork. Groundwork with horses consists of exercises that you do with your horse before hitching to a jog cart.

NOTE 4: Memorize the term desensitizing. Desensitizing is used frequently by trainers and owners of many breeds, but foreign to most in the Standardbred community. Horses, by nature, are highly sensitive and naturally reactive because they have historically been the prey of many carnivorous creatures. Horses require patience and creative human guidance to gain trust. This is particularly true of racehorses that must adapt to training in a high stimulus, always changing, noisy, rushed atmosphere. The adrenalin rush should occur only when turning for home.

Desensitizing a horse is: to make emotionally insensitive, specifically to calm or extinguish an emotional response, such as of fear, anxiety, resentment, etc.

Sadly, many trainers and caretakers do not have the training or temperament, or both, to gain the trust of an animal. They oftentimes overreact and use provocation rather than patience.

NOTE 5: If you insist on being a cowboy, get out of the Standardbred sport and join a rodeo group. Putting on a tough guy show for the onlookers just makes you appear incompetent.

NOTE 6: Engrain you brain so that everything you do is pleasurable for the horse. Horses react to pleasure and kindness. Animals act and react accordingly to pleasure and pain. Realize there is no hurry, and that you will likely accomplish more in a shorter period. Haste makes waste.

NOTE 7: I am assuming you have a brush, curry comb, buckets, snaps, a thermometer, etc. These are the basics. However, there are three things not ordinarily found in a tack room that you will need if you want to be great at what you do. These can be purchased easily at most hardware stores, Lowes, or Home Depot.

You will need two pieces of 25’ white clothesline-type rope. Get white because you want it to be readily seen by the horse.

Next will be a wooden Dowling rod that measures 3 or 4 feet in length and one inch in diameter. The Dowling rod can be substituted by a piece of sturdy lightweight PVC plumber’s pipe.

Last, but not least, you should purchase two sturdy 10’ X 1 ½” or 2” outside diameter pieces of white PCV plumber’s pipe, hereafter referred to as groundpoles. These will temporarily be substituted as your jog cart shafts during the educating process. We will get into their use later, but it is worth the time and effort to use them before hitching a green horse to a jog cart. Groundpoles significantly reduce the risk of the horse being injured. Perhaps you have never experienced injuring a green horse, but if you injure just one, that is one too many.

EXERCISING

I like to begin exercising my horses, without a jog cart, as soon as I am comfortable the horse will be safe. Burning excess energy will lessen the chances of an accident and make the learning process more comfortable for you and the horse.

To hasten the process for the good of the horse, I usually try to exercise a young horse in the mornings and again in the late afternoons or evenings. A human athlete would not be much of an athlete if he, or she, was exercised for a half hour in the morning and then forced to stay in a small room until the next morning. Movement is essential to great conditioning.

Although exercising may not necessarily begin as Step 1, I am going to begin here so you can understand how your horse will become physically fit without hitching it the first week. It may appear to some that you are losing time by not hitching immediately, but in reality, you are keeping up with the rest of the trainers by employing alternative, safer exercises.

I told you in in the beginning of this tutorial that I will teach you how my system will not lose any exercise time in the conditioning process? I said, “When the cowboys are jogging three miles, your valuable horse will be right beside them, even though your horse was conditioned differently. No time will be lost.” I meant what I said.

When I have my horse developed to the point it trusts me, I begin the daily, or twice daily, exercise program – absent the jog cart. This can be done via lunging, leading behind a pick-up, being led by another horse, or by putting into a speed-controlled walker. Any and all of these methods are a safer way to exercise a green horse than immediately putting them in between the shafts of a jog cart.

One, or all of the following can be used successfully to condition horses. I mix them up to make the exercise period enjoyable and effective.

PADDOCK

Please remember that a young horse standing in a stall is going to become rambunctious. So, turn it into a paddock if possible, as often as possible. When it is time to bring the horse in, do not chase it around the paddock. Stand by the gate with a bucket of grain and shake the bucket until the horse comes to take a bite. Chasing a horse around a paddock to catch it is stupid.

If necessary, go into the paddock with the feed bucket and slowly approach the horse until it realizes that having a bite would be pleasurable. If that does not work, turn your back to the horse and walk towards the gate. Oftentimes a horse will follow its master. The key is to have the horse catch you. You are innately smarter than the horse, so act that way. Do not allow the horse to get into the bad habit of making you chase it.

USING A WALKER

I have always tried to educate my young horses at facilities where they had an enclosed electric, speed-controlled, horse walker. I love the South Florida Trotting Center (AKA Olympia of the Palm Beaches) because they have electronically controlled walkers with gates that separate the horses.

Immediately after my horse eats in the early morning, he/she is on the walker.

I use this fantastic way of exercising, schooling, and relaxing a horse from the launch of the horse’s education. The adjustable speed allows the trainer to control the horse’s tempo without injuring the horse. It is also an excellent way to teach a horse to switch gears without making a break. Because it is similar to a starting gate, you can teach a horse to start, slow, stop, and go with the turn of the switch. Similar to an interval jog. You can also reverse it, which is a great feature. I begin by walking the horse(s) for several minutes or more and then I speed it up to a point where the horse is comfortable yet working. I carefully watch the horse to make sure it is acting in a mannerly way, and that I am not pushing it too far or too fast.

I put my horses on the walker at least once per day for several weeks. This will leg-up the horse in preparation for when it is hitched. At first, I just walk the horse, but after about 5 or 10 minutes, I increase the speed to a jog, while watching the horse closely so as to not over-do it. They are usually on there for one-half hour, at which time we go back to the barn for some hands-on TLC.

LEADING BEHIND A PICK-UP

Most trainers have pick-up trucks, so this should not be too difficult. I have had several simulated gates made that slip over the tailgate of my trucks, making sure it is very sturdy.

I begin to train my horses to become accustomed to being led, while simultaneously becoming familiar with a gate. Also, because I do not put on any kind of blinders, the horse becomes comfortable with new things without jumping sideways and busting a shaft. I closely watch the horse via the rear-view mirror and if I see something that bothers the horse, I stop the truck and go back and pet the horse until it calms.

Before I lead a horse, I teach it that being back there is enjoyable. I tie a filled hay bag to the gate and allow the horse to enjoy itself while relaxing. I use two strong bungie cords attached to each side of the halter. This gives the horse freedom, plus eliminates the possibility of it injuring itself. I may not lead the horse for a couple of days, but when I do, I do it very slowly and carefully. A little speed can be added using common sense.

Once the horse is comfortable being led, I eliminate the hay bag. Also, once the horse is relaxed, I will begin to go further depending on the behavior and condition of the horse.

Throughout the decades, I have led many horses – young and old. They enjoy it and it allows them to move freely. They will use more muscles than being constricted to a cart. It is also great to interval jog. I have trained a few horses fast miles behind the truck and with no accidents but be alert and careful. This must be done with a seasoned horse.

LEAD BESIDE ANOTHER HORSE

If you do not have a pick-up, gate, or a training area friendly to leading behind a pick-up, I suggest you lead your youngster behind a seasoned Standardbred that is pulling a jog cart, or lead it beside a riding horse. This is a great way to exercise and manner a young horse.

LUNGING, PREFERABLY IN A ROUND-PEN

If you do not have access to a round-pen but have the room and money to purchase one – do it. A round-pen is money well spent. Portables can be purchased modestly. They also serve as a small paddock (fresh air and movement).

Most good horse trainers incorporate “lunging” into the educating/exercising process. Lunging is a useful exercise for both horse and trainer. It is a way to let your horse safely rid itself of excess energy, plus it can be beneficial in teaching the horse obedience. When done correctly, lunging can help a horse learn to be more flexible and balanced, as well as increase fitness.

When I have access to a round-pen I seldom use a lunge line in the first few lessons. I use one of those 25’ ropes I suggested you purchase. Holding one end, I consistently throw it at the horse’s hind feet until the horse catches on. Once I teach the horse to go one direction, I will reverse the process and teach it to go the opposite way.

After several sessions of successful lunging, I will begin lunging the horse with a simple snaffle snapped into the halter. This places pressure on the mouth, which gets the horse accustomed to bit pressure. Following a few days of successful bit pressure, I will snap a long line into one side of the bit and teach the horse what it feels like to have a line in the bit. A few days later, I will do the same thing only in the opposite direction.

A few days of this and I snap my long lines into each side of the bit and lunge in both directions. The lines lay over the back and as I want to change directions, I just toss the lines onto the opposite side. Before taking your horse to this step, please make sure you know what you are doing.

When lunging with long lines, you can put a little pressure on the lines and whisper “whoa”. By now the horse should be so well behaved that the whisper and slight pressure on the bit will communicate to the horse what you want it to do. If it has not caught on, go back a few steps, and begin again until you and the horse get it right.

Remember that this exercise routine can begin at any time, but the horse must be mentally ready. I would rather be a week late than one day early.

DESENSITIZING

There are many variables to consider when desensitizing a horse. All horses are not the same. Horses have different personalities, which must be appraised, respected, and considered. A high-strung horse may need more patience than those who are innately relaxed. Perhaps you have an older horse that was difficult for the previous trainer(s) to handle, and you have a goal of calming him/her, you may have to go back to square one. If you are working with a yearling that came from a breeding farm that spends time preparing a yearling for a sale, it may not need as much desensitizing. You must be the judge remembering that a pound of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

STEP 1: Before working with, or exercising, any horse, their temperature must be taken. The temperature should also be taken after being exercised to see how much it increased during the workout. I like to see a rise of one to three degrees depending on the horse.

A young horse may be reluctant to lifting its tail for the thermometer. DO NOT abuse the horse or force it to lift its tail. Instead, put a gob of Vaseline on a couple of your fingers and slowly, kindly begin rubbing the Vaseline on the underside of the tail. Do this gradually until the horse allows you to completely lift its tail while messaging it. Lifting the tail also allows you to clean dirt from under the tail. This tip is also helpful when putting the crupper under the tail. The horse will eventually enjoy lifting its tail for whatever needs to be done. Never put a crupper under a horse’s tail without thoroughly cleaning under the tail first. Remember you are working with an animal and not hoisting the rear bumper of a Four-Wheeler.

STEP 2: Gain the horse’s confidence by brushing, walking, and speaking softly. When walking the horse, teach it what “whoa” means. Once stopped, make the horse stand until you give it a signal to go. Before training horses, I trained German Shepherds, and the same principle applies when teaching a dog to heel.

One of many reasons for walking the horse on a lead is to make certain it is not going to shy at something old or new. You may think your horse is fearless, but few are. Be sure to introduce your horse to water trucks and tractors because these large, noisy pieces of equipment will become a part of the horse’s daily routine. Rather than having the horse shy and run into the jogger next to you, teach it in the beginning that the tractor or water truck will not gobble it up.

STEP 3: On a daily basis, run the Dowling rod all over the body of the horse. Rub over its back, down the tail, over its ears, on the belly, and down the legs, between the legs, etc. Do this a couple times daily until the horse COMPLETELY trusts you. It is all about TRUST.

STEP 4: After the horse relaxes with the use of the Dowling rod, begin to introduce the horse to the ropes. Using ropes to desensitize a horse is one of the easiest and best methods there is.

Employing your common sense and patience, be sure to allow the horse to see and smell the rope. After the horse learns that the rope is not going to hurt it, begin the rope desensitizing by slowly draping the rope over the horses back, such as you would when harnessing. Wrap it around where the harness goes and tighten it, then loosen it, and then tighten it again as you would the harness and belly band. Slowly teach the horse that tightening is nothing that will hurt it. See-saw the rope to desensitize the horse even more.

Gradually, over several days, move the ropes all over the body of the horse, including under its tail (like a crupper) and down its legs. I usually spend a lot of time doing the rope thing. Many horses will eventually wear hobbles, so this exercise with the ropes around the legs will also desensitize the horse to the hobbles when they are employed. This can be done in the stall of aisleway.

Put the horse in crossties in the aisle and tie a snap on the end of each rope and snap each end into opposite sides of the halter. Slowly, move the ropes over the horse’s rump, to get it comfortable with lines. Slowly move to the back of the horse far enough that if the horse kicks you will not get hurt. After the horse is comfortable, allow the ropes to slide over the rump and down the legs. This will desensitize the horse to an incident that may happen, such as the driver or caretaker dropping the lines. Ever notice how when a driver gets dumped in a race how the horse gets afraid and takes off? Desensitizing a horse to such things can save the horse and save lives.

Somewhere in this process cut a piece of a feed bag about 18 inches square. It will probably make a crinkling noise. Rub that over the horses back and all over its body until it calms and trusts you. After that, you can use an entire feed bag regularly until you and the horse get bored.

STEP 5: One of the first responsibilities of a trainer is to make the horse comfortable when working with its head, mouth, and tongue. The mouth is such an important factor in communicating with the animal that spending plenty of time working with its mouth is well worth the time.

I recently was partners in a yearling that was being trained in a large reputable Grand Circuit stable. One Saturday morning, when visiting, I watched as two caretakers tried to tie the horse’s tongue (it took two). The horse became so frightened that it reared and broke a crosstie. That was poor horsemanship. Grand Circuit does not always mean grand.

Begin mouth training by putting a gob of honey or molasses on your fingers and gently introducing it to the horse’s tongue. Do this several time a day. After a few days slowly introduce the bit into the horse’s mouth and after a few days of the horse becoming accustomed to this piece of steel being in its mouth, begin to snap the bit into the halter. The horse loves to play with it while you are doing other tasks. Relaxation is paramount.

After the horse is completely comfortable with someone messing with its mouth, begin to work on its tongue. Again, apply honey or molasses to your fingers and begin to massage the tongue. It will not take long until the horse becomes relaxed; at which time, you can begin the tongue-tying procedure.

STEP 6: Once the horse trusts you, begin to pick up its feet. Do this several times a day until the horse is comfortable. Horseshoers and veterinarians will also appreciate this training for sure.

STEP 7: At this point, which has taken about two weeks, your horse should be fairly well tamed, relaxed, trusting, and legged up a little. Time to put on the harness. This should not be difficult because of the work with the rope and trust imparted from the beginning.

I usually put on the harness, absent the crupper, but the crupper should go on easily because you trained the horse in the early stages to lift its tail happily.

If you have done a good job at this point, the horse is probably ready to be walked with a lead, but you may also want a third and/or fourth line.

If everything goes well, I will begin leading it behind my truck. I am careful putting it into a walker with a harness the first time because the sides may bang against the sides of the walker and scare the horse.

STEP 8: I am assuming you know how to bridle a horse, so I will not go into detail. You have already introduced the horse to a bit and the Dowling rod/rope around its ears, so bridling should be easy. I would not use an overcheck for a few days, and then I would keep it loose. The groom having to run beside the horse on the way to the racetrack to check it up is ridiculous. This is caused by poor horsemanship. A horse should be ready, willing, and able to stand while being checked and unchecked. Take your time!

STEP 9: Time to line-drive using the 25’ clothesline-type ropes. I am not going to spend much time instructing you how to line-drive. Most trainers know how to line-drive a horse. It is one of the basics.

Ground-driving is one of the best ways to teach “whoa” and “back,” and to teach a youngster to listen and feel your signals. Bit pressure signifies a right or left turn with subtle bit pressure.

A third and/or fourth line is suggested depending on the temperament of the horse. A little smack on the rump with the lines and a “cluck or kiss” signals the horse to go forward. The third and fourth lines may be needed to lead the horse if it fails to move forward. Soon, the horse will catch on.

This exercise is extremely important because it will become a major part of the animal’s daily work routine. Be patient and kind. Remember that you are smarter than the horse (hopefully).

I have had a lot of experience, so I feel comfortable and confident long-lining the horse in circles, changing directions every couple minutes, such as what is done on a lung-line only long-lining utilizes both long-lines and a bit. Long-lining is tricky, and I would not recommend it unless you have been trained by a professional. It is a super way to put a good mouth on a horse.

STEP 10: Time to drag the ground poles – without the lines. This step is really cool because it familiarizes the horse with the shafts of a jog cart without (hopefully) the risk of an injury.

I drill holes about an inch behind one end of each groundpole and then thread a piece of bailing twine into each hole. Leave about 10 inches after you tie a knot. You now have a loop. This allows you to drop the loop into the quick-hitch similar to how the jog cart shafts will be placed. In an emergency you can readily pull the twine from the hitch. Rig it any way that is comfortable and convenient for you, and in a way that if something unforeseen happens, you can release the poles.

A week or two before you begin dragging the poles behind the horse, be sure you familiarize the horse with this noisy white piece of equipment. Hopefully, you desensitized the horse in the beginning when you would rub the horse with the smaller/shorter piece. For a few weeks before this new task, I will frequently drag the pole around the outside of the stall and around the horse until it is completely desensitized to the sight and sound of these strange objects.

When you are confident the horse will remain calm, use a third and fourth line in case the horse gets spooked. YOU WILL NOT BE LINE-DRIVING FOR A FEW DAYS. THIS TIME IS SPECIFICALLY FOR DRAGGING ONE POLE IN ORDER TO GET THE HORSE ACCUSTOMED TO PULLING SOMETHING ON COMMAND WITHOUT FEAR. It is also a great way to eliminate any problems that may eventually occur in a jog cart. Do not pull more than one groundpole until the horse is completely calm. Then, you can switch the pole to the other side for a day or two.

Be careful when you begin the groundpole process. Many horses are immediately spooked, but if you have desensitized them properly and gained their confidence appropriately, your sheer presence and crisp, yet firm, voice commands should calm the horse.

Now, drop one end into the quick-hitch, but have a third person lift the groundpole off the ground until the horse is relaxed. After the horse relaxes it is OK to put the groundpole on the ground but be careful because a hollow PVC will make a lot of noise, especially when in gravel and that noise will follow the hollow center to the horse’s ear(s).

When the horse has learned how to pull one pole, it is time to add the other. If you have done your job correctly, this should be a-piece-of-cake.

STEP 11: Time to line-drive with the ground poles. Your student should be at a point where it has met most of the criteria for being a driving horse. Of course, you could take a short cut and throw on the jog cart, but there is no reason to hurry. Your trainee will not be racing for about nine months. Relax.

Now, harness the horse as if you are going to jog, but rather than hooking a jog cart, you will use the poles. To ensure the horse is ready, I suggest you use a third and fourth line. Attach the ground poles to the harness and begin to line-drive. Chances are the horse will be extremely comfortable, confident, and trusting – so down the road you go. Spend as much time line-driving as you need to prove to yourself and the horse that everything is under control.

Do this daily until you feel it is safe to jog in the cart. I usually spend the final couple of days without the assistance of a third and fourth line.

STEP 12: Last, but not least, is introducing the well-mannered youngster to the jog cart. It is extremely important the horse is ready, willing, calm, and able. Being educated to pull a cart is of utmost importance because that is what the horse will be doing for its livelihood.

It may have taken a few weeks or a month to get to this point, but that is nothing compared to the years the animal will hopefully be a servant. As your servant, you owe it to him/her to be educated with the utmost of care.

Your young horse has come a long way due to your time and consideration.

You should not need a third and fourth line because that was all taken care of in the patient groundwork you provided. However, caution may dictate that it is desirable for someone to ride along.

If you have done it correctly, the young horse has been conditioned well by being turned into a paddock, and/or lunged, and/or led, and/or put in the walker. Therefore, a three-mile jog is probably not out of line. I will not hitch a horse for the first time unless I am certain it can pull me and the cart three miles comfortably. I do not think you can do much good physically for a horse by just taking it once or twice around the track. Remember, you are developing an athlete.

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DRAINING THE SWAMP

IS PHILIP (BO) SOWERS AN ASSET TO STANDARDBRED RACING?

The following story appeared on the Standardbred Canada website January 28, 2021, approximately one month before Bo Sowers, the star of the article, was fined $500.00 and suspended for 15 days for the following violation (as listed on the USTA website):

UNIQUE SENSE OF HOME AT ‘MIGHTY M’

Journeyman horseman Philip ‘Bo’ Sowers may hail from New Brunswick, but he and his family have, by all counts, found themselves every bit as at home on the backstretch at Monticello Raceway as lifelong residents of New York’s Sullivan and Orange Counties.

The 49-year-old native of Fredericton, N.B., was born into the sport like many others and harnessed his first starter three decades ago, but didn’t start to find his groove until 2008, which was the first season where his starters amassed over $100,000 in earnings — quite the accomplishment considering the paltry purses his stable competed for in New Brunswick and Maine. Ever since, Sowers has steadily gained momentum, racing primarily in Maine through the 2010s and relocating his stable to Monticello in November 2018.

“Coming to a new place, new people, I can’t say enough about Monticello Raceway,” Sowers said in a recent feature published by the Narrowsburg, N.Y., River Reporter. “The people here have been phenomenal.”

Just as Sowers learned the ropes of harness racing from his family, his wife, Tammy, and his two adult children have taken on active roles in the operation as well. In fact was Tammy who convinced Bo to take the plunge into harness racing full-time after competing solely for the love of the sport in his early years.

“She made the call one day and said, ‘Let’s get back into horses,'” Sowers recounted.

“My dad was in it all his life, and I started driving with him when I was five or six years old,” said Sowers, whose 80 wins during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season gave him top honours among all Monticello-based trainers. McGwire, 20, has quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after drivers at the ‘Mighty M,’ finishing 2020 in fifth place in the local standings.

“My son drives all my horses,” Sowers continued. “It’s a thrill to watch him, from first to last. I just enjoy watching my son drive.”

The end

Bo Sowers sounds like an all-around good guy and horseman. Let’s look a little closer. Following is the violation I discussed in the beginning:

Possession of hypodermic needles, syringes and/or injectable and/or other drugs. Additional Details: Mr. Sowers is a licensed trainer of the NYSGC and has been found to be in violation of Rule # 4120.6 which states no person shall be in possession of any equipment which may be used for hypodermic injection or other infusion into a horse or any vial , bottle , or cartridge designed for such purposes. State Investigators conducted a random barn search on 2/24/21 and this was the result of that search. Mr. Sowers has waived his right to an appeal therefore , he has been suspended from participation for (30) days, beginning 5/3/21, reduced to (15) and been fined $1000.00 reduced to $500.00.

Again, last week (as reported in the USTA Fines and Suspensions week ending 08/04/2022), Sowers was fined for the second time for the same violation.

Possession of hypodermic needles, syringes and/or injectable and/or other drugs. Additional Details: RULING# 22040C Reciprocity Ruling On July 28, 2022 the New York State Gaming Commission issued Ruling No. MR40-2022 for possession of containers designated for use by hypodermic injection which is inconsistent with the best interest of racing. The Race Horse Industry Reform Act, 3 Pa.C.S. § 9323(g.1)(2), provides the authority for the Commission to suspend, revoke or discipline a licensee based upon a conviction for violation of the laws, rules, or regulations of horse racing in another jurisdiction. Based upon the suspension issued by the Board of Judges at Monticello Raceway, the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission, Bureau of Standardbred Horse Racing, pursuant to its reciprocal discipline licensing authority, 3 Pa.C.S. § 9323(g.1)(2), and/or, 7 Pa. Code § 185.12(b)(1), hereby suspends all occupational licenses held by Philip Bo Sowers effective August 1, 2022 through and including January 27, 2023. Full suspension – 180 days: 08/01/2022 – 01/27/2023

I remind you that this violation is one that is very serious and threatening to the sport of Standardbred racing. Already under a cloud of suspicion by the general public, Sowers is adding fuel to the fire. He is not only a bad representation of harness racing, but he is also cheating the betting public, plus cheating the honest trainers who must compete against him.

