Safer Racing (NEW)

USTA PLAN: Nothing

HISA PLAN: Racetrack Safety Program. To protect the health and safety of racehorses and jockeys, the law requires the Authority to create a racetrack safety program, consisting of a uniform set of training and racing safety standards and protocols. Those standards include racetrack design and maintenance, oversight of human and equine injury reporting and prevention, and the procedures for undertaking investigations at racetrack and non-racetrack facilities related to safety violations. The Authority will also create an accreditation program to ensure that racetracks comply with these safety procedures, and in order to continue gather information on racetrack safety, the Authority will establish a nationwide database of racehorse safety, performance, health, and injury information within one year of the establishment of the program.

SAFER RACING

By Tim Finley

Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth, for being correct, for being you. Never apologize for being correct, or for being years ahead of your time. If you’re right and you know it, speak your mind. Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth. Mahatma Gandhi

Again, I am tackling a project the USTA should have undertaken long ago, but for some unknown reason they did not. My new project is providing the Standardbred industry with information to make racing safer. I have collected this information via intense research and thought, similar to what I did with the subject of Lasix – also found on the website. I will be adding new ideas, videos, products, procedures, etc. as I discover them, so check back frequently. Also, please tell your friends you found someone who cares.

I have been very critical on social media regarding the lack of progress by our leaders (whoever and wherever they are) to make the sport safer for drivers and the horses.

My critics consistently shout: “Accidents happen in all sports!” This is true, but the participants in other sports are people who make the choice to compete, knowing the risks. Standardbreds have no choice. Most Standardbreds enjoy racing, but their enjoyment is no indicator they want to die doing it. Defending the sport by saying “accidents happen” is crude and cruel. It is our job as the caretakers of the equine to take every possible step to make racing safer – every possible step.

There has been an unusual number of horses drop dead on the racetrack. When I mention that these could be caused by the use of PED’s (let me remind you there have been about thirty vets and trainers recently convicted and sent to prison), my critics insist these dead horses probably just had heart attacks. I say let’s do necropsies and toxicologies and reveal the results publicly as an act of complete transparency. Draining the swamp of the dopers will make the sport safer.

Harness racing is living on welfare from the casinos because the fans left for new, more exciting legal forms of gambling. That happened for several reasons, one which is people do not like to see animals injured or killed. When decoupling takes place, and it will, the purses will go back to $500.

My concern makes me a bad guy, but the remarks and criticism towards me has been devastating. I asked my wife why I am subjecting myself to this torture and her reply was, “Because you care.”

Yes, I care deeply for the sport, but more intensely for the well-being of the horses. I watch many races and when I see one pull-up lame, or one who dies on the track, my heart weeps. So, I am anxious to do my part to help keep the horses from suffering.

Throughout the decades not much has been done to make the sport of Standardbred racing safer for its participants, but that must change promptly. Read on.

The attitudes of people change with time and with new generations. It was not long ago that racetrack goers would accept the fact that accidents happen, and that drivers and horses are sometimes injured, or worse yet – killed. They accepted catastrophes as a part of the sport in order that they could legally gamble. Even those who may have had an extra soft spot for an injured or dead equine didn’t complain because they did not want their legal gambling venue shut down.

That was then, and this is now. Times have changed and hearts have softened. In rush the casinos, followed by the explosive on-line gambling appetite.

Whoops! What happened to the racing fan? He found something new and more exciting than horseracing, plus the animal rights groups picketing the racetracks made him feel maybe they were on to something.

In the meantime, the supposed leaders, i.e. the USTA, rather than undertaking changes to save the sport, are fighting legal battles, i.e. the HISA lawsuit, which may have the only life-saving solutions.

By making it safer for the horses we are simultaneously making it safer for the drivers. The attitude: “Accidents happen”, which is the attitude of many in harness racing is not a solution, nor is it an intelligent statement. If you do not care about the horses, at least have concern for the drivers.

The sport can be made safer, and I can prove it. I started and owned a business in Columbus, Ohio, that was featured on TV about 100 times. My company’s mission was “prevention.” We saved women from being raped; saved people from burning to death in their homes; prevented babies from being injured by household items; put a dent in home burglaries, etc. My wife, Loveda, gave lectures throughout Franklin County to groups who wanted to know what they could do to make their families safer. She also brilliantly developed a revolutionary keychain pepper spray, that was recommended by police, and carried by many, including students at Ohio State. We hosted a weekly radio show listened to by thousands. We do not accept, “accidents happen” as an intelligent solution.