Rather than a six-month penalty, he should be sent packing. His licenses should be revoked, and he should be excluded from all racetracks for at least five years.

Furthermore, as most of us know, he will probably continue to train using a “beard trainer”. Who will be the eyes and ears for the sport to assure he is not training horses in any way, shape, or form? Can we trust the Gaming Commission to do their job?

Sure, we all make mistakes, but Sowers’ name is consistently on the USTA for violations. Twice in 2022 he was fined for Excessive or indiscriminate use of whip, among several other violations, 91 in all. Here is a list, as found on Pathway:

2022 – January to date, 7 infractions including 1 for drug paraphernalia

2021 – 3 infractions including 1 for drug paraphernalia

2020 – 3 infractions including 1 for “Conduct detrimental to the best interest of horse racing”

2019 – 4 infractions including 1 for “Excessive or indiscriminate use of whip”

2018 – 3 infractions including 2 for “Positive test- pre race”

2017 – 2 infractions including 1 for “Positive test- pre race”

2016 – 4 infractions

2015 – 9 infractions including 1 for “Low or excess level of authorized medication”

2014 – 10 infractions

2013 – 9 infractions including 1 for “Excessive or indiscriminate use of whip”

2012 – 6 infractions including 1 for “Medication procedure violation”

2011 – 4 infractions

1990-2010 – 27 infractions

Why am I so concerned about Bo Sowers? I began to follow his career shortly after a horse he was training fell dead while racing. I love horses, so usually do research to see if the racing authorities do a necropsy to assure there were no illegal drugs that could have caused or led to the death of a horse.

On May 4, 2021, I sent a letter, to the New York State Racing Commission requesting a thorough investigation in the death of a Standardbred racehorse named TWICE AN ANGEL, who was euthanized following her breaking down in the midst of a race. I realize racehorses break down, but in this instance, there had been a recent search of the property of the mare’s trainer. He was found guilty of possessing drug paraphernalia. To me, that threw up a red flag that perhaps the mare had illegal substances in her system, which caused her to push herself beyond her physical capabilities.

It has been approximately 15 months since sending that letter, and the New York State Gaming Commission has yet to give me a straight answer. They have replied but have skirted the issue.

I am now communicating with the New York Governor’s office to hopefully get an honest answer. I will keep you advised.

In the meantime, I encourage you to visit the story of Twice An Angel by clicking on her name in this website’s menu at the top of the page. Let’s give her some respect.

In closing, to judge for yourself, please visit the USTA website and go into Pathway and take a look at Philip Bo Sower’s list of violations. While you are there, take a look at his son McGwire’s violations. Seems like a chip off the old block.

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PULL YOUR HEAD FROM THE SAND

By Tim Finley

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U.S. Attorneys » Southern District of New York » News » Press Releases

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of New Yor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                  Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Horse Doping Drug Supplier Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court

Jury Deliberations Begin In Horse Doping Trial Of Seth Fishman

By Rob Gearty/Paulick Report/02/01/2022

A New York jury began deliberations Feb. 1 in the horse doping trial of Dr. Seth Fishman.

The jury of eight women and four men deliberated for about 30 minutes before retiring for the night without reaching a verdict. They resume deliberations the morning of Feb. 2.

The charges against Fishman, a 50-year-old Florida veterinarian, stem from a federal government crackdown on horse doping at tracks across the country in which more than two dozen individuals were indicted. Those charged include top trainer Jason Servis, who is awaiting trial, and Jorge Navarro, who was sentenced to five years in the case after pleading guilty. Prosecutors say racehorse trainers at Thoroughbred and harness tracks juiced their horses with performance-enhancing drugs manufactured by Fishman and designed to elude post-race testing. They say Navarro was one of Fishman’s clients.

At the start of the trial’s 10th day Tuesday, jurors noted Fishman’s absence in the courtroom for a second straight day. They weren’t told where he was, and Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil advised them not to speculate on his absence.

“Please don’t draw any inference as to why he may be absent,” she said.

The panel spent most of the day listening to prosecutors and defense attorney Maurice Sercarz clash over evidence in the case during closing arguments.

Prosecutor Sarah Mortazavi addressed the jury first and began by saying that Fishman built “a multi-million drug business through deceit.”

“You know what the defendant Seth Fishman is all about,” she said. “His business was to peddle adulterated and misbranded drugs, performance-enhancing drugs designed by him to cheat horse racing.”

Re-emphasizing evidence submitted during the trial, she paused to play a 2019 Federal Bureau of Investigation wiretap. In that recording, Fishman says that anytime you give something to a horse you are not supposed to, that’s doping.

Mortazavi said another wiretap quoted Fishman as saying he was cheating the system.

“If someone says they are trying to cheat the system, that’s what they are doing,” the prosecutor said.

A few minutes later, Mortazavi held a drug vial that had been seized from Fishman’s business in 2018 and showed it to the jury.

“We’re not talking about hay, oats, and apples,” she said.

Mortazavi said there was overwhelming evidence of Fishman’s guilt. The prosecution’s case included witness testimony, emails, text messages, and dozens of wiretap recordings. Three of the witnesses were trainers who said Fishman supplied them with PEDs.

To prove its case, the prosecution must show that Fishman defrauded or misled others over the course of the alleged conspiracy.

Mortazavi said the evidence showed Fishman tried to defraud and misled the Food and Drug Administration by registering his corporation in Panama.

She said the evidence also shows how Fishman tried to avoid scrutiny by racing regulators.

She reviewed a text quoting Fishman saying “absolutely not” when asked if an order of PEDs should be sent to an address at a track.

“Why not send it to the racing office,” Fishman wrote, apparently in jest.

“LOL,” was the response from Fishman’s business associate Lisa Giannelli.

Giannelli was being tried with Fishman, but a mistrial was declared in her case last week after her attorney tested positive for COVID-19.

Sercarz argued to the jury that there was insufficient proof from the government that his client defrauded or misled.

“Did he do something to violate racing regulations? Yes, but intent to defraud or mislead?” Sercarz said.

He contended Fishman’s actions were those of someone acting in good faith and who, as a licensed vet, had the horses’ best interests in mind.

“Seth Fishman improvidently chose to live in a rough neighborhood among racehorse owners and trainers bent on cheating,” Sercarz said.

“I submit it was Dr. Fishman who was trying to wean horses off much more dangerous stuff and provide a safer alternative while adhering to his oath as a licensed vet to protect the welfare and safety of animals.”

After Sercarz finished, prosecutors had the final say. Prosecutor Andrew Adams stood up and asked the jury to reject his adversary’s argument.

“He doesn’t have much to work with,” Adams said. “He’s not a magician. He can’t make the evidence disappear.”

The prosecutor told the jury that Fishman’s actions weren’t about helping racehorses but about helping his clients make money and cheat race regulators.

“He was a drug dealer, not a veterinarian,” Adams said.

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Fishman Trial Delayed a Day With Defendant Hospitalized

Attorneys did not disclose further details about Fishman. The trial resumes Feb. 1.

BY Robert Gearty

January 31, 2022, 7:31pm

Closing arguments were a late scratch Jan. 31 in the horse doping trial of veterinarian Dr. Seth Fishman being held in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.

New York U.S. District Court Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil met the lawyers for both sides in the robing room and then called the jury into the courtroom and sent them home. She told the jurors to return to court Feb. 1.

“There has developed legal issues that need to be dealt with,” Vyskocil told the jury of eight women and four men.

But Fishman’s absence in court only deepened the mystery. His wife, Hanna, was in the courtroom in the morning and at one point appeared to be visibly upset. He’s free on $100,000 bond and has appeared in court for each of the trial’s previous eight sessions.

The only other clue as to what was happening came when Fishman attorney Maurice Sercarz appeared in the courtroom after the jury had been dismissed and told the judge Fishman was on his way to the hospital.

“We are in open court,” Vyskocil said to Sercarz in admonishment.

Sercarz and his co-counsel Marc Fernich and prosecutors declined further comment.

Lawyers showed up in the afternoon for another conference in the robing room. The day ended with Vyskocil never returning to the bench.

The closing arguments were set to begin after the prosecution rested its case and the defense rested without calling a single witness, including Fishman. The jury has heard five days of testimony from 11 government witnesses.

Fishman, 50, is on trial on for conspiring to violate medication adulteration and misbranding laws. He’s accused of supplying horse trainers with illegal performance-enhancing drugs designed to evade testing by racing regulators in various states, including Florida, New York, and Kentucky.

Dr. Seth Fishman is on trial at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in New York.

Sercarz says the actions his client has been accused of were carried out to protect the health and welfare of horses in keeping with his oath as a licensed veterinarian.

Prosecutors allege that Fishman was part of a sweeping conspiracy to dope racehorses that included top trainers Jorge Navarro and Jason Servis and two dozen others. The New York U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the charges in March 2020.

Servis is awaiting trial and Navarro has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty.

Servis’ name hasn’t come up in testimony, but Navarro’s name has come up numerous times. Prosecutors said Navarro paid Fishman tens of thousands of dollars for PEDs.

The jury saw a video of Navarro’s doped X Y Jet winning the $2.5 million Dubai Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Gulf News (G1) in 2019. In a text seen by the jury after the race Navarro thanked Fishman for his help. X Y Jet later died of an apparent heart attack in early January 2020.

During the trial prosecutors also played an FBI wiretap in which Navarro was recorded speaking to Fishman.

Another prominent name that emerged in court in one of the wiretaps was that of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and the owner of the international successful Godolphin racing stable. On the other end of the line in the 2019 call was Florida harness trainer Adrienne Hall, who testified Jan. 27 that Fishman put her on a program with his PEDs and that she administered the drugs to a horse that won a low-level claiming race. Hall agreed to testify in exchange for a non-prosecution agreement.

On the wiretap Fishman appears to discuss a $2 million “program” that Dubai Equine, a veterinary hospital built by Sheikh Mohammed in 1995, devised for Thoroughbreds.

A transcript of the wiretap obtained Monday begins with Fishman telling Hall that his program “is not instantaneous.”

“Right, so OK, because they are racing on Sunday—they are going to be in on Monday. I gave the other stuff today anyway,” Hall says.

Fishman then goes on to say that it takes one or two weeks to start things.

“This is a program,” he says. “This is a program that Dubai Equine spent probably $2 million devising for their Thoroughbreds, you know? It is part of a program that uh, you know…there’s other stuff too.”

Fishman goes on to say that he was bringing Hall on slowly.

Fishman adds, “This is what they do for all their horses and overall, they are very happy. Sheikh (sic) Mohammed Maktoum (sic) said the best three years, you know, in the 30 years he has been racing and they are very happy. So, I’m sharing stuff with you. But then again that’s for Thoroughbreds so we just have to tweak some things out because some of the stuff I design for Standardbreds, they don’t work. So that’s why I’m charging you a fraction of what I normally charge so let’s just go baby steps, and we will just start from there, alright.”

Godolphin representatives were not available for comment Monday evening.

A tally shows the wiretap was one of 55 recordings the jury heard in the case. Almost all of them involved Fishman.

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The big question is who purchased all the dope? Perhaps that whistle will be blown.

Ohio Commission Suspends License Of Trainer Who Admitted To Using PEDs During Fishman Trial

by the Paulick Report Staff  – 01/29/2022

The Ohio State Racing Commission has suspended trainer Jamen Davidovich, reports bloodhorse.com, after his testimony during the federal trial of Dr. Seth Fishman revealed that Davidovich had bought and used performance-enhancing drugs supplied by the veterinarian.

“Jamen right now is going to have a suspended license,” OSRC executive director Chris Dragone told bloodhorse.com. “The stewards are drafting it up right now, and we’re going to reach out to him to schedule a hearing, but his license will be suspended, and he’ll be put on a ‘stop list’ as of the end of the day.”

Testifying on Thursday, Jan. 27, under a grant of immunity from Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, Davidovich said he met Dr. Fishman at a sushi bar in Florida. Asked by prosecutor Anden Chow how the subject of PEDs came up, Davidovich responded: “We were talking about different things to make the horse run better.”

Davidovich said he stopped administering PEDs in 2018 after meeting Dr. Steven Allday.

The trainer raced primarily in Ohio, with 66 winners from 333 overall starters on his record, according to Equibase.

Dragone said a hearing date has not yet been set, but told the TDN Davidovich could face a lifetime ban.

“We haven’t seen the transcripts (from the Fishman trial) yet,” Dragone told TDN. “But from everything I have heard and from what he said, this was blatant. This is very serious. This came out of the blue and we had no notice so far as what he was going to say in court. But when he said in court that he drugged horses we had to take action. And it’s possible that he may have his license revoked and that he will be ruled off for life.”

The following was taken from the BLOODHORSE article:

He was one of two trainers to testify in court Thursday, the other being harness trainer Adrienne Hall.

Dragone said a hearing date had not yet been established.

“I know we’re going to be getting together, talking about where we go from here, but we’re obviously pretty alarmed by what was revealed,” he said.

Thursday’s court room proceedings also included testimony from harness trainer Adrienne Hall, who also admitted to using PEDs supplied by Fishman. She last started a horse in December at the Meadowlands. Meadowlands owner Jeff Gural says he has not yet decided if he will ban Hall from his tracks.

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FROM THE ARTICLE: “On Friday, prosecutors set up a table in front of the jury box with dozens of boxes and bins containing vials of substances worth tens of thousands of dollars, seized at the time of Fishman’s initial arrest in 2019. Prosecutors say the vials contained PEDs.”

Elects Not to Testify After Prosecution Rests

Closing arguments to come Jan. 31 in federal horse doping case.

By Robert Gearty for BloodHorse Magazine
January 28, 2022, 4:19 PM

New York federal prosecutors in the horse-doping trial of Dr. Seth Fishman neared the finish line Jan. 28, bringing their case to a close after calling 11 witnesses and presenting evidence from FBI wiretaps.

 

“At this time the government rests its case,” prosecutor Anden Chow told U.S. District Court Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil on the trial’s eighth day.

A short time later, the defense rested their case without calling any witnesses or putting the accused veterinarian on the stand to testify.

Without the jury present in the Manhattan courtroom, Vyskocil told Fishman he had a right to testify but was under no obligation.

“So, it’s your decision not to testify Dr. Fishman?” the judge asked.

“That is correct,” Fishman said.

“And it’s your decision alone not to testify?”

“That is correct,” Fishman said.

The conclusion of testimony sets the stage for the next phase of the trial: closing arguments followed by jury deliberations after the judge issues instructions on the law. Eight women and four men comprise the jury.

Vyskocil told both sides that summations would commence Jan. 31.

Fishman, 50, was one of 27 horse racing insiders arrested in March 2020 in the biggest horse doping bust in U.S. history. Those charged included two prominent trainers, Jason Servis, who is awaiting trial, and Jorge Navarro, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison. Fishman is the first to go to trial in the case.

Prosecutors have accused Fishman of manufacturing illegal performance-enhancing drugs that harness and Thoroughbred trainers, including Navarro, administered to their horses to win lucrative purses and enhance their reputation. Prosecutors say those charged acted without regard to horse welfare, risking breakdowns and death.

Prosecutors allege that Fishman was especially sought after because he claimed that his products wouldn’t appear in customary post-race testing.

Fishman is charged with two counts of conspiring to violate adulteration and misbranding laws. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

He went on trial Jan. 19 with Lisa Giannelli, who worked with him for 18 years. Vyskocil granted her a mistrial after her lawyer tested positive for COVID-19 Jan. 24.

Fishman contends that he carried out the accused activities in the good faith belief that he was practicing veterinary medicine.

On Friday, prosecutors set up a table in front of the jury box with dozens of boxes and bins containing vials of substances worth tens of thousands of dollars, seized at the time of Fishman’s initial arrest in 2019. Prosecutors say the vials contained PEDs.

Additionally, Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Jarrett Concannon testified that during a search of Fishman’s business in South Florida last month, he took photos of the same products stored on shelves.

Prosecutors say the search showed Fishman was in possession of PEDs in violation of his bail conditions.

Samples of drugs sold by Dr. Seth Fishman that prosecutors allege are performance enhancing.

The government’s witnesses were a varied assortment. They included a woman who worked for Fishman and his Equestology business in South Florida for five years and testified after agreeing to a non-prosecution agreement with prosecutors.

They further included Ross Cohen, a defendant in March 2020 indictments. He agreed to flip as part of a cooperation deal with the feds.

Also testifying were two current trainers, Adrienne Hall who has a small stable of harness horses in Florida, and Jamen Davidovich, who ran principally in Ohio in 2021 and has a start this year in New York.

Each testified Fishman supplied them with PEDs for their horses after reaching out to the veterinarian a few years ago.

Jurors also heard testimony from three FBI agents and two experts in veterinary medicine.

As part of their case, prosecutors played excerpts from more than two dozen wiretaps that captured Fishman discussing horse doping and bragging that his products weren’t “testable.”

“Don’t kid yourself,” Fishman is heard saying to an unidentified male individual on the other end of the line in a wiretap from April 15, 2019. “If you’re giving something to a horse to make it better, and you’re not supposed to do that, that’s doping. You know, whether or not it’s testable that’s another story.”

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Trainers testify to racing horses on PEDs supplied by Dr. Seth Fishman

January 28, 2022

PUBLIC PERCEPTION!

This is what is being sent to thousands of animal-loving people throughout the country by HORSERACING ABOLISHIONISTS. If you want to save Standardbred racing, I suggest you get on board by insisting the USTA begin an aggressive program to make Standardbred racing safer.

At Least Three Killed in Same Race at Northfield Saturday

JANUARY 2, 2022

After about 20 minutes, I watched as a truck pulling a trailer slowly exited the course and I knew its contents. A woman spoke randomly to me, “This is the part of racing that I don’t like.” That, and a couple of little girls crying out briefly was the only sign that something bad had happened. Not long after, the horse handlers were back to joking and smiling. After everything was cleaned up, they ran the last race of the day. The show must go on. Bettors have their bets in. There is another race to be run, money to be made. Not me. I’m done.

I was at the rail as the beautiful Santa Barbara won the Mr. D Stakes at Arlington and learned she died a few weeks later while training. Don’t get me started on Medina Spirit. And now Mommas Boy Otis before my very eyes. I watched Hawthorne’s replay of the race the next day. I wanted to see the reality. I wanted it to speak to me. It did. I also noticed your organization came up when I searched for Mommas Boy. Stunning does not begin to describe it. Consider me enlightened, another convert. Thank you for your efforts to bring this to public awareness. You are making a difference.

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RACEHORSES DYING OF HEART ATTACKS

Horsemen Freddie Hudson, Bob Marks, and Trade Martin are three of the most aggressive and effective individuals examining problems, and then seeking solutions in the Standardbred racing industry. Via their weekly podcast, this week they hosted a most interesting interview with cardiologist, Dr. Sam Barbera, M.D., who is also a Standardbred aficionado regarding what could be causing this seem-to-be growing problem of racehorse heart attacks. They also discuss the heart problems with champion Standardbred pacing horse, soon-to-be stallion, known worldwide as Perfect Sting. Do not miss listening to this interview!

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KEEPIN THE SPORT GOING

By Tim Finley

It is important that you know that am NOT one who is against racing horses.

However, born an animal fanatic, I have a passion for the well-being of all critters. I love meat for most of my meals, but I do not do the killing. When young, I was an avid hunter, but after shooting a rabbit one day, I felt so guilty that I sold my guns. I had never felt guilty about hunting before, but that one time pointed me in a different direction. I shudder when I see commercials on TV that show animals being abused. I do not like to think about mice being used for medical research, but if it advances prevention and cures for humans, I accept it.

I have owned, trained, and driven (a little) Standardbreds for nearly five decades, so I deserve your respect. I love the breed, thrive on training, and am very aware they are competitive and most like to race. Standardbred racing is a sport meant to be, but it has been ruined by cheaters and the lack of keeping up with the times.

When it pertains to the safety of the animals and drivers, nobody is more commited than me to constantly make advancements to keep our athletes safe. Unfortunately, I am one of few, or at least it appears that way.

This website is devoted to address all aspects of racing, including exposing wrongs that the USTA and other websites sweep under the rug. I need your help and not your criticism.

Thanks. Phone 561/480-8964

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Very Interesting Interview With Larry Rolla

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EXTRA, EXTRA, EXTRA!

THE REASONS FOR THE WRECKS PLUS SOLUTIONS

By Tim Finley

Newsletter – November 13, 2021

WOULD STANDARDBRED RACING ATTRACT MORE ATTENDEES IF THEY OFFERED FREE BEER WHILE THEY CLEANED UP THE BODIES FOLLOWING ACCIDENTS?

By Tim Finley

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Newsletter – November 6, 2021

VIDEOS OF LIFE-THREATENING STANDARDBRED RACING WRECKS CAN NOW BE VIEWED ON THIS WEBSITE – SEE MENU

But first, you may want to read the following recent (November 8, 2021) Facebook posts for insight as to why we chose to add these videos. These conversations are typical of the laissez-faire attitude towards the bodies of people and horses flying through the air as a result of these life-threatening mishaps.

Tim Finley posted on Facebook: THESE LIFETAKING WRECKS MUST END!

Please do not shoot me. I am just the messenger. Here is the message: The public’s perception of Standardbred racing is not good and it is getting worse. Denim is the new fur, and slots are the new Standardbred.

Throughout the last few decades there has been a significant shift in social responsibility on major topics such as the environment, animal rights, and whether we should all go vegan for the good of the planet.

“Animal welfare has surged in our society,” states Wayne Pacelle, the former CEO of the Humane Society, and the founder of Animal Wellness Action. The future of harness racing is contingent on PUBLIC PERCEPTION, but sadly, according to a recent survey by Xenophon Analytics in Washington, D.C., sixty-nine percent of the people surveyed had a NEGATIVE PERCEPTION of the horse racing industry.

Our website, HARNESS RACING ACTION, is challenging the status quo within Standardbred racing by encouraging immediate changes designed to improve the image of Standardbred racing by proving to the public that there are (a few) people within the industry trying to “clean it up.” Harness Racing Action does not just pick out someone and try to make them look bad. We report what is actually happening – positive and negative. If we neglect addressing the negative, the negative will prevail.

You may think I, Tim Finley, sit at home looking for the bad news in Standardbred racing, but that is not my intent. I receive the bad news via dozens of emails sent to me weekly from animal rights groups whose goal is to abolish horseracing. They send dozens of stories and videos of Standardbred horses being pulled-up lame or euthanized at U.S. racetracks. The animal rights groups mailing list is gigantic and growing. In the meantime, our Standardbred leaders, whoever and wherever they are, are scratching their heads wondering why Standardbred racing is shrinking.

Prior to writing this, I was sick to my stomach by the thought of reporting more bad news, but I feel compelled to do something even though I will receive many potshots. I asked my wise wife, Loveda, why I do it and she told me it is because I care so much, and it is the moral thing to do, it is the right thing to do. I have had so many people take potshots at me that Loveda uses my body as a strainer when she cooks. I am usually an upbeat, positive person, but I get sick at the thought of horses being euthanized on the racetracks as a penalty for doing their jobs. Nobody loves Standardbreds more than me. Furthermore, I love the competition among Standardbreds as they compete.

I realize there are some hard-hearted gamblers (and hard-hearted horsemen) who really do not care for the welfare of the animals. The hard-hearted “gamblers” only care about getting their bet down and hard-hearted “horsemen” only care about winning (the horse is expendable).