These poor lame and dying horses deserve more than “accidents happen.”

My critics have no idea how business works. People who HAVE NOTHING and who DO NOTHING are a part of the problem. I want to be a part of the solution. Please review the following before you say nothing can be done to lessen accidents.

USTA POSTED FINES AND SUSPENSIONS FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2022 – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022. PART THREE – WHIPPING VIOLATIONS. PERHAPS THIS WHIPPING RULE SHOULD BE REVISITED.

CANO, JUAN M CREAM RIDGE, NJ     YOB 1983
Fhld on 10/22/2022 FINED: $1,000
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
While driving #3 “Bronsons Delight” in the 9th race at Freehold Raceway on Saturday, October 22, 2022, Mr. Cano did use the whip more than three times in succession without giving the horse time to respond. The Board of Judges has determined that Mr. Cano`s actions are in direct violation of N.J.A.C. rule 13:71-20.15(b)2 (c)3, 4. As a result of an administrative hearing before the Board of Judges, driver Juan Cano is hereby issued a driving suspension for a period of ten (10) days and fined the sum of one-thousand ($1,000.00) dollars. Said suspension shall be served on November 18, 2022, November 19, 2022, November 25, 2022, November 26, 2022, December 2, 2022, December 3, 2022, December 9, 2022, December 10, 2022, December 16, 2022 and December 17, 2022. This is Mr. Cano`s 2nd violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-20.15. The fine issued herein shall be received by the New Jersey Racing Commission not later than December 17, 2022. BY ORDER OF THE NEW JERSEY RACING COMMISSION BOARD OF JUDGES

CHINDANO, JOSEPH J JR. BLOOMINGBURG, NY     YOB 1999
MR on 12/5/2022 FINED: $250, DRIVING – 1 DAY, 12/10/2022 THRU 12/10/2022
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
Rule 4117.8(C) Driver Joseph Chindano Jr. is hereby assessed a penalty of $250.00 and suspended (driving privileges only) for excessive use of the whip in the stretch on #2 “Oozie`s Beach Gal” in the 5th race on 12/5/2022 at Monticello Raceway. (2nd offense in this category in a 365-day period.)

HANNEY, JOE CLARKSBURG, NJ     YOB 1982
Fhld on 9/10/2022 FINED: $500 FULL – 5 DAYS, 9/16/2022 THRU 9/20/2022
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
Driver Joe Hanney is hereby issued a driving suspension for a period of five (5) days and is also fined the sum of five-hundred ($500.00) dollars. Said suspension shall begin on September 16, 2022 and run through September 20, 2022, inclusive. While driving #1 “Johnny Q” in the 5th race at Freehold Raceway on Spetember 10, 2022, Mr. Hanney did violate N.J.A.C. 13:71-20.15 which states: whipping shall be restricted to wrist action only and the whipping arm shall not be raised above the drivers shoulder height. These actions are in direct violation of the New Jersey Racing Commission rule regaring the restrictive use of the whip. The fine associated with this ruling must be received by the New Jersey Racing Commission on or before September 20, 2022. Violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71 20.15(c) 3, 4. BY ORDER OF THE NEW JERSEY RACING COMMISSION BOARD OF JUDGES

KASH, KEITH J JR MEDINA, OH     YOB 1979
Nfld on 12/4/2022 FINED: $300
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
While driving #8 Vintage Grand in race 8 on 12/4/22 he whipped the horse excessively during the final half. Mr. Kash is hereby fined $500. the fine will be reduced to a fine of $300 if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17(L) 17-99 If the fine is not paid to the judges by 12/21/22 he shall be suspended.

KENNEDY, MARK A SACRAMENTO, CA     YOB 1984
CalX on 11/27/2022 FINED: $100
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
CAL EXPO Driver MARK KENNEDY, who drove NO.4 HAGGINATTHEBEACH in the 8th Race on Sunday, November 27, 2022 is hereby fined the sum of one hundred ($100.00) dollars for violation of CHRB Whipping Rule #1734(d) (Driver may not use the whip more than three times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond). First offense during the Cal Expo 2022/2023 racing season. If this fine is not paid to the paymaster of purses within seven calendar days from the date of this ruling you may be suspended and/or your license revoked by the CHRB.

LAKE, DAVID R JACKSON, MI     YOB 1970
Nfld on 12/10/2022 FINED: $300
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
While driving #3 Crosswindpepperjak in race 9 on 12/10/22 he whipped the horse in an exaggerated manner by raising his whipping arm above shoulder height and using more than elbow and wrist action. Mr. Lake is hereby fined $500. The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $300 if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17(B)&(C) 17-99 If the fine is not paid to the judges by 12/21/22 he shall be suspended.

MILLER, DAVID S ROBBINSVILLE, NJ     YOB 1964
PHL on 12/11/2022 FINED: $200
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
PA Code Title 7-205.409(c) Mr. Miller raised his whipping arm above should height while driving #5, RICKYBOBBYNTHEHAUS, in the 1st race on December 11, 2022 at Harrah`s Philadelphia. Mr. Miller. is fined $200 (fines are due within ten days of ruling). Appeals are due within ten days of ruling and must be submitted in writing (accompanied by a $750 bond) to: The PA State Horse Racing Commission, 2301 N. Cameron St., Room 304, Harrisburg, PA 17110 ATTN: Anthony Salerno

NAPOLITANO, GEORGE JR BOCA RATON, FL     YOB 1966
PHL on 12/11/2022 FINED: $200
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
PA Code Title 7-205.409(c) Mr. Napolitano, Jr. raised his whipping arm above should height while driving #4, GONNAHAVEONEMORE, in the 1st race on December 11, 2022 at Harrah`s Philadelphia. Mr. Napolitano, Jr. is fined $200 (fines are due within ten days of ruling). Appeals are due within ten days of ruling and must be submitted in writing (accompanied by a $750 bond) to: The PA State Horse Racing Commission, 2301 N. Cameron St., Room 304, Harrisburg, PA 17110 ATTN: Anthony Salerno

PANTALEANO, JAMES R CANONSBURG, PA     YOB 1962
Mea on 12/9/2022 FINED: $200
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
PA Code Title 7-205.409(a)(2) While driving No. 2 GOLDEN GESTURE in race 10 at the Meadows on 12/9/2022, Mr. Pantaleano did whip the horse after the finish. Mr. Pantaleano is fined $200.00 which is due within 10 days of this ruling. Mr. Pantaleano has 10 days to appeal this decision to the Pennsylvania SHRC, Bureau of Standardbred Racing.

PETERSON, MICHAEL G ANDERSON, IN     YOB 1978
DTN on 12/9/2022 FINED: $300
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
OSRC 3769-17-17-B. While driving #5 Topville Rustler during the stretch in race 6 on 12/9/22 at Dayton Raceway, Mr. Peterson did whip the horse using other than wrist and elbow action. Mr. Peterson is fined $300 which is due within 10 days of this ruling. Mr. Peterson has 48 hours to appeal this decision to the OSRC.

PRESLEY, CHRIS S THORNVILLE, OH     YOB 1995
Nfld on 12/5/2022 FINED: $300
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
While driving #3 Medoland Bosa in race 10 on 12/5/22 he whipped the horse excessively during the final half. Mr. Presley is hereby fined $500. The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $300 if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17(L) 17-99 If the fine is not paid to the judges by 12/16/22 he shall be suspended.

SMEDSHAMMER, TROND ALLENTOWN, NJ     YOB 1967
Fhld on 9/23/2022 FINED: $1,000, FULL – 10 DAYS, 10/8/2022 THRU 10/17/2022
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
While driving #1 “Gaelihill” in the 8th race at Freehold Raceway on Friday, September 23, 2022, Mr. Smedshammer did use the whip more than three times in succession without giving the horse time to respond to the whip. The Board of Judges has determined the Mr. Smedshammer`s actions are in direct violation of N.J.A.C. rule 13:71-20.15(b)2 (c)3, 4. Having waived his right to a hearing before the Board of Judges, driver Trond Smedshammer is hereby issued a driving suspension for a period ten (10) days and fined the sum of one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars. Said suspension shall begin on Saturday, October 8, 2022 and run through Monday, October 17, 2022 inclusive. This is Mr. Smedshammer`s 2nd violation of N.J.A.C. 13:71-20.15. The fine issued herein shall be received by the New Jersey Racing Commission not later than Monday, October 17, 2022. BY ORDER OF THE NEW JERSEY RACING COMMISSION BOARD OF JUDGES