Of course, accidents happen in all of life’s endeavors, but in most endeavors, mankind usually attempts to keep the accidents at a minimum. Sadly, having been involved in Standardbred racing for the last 45 years, I have never been aware of an aggressive, successful attempt to keep horses from dying on racetracks.

There are many groups currently working hard and successfully to assure the well-being of retired Standardbreds, but nothing is being done to assure that all Standardbreds are able to live until retirement. That, my friend, is archaic and ruthless.

There are currently multiple splintered skirmishes taking place to assure the safety of the equine, but it is all lip service. The USTA mouths that it has a plan, and HISA may be on the horizon, but while the legal battles continue, horses continue to die. If there is a plan accepted to make racing safer, it will take so long to implement that the animal rights groups will make giant strides to abolish horseracing. The opposing groups within the industry must begin to work together to make changes NOW. Quit the bickering and get to work!

What to do? What to do? What to do? The answer is to do something even if it is wrong.

“Tis a lesson you should heed, try, try again. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again”.  Thomas H. Palmer (1782–1861)

I have asked several people who have influence within the Standardbred industry to assist me in creating a collaboration that will address those issues that are harming what is meant to be a beautiful sport, but to no avail. I am not sure if they do not care, if they dislike my frankness, or if they simply want to pass the buck. Whatever the cause of my failure, I, with the assistance of, and encouragement from, my lovely wife Loveda, will continue as long as we are able.

I humbly request you please visit our website and go to the menu titled “USTA GET MOVING.” Then, read it, download it, make a physical copy, or whatever, and then make any adjustments you personally feel are necessary. Then send it to the USTA either by email or US mail. This is a grass roots movement, but everything starts somewhere. Thanks.

Gary Bonacci replied to Tim Finley’s post: “These events will never end in any competitive sport. They are part of racing and it is unfortunate. Public perception lasts about 3 minutes then it’s on to the next thing. It’s not easy for anyone involved to put one down, but the public has a short memory and while a sad event, it does not turn people away after an accident.”

Tim Finley replied to Gary Bonacci, “As a futurist, I disagree. Public perception may last about three minutes for some, but for most, seeing horses killed on a racetrack has a lasting effect. Look at the declining numbers. They do not lie. With new forms of gambling, and because society changes, seeing dead horses will eventually create even less fans. Who needs bodies flying through the air when you can walk inside and participate in other forms of entertainment/wagering? Maybe racetracks should give out free beer while they clean up the bodies? Better yet, let’s make the sport safer.”

Gary Bonacci replied to Tim Finley: “those same people you talk about go to NASCAR races to see the crashes. The problem with racing is 1) laziness 2) reluctance to change 3) too many chiefs and not enough Indians 3) no leader of men. 4) people keep complaining but offer no solutions nor the foresight and wherewithal to see their ideas through. If something is ever going to propel this sport forward it will be the sports biggest owners/trainers and Drivers sitting down to form a new coalition to effect change.

Tim Finley to Gary Bonacci: “I agree with your analysis of what is wrong with the industry. I have been analyzing Standardbred racing for four decades, and compiling solutions to the mounting problems. Consequently, last year I decided to build a website hoping that our industry leaders would visit the website and recognize the need for changes and consider my solutions. Sadly, I do not think they care, but I keep trying.

One thing I disagree with in your analysis is your opinion comparing Standardbred racing to NASCAR primarily because there are no animals involved in the crashes.

The majority of Americans are animal lovers, and that passion is becoming more intense. The increased love for critters is not a fad but is here to stay. Based on this premise, I will make a few predictions to substantiate my point, as follows:

1. Since the peak of DOG RACING in 1985, state laws have led to the closure of racetracks across the country. After Iowa and Arkansas close their tracks at the end of 2022, only two dog tracks will remain, which are both in West Virginia. Racing dogs for sport is history.

2. COCKFIGHTING is illegal in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The last state to implement a state law banning cockfighting was Louisiana; the Louisiana State Legislature voted to approve a ban in June 2007, which went into effect in August 2008. It took a long time until people began to realize it is cruel. It is gone forever.

3. DOG FIGHTING is a type of blood sport that turns game dogs against one another in a ring or a pit for the purposes of gambling or the entertainment of the spectators. Dog fighting has been popular in many countries throughout history and continues to be practiced both legally and illegally around the world. In the 20th and 21st centuries, dog fighting has increasingly become an unlawful activity in most jurisdictions of the world, despite the fact that in cultural practice it may be common. Most civilized people think dog fighting is despicable and it will never be legal in the U.S.

4. BULLFIGHTING will never be legalized in the U.S. Furthermore, it has been banned in many countries where it was once legal.

5. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, TO REINFORCE MY PREDICTION REGARDING STANDARDBRED RACING IS THE FACT THAT HORSES ARE ONE OF THE MOST LOVED ANIMALS ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH. THE GENERAL PUBLIC ACCEPTED OCCASSIONAL ACCIDENTS, BUT HORSES BEING EUTHANIZED ON THE RACETRACK AS A RESULT OF DOING THEIR JOBS, IS ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF STANDARDBRED RACING. WITHOUT MAKING CHANGES, STANDARDBRED RACING WILL CONTINUE TO DIE A SLOW DEATH.

There are methods which could be introduced to minimize wrecks on the racetracks, and I would welcome the opportunity to be invited to be a member of the USTA safety task force. WHOOPS! There is no USTA safety taskforce.

Tim Finley posted regarding wrecks: “GREAT FOR PUBLIC PERCEPTION” (BEING FACETIOUS)

Graham Mccann replied to Tim Finley’s post: “an accident is exactly that, an accident, happens a million times a day on highways”

Tim Finley replied to Graham Mccann: “Thanks. I understand the meaning of the word and I realize there are accidents daily. In our country, hundreds of millions of dollars are spent to prevent “automobile” accidents that take place on the highways. We test the vehicles. invent new ideas to keep the autos safer, hire police to patrol the streets watching for irresponsible drivers, have emergency rooms for those injured, etc. Furthermore, most accidents involve “people” and not animals, and they take place when those individuals are performing daily tasks. THEY ARE NOT INVOLVED IN A SPORT THAT INVOLVES EQUINE ATHLETES PULLING A SULKY AROUND AN OVAL SO THAT GAMBLERS CAN WAGER ON THE OUTCOME. The sport of Standardbred racing has done nothing to make the sport safer!

Please see WRECKS in the above menu.

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Newsletter – September 19, 2021

Draining the Swamp…

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EXTRA, EXTRA, EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT.

Teaching a Yearling

          TUTORIAL FOR PROPERLY BREAKING (I PREFER THE TERMS TEACHING OR EDUCATING) A YEARLING (OR BAD-ACTING) STANDARDBRED

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

A few months ago, a good friend called and asked if I would be interested in buying and training a well-bred yearling colt that he had seen for sale on-line. “Of course,” I said. I reviewed the pedigree and looked at the six on-line photos and was impressed. He apparently had not been “broken” and was just what I wanted.

Upon further investigation, I discovered they had attempted to “break” him, but he had busted up two jog carts. So, they advertised him for sale.

It bothered me so much that I expedited this tutorial in hopes that someone might avoid the same mistake made on this nice colt by a hurry-up cowboy. The colt was NOT responsible for misbehaving. It was the fault of whoever “broke” the colt. He was “broke” indeed. Had the trainer been capable of evaluating a horse, he would have known it was not the time in the educating process to put the equine in a jog cart. It is that simple, and that sad.

I prefer using the terms teaching or educating because many horses that are broken the traditional way, are actually “broken physically, mentally, and/or spiritually.” “Breaking” a horse the traditional way frequently results in broken equipment in addition to a broken youngster.

Throughout this tutorial I will usually refer to the horse as a yearling, because those are usually the ones who need the most attention. Bad-acting horses can also be reformed using this method.

This system will condition your horse daily without the danger of immediately hitching it to a jog cart. The last thing you should do is hitch your horse to a jog cart. HUH? That is correct. Having a well-educated, uninjured, well-mannered animal is of the utmost importance. Risking the injury of a horse or person is not worth hurrying to do something that is of such importance.

Of course, there are many great horses that have been rushed along and become champions, but there are also those who could have been champions had the trainer spent more time teaching instead of “breaking” in the very beginning. Many Standardbreds have been completely ruined by reckless, in-a-hurry, trainers. Some of these trainers have great reputations, but we do not hear about the horses they screwed up and/or left behind.

My system will not lose any time in the mental and physical conditioning process. When the cowboys are jogging three miles, your valuable horse will be right beside them, even though your horse was educated and conditioned differently. And, when you first hitch your horse to a jog cart you will not need a third and fourth line. That is how well-educated and well-mannered your equine student will be, with no time being lost. Wait until you have read all that follows before you decide.

Throughout the last four decades, I have cheaply purchased several dozen mares and a few geldings that showed great potential, but who were broken (I say broken) the traditional way. Unfortunately for the horse, the traditional “breaking” way hurled the horse backward rather than advancing it forward. It was my pleasure to start from scratch with these “broken” animals and put them on the road to success. My goal has always been to be a “good” horseman and trainer. Money and fame were not a part of my aspiration.

In the early 1970’s, when first introduced to Standardbred racing, I was present when a young horse reared and fell backwards. It was lying there dying, but as it died, blood was leaking into its lungs and then being blown out of its nostrils in a heartbreaking bubbly substance. I will never forget it.

I jumped in to help clean the pools of oxygenated blood while the vet was summoned to put the poor horse out of its misery. We shoveled about ten 5-gallon buckets of blood before the horse was finally euthanized.

Following that tragedy, and watching many other horses being so-called “broken,” I soon realized something was seriously incorrect with the dangerous method being employed by the Standardbred trainers. It appeared that the trainers and grooms were enjoying wrestling with the horses, creating rodeo shows rather than educational sessions. This was certainly not horsemanship as I had envisioned it.

Realizing that Standardbred people are reluctant to change, I feel motivated to share my methods for those who may want to educate their green horses without the risk of injury to the horse, trainer, or caretakers.

Standardbred trainers are notorious for being among the most impatient when teaching horses, the do’s and don’ts of pulling a wheeled cart. Hurry, hurry, hurry! Some appreciate putting on a cowboy show for the onlookers regardless of what might happen to injure the green youngster.

I fault most trainers for the many horses, especially trotters, that make breaks behind the starting gate. This is usually due to a lack of proper training. It is not a flaw in the horse, unless the horse has physical/mechanical problems. After a breaking horse flattens out, if it can trot flawlessly, the horse probably has an anxiety problem that manifests itself behind the starting gate. Of course, we want our horses gutsy behind the gate, but there is a distinct difference between being gutsy and nervous. A relaxed horse will save its energy until the stretch drive and not waste it the first 100 feet. A relaxed, fast horse can leave like a rocket and not lose all of its fortitude the first 100 feet. Anxiety problems must be addressed and cured in the very beginning of the horse’s educational process by teaching the horse to relax under all circumstances. Relaxing does not mean making it into a deadhead. It is training it to be cool, calm, and collected in all circumstances. “Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.” Muhammad Ali

Four years ago, I became involved as a partner in a great-looking, well-bred trotting filly. This excellent specimen was being trained in Canada, and because I live in Florida, I assumed a passive role. The well-known trainer put the harness and jog cart on her the same day, and she became so scared that she reared-up and fell backwards. Her injuries prevented her from a potentially great racing career. The trainer, of course, swept the incident under the rug and blamed the horse. One injured horse is one too many.

Until you study my entire advanced system you may be under the wrong impression that it is too slow, and not exciting enough; but in reality, after a month of educating the horse, the yearling will be more physically fit and better mannered than the horses educated (broken) the traditional (old) way.

Several Standardbred people have told me that my method is not necessary because the Standardbred has evolved into a smarter, easier-to-handle breed. This may be true, but I have seen many accidents in the newer Standardbred horses. They still rear, kick, pull, make breaks behind a starting gate. Do not kid yourself – they are still uneducated horses, and they are all different. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Rather than training a horse to trot, American trainers just throw hobbles on these so-called better-bred equines. I ask you, “If today’s Standardbreds have progressed, why the need for trotting hobbles?” You think about that.

Two years ago, I purchased a big, beautiful three-year-old well-bred filly that refused to do almost everything but eat. As a yearling, she had been in the hands of a hard-handed, impatient, so-called trainer who thought he could educate her by using force. Before purchasing her, I was told they “attempted” to break her the “traditional” way. They threw on the harness and jog cart and expected her to go forward. Instead of going forward, because of innate fear, she refused. Impatient and aggravated, they began employing the use of a whip. She began to kick which caused her to get one leg over a shaft which terrified her, plus demolished the jog cart. So, the rocket scientists continued to beat her and even used a cattle prod on her. It was rumored she had shattered a few more jog carts, ran out of a few draw-gates at training tracks, oftentimes reared, and was famous for her kicking. Then, she was labeled “crazy.”

When she came to live with me, she was petrified of everything and everyone. I knew her maladies were manmade because I could see that beneath that crazy exterior was a sweet, gentle, yet fearful animal. Realizing I had a monumental task ahead, I accepted the mission of keeping her from being Amished (you know what that means).

Five veterinarians and about 100 horsemen told me she would never make it to the races. They also labeled her crazy. Although I have never been educated in veterinary medicine, nor am I a famous trainer, I know and love animals and knew she had the credentials and the ability to race. I may not be the brightest light bulb on the tree, but I can analyze animals and improve their behaviors.

I started from square one with this big, beautiful filly by carefully following the steps I have developed. Still a work in progress, she made it to the races. I had placed her with a great trainer friend in Michigan, but tragically she perished in a barn fire shortly after her racing career began.

Working with “behavioral project horses” is what I have loved to do for forty years. I have made many mistakes along the way, but I learned from them.

DIGRESSING TO WHEN I BEGAN TO RESEARCH A BETTER WAY

At this point, and before I begin my teaching techniques, I am going to digress to why and when I became captivated by learning and applying a new, more specialized way to instruct green horses.

In the mid 1970’s, following my introduction to the Standardbred racing business, I was stabled at the Ohio State Fairgrounds when I witnessed that horse dying as the result of rearing and falling backwards. Rather than merely accepting the fact it reared, I began to analyze why it reared, and what could have been done to prevent it.

That disgusting episode, coupled with my observations of many Standardbreds not well-mannered, I was 100% convinced it was the fault of the trainers and not the animals. It was my opinion that some horses would have been happier if their trainers would join the rodeo circuit and leave Standardbreds to those who know what they are doing.

It was obvious that many trainers, although they seemed somewhat adequate as horsemen, were always in a hurry to get the horses done, so they could sit around and drink beer while jawing. Training facilities seemed more like social settings than training facilities.

Personally, I wanted to be a good horseman and not a chit-chatterer.

I had recently moved my young family into a newly built house in the heart of Delaware, OH. horse country and was fortunate to have a well-respected American Saddlebred training facility as a neighbor. I constantly noticed these accomplished horsemen/horsewomen driving their exceptional mannered horses throughout the vicinity absent any problems. The difference between the manners of Standardbreds and American Saddlebreds and their trainers intrigued me. So intrigued, that I strolled to their facility one day to investigate.

I asked the training center owner, Lynn, if I could watch the American Saddlebred people train their horses, and she quickly gave me an open invitation. These horses would do everything the driver requested. They would go, stop, stand, back, turn, etc. I asked Lynn what the secret was, and she replied that it was patience and vigilant educating. The trainers/owners were interested in quality rather than quantity.

So impressed, I asked if she would teach me how to properly educate a green horse. She enthusiastically agreed.

I spent an entire year on a daily basis watching and assisting, while comparing these trainers to Standardbred trainers and the comparison was a unquestionable revelation. Hurry is not in the American Saddlebred language.

At the end of a year of my groundbreaking education, and after incorporating some of my own techniques, my reputation within the horse world blossomed. I was accepted as being very proficient in training young horses and rehabilitating horses with bad habits. I was honored to be invited by several all-world horse shows to demonstrate the proper way to break/educate a young horse properly.

In addition, I was hired by a few Standardbred trainers here and there to re-educate their horses that had behavioral issues. I probably could have started a public Standardbred stable, but I had a great job and a family to feed, so I benefited from the freedom of just training mostly my own.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING NOTES

NOTE 1: Although I have presented this in steps, a trainer may change the steps to accommodate what works in the best interest of the horse.

NOTE 2: There are many breeds of horses. Great trainers spend many hours a day with each horse. I realize this would be difficult for the owner of a large Standardbred stable, but it is the correct way to do it. Most caretakers pride themselves in working fast and furious so they can go home. If this characteristic fits your grooms, fire them and downsize. The horse comes first.

NOTE 3: Memorize the term groundwork. Groundwork with horses consists of exercises that you do with your horse before hitching to a jog cart.

NOTE 4: Memorize the term desensitizing. Desensitizing is used frequently by trainers and owners of many breeds, but foreign to most in the Standardbred community. Horses, by nature, are highly sensitive and naturally reactive because they have historically been the prey of many carnivorous creatures. Horses require patience and creative human guidance to gain trust. This is particularly true of racehorses that must adapt to training in a high stimulus, always changing, noisy, rushed atmosphere. The adrenalin rush should occur only when turning for home.

Desensitizing a horse is: to make emotionally insensitive, specifically to calm or extinguish an emotional response, such as of fear, anxiety, resentment, etc.

Sadly, many trainers and caretakers do not have the training or temperament, or both, to gain the trust of an animal. They oftentimes overreact and use provocation rather than patience.

NOTE 5: If you insist on being a cowboy, get out of the Standardbred sport and join a rodeo group. Putting on a tough guy show for the onlookers just makes you appear incompetent.

NOTE 6: Engrain you brain so that everything you do is pleasurable for the horse. Horses react to pleasure and kindness. Animals act and react accordingly to pleasure and pain. Realize there is no hurry, and that you will likely accomplish more in a shorter period. Haste makes waste.

NOTE 7: I am assuming you have a brush, curry comb, buckets, snaps, a thermometer, etc. These are the basics. However, there are three things not ordinarily found in a tack room that you will need if you want to be great at what you do. These can be purchased easily at most hardware stores, Lowes, or Home Depot.

You will need two pieces of 25’ white clothesline-type rope. Get white because you want it to be readily seen by the horse.

Next will be a wooden Dowling rod that measures 3 or 4 feet in length and one inch in diameter. The Dowling rod can be substituted by a piece of sturdy lightweight PVC plumber’s pipe.

Last, but not least, you should purchase two sturdy 10’ X 1 ½” or 2” outside diameter pieces of white PCV plumber’s pipe, hereafter referred to as groundpoles. These will temporarily be substituted as your jog cart shafts during the educating process. We will get into their use later, but it is worth the time and effort to use them before hitching a green horse to a jog cart. Groundpoles significantly reduce the risk of the horse being injured. Perhaps you have never experienced injuring a green horse, but if you injure just one, that is one too many.

EXERCISING

I like to begin exercising my horses, without a jog cart, as soon as I am comfortable the horse will be safe. Burning excess energy will lessen the chances of an accident and make the learning process more comfortable for you and the horse.

To hasten the process for the good of the horse, I usually try to exercise a young horse in the mornings and again in the late afternoons or evenings. A human athlete would not be much of an athlete if he, or she, was exercised for a half hour in the morning and then forced to stay in a small room until the next morning. Movement is essential to great conditioning.

Although exercising may not necessarily begin as Step 1, I am going to begin here so you can understand how your horse will become physically fit without hitching it the first week. It may appear to some that you are losing time by not hitching immediately, but in reality, you are keeping up with the rest of the trainers by employing alternative, safer exercises.

I told you in in the beginning of this tutorial that I will teach you how my system will not lose any exercise time in the conditioning process? I said, “When the cowboys are jogging three miles, your valuable horse will be right beside them, even though your horse was conditioned differently. No time will be lost.” I meant what I said.

When I have my horse developed to the point it trusts me, I begin the daily, or twice daily, exercise program – absent the jog cart. This can be done via lunging, leading behind a pick-up, being led by another horse, or by putting into a speed-controlled walker. Any and all of these methods are a safer way to exercise a green horse than immediately putting them in between the shafts of a jog cart.

One, or all of the following can be used successfully to condition horses. I mix them up to make the exercise period enjoyable and effective.

PADDOCK Please remember that a young horse standing in a stall is going to become rambunctious. So, turn it into a paddock if possible, as often as possible. When it is time to bring the horse in, do not chase it around the paddock. Stand by the gate with a bucket of grain and shake the bucket until the horse comes to take a bite. Chasing a horse around a paddock to catch it is stupid.

If necessary, go into the paddock with the feed bucket and slowly approach the horse until it realizes that having a bite would be pleasurable. If that does not work, turn your back to the horse and walk towards the gate. Oftentimes a horse will follow its master. The key is to have the horse catch you. You are innately smarter than the horse, so act that way. Do not allow the horse to get into the bad habit of making you chase it.

USING A WALKER I have always tried to educate my young horses at facilities where they had an enclosed electric, speed-controlled, horse walker. I love the South Florida Trotting Center (AKA Olympia of the Palm Beaches) because they have electronically controlled walkers with gates that separate the horses.

Immediately after my horse eats in the early morning, he/she is on the walker.

I use this fantastic way of exercising, schooling, and relaxing a horse from the launch of the horse’s education. The adjustable speed allows the trainer to control the horse’s tempo without injuring the horse. It is also an excellent way to teach a horse to switch gears without making a break. Because it is similar to a starting gate, you can teach a horse to start, slow, stop, and go with the turn of the switch. Similar to an interval jog. You can also reverse it, which is a great feature.  I begin by walking the horse(s) for several minutes or more and then I speed it up to a point where the horse is comfortable yet working. I carefully watch the horse to make sure it is acting in a mannerly way, and that I am not pushing it too far or too fast.

I put my horses on the walker at least once per day for several weeks. This will leg-up the horse in preparation for when it is hitched. At first, I just walk the horse, but after about 5 or 10 minutes, I increase the speed to a jog, while watching the horse closely so as to not over-do it. They are usually on there for one-half hour, at which time we go back to the barn for some hands-on TLC.

LEADING BEHIND A PICK-UP Most trainers have pick-up trucks, so this should not be too difficult. I have had several simulated gates made that slip over the tailgate of my trucks, making sure it is very sturdy.

I begin to train my horses to become accustomed to being led, while simultaneously becoming familiar with a gate. Also, because I do not put on any kind of blinders, the horse becomes comfortable with new things without jumping sideways and busting a shaft. I closely watch the horse via the rear-view mirror and if I see something that bothers the horse, I stop the truck and go back and pet the horse until it calms.

Before I lead a horse, I teach it that being back there is enjoyable. I tie a filled hay bag to the gate and allow the horse to enjoy itself while relaxing. I use two strong bungie cords attached to each side of the halter. This gives the horse freedom, plus eliminates the possibility of it injuring itself. I may not lead the horse for a couple of days, but when I do, I do it very slowly and carefully. A little speed can be added using common sense.

Once the horse is comfortable being led, I eliminate the hay bag. Also, once the horse is relaxed, I will begin to go further depending on the behavior and condition of the horse.

Throughout the decades, I have led many horses – young and old. They enjoy it and it allows them to move freely. They will use more muscles than being constricted to a cart. It is also great to interval jog. I have trained a few horses fast miles behind the truck and with no accidents but be alert and careful. This must be done with a seasoned horse.

LEAD BESIDE ANOTHER HORSE If you do not have a pick-up, gate, or a training area friendly to leading behind a pick-up, I suggest you lead your youngster behind a seasoned Standardbred that is pulling a jog cart, or lead it beside a riding horse. This is a great way to exercise and manner a young horse.

LUNGING, PREFERABLY IN A ROUND-PEN

Pictured below is a photo of me teaching a Clydesdale to lunge. Because Clydesdales are huge, it does not mean they are more difficult to lunge. Size doesn’t matter. It is how you do it.

If you do not have access to a round-pen but have the room and money to purchase one – do it. A round-pen is money well spent. Portables can be purchased modestly. They also serve as a small paddock (fresh air and movement).

Most good horse trainers incorporate “lunging” into the educating/exercising process. Lunging is a useful exercise for both horse and trainer. It is a way to let your horse safely rid itself of excess energy, plus it can be beneficial in teaching the horse obedience. When done correctly, lunging can help a horse learn to be more flexible and balanced, as well as increase fitness.

When I have access to a round-pen I seldom use a lunge line in the first few lessons. I use one of those 25’ ropes I suggested you purchase. Holding one end, I consistently throw it at the horse’s hind feet until the horse catches on. Once I teach the horse to go one direction, I will reverse the process and teach it to go the opposite way.

After several sessions of successful lunging, I will begin lunging the horse with a simple snaffle snapped into the halter. This places pressure on the mouth, which gets the horse accustomed to bit pressure. Following a few days of successful bit pressure, I will snap a long line into one side of the bit and teach the horse what it feels like to have a line in the bit. A few days later, I will do the same thing only in the opposite direction.

A few days of this and I snap my long lines into each side of the bit and lunge in both directions. The lines lay over the back and as I want to change directions, I just toss the lines onto the opposite side. Before taking your horse to this step, please make sure you know what you are doing.

When lunging with long lines, you can put a little pressure on the lines and whisper “whoa”. By now the horse should be so well behaved that the whisper and slight pressure on the bit will communicate to the horse what you want it to do. If it has not caught on, go back a few steps, and begin again until you and the horse get it right.

Remember that this exercise routine can begin at any time, but the horse must be mentally ready. I would rather be a week late than one day early.

DESENSITIZING

There are many variables to consider when desensitizing a horse. All horses are not the same. Horses have different personalities, which must be appraised, respected, and considered. A high-strung horse may need more patience than those who are innately relaxed. Perhaps you have an older horse that was difficult for the previous trainer(s) to handle, and you have a goal of calming him/her, you may have to go back to square one. If you are working with a yearling that came from a breeding farm that spends time preparing a yearling for a sale, it may not need as much desensitizing. You must be the judge remembering that a pound of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

STEP 1: Before working with, or exercising, any horse, their temperature must be taken. The temperature should also be taken after being exercised to see how much it increased during the workout. I like to see a rise of one to three degrees depending on the horse.

A young horse may be reluctant to lifting its tail for the thermometer. DO NOT abuse the horse or force it to lift its tail. Instead, put a gob of Vaseline on a couple of your fingers and slowly, kindly begin rubbing the Vaseline on the underside of the tail. Do this gradually until the horse allows you to completely lift its tail while messaging it. Lifting the tail also allows you to clean dirt from under the tail. This tip is also helpful when putting the crupper under the tail. The horse will eventually enjoy lifting its tail for whatever needs to be done. Never put a crupper under a horse’s tail without thoroughly cleaning under the tail first. Remember you are working with an animal and not hoisting the rear bumper of a Four-Wheeler.

STEP 2: Gain the horse’s confidence by brushing, walking, and speaking softly. When walking the horse, teach it what “whoa” means. Once stopped, make the horse stand until you give it a signal to go. Before training horses, I trained German Shepherds, and the same principle applies when teaching a dog to heel.

One of many reasons for walking the horse on a lead is to make certain it is not going to shy at something old or new. You may think your horse is fearless, but few are. Be sure to introduce your horse to water trucks and tractors because these large, noisy pieces of equipment will become a part of the horse’s daily routine. Rather than having the horse shy and run into the jogger next to you, teach it in the beginning that the tractor or water truck will not gobble it up.

STEP 3: On a daily basis, run the Dowling rod all over the body of the horse. Rub over its back, down the tail, over its ears, on the belly, and down the legs, between the legs, etc. Do this a couple times daily until the horse COMPLETELY trusts you. It is all about TRUST.

STEP 4: After the horse relaxes with the use of the Dowling rod, begin to introduce the horse to the ropes. Using ropes to desensitize a horse is one of the easiest and best methods there is.

Employing your common sense and patience, be sure to allow the horse to see and smell the rope. After the horse learns that the rope is not going to hurt it, begin the rope desensitizing by slowly draping the rope over the horses back, such as you would when harnessing. Wrap it around where the harness goes and tighten it, then loosen it, and then tighten it again as you would the harness and belly band. Slowly teach the horse that tightening is nothing that will hurt it. See-saw the rope to desensitize the horse even more.

Gradually, over several days, move the ropes all over the body of the horse, including under its tail (like a crupper) and down its legs. I usually spend a lot of time doing the rope thing. Many horses will eventually wear hobbles, so this exercise with the ropes around the legs will also desensitize the horse to the hobbles when they are employed. This can be done in the stall of aisleway.

Put the horse in crossties in the aisle and tie a snap on the end of each rope and snap each end into opposite sides of the halter. Slowly, move the ropes over the horse’s rump, to get it comfortable with lines. Slowly move to the back of the horse far enough that if the horse kicks you will not get hurt. After the horse is comfortable, allow the ropes to slide over the rump and down the legs. This will desensitize the horse to an incident that may happen, such as the driver or caretaker dropping the lines. Ever notice how when a driver gets dumped in a race how the horse gets afraid and takes off? Desensitizing a horse to such things can save the horse and save lives.

Somewhere in this process cut a piece of a feed bag about 18 inches square. It will probably make a crinkling noise. Rub that over the horses back and all over its body until it calms and trusts you. After that, you can use an entire feed bag regularly until you and the horse get bored.

STEP 5: One of the first responsibilities of a trainer is to make the horse comfortable when working with its head, mouth, and tongue. The mouth is such an important factor in communicating with the animal that spending plenty of time working with its mouth is well worth the time.

I recently was partners in a yearling that was being trained in a large reputable Grand Circuit stable. One Saturday morning, when visiting, I watched as two caretakers tried to tie the horse’s tongue (it took two). The horse became so frightened that it reared and broke a crosstie. That was poor horsemanship. Grand Circuit does not always mean grand.

Begin mouth training by putting a gob of honey or molasses on your fingers and gently introducing it to the horse’s tongue. Do this several time a day. After a few days slowly introduce the bit into the horse’s mouth and after a few days of the horse becoming accustomed to this piece of steel being in its mouth, begin to snap the bit into the halter. The horse loves to play with it while you are doing other tasks. Relaxation is paramount.

After the horse is completely comfortable with someone messing with its mouth, begin to work on its tongue. Again, apply honey or molasses to your fingers and begin to massage the tongue. It will not take long until the horse becomes relaxed; at which time, you can begin the tongue-tying procedure.

STEP 6: Once the horse trusts you, begin to pick up its feet. Do this several times a day until the horse is comfortable. Horseshoers and veterinarians will also appreciate this training for sure.

STEP 7: At this point, which has taken about two weeks, your horse should be fairly well tamed, relaxed, trusting, and legged up a little. Time to put on the harness. This should not be difficult because of the work with the rope and trust imparted from the beginning.

I usually put on the harness, absent the crupper, but the crupper should go on easily because you trained the horse in the early stages to lift its tail happily.

If you have done a good job at this point, the horse is probably ready to be walked with a lead, but you may also want a third and/or fourth line.

If everything goes well, I will begin leading it behind my truck. I am careful putting it into a walker with a harness the first time because the sides may bang against the sides of the walker and scare the horse.

STEP 8: I am assuming you know how to bridle a horse, so I will not go into detail. You have already introduced the horse to a bit and the Dowling rod/rope around its ears, so bridling should be easy. I would not use an overcheck for a few days, and then I would keep it loose. The groom having to run beside the horse on the way to the racetrack to check it up is ridiculous. This is caused by poor horsemanship. A horse should be ready, willing, and able to stand while being checked and unchecked. Take your time!

STEP 9: Time to line-drive using the 25’ clothesline-type ropes. I am not going to spend much time instructing you how to line-drive. Most trainers know how to line-drive a horse. It is one of the basics.

Ground-driving is one of the best ways to teach “whoa” and “back,” and to teach a youngster to listen and feel your signals. Bit pressure signifies a right or left turn with subtle bit pressure.

A third and/or fourth line is suggested depending on the temperament of the horse. A little smack on the rump with the lines and a “cluck or kiss” signals the horse to go forward. The third and fourth lines may be needed to lead the horse if it fails to move forward. Soon, the horse will catch on.

This exercise is extremely important because it will become a major part of the animal’s daily work routine. Be patient and kind. Remember that you are smarter than the horse (hopefully).

I have had a lot of experience, so I feel comfortable and confident long-lining the horse in circles, changing directions every couple minutes, such as what is done on a lung-line only long-lining utilizes both long-lines and a bit. Long-lining is tricky, and I would not recommend it unless you have been trained by a professional. It is a super way to put a good mouth on a horse.

STEP 10: Time to drag the ground poles – without the lines. This step is really cool because it familiarizes the horse with the shafts of a jog cart without (hopefully) the risk of an injury.

I drill holes about an inch behind one end of each groundpole and then thread a piece of bailing twine into each hole. Leave about 10 inches after you tie a knot. You now have a loop. This allows you to drop the loop into the quick-hitch similar to how the jog cart shafts will be placed. In an emergency you can readily pull the twine from the hitch. Rig it any way that is comfortable and convenient for you, and in a way that if something unforeseen happens, you can release the poles.

A week or two before you begin dragging the poles behind the horse, be sure you familiarize the horse with this noisy white piece of equipment. Hopefully, you desensitized the horse in the beginning when you would rub the horse with the smaller/shorter piece. For a few weeks before this new task, I will frequently drag the pole around the outside of the stall and around the horse until it is completely desensitized to the sight and sound of these strange objects.

When you are confident the horse will remain calm, use a third and fourth line in case the horse gets spooked. YOU WILL NOT BE LINE-DRIVING FOR A FEW DAYS. THIS TIME IS SPECIFICALLY FOR DRAGGING ONE POLE IN ORDER TO GET THE HORSE ACCUSTOMED TO PULLING SOMETHING ON COMMAND WITHOUT FEAR. It is also a great way to eliminate any problems that may eventually occur in a jog cart. Do not pull more than one groundpole until the horse is completely calm. Then, you can switch the pole to the other side for a day or two.

Be careful when you begin the groundpole process. Many horses are immediately spooked, but if you have desensitized them properly and gained their confidence appropriately, your sheer presence and crisp, yet firm, voice commands should calm the horse.

Now, drop one end into the quick-hitch, but have a third person lift the groundpole off the ground until the horse is relaxed. After the horse relaxes it is OK to put the groundpole on the ground but be careful because a hollow PVC will make a lot of noise, especially when in gravel and that noise will follow the hollow center to the horse’s ear(s).

When the horse has learned how to pull one pole, it is time to add the other. If you have done your job correctly, this should be a-piece-of-cake.

STEP 11: Time to line-drive with the ground poles. Your student should be at a point where it has met most of the criteria for being a driving horse. Of course, you could take a short cut and throw on the jog cart, but there is no reason to hurry. Your trainee will not be racing for about nine months. Relax.

Now, harness the horse as if you are going to jog, but rather than hooking a jog cart, you will use the poles. To ensure the horse is ready, I suggest you use a third and fourth line. Attach the ground poles to the harness and begin to line-drive. Chances are the horse will be extremely comfortable, confident, and trusting – so down the road you go. Spend as much time line-driving as you need to prove to yourself and the horse that everything is under control.

Do this daily until you feel it is safe to jog in the cart. I usually spend the final couple of days without the assistance of a third and fourth line.

STEP 12: Last, but not least, is introducing the well-mannered youngster to the jog cart. It is extremely important the horse is ready, willing, calm, and able. Being educated to pull a cart is of utmost importance because that is what the horse will be doing for its livelihood.

It may have taken a few weeks or a month to get to this point, but that is nothing compared to the years the animal will hopefully be a servant. As your servant, you owe it to him/her to be educated with the utmost of care.

Your young horse has come a long way due to your time and consideration.

You should not need a third and fourth line because that was all taken care of in the patient groundwork you provided. However, caution may dictate that it is desirable for someone to ride along.

If you have done it correctly, the young horse has been conditioned well by being turned into a paddock, and/or lunged, and/or led, and/or put in the walker. Therefore, a three-mile jog is probably not out of line. I will not hitch a horse for the first time unless I am certain it can pull me and the cart three miles comfortably. I do not think you can do much good physically for a horse by just taking it once or twice around the track. Remember, you are developing an athlete.

Tim Finley
46 Lisa Lane
Lake Worth, FL 33463
561-480-8960

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Newsletter – September 11, 2021

CAN  STANDARDBRED  RACING  COEXIST  WITH  CASINOS?

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

Asking if Standardbred racing can coexist with casinos is similar to asking if lions can coexist with a circus. The answer is: Any act can coexist if the audience appreciates it. If the audience gradually loses its interest in lions, the circus owner will either make changes in the act of the lions to create new interest, or they will get rid of the lions. The circus executives have a responsibility to assure that each act adds black numbers to the bottom line.

Let me explain how this is similar to managing a casino. You see, Standardbred racing is just an act on one of the many stages of a casino. Casinos offer multiple acts (slots, craps, blackjack, roulette, shows, restaurants, etc.), and the casino’s executives will support each or all of those that their audiences appreciates and supports. Each is a profit center, and each must bring black numbers to the bottom line. Similarly, if one slot machine is not receiving as much customer action as other slots, they will either move it, or dump it. There is no sentimentality in business.

The executives of circuses and casinos have a fiduciary responsibility to make every attempt to make the business profitable. There is no room for sentimentality. It is business.

The current problem with Standardbred racing is that the stage for this act requires many acres of valuable land, and to maintain this land, the buildings, the racetrack, etc. is extremely capital and labor intensive. That would be ok, but the fans left the races for the new excitement that takes place within the casino. Lots of bells, whistles, games, action, free stuff, etc., are available for the customer’s entertainment inside the casino.

Out on the racetrack the same old show goes on as it has for decades, with no bells, whistles, free stuff, or exhilaration. Yes, the buildings continue to need maintenance, the track continues to need constant care, manure needs to be hauled regularly, horses continue to pulled-up lame, and worse yet are the occasional bodies of dead horses laying on the racetrack.

Standardbred leaders have two choices. Either insist on decoupling which would necessitate the industry to get off its butt and make changes. Or, get 100% in bed with the casino owners. Having one foot in the bed, and one foot on the floor will not work.

Either way, the Standardbred industry MUST begin an aggressive campaign to create a better product – one that is appreciated by the audience.

Casino executives have a long-term plan, but Standardbred folks operate from hay bale to hay bale. However, that can change if enough pressure is placed on the shoulders of our leaders, which is probably the USTA. Please refer to the section of this website (below) that I presented titled: W H A T   N E E D S   T O   B E   D O N E   W I T H I N   T H E   U S T A. Please get the ball rolling by copying this article and then make your personal adjustments or state your personal opinions. Put it in an envelope and send it to the USTA. We MUST let them know what we demand of them. They work for the members. Do not wait for the other guy to do it. Thanks!

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TRAINER  AND  VETERINARIAN  ARE  BOTH  FINED!

VETERINARIAN: CRITCHETT, DR. LAURA MINNEAPOLIS, MN     YOB UNKN

Aces on 8/22/2021 FINED: $1,000

MEDICATION PROCEDURE VIOLATION

Relentless Dancer was in to go when given Aminocaproic Acid, Relentless Dancer raced and won, tested positive. Relentless Dancer is disqualified, and purse redistributed. The Board of Judges at Running Aces find the trainer and the veterinarian are responsible, each received a $1000 fine.

TRAINER: PLANO, LUKE SACRAMENTO, CA     YOB 1980

Aces on 8/22/2021 FINED: $1,000, HORSE DISQUALIFIED, PURSE REDISTRIBUTION

POSITIVE TEST- POST RACE

Luke Plano was the trainer of Relentless Dancer who raced on 8/22/2021 in the 5th race at Running Aces. Relentless Dancer finished 1st. The blood sample from Relentless Dancer was sent to Industrial laboratories, Aminocaproic Acid was confirmed. Mr. Plano is issued a $1000 fine and Relentless Dancer is disqualified and pures money must be redistributed. Mn. 7877.0170 subp 2 Item C – 1,2,3,4 Mn.7890.0110 subp 1,6 Mn. 7897.0100 subp 20 MN Statutes 240.03, 240.13, 240.23, 240.24, 240.29 Mn 7879.0200 subp 1a Mn 7897.0130 subp 6

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Newsletter – September 5, 2021

WHAT  NEEDS  TO  BE  DONE  WITHIN  THE  USTA

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

THE USTA WEBSITE STATES THEIR MISSIONS. I have graded the performance of their missions, as follows:

• License owners, trainers, drivers and officials. (Excellent)
• Formulate the rules of racing. (Excellent)
• Maintain and disseminate racing information and records. (Excellent)
• Serve as the registry for the Standardbred breed. (Excellent)
• Endeavor to ensure the integrity of harness racing. (Extremely poor)
• Insist on the humane treatment of Standardbreds. (Extremely poor)
• Promote the sport of harness racing and the Standardbred breed. (Extremely poor)

Times are changing. Most of life’s undertakings are progressing positively, but unfortunately the appreciation for Standardbred racing is digressing. It is critically past the time to make radical changes in an effort to bring back old fans and to recruit new ones. Desperate times necessitate desperate measures, and we are desperate. If you are one of those who is satisfied with the status-quo, this article is not for you. If you love Standardbred racing as I do, then you must read on.

This is the first of a series of suggestions to preserve and grow the wonderful sport of Standardbred racing. My first mission is to present outlines that insist we restructure the USTA creating a modern management/leadership within Standardbred racing. It is imperative that we aggressively create a much more exciting sport, including gaining new credibility in the minds of those who believe horse racing is cruel, sinful, and unsporting.

Following is my list of proposed changes in the USTA: My suggestions are not in any particular order.

1. Create an independent creative advisory board of individuals who are experts in their fields and who will oversee all aspects of the USTA. This board will work with the USTA in a friendly manner, but also in a manner that is rigid and determined. This board would be one that realizes the need to expedite changes, and that will perform accordingly. The USTA has done a commendable job for many decades, but they have lost touch with reality. The status-quo is no longer acceptable.

2. Immediately change the name to United States Standardbred Association (USSA). The word “trotting” in the USTA name is misleading and replacing it with the term Standardbred would change the course of history. A painstaking effort should be made to familiarize the 300,000,000 people throughout the U.S. who know very little about Standardbred racing to become familiar with the sport. We need to educate the public that we offer one of the most beautiful sports on the face of the Earth and the fact that Standardbreds are a distinct breed that also has two breeds within that breed – trotters and pacers. 99.99% of the people have no idea of the motion of the legs of a trotter, nor do they realize that pacers move their legs differently than trotters. Furthermore, most have never heard the term “pacer.” Potential fans would finally understand we race a distinct, wonderful breed of horses that has two gaits. Appreciation of our breed is imperative.

To promote the new USSA, a new logo should be designed with a waving American flag in the background and a Standardbred in a sulky in the foreground. The driver in the sulky should not be laying straight back because the general public believes drivers laying back are holding their horses back so someone else can win (announcers have done a lousy job of educating the public). The driver should not be shown beating the horse with his whip, and no welts should appear on the rump of the horse. Also, it is probably a good idea to not have blood running from the nostrils of the horse. Am I being sarcastic? Yes. My point is that we are a sport which is kind to our horses and we should put forth every effort to change the public perception that we are unkind.

Most non-harness racing people, believe harness racing is a farmers sport whose participants are folks with backyard horses of multiple breeds that the owner takes to the track and hooks it to a “cart, surrey, or chariot.” The driver is called a jockey. Changing the name, creating a new logo, and educating the public are just the beginning of our overhaul efforts.

3. The USTA must reduce the ridiculous number of board members to under ten. Board members must be those who are familiar with how businesses run. With all due respect to most trainers, and drivers, we should let them do what they do best, which is driving and training. Their input is important and should be considered, but not as a member of the board of directors.

4. The USTA MUST have two separate and distinct divisions, which I outline, as follows:

Division number one would be strictly for record keeping, which is a task they have done well for decades.

Division number one must insist ALL racetracks and racing/gaming commissions advise the USTA receive ALL fines and suspensions of owners, trainers, grooms, vets, etc. This information must be published in an easy to find section the USTA website.

Division number one must insist ALL racing and gaming commissions provide them with the names of ALL horses that received illegal substances and who were subject to forfeiting the purse money to which they were not entitled. This information must be published in an easy to find section the USTA website.

Division number one must insist all racing and gaming commissions provide them with all the names of ALL owners of record of horses who were subject to forfeiting the purse money as the result of receiving illegal substances. This information must be published in an easy to find section the USTA website.

Division number one must insist all racing and gaming commissions provide them with the names of ALL horses who have been euthanized due to a racing injury, including the findings of any and all investigations into the cause of such injury. Included in the published information, there must be the name of the trainer and owners of each horse at the time of the euthanization. This information must be published in an easy to find section the USTA website.

Division number one must begin to update the charted lines of horses that were disqualified due to receiving illegal substances. This is fair to the wagerers.

Division number two would be a newly formed entity responsible for developing and implementing ideas to grow the sport, although this entity would not spend much time and money on attempting to promote the sport to those who are already involved in the sport. Resources must be used to capture the hearts of those 300,000,000 potential fans in the United States who are unfamiliar with Standardbred racing.

Division number two would be that a new entity be established to make and enforce rules.

Division number two would have an active safety committee/think tank that would constantly deliberate ideas and changes that would make the sport safer for both drivers and horses. The fact is that the general public will no longer tolerate what they consider inhumane treatment of horses. Horses being pulled-up lame, or worse yet being euthanized on the racetrack insinuates all horsemen to be uncaring. Why would a casino customer want to walk out of the back door of the terrific, exciting atmosphere of a casino to the racetrack to observe horses racing lame and being beaten to make them go faster. Stop blaming the casinos for not promoting a sport that is repulsive to many.

A great place to begin with improving the safety would be to design a sulky that would be protected from hooking wheels. Hooking wheels has caused more accidents than acceptable.

Another concept to make the sport safer, is my revolutionary racetrack concept in which the finish line is slanted/angled. This potential change would eliminate single-file racing leveling the playing field, create more movement during the race, and it would be safer. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, which currently necessitates drivers rushing to the top as the gate springs to the top or finding a hole and siting as long as possible in an Indian-style flow (people hate Indian-style racing because it is very unexciting).

A slanted/angled finish line would give a driver the opportunity to be in an outer flow without the concern of burning his horse up attempting to get to what currently exists as the traditional finish line, which measures exactly one mile from start to finish. Throughout the race as horses move to the right, the distance they must travel gets progressively shorter the further to the right that they move. This makes the distance for an outside horse shorter, although not shorter than a mile. The angle would not be to an extent that all of the horses would aim for the grandstand. This new finish line would have to be laid out professional, methodically, and mathematically. It would be a dramatic change, but Standardbred racing needs dramatic change.

Parked horses and horses forced to move into an outside flow early will have a better chance, hence the wagerers will have a better chance. Remember, we are in this business to please the public.

Division number two would work closely with the racetrack and casino owners and managers in an aggressive effort to assure these businessmen that Standardbred racing is travelling on a new road to promote the sport nationally and that the Standardbred industry will exhaust all resources to enhance the bottom line of the racetrack businesses. We approach racetrack owners/casino executives with hat in hand.

A few years ago, most thought casinos were our savior, a belief that has proven to be questionable. We were comfortable in bed with casinos, but now we have one foot in and the other on the floor. We must be all in or all out. This paradox must be addressed methodically in an effort to become a winning race for all concerned.

To begin, we must be able to look at harness racing from the eyes of the casino executives, rather than to take cheap pot shots at them. Remember, they own most of the racetracks. Sure, they used slick methods to get their licenses, but that is business from the casinos point of view. Remember, if they are publicly owned, they have a fiduciary responsibility to create as much profit possible for their shareholders.

Horsemen were quick to take the subsidies with no foresight into the show they were presenting to the public. Just because the horsemen thought, and probably still do, that their show was great, they are only the performers on a stage. Because of racing having a monopoly on legalized gambling, nothing was done to survey the audiences to see what they wanted. When the fans exited the fence for the bright lights inside, that should have been a wake-up call.

Division number two would lobby and work with legislators to assure Standardbred racing is treated fairly. Lobbying that Standardbred racing is an important contributor in the agricultural industry is lame. It is not a major factor.

Division number two should rule that all drivers must wear their personal registered colors when competing. It is ridiculous to see David Miller wearing his colors while racing in one race, but in the next race he is wearing an owner’s or stable’s colors. This is confusing! Throughout the years, fans have memorized the colors of most drivers, and that is the way it should remain. This is not Thoroughbred racing; it is Standardbred racing!

5. Several departments at the USTA need to be dwarfed or totally eliminated to save time and money. For instance, the USTA publicity department has sadly, and historically limited its promotional resources to target those who are already involved in the sport rather than to entice the 300,000,000 people in the United States who know very little about Standardbred racing. In today’s digital world, and world of newly introduced legal gambling games, we need to spend our resources in recruiting those 300,000,000 people as fans. The publicity department needs a complete makeover with new goals and a larger budget, but only to be spent on grand ideas.

For instance, Hoofbeats Magazine, which has historically been a treasure to those of us within the Standardbred industry. Hoofbeats is a masterpiece, but I doubt if it is a profitable publication. If not, discontinue it.

In addition, discontinue anything that is not profitable. Clinging to tradition can be deadly for any business.

Turn on your TV and you will see programs about pawns shops, storage facilities having auctions, bowling tournaments, soap operas, silly shows about survivors, ax men, etc. What happened to programs about horses? People love horses, and they love competition. Standardbred racing has super interesting behind-the-scenes stories about the rich and powerful people and their purple-blooded horses competing against the average guy and the cheaply bred horse(s). These are stories, my friend!

In conclusion, it would be very difficult to fund Division number two without imposing a fee to horsemen, which would be unwelcomed by most. It would become complicated, but because the USTA already has a membership fee and all of the current and historical records, that would be the logical place to begin. The current USTA membership and fees supports the costs involved with the record keeping, data updating, registering horses, etc.; thus, the fees would have to be increased to cover the expansion of Division number two, but that is the cost of doing business. Quit complaining!

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Stathis Enterprises, The World Chariot Racing Federation, and Vester Holdings LLC, Launch the Pre – Olympics’ “Road to Paris” Saturday August 7th at the Meadowlands New Jersey Race course

August 6, 2021·2 min read

“World Chariot Racing Federation & The New Olympics, Come Back To Greece to Compete For The First Time since Antiquity, in Ancient Olympia”

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Greek-American Businessman, Sam Stathis, of Stathis Enterprises, is working to reinstate ancient Greek Chariot Racing to the Modern Day Olympics. Stathis strongly believes in the philosophy of The Olympic Truce, which was a vital part of antiquity as a form of physical competition. The Truce brought together rivaling city states in ancient Greece to compete with each other at the Olympic Games, giving an opportunity for the heads of the cities to reconcile difference and make peace, rather the war.

Stathis Enterprises / TheoMetrics / Vester Holdings LLC / World Chariot Racing Federation

“This is a golden opportunity to restore peace during the Olympic Games,” said Stathis. “During the Olympics, historically all countries would stop wars to promote world peace through competition, camaraderie and sportsmanship. That is what WCRF would like to make happen once again.”

Vester Holdings LLC was established to enable innovations across multiple sectors including sports & entertainment. Its partnership with Stathis Enterprises is a major milestone on its journey to enable innovations to be realized and a marketplace for the innovations that will be enabled through blockchain enabled applications.

“Both Vester Holdings and Stathis Enterprises found immediate synergies when we first came together. We quickly formed seamless integrations and we are pleased to support the Pre-Olympics “Road to Paris,” said Mark Chester – Chairman Vester Holdings LLC

“The World Chariot Racing Federation (WCRF) and the New USTA is an established organization dedicated to revitalizing and rebranding the harness racing industry with the application of new technologies including Block Chain and electric vehicles, new sponsorship and branding opportunities similar to Formula1 and new funding participation models utilizing crowd funding and cryptocurrency.” – continued Chester

Stathis states;

“Through the various principles and initiatives mentioned, it is no longer just a dream, it is unfolding before our very eyes, by bringing back events of Ancient Olympia, we are reviving the very essence of what the Olympics represents; fair play, greatness, and peace.”

“We will be making our biggest announcement ever on August 7th 2021 and all media is encouraged to attend” announced both Stathis and Chester jointly.

About Stathis Enterprises:

Stathis Enterprises, founded by Sotirios Stathopoulos (Sam Stathis), is a passionate entrepreneur, investor, developer, engineer, inventor, and philanthropist with extensive experience in starting and operating multimillion dollar companies on a domestic and international basis.

About World Chariot Racing Federation:

Dedicated to rebranding harness racing as a “Sustainable Sport” ™ with as much thrill and excitement as auto racing, the World Chariot Racing Federation creates high-end happenings bringing together celebrities, connoisseurs of fine sporting, and top competitors from around the world. Made up of breeders, owners, trainers, drivers, tracks, fans, media and corporate sponsors The Federation also is a leader in green energy, supporting sustainability in both chariot racing and auto sports.

About TheoMetrics:

TheoMetrics oversees a diversified network of companies, products and services with a focus of bringing peace and prosperity to the world through high-level innovations and new technologies to a multitude of industries. Utilizing both blockchain & education, TheoMetrics accelerates universal knowledge through a variety of companies including Theometrics University, BEVIS by Theo and Intelligent Job Sites.

About Vester Holdings LLC:

Vester Holdings LLC, through its industry focused subsidiaries (including Sports & Entertainment, Education, Medical and Utilities). Provides innovators an eco-system to build, market, crowdfund and operate leveraging our proprietary utilization of the Blockchain ecosystem. For more information go to www.vesterholdings.com

For Press Enquires Contact – 315037@email4pr.com or call +1 404.820.0425

For information, partnership opportunities, events and more please visit worldchariot.org – or – stathisenterprises.com

SOURCE Stathis Enterprises; Vester Holdings

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Newsletter – August 29, 2021

ONE PROBLEM ADDRESSED, BUT ANOTHER NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

Following is an emergency podcast by The Harness Racing Alumni Show seeking help for 61 Standardbreds currently tagged for slaughter. Judy Bokman, the co-founder of the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, joins Freddie, Trade, and Bob to give the details on this horrific situation. She describes what immediately needs to be done in order to rescue these 61 precious and retired racehorses from a brutal death. Judy explains it all in this special report.

We Standardbred lovers and participants must thank all of those who are addressing this serious, but solvable, problem to assure this rescue mission will happen.

It is crucial we, who are involved in the billion-dollar Standardbred industry, assure that our “retired” equine heroes are able to live out their lives in a comfortable environment. This, I understand.

What I do not understand is why the horses that are “still working” in our billion-dollar sports industry are not given more protection from being pulled-up lame while doing their work, or worse yet, being euthanized on the racetrack. Why are the lives of retired horses more important than those still working? The devastation of horses racing, who are subject to becoming lame, or killed while competing, is constantly swept under the rug. The industry avoids addressing it.

We must begin to AGGRESSIVELY research all options to protect the horses who are still racing.

Standardbred leaders (whoever and wherever they are) do not hesitate to defend the lives of those equine athletes who have been retired, but they do not aggressively address the huge problem of those horses who become lame or die needlessly on the racetrack. They also deserve our protection!

Every journey begins with the first step. My first step in exploring remedies to assure the health and safety of our equine athletes led me to discover the following article which describes what could be a breakthrough.

{TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP GET HORSE RACING OFF DRUGS

© Mark Berner, HorseRaceInsider.com, All Rights Reserved, 2019.

Simulation of a CT scan for horses. photo: Dr. Sheila Lyons, DMV

Thoroughbred horse racing in the US is addicted to drugs. It runs so deep that it has become the norm. And worse, because it is legal, it is seen as beneficial. Instead of a health-first approach to the horse, veterinarians administer a kitchen sink of drugs when horses arrive at the racetrack upon command of trainers and do so against veterinary standards. However, technology has provided a pathway to safe, drug-free racing.

NBA star, Kevin Durant, suffered a season ending, and possibly a career ending Achilles tear injury in the playoffs after previously evaluated with a calf strain. It appeared that both Durant and Golden State Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, “didn’t think he could get injured worse” by returning to play.

Durant felt mislead or possibly misdiagnosed by the Warriors’ physicians and he chose to return to his former foot & ankle surgeon, Dr. Martin O’Malley, MD, at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, to operate on his ruptured tendon. O’Malley performed surgery on Durant’s broken foot four years ago.

Why did Durant and the Brooklyn Nets chose O’Malley? They have a successful prior relationship and O’Malley remains committed to use the most cutting-edge technology and diagnostics, a pedCAT scanner.

Kevin Durant left the Warriors and signed a four-year contract with Brooklyn.

Dr. Sheila Lyons, DVM, founder of The American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, developed a high resolution Three-Dimensional CT scanner for horses along with Curvebeam, LLC., which is already a step ahead in the field of human CT scanning.

Curvebeam’s 2012 technology quickly became the new standard in human orthopedics and podiatry and was the first CT scanner to enable a standing examination of the patient with their limbs loaded normally. In 2017, Curvebeam made further advances with its introduction of the pedCAT scan.

These image scanners add a significant diagnostic advantage, as traditional CT scans require the patient to lie down with the anatomy un-weighted, depriving the clinician of the ability to analyze the stressed areas of bone while under loading pressures.

Until this equipment was developed, horses needed anesthesia in order to have a CT scan performed. The inherent risks associated with general anesthesia, the need to go to a hospital for a test, and the cost of this procedure prevented widespread use of CT in the majority of racehorses in training and eliminated its use as a screening tool by racing regulators and track practicing veterinarians.

The new 3-D pedCAT scanner is unique in many important ways. It not only allows scans of the standing horse, it scans either both front or both hind limbs simultaneously in less than 48 seconds.  It is the perfect screening tool for racing regulators and practicing track veterinarians.

This allows scans of horses using light, short acting sedation, comparable to that typically used by veterinarians at the track during regular X-ray procedures.  This pedCAT scanner is capable of producing 3D CT scans from above the knee down to the bottom of the hoof. The site of most catastrophic injuries.

We know from over two decades of necropsy data on horses which suffer fatal breakdowns that the majority, almost 90%, of these fatally injured horses had subchondral pathology pre-existing in the area that catastrophically fractured and that similar pathologies are present in the other limbs.

Preventing these fatalities requires application of more advanced diagnostic methods that can definitively identify the problem.

Another unique feature of this new CT scanner is that it utilizes very low radiation.  This becomes important for both horse and technician safety.  The amount of radiation used is comparable to that required when taking a single human chest X-ray, whereas traditional CT scans are notorious for requiring very high radiation exposure.

The equipment runs on standard AC electricity, making it easy to install and use in any facility.  It can even be adapted for a trailer installation, movable from site to site needing no more than a standard electric outlet for power.

Bilateral, weight-bearing scans of the foot & ankle give veterinarians the information they need to assess the biomechanical spatial relationships and alignment of the lower extremities. Additionally, the computer in the scanner uses Artificial Intelligence to determine bone density.

The PETscan machine announced to deploy at Santa Anita Park is a very different device. The PETscan involves the injection of a radioisotope, requires the horse to stand still for 30 minutes, and only examines a small area. This is a good research tool for long-term studies, but it is not the machine necessary to scan horses and determine their soundness to race.

“It’s not that we don’t have the right diagnostic tools, it’s that we don’t have the right diagnostic mentality,” said Dr. Larry Bramlage, DVM, widely acknowledged as one the world’s foremost equine surgeons.

“Racehorse is not a diagnosis, and racing is not a condition to be treated with drugs,” said Dr. Lyons. “A drug, in and of itself, is not therapeutic. It is the context in which the drug is given that determines if it is therapeutic or anti-therapeutic. In some cases it not only doesn’t help, it makes things worse.”

While these two noted veterinarians are willing to step outside the opinion espoused by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the majority of racetrack practicing vets have skin in the game and make their living charging per injection.

A health-first veterinary practice would initially record a history of the horse. A physical exam would follow and testing might be necessary for a diagnosis. Only after the preceding steps should a vet develop a therapeutic plan, which may or may not involve drugs.

Try to get a record of the history or physical examinations of racehorses and you will come up empty. No such records exist.

Technology can replace drugs by first identifying and then eliminating the at-risk horses from the racetrack. Some may recover enough to race again, some will not.

Initially, this will lessen the eligible racing stock and through seasonal re-population will leave the entry box a bit short only during the first year of use. This is a great concern to racetracks already short of horses.

However, the short-term loss will be a long-term gain as CT scanning will help guarantee future seasons with barns full of sound horses.

Monitoring can begin when every new horse enters the racetrack and continue throughout its racing career. Early identification of minor injuries and treatment can prevent major injuries from occurring. With sounder horses, the need for drugs lessens.

Trainers like to say that they treat their horses the way they treat their kids. They do not! If you loaded up your kids with drugs and sent them to perform at the highest levels of physical competition, Child Protective Services would quickly take away your children.

Remove from serious discussion any thoughts of moving forward through drug reform with the trainers who are able to abuse the system because they have owners willing to pay the bills, and some veterinarians who abdicate their medical responsibility in order to earn a living.} end of article

I contacted Dr. Lyons and we both agree that making changes in Standardbred racing, is very difficult because there are too many who just do not care. Those who have the resources are too busy feathering their own nests, and those with minimal resources are working to keep their heads above water. Furthermore, our leadership is pathetic regarding addressing unpleasant issues. However, something MUST be done soon, or the fan base will eventually disappear. The railbirds are a dying breed that is not being replaced.

The general public has become much more aware of animal cruelty, and they realize racing unsound horses is cruel. Nobody loves Standardbred racing more than me. I drove a little, bred a little, owned, and trained. It is in my blood. But I never raced an unsound horse. I loved my horses too much.

I would hate to see such a beautiful sport die because of the irresponsibility of those involved.

CALL TO ACTION…I am 75 years old and retired, living in South Florida. I do not have the influence to make things happen any longer, but I certainly am able to encourage those who do have the influence and resources to step up to the plate.

I am begging someone from the USTA, or a racetrack executive, breeder, legislator, horsemen’s association, gambler, etc. to call me and let me know that my work has not been a waste of time, and that you will take the ball and run with it, or that you at least are willing to help me to take this to the next level. My cell number is 561/480-8964 or you can email me at harnessracingaction@gmail.com. Let’s do this!

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Newsletter – August 21, 2021

Gordon Banks, and international owner and breeder of Standardbreds, is an intelligent individual who has realistic opinions regarding the future of Standardbred racing. He also has common-sense solutions to our mounting problems. Please take the time to listen to this uncensored recent podcast interview with Mr. Banks on the Harness Racing Alumni Show. It is a must listen.

Also, Gordon Banks is doing a video series of his opinions on his Facebook Timeline. If you are a Facebook member, I suggest you visit his page.

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Russel Williams speaking on behalf of the USTA leadership. The second of a series on HISA.

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T H I S  M U S T  E N D

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

T H E  F O L L O W I N G  W A S  H E A D L I N E D  O N  H A R N E S S  R A C I N G  W R O N G S ’  W E B S I T E ;  A N  A N I M A L  R I G H T S  O R G A N I Z A T I O N  T H A T  W A N T S  T O  S E E  H O R S E R A C I N G  A B O L I S H E D .

Monticello Records 7th Kill on the Year

AUGUST 19, 2021

Matt Major, 11, was killed (fractured pastern) in the 7th at Monticello yesterday (August 18, 2021). He is the 7th dead racehorse at Monticello this year; for all NY harness tracks, this is Kill #14 – both extraordinary numbers

What you have just read is typical of what animal rights groups are broadcasting to the world, while most in Standardbred racing are asleep at the wheel. I am one of few in Standardbred racing who spends time studying what the animal rights groups are broadcasting, and it is not good. The information I present to you regarding dead horses is sent to me, and millions more people, from these activists in their effort to end horseracing. They are making a huge dent in our sport, which can be proved by looking at the declining numbers (Standardbreds registered, USTA memberships, racetracks operating, fans, etc.) The numbers do not lie.

You may call my posting about horses that die on the racetracks as being negative, but I consider it as a warning. I have never been one to sweep unpleasant situations under the rug. We who are involved in the Standardbred industry must be concerned about the PUBLIC PERCEPTION of Standardbred racing, and we must have the COURAGE to address the problems IMMEDIATELY and EFFECTIVELY.

“Animal welfare has surged in our society,” states Wayne Pacelle, the former CEO of the Humane Society, and the founder of Animal Wellness Action. The future of harness racing is contingent on PUBLIC PERCEPTION, but sadly, according to a recent survey by Xenophon Analytics in Washington, D.C., sixty-nine percent of the people surveyed had a NEGATIVE PERCEPTION of the horse racing industry.

One way to eliminate the negative perception is to adopt every known method to assure that horses do not drop dead, or are euthanized, on a racetrack. Think about it. It is archaic! Yet, to the best of my knowledge, nothing is being done to prevent this. A part of the USTA mission is “Insist on the humane treatment of Standardbreds.” Dead horses laying on the racetracks proves the USTA is failing. HISA is viewed as being the “Silver Bullet” and it may help, but it will take several years before HISA is effective.

In the meantime, I call upon all of our industry leaders (whoever and wherever you are) to publicly announce you will begin immediately to eliminate horses dying on racetracks. Personally, I am studying a product manufactured by CurveBeam which may have the capability to detect lameness in each horse entered in each race. I will be reporting on that product soon.

H E R E  I S  A N O T H E R

“RED ROLL” ARTICLE COPIED FROM THE USTA WEBSITE

Drivers escape injury in Batavia Downs mishap

August  by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — An accident occurred near the five-eighths pole in the last race at Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 15) after pacer Red Roll (Kyle Cummings) went down and Sizzling Summer (Denny Bucceri) and Hardts Or Bettor (Justin Huckabone) ran over him as close quarters prevented them from making a diversionary move.

All three drivers were thrown from the sulky and two of the loose horses continued to run.

After the race those horses were caught and upon examination, Sizzling Summer suffered multiple lacerations and required stitches and Hardts Or Bettor appeared to be alright. Red Roll had to be euthanized.

Drivers Kyle Cummings, Denny Bucceri and Justin Huckabone were examined on site and suffered minor bruises and abrasions. None were transported to area hospitals.

VIDEO OF RED ROLL TAKEN FROM YOUTUBE

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W  E  L  T  S  !

The reason for posting the following article is two-fold: First, because we think it is necessary to address the “welt” problem, but secondly to warn you that there are animal rights groups with the goal of abolishing racing who are paying more attention than those involved in Standardbred racing. The animal rights groups have a better pulse of what is happening than anyone. The article was published by Horseracing Wrongs, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit nationwide organization dedicated to eradicating horseracing in the United States. Beware!

L e a v i n g  W e l t s  ( P l u r a l )  o n  t h e  H o r s e ?  N o  B i g g i e .
August 18, 2021

A ruling yesterday from the Minnesota Racing Commission: “Dean Magee was the driver of The Royal Queen in race 4 on 8/15/21; a welt was discovered when The Royal Queen arrived in the test barn after race.” The punishment? “This is Mr. Magee’s first whipping violation at Running Aces in 2021 [italics added]. Mr. Magee is issued a $100 fine and a one-day driving suspension.”

And more at RA: “James Jungquist was the driver of Major Mac in the 3rd race on 8/10/21. Welts [plural] were seen on Major Mac when the horse arrived in the test barn for post-race testing.” This is Mr. Jungquist 2nd whip violation at Running Aces in 2021 [italics added]. Penalty is $200 fine and one-day driving suspension.”

“Bernard Demars was the driver of Parklane Jet in the 6th race on 8/10/21. Welts [plural] were seen on Parklane Jet when the horse arrived in the test barn for post-race testing. This is Mr. Demars 2nd whip violation at Running Aces in 2021 [italics added]. Penalty is a two-day driving suspension.”

And finally, from Indiana: “While driving PONDA HAWK in race 9 on 8/8/21, [Michael] Oosting did leave welts [plural] while whipping in the stretch. The penalty [$200] was reduced because Mr. Oosting was within the IHRC whipping rules and guidelines.” You simply can’t make this stuff up. By the way, Oosting, according to the Chicago Tribune, “was booked on a domestic battery charge” back in 2011. Great guy all around.

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Newsletter – August 14, 2021

O U R  A P O L O G I E S

B y  L o v e d a  F i n l e y

Tim and I have not posted anything on this website since July 31, 2021, for which we apologize to our readers and the horses who are really the heroes. You see, we got burned out on the negative comments we received from so many for what many called “negative reporting.”

Our mission has always been to report both good and bad news, but because of the recent doping scandal, we decided to do our part to make positive changes within the sport by focusing on reporting immoral acts within the sport in hopes that others would climb on board with us and take action to rid the sport of cheaters. Positive changes cannot take place unless we address the negative.

We were surprised and disappointed at how many of our so-called friends turned on us saying that we were being negative and hurting the sport, while these same folks defended people like Rene Allard. That burned us out.

We want to be accepted in the Sport of Standardbred racing by most, but we have realized that in order for us to make changes, we must face the criticisms.

We watch races regularly, and our hearts are so touched when we watch the horses parading, that we decided to try to complete our mission to promote the sport for them (the horses). They are so magnificent; we cannot abandon them for the sake our popularity.

It is not a matter of who is right but doing what is right.

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Q U O T E  B Y  R A Y  P A U L I C K . . . 

by Ray Paulick | 08.11.2021 | 2:44pm

“Racing has been exposed as a sport with weak or non-existent leadership at the racetrack and regulatory level when it comes to integrity issues. Track executives care more about filling the entry box than they do about the ethics or character of the trainers and owners who are supplying those entries.

Regulators concern themselves more with finding the cheapest testing laboratories than hiring the ones that have proven to be most effective at finding illicit drugs. And then they brag about how clean the game is because there are so few positive tests.

One example: In 2015, Truesdail Laboratories was found during a blind sample audit conducted by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission to have missed multiple positive tests, including a Class 1 drug – the most severe. Indiana fired Truesdail and moved their testing to another lab. It took years for a number of other racing commission to follow suit, even though Truesdail’s failures were widely reported. Those racing commissions, from Maryland to New Jersey to Arkansas, simply didn’t care.”

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R u s s e l l  W i l l i a m s  s p e a k i n g  a b o u t  H I S A . . . 

As the legal battles continue, so do the violations, horses being pulled up lame, the wrecks, and of course, the deaths of horses that take place on the racetracks. Perhaps the horsemen, of which I am one, should BEGIN to take steps to police themselves in conjunction with, and prior to, whatever legislation prevails. Morals cannot be legislated.

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A n o t h e r  D e a d  H o r s e

9-Year-Old Standardbred Killed at Batavia

AUGUST 8, 2021

Allstar Energy, nine, broke down (apparently, multiple fractures) in the 6th last night at Batavia Downs and is dead. He is the 12th Standardbred to die at a NY harness track this year; for all NY racetracks, the toll is now 64.

CE 6 – Batavia Downs – NY – August 7, 2021
Conditions: NON-WINNERS $7000 L5 STS ($11,000 PURSE BAR) AE: NW 8PM RACES LIFETIME OR $55,000 LIFETIME AE: CLAIMING $17,500
Gait: Pace
Purse: 9,200
Class: NW7000 L5
Distance: 1 mile
Track Cond: FT
Temp-Allow: 83-0
Off Time: 7:58 PM

T H I S  M U S T  S T O P ! !

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Newsletter – July 30, 2021

U S T A  P O S T E D  F I N E S  A N D  S U S P E N S I O N S  F O R  F R I D A Y  ,  J U L Y  2 3  –  T H U R S D A Y  ,  J U LY  2 9  ,  2 0 2 1 .

Simply click on “fines and suspensions” in the yellow ribbon at the top of this page to see who continues to damage the image of Standardbred racing, despite the fact we have racing commissions that are supposed to reduce the number of continuous infractions. Apparently, racing commissions, race track officials, judges, etc., are failing. Good luck HISA.

Next to “fines and suspensions,” you will also find the tab for the “fines and suspensions archives.”

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Newsletter – June 27, 2021

T H I S  P A S T  W E E K ‘ S  ( J U N E  1 8  –  J U N E  2 4 , 2 0 2 1 ) F I N E S  A N D  S U S P E N S I O N S  I N C L U D E S :  1 3  M A J O R  V I O L A  T I O N S ,  1 0  O F  T H O S E  P O S T E D  W E R E  F O R  P O S I T I V E  T E S T S  – P O S T  R A C E .

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

Keep in mind the USTA is “capable” of receiving all fines and suspensions, but there is no guarantee that all racetracks report them. In addition, it is difficult to test for everything that is illegal, and/or that all testing labs are uniform. Jeff Gural stated in an interview regarding the big drug bust last year that they shipped horse blood and urine to Hong Kong because they believe it has better testing.

One of the most common questions asked by a trainer to his vet is: “Will it test?’ The most common answer is, “No.” This results in much more drug use than reported. It is my “opinion” based on my 45-year Standardbred involvement that at least 9 out of every 10 Standardbreds that go behind the gate, have been pre-raced with something illegal. The positives “discovered and/or reported” are ridiculously low, which means there is a huge problem, if my 9 out of 10 is correct, which I believe it is (that is one of the reasons the FBI was summoned).

The other day I made a post on Facebook inviting folks to visit this website to see the most recent fines and suspensions as reported by the USTA. A wise guy asked me what my point was for doing that. My reply was:

“You see, the integrity of Standardbred racing has fallen to an all-time low. In order for the industry to survive, the Federal government had to become involved, cameras were installed at one track, and Mr. Gural had to hire an International Intelligence agency to try and keep out the trash. That is all good, but I believe the people involved in the sport should take responsibility to police our own. When I first began posting fines and suspensions, I was hoping others would climb on board and there would be enough bad publicity for the trash that they might either clean up their act or get out. Unfortunately, most involved in Standardbred racing are too afraid, too lazy, or also involved in pre-racing, to take a part. They are afraid their names will eventually show up on the list. So, I am doing what I think should be done by every individual, regardless of how many paper friends I lose. Whether what I am doing is right or wrong, nobody knows. But I am doing something. All I am doing is reporting who was found guilty and of what. Some people make honest mistakes, but there are those who think they are above the law. I was a stockbroker for many years and can attest to the fact that there is evil when there is money involved. Those influenced by evil are the ones we do not need. If we get rid of them now, it may improve the sport down the road. Showing the general public that we are policing our sport sends a better message than them believing we are so corrupt that we need to have the FBI involved. It is worth a try. Unfortunately, many believe the HISA legislation is the ‘magic bullet’, but realistically it is not the cure-all. The Federal Government has a complex task ahead of it, and the issues that it faces will not be resolved overnight. The Feds have made only a little progress in controlling crime, including the human drug problem. Where there are large sums of money involved, there are evil people working 24/7 to stay one step ahead of the law. We, within the Standardbred industry, must be able to police ourselves if we want to cleanse the tarnished image. Sitting comfortably waiting for the government to fix it is not the answer. Publishing the names of the abusers is a start. I built a website to publish them. You should post them on your Facebook Timelines. The racetracks should make them very visible, and the USTA must make them exceedingly visible. Why is everyone afraid to post the names of those who are hurting Standardbred racing? Criticize me if it makes you feel better, but I am doing more than most.”

NOTE: I am not an expert regarding HISA and the plans for its implementation, so apologize if I have overestimated the complexity to get it up and running. I welcome anyone knowledgeable to provide us with a prognostication, and a progress report including contingencies.

It appears some trainers are ignoring the fact that the FBI, 5 Stones, track management etc., are scrutinizing more intently, because the use of drugs is still running rampant. Do these abusing trainers even care? It appears they do not. If caught, these chemical trainers simply enlist a “beard trainer,” or go to another state jurisdiction to race during their suspension. I have noticed that many of these tracks welcome the perpetrators with open arms. Perhaps the casino management relishes in the thought of Standardbred racing failing (no more manure to remove).

It is interesting to observe that the owners of the horses trained by the chemists are loyal by continuing to keep their equine investments with identified crooks. Win at any cost, even if it means your horse may break down on the racetrack and be euthanized.

Perplexing, to say the least.

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T H A T  I S  T H E  W A Y  W E ’ V E  A L W A Y S  D O N E  I T !

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

Standardbred racing wins the prize for being the tortoise of all sports. For decades, the folks involved in trotters and pacers benefited from the comfort of participating in an industry that had a monopoly of legalized gambling. So comfortable, the leaders were able to sit back and smoke big cigars while doing nothing to creatively advance the sport.

Then, there was a miracle. They received a huge pay raise subsidized by one arm bandits. The lack of creative thinking and acting was alive and well.

I have been attending races personally or via my TV big-screen for 45 years, and at least a couple times a night I hear someone from the judges stand or press booth say, “Scratch number so and so – a judges scratch.” Immediately, I become curious. Was the horse scratch because they caught the trainer sticking a needle in its neck?” Then I grin at my curiosity and at the racetrack’s lack of progress and remind myself to look at the USTA website the next day to see why the judges scratched the horse.

Wouldn’t you think that in a sport where people gamble their hard-earned money that the racetrack management would have enough ambition to inform the customers why the horse was scratched by the judges? After all – a judge’s scratch sounds serious. In our world, judges usually hand down decisions for something bad someone has done. Furthermore, this is an industry famed for its involvement in crime, so certainly the horse was not scratched because it had to go to a banquet to receive an award for a good deed.

Sorry for my sarcasm, but that is my nature.

I am using many words to beg the management of the racetracks to announce the specific reason a horse was scratched. If the judge can notify the announcer that the horses was scratched, he should certainly be capable of giving the specific reason – unless he is too damn lazy.

C’mon boys. This is big business. Put on your big boy’s pants and run your business like the big boys. The casino guys have their act together. You can too.

In the meantime (until the reason for a scratch is announced), I am dedicating a section of this website to list the abbreviations for the various judge’s scratches. I am also posting them below so you can copy and paste. Also, see: “judge’s scratches” in the menu above.

Judge Defined: The person who decides the official placings and margins for each race or trial. They are also responsible for deciding the placement of horses in the event of a photo.

Judge’s Scratch: The horse is not permitted to race after being entered and post positions were drawn. Reasons and their abbreviations are, as follows:

AC Judges: Accident (AC)

BLL Judges: Bleeder List (BLL)

COG Judges: Expired Coggins (JG)

COI Judges: Conflict of Interest (COI)

DA Judges: Dangerous (DA)

DNS Judges: Did not start (DNS)

DRN Judges: Judges Drawn In (DRN)

FBS Judges: Fell before start (FBS)

FHD Judges: Failure to honor declaration (JG)

FPR Judges: Failed pre-race test (PRT)

ID Judges: Horse is not Identifiable (ID)

IGB Judges: Ineligible (IGB)

IMV Judges: Ineligible Medication Violation (IMV)

JIPT Judges: Ineligible Post Race Test (JIPT)

JOE Judges: Judges Office Error (JOE)

LD Judges: Late for Detention (JG)

LFP Judges: Late for Paddock (JG)

LL Judges: Late for Lasix (JG)

LPR Judges: Late Pre-Race Testing (LPR)

NR Judges: Not Reported (JG)

ONL Judges: Owner not licensed (JG)

OUS Judges: Owner Under Suspension (JG)

PSN Judges: Personal (PSN)

QRT Judges: Quarantine (QRT)

RCL Judges: Recall (RCL)

REF Judges: Refused (REF)

ROE Judges: Race Office Error (JG)

RPR Judges: Refused pre-race test (PRT)

STL Judges: Stewards List (STL)

SU Judges: Sulked (JG)

TEE Judges: Trainer Entry Error (TEE)

TNL Judges: Trainer not licensed (JG)

TRK Judges: Track Condition (TRK)

TRP Judges: Transportation (JG)

TRV Judges: Trainer Responsibility Violation (JG)

TUS Judges: Trainer Under Suspension (JG)

UFS Judges: Unfair start (JG)

UM Judges: Unmanageable (UM)

UNS Judges: Unseated driver (UNS)

VR Judges: Vaccine requirement not met (JG)

WEA Judges: Weather (JG)

NOW YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY. PLEASE PASS IT ON.

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J O E  B O N G I O R N O  I N S U L T S  M R .  G U R A L

 B y  T i m  F i n l e y

Most of you are familiar with the situation in which Joe Bongiorno was the driver of PAT STANLEY N on Saturday night, May 29, 2021, during the seventh race at the Meadowlands. Apparently, Mr. Bongiorno has appealed the charge, but somewhere in this debacle the management of the Meadowlands released the following:

Meadowlands statement regarding Joe Bongiorno
June 25, 2021, from Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ — The Meadowlands, Tioga and Vernon Downs are excluding Joe Bongiorno from driving in races at any of those three tracks beginning Friday (June 25).

This action is being taken due to track management’s observation of Mr. Bongiorno’s driving over a lengthy period of time. Most recently, in the seventh race on Saturday (May 29), Mr. Bongiorno was driving the horse Pat Stanley N when that horse fell while in contention in the very late stages of the race, resulting in a three-horse accident where one of the horses suffered a catastrophic injury. Fortunately, the other two horses and all three drivers were able to walk away with minor injuries.

Careful study of the accident from a number of angles supports the opinion that Mr. Bongiorno has the style of driving the horse with very loose lines, and the belief that he was not in a position to react quickly enough to support the horse when he began to fall.

“Our concern for the safety of our drivers, including Joe, and horses is paramount. It is our hope that Joe will learn from this near tragedy as he is a terrific up and coming young driver who should have a good future,” said Meadowlands CEO Jeff Gural.

After my watching Joe Bongiorno’s rodeo-style driving in races for several years, had I been Mr. Gural, Bongiorno would have been history, but Mr. Gural is nicer than me.

One would think Bongiorno would have been grateful that Mr. Gural only gave him a short penalty, a slap on the wrist, plus complimented his ability. NOT JOE. This cocky young kid did not have the common sense to realize after his causing a wreck and having been responsible for the euthanizing a horse, he would be humble. NOT JOE.

Big shot Joe actually had the audacity to say, he is being punished by Mr. Gural after he (Joe) appealed the New Jersey Commission’s 20-day suspension and $5,000 fine. Bongiorno insisted he did not cause the accident. Joe was quoted in an article for HRU, as saying, “Obviously, it’s a horrible situation that the horse fell, but that’s the risk that comes with going on the racetrack. It’s not the first time a horse fell,” he said. Notice he said, “… that’s the risk that comes with going on the racetrack.” Joe, that dead horse did not choose to go on the racetrack. No heart, no remorse, no responsibility, no class. 116 “reported” infractions and still counting.

I predict the day will come when owners and trainers regret having used him.

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J Badact (2016-2021) was a big, beautiful, well-bred mare with nearly perfect conformation, and a flawless gait (60 inch hopples, no boots, and simply rigged). Before me, a couple of other trainers had  tried her but eventually threw in the towel. She was labeled crazy. Her last trainer knew I liked challenging project horses, especially mares with behavioral problems. He called me and I wrote the check.

J was more of a project than I had anticipated. A year after intense outside-the-box teaching and training, I won her over. She made a 180 degree change. Because Pompano was closing for the summer, I sent her to a friend (Vern) in Michigan who began to race her. Vern was teaching her to race and we (including J) were all happy until the barn fire earlier this year. Her career ended suddenly, and I was heartbroken.

Throughout our year together here in Florida, J gained trust in me and others. We became best friends. Losing my best friend was devastating.

For 45 years, our daughter, Melissa, saw me buy and sell dozens of horses, but Melissa knew this mare was different and special to the old man. I was having a difficult time dealing with it.

Melissa, who lives near Seattle, surprised me when she had this painting delivered to me on Father’s Day (last Sunday, 2021). My wife, Loveda, and I had no idea that Melissa was an artist. Two special things about this painting are: 1. Melissa painted it. 2. It is of my beloved mare, J Badact. Melissa’s gesture helped to heal.

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Harness Racing Action Newsletter – June 20, 2021, 

“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them” ― Albert Einstein

N E W  Y O R K  S T A T E  G A M I N G  C O M M I S S I O N  D O D G E S  A N S W E R I N G  M Y  Q U E S T I O N S

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

Latest update on TWICE AN ANGEL, as of June 20, 2021

As a Standardbred horse lover, I made a promise to the late pacing mare TWICE AN ANGEL to make certain her death was purely accidental and that she did not have any substances in her that caused her to race beyond her natural physical capabilities, ultimately resulting in her being euthanized while laying painfully on a racetrack.

Please be advised:

1. I did not own TWICE AN ANGEL at any time. I merely enjoyed watching her tireless efforts.
2. I do not know her trainer of record, so have no grudge against him.
3. I am not doing this to blacken the eye of the sport, but to show people that we police our industry to assure there is no foul play.
4. Some may believe I am carrying this too far. I am doing it for the hard-hitting mare who was euthanized, plus because I am adamant that those of us involved in Standardbred racing must take a personal active part in assuring the sport is scrutinized. Requesting the assistance of the FBI is absurd.
5. My original letters to the New York State Gaming Commission can be seen on under the Twice An Angel tab in the top yellow ribbon. Because I did not receive a reply from the Gaming Commission, I took my concerns to the Governor of the State of New York.

After sending a letter to the New York State Gaming Commission and receiving no reply, I decided to contact Governor Cuomo. That letter follows:

June 15, 2021

Tim Finley
46 Lisa Lane
Lake Worth, Florida 33463
harnessracingaction@gmail.com

Dear Governor Cuomo,

I have been active in Standardbred racing for 45 years, but in the last ten years have been very concerned about the “doping” problem. I built a website to address this, plus other matters in the Standardbred Harness Racing Sport. I write newsletters for this site which report both the negative and the positive. The “doping” of horses and resulting deaths of horses has me disgusted.

On May 4, 2021, I sent a letter to the New York State Racing Commission requesting a thorough investigation in the death of a Standardbred racehorse named TWICE AN ANGEL. She was euthanized on the racetrack after breaking down during a race. More horses could have been killed as a result of the accident, plus people could have been badly injured or killed. Furthermore, this mare was being trained by a man who was recently charged with possessing doping tools. Yet, he was allowed to continue racing.

As of this date, I have had no reply from the Gaming Commission. I am prepared to exhaust all resources, including hiring someone to approach the people involved (racing management, racing officials, the Gaming Commission, politicians, etc) requesting a video interview. The “doping” of horses must stop.

Please respond to this and let me know what you will do.

Thanks,

Tim Finley

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NOTE: My letter to the Governor was effective.

R E P L Y  F R O M  T H E  N E W  Y O R K  S T A T E  G A M I N G  C O M M I S S I O N

Merton, Wendy (GAMING) <Wendy.Merton@gaming.ny.gov>
Attachments (below the email, is the attach response as printed)
Jun 18, 2021, 11:47 AM (22 hours ago)
to me (Tim Finley)

In response to your recent inquiry to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, please see the attachment.

Thank you.

Wendy Merton
Assistant to the Executive Director
New York State Gaming Commission
1 Broadway Center, Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 388-3400 | Wendy.Merton@gaming.ny.gov | @NYSGamingComm
www.gaming.ny.gov

Attachment follows:

June 18, 2021

Timothy D. Finley
46 Lisa Lane
Lake Worth, Florida 33463

Dear Mr. Finley:

Your recent correspondence to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo regarding the standardbred mare Twice An Angel, who was euthanized on March 22, 2021 after sustaining an injury to its left front leg while competing in the Third Race at Monticello Raceway was forwarded to this agency for our consideration and response. The Commission has certain regulatory jurisdiction over the operation and conduct of horse racing activities. Your previous communication regarding this horse and its trainer was addressed to the Gaming Inspector General, who operates independently of the Commission.

With respect you your most recent inquiry, please be informed that the circumstances of each horse fatality – whether on-track or simply on racetrack grounds – is reviewed and analyzed. Most are subjected to a complete necropsy examination at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Frequently additional laboratory testing is also conducted. The Commission’s review of circumstances generally includes collection of veterinary medical records, interview of trainers and assistant trainers, veterinarians and other equine caretakers, and review of racetrack surface parameters and weather conditions.

Most significant to the Commission is analysis of individual risk factors, which we use to understand the causes underlying the injury and to develop better metrics for welfare and safety. Our risk management program is an iterative process that utilizes a real time assessment and monitoring, identification of multiple layers of risk, development of targeted interventions and protective factors to address that risk, and follow-up monitoring to adjust the program. In short, the Commission seeks to identify common factors that can be targeted for mitigation of risk as well as individual corrective actions to prevent injuries in the future.

While I appreciate your narrative regarding the implications of allowing the trainer of Twice An Angel to continue to train as possibly leading to the injury. Your timeline is, however, inconsistent with fact. Please note that your initial correspondence correctly indicates the injury to TWICE AN ANGEL as having occurred on March 22, 2021. Your narrative also correctly references the date of the barn search leading to charges of violation of Commission Rule 4210.6, Possession of hypodermic needles, syringes and/or injectable and/or other drugs, as having occurred on March 24, 2021 – two days after Twice An Angel suffered her fatal injury.

As to suspension of a trainer’s license pending a necropsy and investigation when a horse sustains a catastrophic injury, should the Commission find that a trainer’s actions or neglect contributed to the injury or death of a horse, we administer the appropriate sanction – which may include summary suspension – in accordance with the State Administrative Procedures Act. By rule, the Commission revokes the license of any trainer who has administered a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Association, with narrow therapeutic exceptions, or who administers any other drug in a manner that is not an accepted veterinary practice or validated by an evidence-based treatment plan. Commission Rules forbid the administration to any horse that trains or races in New York of any drug except within the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. In 2016 the Commission adopted the Multiple Medication Violation penalty structure as part of the National Uniform Medication Program. This Program includes a point system for repeat violations. The Commission will act in accordance with the State Administrative Procedures Act to suspend or revoke a trainer’s license for continual, multiple medication violations.

A review of the Commission’s public-facing Rulings Database, which contains a searchable listing of all adjudications during the past three decades finds the trainer of Twice An Angel, Phillip A. Sowers, has not been penalized for any drug offense.

The Commission’s ongoing goal is to reduce the number of racehorse deaths and injuries to zero, and we have taken many productive steps toward reaching that goal. However, our work is not complete, and the Commission will continue to effectuate those changes that first and foremost protect the equine athlete.

We appreciate your interest in these matters.

Sincerely,
Robert Williams
Executive Director

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NOTE: The Gaming Commission provided me with a lot of rhetoric, but they avoided my specific questions. Consequently, I contacted them again, and will continue contacting them until the results of their investigation are made public.

J U N E  2 0 ,  2 0 2 1 ,  M Y  R E P L Y  T O  T H E  N E W  Y O R K  S T A T E  G A M I  N G  C O M M I S S I O N

June 18, 2021

Robert Williams
Executive Director, New York State Gaming Commission 1 Broadway Center, Schenectady, NY 12305
www.gaming.ny.gov

Regarding: Euthanized Standardbred racehorse named, TWICE AN ANGEL.

Dear Mr. Williams:

In response to your letter to me, dated June 18, 2021, regarding the death of the Standardbred racehorse, named TWICE AN ANGEL, there are a few unresolved issues, which I have painfully attempted to explain in this correspondence.

I have copied the infraction as posted on the USTA website, as follows:

02/24/2021 Y 04/26/2021 IR Possession of hypodermic needles, syringes and/or injectable and/or other drugs

Additional Details: Mr. Sowers is a licensed trainer of the NYSGC and has been found to be in violation of State Investigators conducted a random barn search on 2/24/21 and this was the result of that search. Mr. Sowers has waived his right to an appeal therefore , he has been suspended from participation for (30) days, beginning 5/3/21, reduced to (15) and been fined $1000.00 reduced to $500.00.

I presume the above to be reliable.

Mr. Sowers’ barn was searched on February 24, 2021, but the penalty was not imposed until April 26, 2021. TWICE AN ANGEL was euthanized on March 22, 2021, which was approximately one month following Mr. Sowers violation, and one month before the penalty was imposed. I think you may have misread the dates. According to the reported violation, the barn was searched one month before TWICE AN ANGEL was raced and euthanized, not two days after the race. Are we discussing dates here, or are we discussing the possession of drug paraphernalia, which casts a questionable image on the trainer?

Here is the important point. Rule # 4120.6 states: “no person shall be in possession of any equipment which may be used for hypodermic injection or other infusion into a horse or any vial, bottle, or cartridge designed for such purposes.” Common sense would tell us that a trainer who has these illegal drug paraphernalia in his/her possession is not planning to make a lamp from them for his mother. These objects are used to introduce substances into a horse, and the introductions are usually done illegally before competition. That was my concern. The trainer was accused and found guilty of having objects used to pre-race a horse. The question is: Did TWICE AN ANGEL have illegal substances in her system?

I appreciate all of the rhetoric you have provided in your communication, but you did not indicate what was done, if anything, to investigate the euthanizing of TWICE AN ANGEL.

You said, “With respect you your most recent inquiry, please be informed that the circumstances of each horse fatality – whether on-track or simply on racetrack grounds – is reviewed and analyzed. Most are subjected to a complete necropsy examination at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Frequently additional laboratory testing is also conducted. The Commission’s review of circumstances generally includes collection of veterinary medical records, interview of trainers and assistant trainers, veterinarians and other equine caretakers, and review of racetrack surface parameters and weather conditions.”

So, what was done to investigate this particular instance? I thank you for being specific.

Please refer to my original letter dated May 4, 2021, addressed to Lisa Lee, Inspector General, New York State Gaming Commission regarding this extremely unfortunate incident. In that letter, I asked the following:

1. Are horses that must be euthanized following a race tested for drugs?

2. Because Mr. Sowers was found guilty, why was he permitted to continue training? Why was his suspension and fine reduced after he waived his right to an appeal? Had he received an immediate suspension, TWICE AN ANGEL would probably be alive today.

3. Is it Monticello’s policy to permit trainers who use dope to continue racing at their facility?

4. Was TWICE AN ANGEL under the care of a veterinarian? If so, was the veterinarian asked to submit his/her records of treatment to the horse? We all know that vets commonly “patch-up” lame horses to keep them racing.

5. Is there something that I am overlooking? I realize there are accidental catastrophes in horse racing, so I want to have my facts straight before printing my article. If this were simply found to be an accident following your thorough investigation, I would appreciate you advising me of same. However, if your investigation was not thorough and complete, I believe I am also entitled to know of your mistake.

The questions, listed above, which were in my original letter, have not been answered. As a Standardbred horseman, I would like an answer. As a gambler, wagering on horses racing in the State of New York, I am entitled to an answer.

Sincerely,

Tim Finley

harnessracingaction@gmail.com

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I  M A Y  S E E M  R A D I C A L  T O  S O M E

 B y  T i m  F i n l e y

My efforts to be a part of cleaning up the sport of Standardbred racing probably seems radical to many, but that is the price I must pay if I want to be effective. No good deed goes unpunished. At least I am doing something.

Most in Standardbred racing want to “sweep the unpleasant incidents under the proverbial rug.”

My efforts are to save the sport and to see it grow into a respected wagering and spectator sport supported by both wagering and advertising. Right now, it is subsidized because it cannot survive without welfare, but that will not last forever.

IF YOU ARE NOT A PART OF THE SOLUTION, YOU ARE  PART OF THE PROBLEM. YES, YOU!

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T H E  A M I S H

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

COMING SOON NOTICE: Intrigued by this rising sect of people who play a huge role in Standardbred racing, we are going to devote an entire section of this website to what is going on in the Amish communities.

Their “plain clothing” is one of the reasons the Amish have merited the name “The Plain People.” Plain, when referring to people, means having no pretensions; not remarkable or special. Although the Amish appear plain, it certainly does not mean they lack brainpower, are uneducated, boring, or poverty stricken. In fact, most are quite the opposite.

Old Order Amish live in 31 states, 4 Canadian provinces, and 2 South American countries. Approximately 325,000 Amish people reside in the U.S. The largest Amish population of 76,000 live in Pennsylvania. The following, copied from amishamerica.com, lists the largest Amish communities in America: 

1. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (36,920 people; 220 church districts; founded c. 1760) – The best-known, oldest, and most-visited Amish settlement in the world. Known for its annual schedule of mud sales which benefit local volunteer fire companies. The most common Amish surname here is “Stoltzfus“. This community includes churches in neighboring Chester and York Counties.

2. Holmes County, Ohio (35,130; 274; 1808) – Holmes County and Lancaster County are nearly the same size, and by some estimates Holmes County has been considered larger in the past. In contrast to Lancaster County, this community is one of the most diverse, with around a dozen Amish affiliations, from the most conservative to progressive Amish represented here.

3. Elkhart & Lagrange Counties, Indiana (24,205; 181; 1841) – Amish in Northern Indiana are known for their RV production. It’s a generally progressive community which has gotten attention for challenges within the youth community. Home of the Connection magazine, the Shipshewana Mayfest Buggy Race, and the Pumpkinvine Trail.

4. Geauga County, Ohio (18,650; 132; 1886) – This large community east of Cleveland is often overlooked due to its proximity to the Holmes County settlement 90 minutes south. Home of the Geauga Amish Historical Library and loads of old-style ice machines found throughout the community. One of the big four Amish locations; after Geauga County, the next largest settlements drop off significantly in size.

5. Adams County, Indiana (8,595; 58; 1840) – The largest “Swiss” Amish settlement (Swiss Amish have different customs and speak a different German dialect than most other Amish). Covered buggies recently appeared in this community, in contrast to the traditional open buggies characteristic of Swiss communities.

6. Nappanee, Indiana (5,910; 43; 1842) – Centered around the town of Nappanee, this community is a stone’s throw from the Elkhart & Lagrange settlement. RV work is also common here. Nearby you will find a community of Old Order Mennonites.

7. Daviess County, Indiana (4,855; 29; 1868) – This southern Indiana settlement has a deep-fried flavor to it immediately noticeable in the local drawl (described by one observer as “Swiss Amish with a hillbilly accent”). Dinky’s auction house is a popular Friday destination for locals.

8. Arthur, Illinois (4,410; 30; 1864) – This community around the small town of Arthur is Illinois’s largest settlement by far. Here you’ll find Amish-owned Roselen’s Coffee & Delights, though the Rockome Gardens attraction is now closed.

9. “Big Valley”, Pennsylvania (3,905; 30; 1791) – This settlement in Mifflin County in central PA is located in what is formally known as Kishacoquillas Valley, though if you ever visit you’ll quickly see why it has its nickname of “Big”. The roughly 30-mile long, 5-mile wide valley is home to three distinct Amish groups – Byler, Renno, and Nebraska Amish.

10. Allen County, Indiana (3,190; 22; 1852) – Another Indiana Swiss Amish settlement. As in other Swiss locations, particular surnames are prevalent here, such as Graber, Lengacher, and Schwartz. Allen County stands out visually for its large number of brick homes and common use of solar and wind power.

11. Smicksburg, Pennsylvania (2,985; 21; 1962) – Along with Seymour, MO, this community found in Indiana County in western PA is by far the youngest on this list, suggesting relatively rapid growth. Here you’ll find the Midwest-style black buggy.

12. Seymour, Missouri (2,665; 16; 1968) – A conservative community with Swiss Amish roots. The Seymour Amish recently faced a whooping cough outbreak.

(If we extended this list, we would include communities like Munfordville, Kentucky; New Wilmington, Pennsylvania; Conewango Valley, New York and Cashton, Wisconsin.)

Raised in Massillon, Ohio, which borders what is known as Amish country, I was an avid squirrel hunter, spending many fall days hunting in the beautiful huge woods which sprawl the countryside of Amish country.

Fascinated by the Amish lifestyle, I sought the friendship of these folks cloaked in black. I found them to be warm and welcoming. A curious sort, I was not shy in asking them various questions regarding their unusual and antiquated lifestyle. They were very willing to accept my friendship, and to answer my questions. Following is an overview of what I discovered.

Transportation for the Amish is usually by horse and buggy, although they will use motorized transportation if necessary. They do not have electricity or telephones in their homes, yet many have accepted cell phones as emergency forms of communication. Cell phones are usually kept in the barn or workshop. Before cell phones, back when I was a stockbroker, I had several Amish clients who would go to the village payphone and call me to make their stock market investments.

Although they seem somewhat odd to us English (they refer to non-Amish as The English), they are remarkably similar in their personalities as those of us who are not a part of their cluster. They are intelligent, humorous, kind, and many are wealthy. They do not believe wealth is a sin. However, they will share their wealth within their community with those who need assistance.

Amish generally observe the teachings of Jacob Ammann, a 17th-century citizen of Switzerland. Those who followed Ammann became known as Amish, which is a Christian Protestant denomination. In the second half of the 19th century, the Amish divided into Old Order Amish and Amish Mennonites. Just like most faiths, there are many differences within these faiths regarding what is a rule, and what is a personal choice. For instance, some Amish smoke and drink alcohol, while others believe those practices to be unpleasant and perhaps immoral. Usually, Amish adhere to the saying, “birds of a feather flock together.”

The Amish, most who reside in the United States, practice unworldly customs and they refuse to take oaths, vote, or perform military service. Although, as time changes, an increasing number of Amish do vote. Most vote Conservative, some have even been spotted at candidate rallies in recent elections.

Although they avoid modern technology and conveniences, most are willing to bend the rules under certain circumstances. I once accompanied a family in their horse-drawn family buggy when they went to the local general store where they rented a deep freezer – one of dozens of deep freezers that lined the basement floor – all rented to Amish families in the community. Yes, they utilize electricity, but not on their farms. Wringer washing machines are driven by small gasoline engines located just outside their homes.

The men usually wear beards and pants with buttons instead of zippers. The women wear white head coverings and plain dresses, usually without buttons.

The Amish came to the United States in search of religious freedom, as did many people. In Europe, in the 16th century, there was an Anabaptist movement.

The name Anabaptist means “one who baptizes again”. Anabaptists believe that water baptism is valid only when mature candidates freely confess their faith in Jesus Christ, and then request to be baptized. Believer’s baptism does not recognize baby water baptism as being effectual because infants are not able to make a conscious mature decision to accept Jesus as one’s savior. Anabaptists believe it is faith in Jesus Christ that saves one’s soul (aka The New Covenant).

The Amish, Hutterites, and Mennonites are direct descendants of the early Anabaptist movement.

Anabaptists affirm that water baptism does not save a person. It is one’s faith that saves. It does not matter if you were baptized by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling because if you have not first trusted in Christ for salvation, baptism (no matter the method) is meaningless and useless. Water baptism by immersion is a step of obedience to be done after salvation as a public profession of faith in Christ and identification with Him.

The following was taken from Wikipedia. I have posted them so you can see the differences.

• The Old Order Amish, who live in rural communities in North America and are famous for their plain dress and limited use of technology. The group emerged from the split into Old Order Amish and Amish Mennonites in the decades after 1862.
• The Amish Mennonites, a broad term used for churches that emerged from the split after 1862 and later mostly became Mennonites with few exceptions, the most notably being the Kauffman Amish Mennonites.
• The Egly Amish, more Evangelical than the other Amish, had already withdrawn from the Amish church in 1858. They soon drifted away from the old ways and changed their name to “Defenseless Mennonite” in 1908, to “Evangelical Mennonite Church” in 1942, and then to “Fellowship of Evangelical Churches” in 2003.
• The Stuckey Amish (Mennonites) of Illinois, more progressive than the Amish Mennonites, emerged from a split in 1872, organized as a conference in 1899 and joined the General Conference Mennonite Church as a district conference in 1945. In 1957 they merged with the Middle District Conference to form the Central District of the General Conference Mennonite Church.
• The Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference, that emerged in 1910 among Amish congregations that took no side in the split after 1862. They dropped the word “Amish” from their name in 1957. They were more liberal than the Old Orders but more conservative than the Amish Mennonites.
• The Beachy Amish, a car driving group with a few restrictions on technologies. In many aspects they resemble Conservative Mennonites. They emerged from the Old Orders in a process that started in 1927.
• The New Order Amish, a plain dress, horse and buggy group, formed in 1966, that is more liberal concerning technologies than most Old Order Amish. Some of them use electricity in the home. They do not practice shunning.

The Old Order Amish, the New Order Amish, and the Old Beachy Amish as well as Old Order Mennonites continue to speak Pennsylvania German, also known as “Pennsylvania Dutch”.

As of 2010, approximately 250,000 Old Order Amish lived in the United States and about 1,500 lived in Canada. I have been told the number has grown since 2010 to the present 2021.

Amish church membership begins with baptism, usually between the ages of 16 and 23. It is a requirement for marriage within the Amish church. Once a person is baptized within the church, he or she may marry only within the faith. Church districts have between 20 and 40 families and worship services are held every other Sunday in a member’s home. The district is led by a bishop and several ministers and deacons. The Amish value rural life, manual labor, and humility, all under the auspices of living what they interpret to be God’s Word.

The Amish typically operate their own one-room schools and discontinue formal education after grade eight, at age 13 or 14. Until the children turn 16, they have vocational training under the instruction of their parents. Higher education is generally discouraged because it can lead to community segregation.

Furthermore, to avoid community segregation, the Amish all dress similar so that there is no prideful or stylish separation.

A growing number of Amish men have left farm work and started small (and some large) businesses because of increasing pressure on small farmers. Though a wide variety of small businesses exists among the Amish, construction work and woodworking are common.

In the early 1970’s I asked for bids from many contractors to build a new horse barn on my Delaware, Ohio, property. Most bids went to contractors outside of the Amish community, but I did invite a recommended Mennonite contractor to bid. His price was 30% lower than the others, and his workmanship was extraordinary.

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O U R  M I S S I O N

Our Website’s Mission

Our mission is to encourage the good folks in Standardbred racing to improve the image of the sport by taking out the trash, plus to highlight those Standardbreds, breeders, owners, trainers, drivers, caretakers, veterinarians, etc. who deserve to be respected and celebrated.

We will also present innovative ideas that have the potential to progress Standardbred racing from currently being stalled in old-school mentality into the modernistic escalating sphere of entertainment.

Our Mission’s Methodology

We attempt to accentuate the positive, but this does not mean we bury our heads in the sand and avoid the negative. When addressing fundamental issues, one cannot afford to only see bright sides. We need to be critical; we need a certain ‘negativity’ to account for loopholes in our reasoning. Engineers must consider everything that could go wrong (i.e. water supply, your car, trains, nuclear plants, etc.) to make sure everything is safe. Some motorists believe if they accelerate to speed quickly through a light turning red, they probably will not kill anyone. That is ‘positive’ thinking in their selfish minds, but realistically it is negative based on the number of injuries and deaths caused by these irresponsible drivers.

The image of this magnificent sport has been tarnished by some who care only for their own well-being; thus, they have no interest in adhering to the laws. These types have cast a bad image on a sport that must be elevated in the eyes of the public.

We attempt to utilize Critical Analysis. “Critical Analysis” is an exhaustive approach to crafting rational and logical judgments; to examine and evaluate a situation; to solve a problem; or to change course. Critical analysis yields results by employing criteria that are logical, researched, and well-thought out. It is a way of thinking in which one does not simply accept all arguments and conclusions, but rather develops an attitude by questioning such arguments and rejecting questionable conclusions by aggressively comparing differences of opinions, and then formulating conclusions based on all evidence. One must be intellectually honest and unbiased in analyzing the situation. Critical Analysis requires visualizing a logical solution. When a potential solution is determined, the problem direction may require modification or changing the current course (if a course change is needed), and then proceeding carefully, creatively, and cautiously. 

We believe those who have the power and authority to make necessary changes to improve the Standardbred industry are too dumb, too lazy, or do not care. Everyone seems to be waiting for legislative changes to take effect, but that will have no effect at least until mid-2022. And, if it is by the Federal Government, we all know it will take longer. In the meantime, many more horses will probably go lame because of the usage of dope, plus some will be euthanized. God forbid that a driver will be killed. We are not waiting because we believe that collectively we, who are involved in Standardbred racing, have much more power and influence than the Federal Government.

Our unorthodox, unpopular, and highly criticized methods boast that we are utilizing distinctive techniques, in an attempt to improve the image of Standardbred racing to those who misunderstand the efforts put forth by thousands of hard-working, honest, horsemen throughout the United States. We will hold feet to the fire that other website publishers may avoid for fear of angering someone.

Our primary interest is protecting, displaying, and glorifying those horses who train and work so hard. Simultaneously, we want to share the magnificence of the breed with the rest of the world who is not familiar with the Standardbred breed.

In addition to holding the bad guys’ and girls’ feet to the fire, we also share many of the positive aspects of the sport, plus offer well-thought-out suggestions to enrich the sport.

Our Mission’s Individuality

We do not sell advertising, nor do we accept donations, so we are not beholden to anyone. Nor are we spending our time trying to schmooze anyone. Consequently, we can be straightforward.

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June 6, 2021, Newsletter

T H E  H O R S E M E N ’ S  V O I C E  ( E R I C  P O D E R S )  I N T E R V I E W S  T H E  F I N L E Y S

The Horseman’s Voice – Memorial Day EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Tim Finley and his wife Loveda. Tim, a self-made horseman who adores all animals, is uber-intelligent and loves numbers. As a career stockbroker, Tim shares his history, knowledge, and insight into the Standardbred racing business.

Tim to Eric: Thank you for the nice interview. Because I have been pro-active in Standardbred racing, and in the world of business for fifty years, I have formed opinions regarding the sport of Standardbred racing and its future. My intentions in stating my opinions publicly are to try to improve the sport by making it safer, and by improving its image. Some dislike me because I address facts. Although the facts may be negative, as businessmen, we must admit and address negatives in the best interest of our future. All well-run businesses tackle the negative aspects of their business, and then take the necessary procedures to eliminate them. This must be done in Standardbred racing, no matter who it angers. https://youtu.be/407-t9qFtUA

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H A R N E S S  R A C I N G  W R E C K S

 (Most want to pretend this never happens) 

IS A SLANTED FINISH LINE THE ANSWER?

 B y  T i m  F i n l e y

Negative: Wrecks happen.

Positive: They can be reduced.

Ignoring the fact that wrecks take place is disgraceful. Doing nothing or little to prevent them is criminal. My posting these videos may seem negative, but it is being done to encourage leaders to get on the ball and eliminate the reality of wrecks by making changes within the sport. Making changes is the positive. Which side are you on?

The following videos represent just a few. As you know, there are countless.

The Meadows – Nov 1, 2016:

https://youtu.be/N6V5pOXbBUo

Northfield Park – Race 1 – March 4, 2007:

On this website, I have made proposals to improve the sport (refer to “finley’s hot ideas”). Included in my list is an idea for a slanted finish line designed to make the sport safer, more exciting, and self-handicapping. By self-handicapping I am referring to the race secretary not having to handicap the horses by their abilities and their post positions.

I define “self-handicapping” as creating a race that potentially provides the distance each horse travels as being closer to a mile. As it is today, a horse starting from the rail goes one mile if it stays along the rail until it reaches the finish line. A horse parked two-wide goes much further (NOTE: Horses parked the entire mile rarely finish in the money, which results in a burned-out horse and no check). Obviously not all horses will travel the same distance, but my concept comes closer to equalizing the distance each horse must travel than anything that exists today. This new style would create a level playing field (to an extent) by more of the horses finishing their mile towards the outside of the track. In other words, the horses would be fanned out.

I wish I had a dollar for each time I have heard Dave Brower say, “The post gods were not kind to so-and-so.” Mr. Brower is smart enough to know that all posts are not equal. A staggered finish line proposes to be kinder to outside horses by giving them an equal opportunity not currently received by the luck of the draw. The luck of the draw is old-school mentality, a term common in Standardbred racing, but not in the lingo of forward-thinking people.

As it stands today, many drivers just go to the wood if they draw the outside post position and wait for a better draw. This is not fair to the horse, the sport, the driver, the trainer, the owner, and the wagerer.

 Please watch the first part of this video where Larry reveals his strategy when he draws an outside PP. I am not picking on Mr. Stalbaum by posting this video because many drivers do the same. My purpose is to reveal what happens so many times when a driver must start from the outside. Time to modernize.

Basically, the finish line would remain at the same point, at the inside rail (12 o’clock), but the finish line would be angled to the outside rail (maybe 7 o’clock).

In addition to my presenting this unique concept on this website, I also started a Facebook group named HARNESS RACING SLANTED FINISH LINE. Although we have almost 1000 Facebook members in this group, there is never dialog regarding designing a safer racetrack. Most involved in Standardbred racing refuse to abandon old-school mentality and adopt new concepts. Refusing modern-day thinking has destroyed many once successful companies.

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U S T A  M E M B E R S  A N D  M A N A G E M E N T  F O R U M  G R O U P  L A U N C H E D  O N  F A C E B O O K

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

Heretofore, there has been little shared dialog between the USTA and its members. The USTA uses its website for their communication, which is standard and customary. However, this excludes members from making comments, criticisms, congratulations, ideas, etc. This lack of input from members is unfair to those who pay yearly dues, resulting in some animosity from members. This exclusivity is unproductive in an era where ideas can be readily shared via social media.

I am not trying to provoke more animosity among members and management, but I am attempting to create a forum that may be constructive to the future of our sport. “This is the way it has always been,” is no longer acceptable.

Sadly, the USTA probably never sees what the members post on Facebook. Of course, some of the posts may be worthless, but some may also have tremendous importance for the future of our sport. I feel confident in my stating that the USTA membership has many intelligent people who could present brilliant ideas to those who are primarily sitting behind desks. From owners to caretakers, there are many very sharp people in the Standardbred industry.

This Facebook group is an experiment, which I hope will evolve into a viable concept, intended to generate dialog between the employees of United States Trotting Association (USTA) and the dues paying USTA membership. This forum is designed primarily for USTA members who have questions, comments, suggestions, and solutions that can be posted and viewed publicly. This forum can also serve as a location where the USTA may answer questions, make comments, and announcements, although we realize the USTA has a website usually utilized for such purposes.

Although the USTA has no obligation to visit, monitor, or contribute to this group, their participation certainly could create a more friendly relationship between USTA management and its membership, which I believe most members would welcome and respect.

The USTA website states the following as their missions:

• License owners, trainers, drivers and officials.
• Formulate the rules of racing.
• Maintain and disseminate racing information and records.
• Serve as the registry for the Standardbred breed.
• Endeavor to ensure the integrity of harness racing.
• Insist on the humane treatment of Standardbreds.
• Promote the sport of harness racing and the Standardbred breed.

This forum will serve as a place where anyone with a question, comment, suggestion, or solution can begin to respectfully have a say.

I invite anyone employed by the USTA, on the Board of the USTA, or affiliated in any way with the governing of the USTA, to take part by either asking questions, making comments, answering questions, etc. I also invite anyone who is involved as a Standardbred owner, trainer, driver, caretaker, gambler, fan, racetrack manager, etc. to do the same.

To be a part of this group, please go to Facebook and look for the group named USTA Members and Management Forum. The sport needs your participation. If you simply join it will demonstrate there are many concerned members. You are NOT required to post anything. Thanks!

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G O O D B Y E  P O M P A N O  P A R K

B y  T i m  F i n l e y

What the United States needs is a national burial grounds for old racetracks, and the dead horses that once were the main attraction. Am I being sarcastic? Hell yes.

As of this writing, it is a sure bet that the once classy Pompano Park Standardbred Racetrack will be one for the history books. The only few fighting to keep it alive are those who are involved in the sport. The general public would be happy to see the sport eliminated.

As a Christian minister, I was invited to Atlanta four decades ago to convince leaders that Standardbred racing was a respectable sport and should be considered for expansion despite the fact it is supported by gambling. We even had an exhibition day with about ten races. The public loved the horses and the competition. At that time, churches were opposed to gambling, so we got nowhere. Today, Christians are not nearly as opposed to the gambling, but with all of the bad press regarding the use of PEDs, Georgia would probably give Standardbred racing a thumbs down. Casinos, yes. Racetracks, no.

Slot machines do not need drugs, and they are not whipped to compete. They just sit there, taking up a small amount of space and play the game 24/7. Furthermore, they are not euthanized on the track for breaking down. Playing slots is a safe and exciting endeavor. Slot machines do not stumble and take down an entire field of people and horses. Keep in mind that day-by-day, the public is becoming more adverse to animals being injured. For the sport to survive, it needs dramatic changes.

Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting a different result.” We cannot go back to the good old days and expect harness racing to survive. The progress of Standardbred racing is slower than a turtle walking backwards.

We must prioritize. I agree that we must organize as much as possible and reasonable, but that our FIRST PRIORITY must be to reinvent the sport to make it more exciting for the fans, and safer for the beloved animals. Because the racetracks are primarily owned by casinos, which are cash cows, I doubt if they care, so they will not be willing to jump on this train until we can demonstrate the dollars and sense.

I would begin by finding one racetrack/casino that would allow us to make the changes as an experiment – perhaps one race at a time. When I say, “one race at a time,” I do not mean to do this slowly. It must be done aggressively, making many changes which not only pleases the current customers, but also to entice new customers. As we succeed, we work with other tracks to climb on board. It would be then that we have the strength to organize.

I am not looking for employment because I am happy being retired and living in South Florida. However, I become very frustrated watching racetracks, such as Pompano, bite the dust when I know that with changes, we can breathe eternal life into Standardbred racing.

Please take the time to read “finley’s hot ideas” on this website. I would welcome the opportunity to be involved as a consultant in an endeavor that will close the racetrack cemetery. Collectively, with hard, creative, dedicate work, we can take Standardbred racing from its current position as the Ed Sullivan show and recreate it into The Voice.

Tim Finley

Lake Worth, Florida 33463

561/480-8964

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T H E  E L E V E N  S U G G E S T I O N S  F R O M  P E T A  T O  M A K E  H O R S E  R A C I N G  S A F E R :

1. Ban all medications for two weeks before a race.

Thousands of necropsies conducted at the University of California–Davis show that most Thoroughbreds who break bones on tracks had pre-existing injuries at the site of the break.

In the weeks leading up to a race, horses are often administered a cocktail of anti-inflammatories, painkillers, sedatives, and muscle relaxants that can kill any chance of visually observing lameness. If horses need medication, they shouldn’t be racing.

2. Allow horses who are injured or sore sufficient time to recuperate before they are trained or raced.

3. Install cutting-edge CT scan equipment at all tracks.

Sometimes, bone injuries can’t be identified visually, even when the horses haven’t been administered multiple pain-masking medications. However, technology developed by CurveBeam can still detect these injuries. This low-radiation technology can provide three-dimensional scans of a horse’s legs in just a few minutes, allowing for many horses to be screened quickly. Horses can be walked onto the scanner, which has no visible moving parts, and then simply walked off.

Such technology is already being used for human sporting events. It is much more practical than time-consuming MRIs and does not require injections of isotopes, as PET scans do.

4. Replace dirt tracks with high-quality synthetic Tapeta.

The statistics are clear: Fewer deaths occur on synthetic tracks.

5. Ban trainers who have multiple medication infractions or harm horses in other ways.

The days of $500 fines and 30-day suspensions must end.

6. Ban whipping.

Striking a horse with a stick, no matter how cushioned it may be, is the most frequent and visible sign of abuse in racing. It’s cruel and unnecessary.

7. Eliminate timed sprints at 2-year-old–in–training auctions.

Forcing juvenile horses—whose bones don’t fully mature until five years of age—to run faster than they ever will in the rest of their careers is damaging and dangerous. Young horses are whipped to compel them to accelerate to breakneck speeds, merely to impress potential buyers at auction previews known as “under tack shows.”

PETA footage has revealed catastrophic breakdowns during these auctions.

8. Be transparent.

The public doesn’t trust the racing industry—and for good reason. Many tracks outside California hide fatality statistics. Trainers keep injury records secret. The racing industry must take responsibility for all the 21,000 Thoroughbred foals born each year and implement a system of accountability and traceability for every horse through all changes in ownership.

9. Don’t sell horses to foreign racing entities that routinely send them to slaughter.

PETA’s investigation of racing in South Korea revealed that U.S.-bred Thoroughbreds and the offspring of American horses were routinely slaughtered when they were no longer considered useful, often at quite a young age.

10. Take care of horses when their racing days are over.

There should be substantial and mandatory contributions to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance from all stakeholders. No horse should ever go to auction and slaughter.

11. Conduct mandatory, unannounced, frequent, and random out-of-competition testing.

Each year, thousands of horses are forced to train and race with painful, pre-existing injuries that should warrant pulling them from the competition. Trainers use painkillers, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, hormones, and other powerful pharmaceuticals to mask the animals’ pain or enhance their performance. Authorities should perform frequent, unannounced, mandatory, and random out-of-competition testing—including off-site testing at private training facilities—to protect horses from secretly being abused with these dangerous drugs. They should also test for illegal substances used for nontherapeutic purposes.

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I  A P O L O G I Z E  F O R  T H E  N E G A T I V I T Y

By Tim Finley

I apologize for the negativity of the preceding articles, but we must face facts. Please understand that I love Standardbred horses and the sport of harness racing. My 50 years of involvement is evidence of that. I have spent a lot of time and money participating.

If you have not been a regular reader of the information on this website, please take the time to peruse what my wife, Loveda, and I have created and posted throughout.

For Standardbred racing to reverse the downward trend, we must get on a track that takes racing into homes nationally via modern technology. We must do more than simply clean up its poor image.

Standardbred racing has fallen drastically behind other forms of entertainment. I have spent many years thinking about and assimilating reforms that must be made to make harness racing the exciting sport God intended it to be. It MUST acquire a new wholesome, exciting image. Please study my many proposals by clicking on the “finley’s hot ideas” tab in the yellow ribbon at the top. I am not sure how we can accomplish all that I have proposed, so let us begin by taking baby steps. For the lack of having someone else to blame, I am pointing my finger at the USTA for letting us down. The USTA must be reformed. If they are not the culprit, then who is?

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I N  M E M O R Y  O F  J  B A D A C T  ( 2 0 1 5 – 2 0 2 1 )

By Tim Finley

Gorgeous. Well-bred. Perfect confirmation. Dark bay. No white. 16 hands. 60-inch hobble. Perfect gait. Simple bridle and bit. No boots. 100% sound. Very unusual personality. Extremely tough.

BELATED THANK YOU.

It took me a while to think about how to handle this (I am a slow thinker). A few months ago, my friend Vern Miller lost his stable of three horses in Michigan, plus all of his equipment due to a barn fire. My horse, J Badact was one of the three. Vern had her leased and was racing her.

I did not have insurance on her so thought all was lost. I did not mind losing my investment, but was devastated by the loss of J. She was my only horse.

J was a project horse, which is my preference. I particularly enjoy working with mares that have behavioral problems. J had many behavioral problems when I purchased her. It took a year on a daily basis here in Florida to get her perfected, and perfect she became.

I loved J and still have nightmares about her, the other horses, and the fire. It took me several weeks to even watch a race. I gave her a lot of time and devotion. At 74, J gave me a reason to get out of bed in the mornings and many sleepless nights trying to psychoanalyze her. She was my girlfriend, but Loveda saw the attraction and approved.

Immediately following the fire, one of Vern’s trainer friends started a fundraiser for Vern. I felt really bad for him, so participated in helping solicit for the fundraiser. J belonged to me and the fire was an accident, so I did not think Vern owed me anything. My participation in the fundraiser was solely to help him.

A month after the fundraiser was closed there was a check in the mailbox to help cover my financial loss. Then, I began to worry that many contributors might think I was helping raise money so I would get a piece. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Vern sent that check because he is 1000% class. He did a great job with J and was very fair in helping me. He is one of the good guys.

So, if you were one who contributed, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. No amount of money can replace J or lessen my broken heart, but knowing that fellow horsemen care, especially Vern, greatly helps with the healing. Thank you!

 

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L O V E D A  T A K E S  T H E  P L U N G E

A  V I S I T  W I T H  W I N N E R S  C I R C L E  R A C I N G 

( W C R )  P A R T N E R ,  J O E  D O U G H E R T Y

Loveda and I met with Joe Dougherty (pictured), one of the active partners of Winner’s Circle Racing (WCR) last weekend (April 11, 2021) at the South Florida Trotting Center (AKA Olympia of the Palm Beaches). Loveda was so impressed with one of Winner’s Circle’s horses, named Summer Storm (pictured), that she asked if she could be a partner. They graciously invited her in. I would love to see Winner’s Circle train a few in South Florida next fall, so that I could make a larger investment in their great organization, allowing me to be close enough to visit the horses regularly. I REALLY miss the training center atmosphere. Winner’s Circle consists of a great group of people who are very enthused and involved in Standardbred Racing. If anyone out there is interested in becoming a partner in a trotter or pacer, please let me know and I will introduce you to one of the managing partners, Charlie Longo.

         

         

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T R O T T E R,  P A C E R,  O R  S T A N D A R D B R E D ?

I  D I S A G R E E  W I T H  E R I C  C H E R R Y .

By Tim Finley

In a recent Harness Racing Update, Murphy Brown interviewed Eric Cherry, who owns wholly, or in part, 140 broodmares and who has successfully operated the online breeding platform ongait.com for 20 years.

ERIC: “First and foremost, we need to differentiate ourselves from the thoroughbreds. We need an identity as far as the public is concerned. Our sport is much safer for the horses and drivers. With the Horse Racing Integrity Act now in play, we need to think about our survival. We should start referring to ourselves as trotters as opposed to standardbreds. After all, our governing body is the United States Trotting Association. That way, there will be less confusion and we will have our own separate identity. The public does not understand the difference between a thoroughbred and a standardbred.”

MY REPLY: With the utmost respect for Eric and his endeavors, I disagree with Eric that we should refer to our horses as “trotters”, rather than using the term “Standardbred.” Using “trotter” would be fine except for the fact we also have “pacers.” For five decades I have had to try to explain to people the difference between a trotter and a pacer. The key to our successful future is to EDUCATE the public. So, let’s educate them by teaching them the proper name of our breed – Standardbreds. Simultaneously, we should explain that we have both trotters and pacers. Most horses can trot, so we do not want the general public to think anyone, with just any horse that can “trot,” can be entered or would be competitive in our Standardbred races. Our specific breed is so dynamic that we should be proud of its name – Standardbred. I suggest we rename the USTA to USSA (United States Standardbred Association).

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“ K E E P  Y O U R  F R I E N D S  C L O S E  A N D  Y O U R  E N E M I E S  C L O S E R ”

( M i c h a e l  C o r l e o n e  i n  T h e  G o d f a t h e r  P a r t  I I  ( 1 9 7 4 )

By Tim Finley

I am one of few who reports negative issues regarding what could cause our sport problems if not addressed appropriately. Many folks like to sweep negativity under the rug, but I believe we should know who our enemy is so that we can be prepared to defend ourselves against those who would like to eradicate Standardbred racing. I recently came across this article. It is typical of what we will face to a greater extent as time goes on. To the general public, it makes Standardbred racing look ruthless.

Don’t Forget the Poor Standardbreds

APRIL 8, 2021

Pity the poor Standardbreds. When, if at all, the average person thinks about horseracing, it’s images of Thoroughbreds roaring down a straightaway that surely come to mind. Harness racing has just never captured the popular imagination the way the “The Sport of Kings” has. Can anyone out there identify a single famous Standardbred? Meanwhile, Secretariat, Man o’ War, and Citation were feted as three of ESPN’s “Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century.” One breed, “equine athletes”; the other, anonymous gambling chips.

Regarding welfare, while true that Standardbreds are not killed (on-track) as often as their Thoroughbred/Quarterhorse cousins, they are indeed killed (which, of course, we also document). But of more import, life on the harness circuit is just as cruel and mean; in fact, based solely on length of servitude – which can last up to 10 years and beyond – one could make the argument that harness racing is worse. And after the harness people have had their way, the abuse often continues under the heavy hand of groups like the Amish. Then, for many or most, those same Canadian and Mexican abattoirs. So, I’d like to remind people that there is another form of horseracing, and that these beautiful animals, too, are hurting, and suffering.

The following horses were “scratched” because of “injury” at Cal Expo (California) in the first three months of 2021:

Mishindi, Jan 3

Night Girl, Jan 10

Fedex Express, Jan 10

Man of Mine, Jan 23

Bo’s So Hot, Jan 23

Bobs Time, Jan 23

P H Hippie, Jan 23

Steady Breeze, Jan 24

Street Parade, Feb 6

Fear Factor, Feb 6

Sin Machqueen, Feb 13

Teachmehowtotry, Feb 20

Rockinaroundheaven, Feb 27

MD Magic, Feb 28

Bunkerhill Bill, Mar 6

Dependlebury A, Mar 6

Rockinaroundheaven, Mar 7

Dancingonthesand, Mar 7

California Rock, Mar 7

Selma O’Brien, Mar 14

Al’s Briefs, Mar 14

Imma Tank, Mar 20

Exsqueezeme, Mar 20 (“lame”)

Gee Wilikers, Mar 28

HF’s Super Filly, Mar 28

And for “sickness”:

Ramsay, Jan 2

Eddie Brush, Jan 3

Regal Mark, Jan 9

Le Montrachet, Jan 10

Glenferrie Dreamer, Jan 10

Fox Valley Hoss, Jan 16

Arnie’s Army, Jan 31

Door to Door, Feb 5

Always First, Feb 5

Sarah Toga Again, Feb 5

Roaring Home, Feb 5

Keystone Charles, Feb 6

Sneak Peek Hanover, Feb 14

Some Playa, Feb 14

Wet Shark, Feb 14

Witch Hunter, Feb 27

Frisky Angel, Feb 28

Hagginatthebeach, Feb 28

Marys Pretty Girl, Mar 7

I’m an Athelete, Mar 13

Cookiesncream, Mar 20

End of article

You must admit that seeing horses scratched because they are injured or lame, and then to see them entered the next week looks greedy and cruel. There MUST be a better way of reporting why a horse is scratched that will cast a brighter light on our sport. This is not something I can do, but as with many things, I believe the USTA MUST be the leader in crusades.

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D R A I N I N G  T H E  S W A M P

Also, this week you will have the ability to view two articles written by handicapper Jonathan Stettin, who has tremendous insight into what horse racing lacks and needs.

Although handicapper Jonathan Stettin primarily reports about the Thoroughbred industry, many of his articles also concern situations relative to Standardbred racing.

We who are involved in the Standardbred industry must be concerned about the PUBLIC PERCEPTION of all breeds of horse racing. The general public lumps all of horse racing under one umbrella, so we must be certain that umbrella does not leak. If it leaks, rather than throw it out, we must put a giant patch on it.

“Animal welfare has surged in our society,” states Wayne Pacelle, the former CEO of the Humane Society, and the founder of Animal Wellness Action. The future of harness racing is contingent on PUBLIC PERCEPTION, but sadly, according to a recent survey by Xenophon Analytics in Washington, D.C., sixty-nine percent of the people surveyed had a NEGATIVE PERCEPTION of the horse racing industry.

Stettin will expound on the various ways people cheat and attempt to fix the outcome of horse races, plus he also thoroughly examines the doping scandals. These articles are a MUST READ!

To read, please click on the links.

 

C h e a t i n g ,  T h e  F i x  i s  i n

https://pastthewire.com/cheating-and-race-fixing-in-horse-racing

J u i c i n g  h o r s e s  i s  a  m a j o r  p a r t  o f  c h e a t i n g

https://pastthewire.com/the-juice/

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Betting on horses’ lives

Deaths and drugging are common in Pennsylvania’s racetracks. It’s all been propped up by $3 billion in subsidies. Gov. Wolf wants to end that.

by Sam Wood, Posted: March 25, 2021

To read the article in its entirety, click on the following link: 1,400 dead horses, a fading sport, and huge subsidies — Pennsylvania horse racing faces a reckoning (inquirer.com)

USTA – Adopted Rule Changes 2021

Click on the above, red “USTA – Adopted Rule Changes 2021” – for a complete view of the Rule changes.

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Please Give Me an E for Effort

By Tim Finley

Fines and Suspensions Rulings as of Friday, March 19, 2021, can be accessed by clicking Fines and Suspensions in the yellow ribbon at the top.

For the last several months my wife, Loveda, and I posted the weekly “Fines and Suspensions” from the USTA website to our website, www.harnessracingaction.com so that people, like you, can see who is allegedly breaking the rules.

We have noticed that there are many racetracks that either are not having any, or many, positive tests, at least according to what is reported to the USTA. Following our fifty years of being involved in the sport of harness racing, and having been exposed to the racetracks, training centers, etc. we know there are many trainers who could not walk a dog without a syringe in hand. Consequently, we decided to do our own investigative work. By the way, we work free, but it is for the good of our wonderful Standardbred horses.

To find answers as to why select tracks appeared to have no infractions, I called the USTA and spoke with a person in the Department of Regulations. I asked if every sanctioned racing facility must report fines and suspensions to the USTA. Their answer was, “No. It is up to each track to advise the USTA, or they can choose to withhold the information.” WOW! That means that the public does not always know who the abusers are by just going to the USTA website. When I asked how one could ascertain who was cheating and where, I was told that one must go to each individual state to receive that information.

Next, I sent a letter to the Florida Division of Para-mutuel Racing, and received the following reply:

Mar 18, 2021, 4:27 PM

Good Afternoon Mr. Finley,

The Division notifies the trainer of record, the state stewards, and the respective horseman’s association operating at the track of any administrative complaints resulting from drug violations in accordance with section 550.2415, F.S.  The Division notifies the Association of Racing Commissioners International of the fines and suspensions.

Additionally, requests for specific public records can be made through the Department’s website:  http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/about-us/open-government/.    Please use the “request public records” button and follow the prompts provided.  If you have any problems you can also email the Division’s public records coordinator directly at Bryan.Barber@myfloridalicense.com.  Of note, cases still under investigation are confidential and exempt from public records disclosure pursuant to section 550.0251, FS.  Any cost in time and manpower required to produce records will be reflected on an invoice provided by the Division.

Thank you,

Bryan A. Barber, Public Records & Rules Coordinator

Office of the Director, Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Loveda and I together attempted to navigate the Florida Department of Pari-Mutuel Wagering website for about an hour but to no avail. We are not attempting to say that Pompano has not been reporting Fines and Suspensions to the USTA, nor are we saying that Florida is trying to hide them. Our attempt is strictly to ascertain whether there is full transparency regarding Fines and Suspensions and easy access to those with curious and concerned minds.

There has been overwhelming publicity regarding the integrity, or lack thereof, of horse racing and we are trying to do our part to improve the image and inform the public that the industry is not brimming with thieves.

The USTA does not require all sanctioned racetracks to submit Fines and Suspensions to them. But they certainly have the ability to URGE all racetracks to do so. It is not the responsibility of an old, retired couple living in Florida to do the work that the USTA should be doing especially when they are being paid and we are not.

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B i g  M  r e t a i n s  F i v e  S t o n e s  I n t e l l i g e n c e

March 20, 2021, by Shades Demsky, Meadowlands Media Relations

East Rutherford, NJ — With the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Act still in development, Jeff Gural, the president of The Meadowlands, has retained the services of Five Stones Intelligence, Inc. to help maintain the integrity of the sport at all Gural properties including Vernon and Tioga Downs.

“Our goal is to maintain a level playing field,” said Gural. “Trainers using drugs may be welcome to race at other tracks, but not at my properties.”

The Meadowlands is taking a “no excuses” approach and is currently working with the FBI and the United States Attorney’s office to uncover the use of illegal medications.

Jeff Gural offers thanks to The Jockey Club, The Red Mile and the Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association of New Jersey for their partnership and funding.

Any tracks interested in joining the effort may e-mail Jason Settlemoir at Jsettlemoir@playmeadowlands.com.

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T h e  G o o d,  t h e  B a d,  a n d  t h e  U g l y

By Tim Finley

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tim Finley, and I am an outspoken advocate for the reformation of Standardbred Racing. A few months ago, my wife, Loveda, and I decided that one of the best ways to change Standardbred Racing was to utilize the Internet by building a unique website. Welcome!

The goal of this website is to bring a fresh look to the sport of Standardbred Racing by presenting information that will probably not be found elsewhere in Standardbred publications and/or websites either because of laziness, a lack of creativity, fear, shame, etc.

Not to be confused with a gossip column, it is our goal to improve the image of Standardbred Racing using transparency to create interest primarily to those who are not familiar with our beautiful, but troubled, sport.

The general public loves the God-created Standardbred horse, but various owners, trainers, and drivers have tarnished the image of the sport by using illegal methods for personal fame and financial gain. I have been referred to as a troublemaker by a few in the industry because I am diligently trying to reform the industry by holding cheaters’ feet to the fire. I do not consider myself a troublemaker, but as a problem-solver. At age 74, I have devoted most of my life to solving problems in various businesses and social endeavors, so I am very aware of the criticism that comes with this mission.

For several decades there has been an increasing lack of interest in Standardbred Racing due to several circumstances, including: 1. A lack of trust by the public. 2. New forms of entertainment and wagering opportunities primarily by casinos whose owners craftily bamboozled the public (including horse people) into believing the casinos would be the saviors of the sport.

Giving a compliment where a compliment is due – casinos brought a better, more exciting, product to the wagerer. Casino atmospheres are significantly more exciting than the 28 seconds of excitement (the stretch drive) every 20 minutes, experienced by the wagerer watching and wagering on a race at a Standardbred racetrack. Furthermore, the public trusts casinos oodles more than horse racing.

An example of what you will not see on this website are interviews with top trainers and owners showcasing their expensive yearlings. For instance, Oskar (spelled with a k) in Scottsdale, Arizona has no idea who my friend Tony Alagna is, nor does he care. Yet, Oskar became enthused about our sport when he watched the video of our website’s first Small of Fame inductee, a Standardbred mare named Mom is Beautiful who joined the ranks of horses that begin a new career as a racehorse after pulling a family Amish buggy and delivering a foal. You can watch that video by visiting the Small of Fame section in our website. Oskar thought that transition from buggy horse to racetrack competitor was cool. Sadly, Mom is Beautiful perished recently in a barn fire in Michigan, as did a young trotting colt, and my mare J Badact, which is a story for another time.

Oskar in Scottsdale, AZ, is a real person. We became friends while attending Arizona State University in the late 60’s and have remained friends since. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get Oskar enthused about Standardbred Racing until he watched that video and learned the story of Mom. It touched his heart!

The only way for Standardbred Racing to be revived, and thrive, is to get folks like Oskar in Scottsdale, Melissa in Seattle, and Frank in Butte enthused via modern technology. We have a potential nationwide audience of about 300,000,000 people. Standardbred Racing does not need to try and win back previous fans, but to recruit new fans coast to coast. However, we must begin to provide them with an exciting show and not depend on 28 seconds every 20 minutes.

Let’s use Oskar as an example. A lifetime resident of Scottsdale, Oskar has never had access to a harness track, so he knows little about the sport. In his youth, he was exposed to many forms of sports, but horse racing was not one of them. Schools usually frown on their youth hanging out at a racetrack, even if there is access to one. Horseracing has always been primarily a gambling venue for adults only – and usually for those having a gambling addiction.

Oskar gambles on football, basketball, hockey, etc. via his computer from the comfort of his home. Legalized online gambling provides Oskar with a cafeteria of entertainment and action. He told me he would bet on harness racing if he understood it and if it offered more excitement. He told me the couple races he saw were primarily a bunch of horses, pulling carts, Indian style, and he considered it boring. He loves horses, so told me if I ever buy a regular racehorse (referring to a Thoroughbred), I should let him know. He has no idea that Standardbreds are a specific wonderful breed.

Renovating harness racing for the Oskar’s of the world is imperative to our survival. If we cannot provide a better show, while simultaneously educating people about our sport, we sadly will see the sport shrink even more.

This is not rocket science. We must do the following:

1. Realize/admit there is a problem.
2. Identify the problem.
3. Comprehend the problem.
4. Create innovative (new) ideas and solutions – this means think, think, and think some more.
5. Implement radical changes that will retain current fans and create new ones.
6. Drain the swamp, at all cost.

Drastic times call for drastic measures. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

The way to predict the future is by creating it. I am creating it by bringing a fresh, new look at the sport, whether it be good, bad, or ugly. I hope I can count on you to do your part in this mission.

TF

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