SMITH, JEREMY R WASHINGTON CH, OH     YOB 1980
DTN on 12/10/2022 FINED: $500, DRIVING – 5 DAYS, 12/19/2022 THRU 12/23/2022
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
OSRC 3769-17-17-B & J. While driving #8 Mastery in the stretch during race 5 on 12/10/2022 at Dayton Raceway, Mr. Smith did whip the horse using other than wrist or elbow action, and did not give the horse a chance to respond in between whippings. Mr. Smith is fined $500 and given a 5 day driving suspension (12/19/22 thru 12/23/22). Should Mr. Smith choose not to appeal this decision within 48 hours to the OSRC, his penalty will be reduced to just the $500 fine. The fine must be paid within 10 days of this ruling.

THOMPSON, JASON E HARTLEY, DE     YOB 1993
RcR on 12/8/2022 FINED: $200
EXCESSIVE OR INDISCRIMINATE USE OF WHIP
Driver Jason Thompson is fined $200.00 for excessive use of the whip while driving ROCKTAVIUS in the 1st race on December 8th, 2022 at Rosecroft Raceway. This is Mr. Thompson’s second offense of the meet. All fines are due within 10 days of ruling or Maryland Racing Commission licensee will be suspended until payment is received. COMAR: 09.10.03.03 A(14)

THOMPSON, JASON R STOW, OH     YOB 1979
Nfld on 12/5/2022 FINED: $300
INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE WHIP
While driving #5 Spoiled Rockn in race 3 on 12/5/22 he whipped the horse in an exaggerated manner by raising his whipping arm above shoulder height and using more than elbow and wrist action. Mr. Thompson is hereby fined $500. The penalty will be reduced to a fine of $300 if not appealed. O.S.R.C.-3769-17-17(B)&(C) 17-99 If the fine is not paid to the judges by 12/16/22 he shall be suspended.

###

https://youtu.be/6jgorSMUk8E

###

STRIDE SENSOR PRESENTATION AT THE 2022 RACETRACK SYMPOSIUM PUT ON BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA RTIP.

Dec 6, 2022

A great presentation on how the technology works and why it may be one of the greatest breakthroughs in helping prevent catastrophic injury in racehorses to come along in the last 20 years!! I was unable to find this on the USTA website.

INDIAN FILE/STYLE RACING

Historically, Standardbred racing was conducted to a great degree in Indian style following the start of the race until about the ¾ pole. We all know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, thus horses attempt to keep in that straight line (Indian file) as long as possible. This style requires extreme talent by the driver and excellent discipline by the trainer teaching his horse to sit or move on command.

The form we have enjoyed for a century was very acceptable and somewhat exciting except when we factor in “chain reaction.” An example of the disaster of chain reaction follows:

I want you to give thought, not knee-jerk reaction, to a harness racing concept that deserves consideration and discussion.

Indian file racing is dangerous

Ninety-nine percent of the people believe a line of ten horses in 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 went 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.

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.

It is a fact that life-taking, life-threatening accidents in Standardbred racing may be one of the factors that could lead to our eventual demise. When a horse goes down, it is not fan friendly. When a string of horses and drivers fly through the air it is crude and archaic. The drivers chose to accept the danger, but the horses had no choice. Why watch that when you can walk into the casino and enjoy the bells, whistles, and exciting atmosphere.

I have viewed hundreds of Standardbred racing wrecks and can state with complete confidence that the majority of the damage has been cause by wheels locking. Drivers and horses have been badly injured, plus many horses killed/euthanized. This is a crude and cruel aspect of this sport, yet the USTA has done nothing to design a better sulky. This is negligence by our leaders at its pinnacle.

The luck of the draw is a joke

We also know that outside post positions, due to the traditional “luck of the draw” makes it difficult for outside horses to compete effectively. Anyone who understands the sport realizes how dreadful an outside draw can be. How does a trainer explain to a new owner that his horse probably will not pick-up a check because of an outdated system? This is not good business. Many trainers will put on a show, but few want to burn up their horse, so they wait until next week. This is not racing.

LANE RACING

Lane racing would provide excitement for most of the mile, rather than during

the last eighth mile. It would be safer.

It would also assure 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 2415. The top 3 posts this year in terms of wins are 4-5-1. How does a trainer explain to a potential owner that sometimes he stands no chance of getting a check because of an antiquated system?

Casino owners spend tens of millions of dollars yearly to improve their product. I doubt if Standardbred racing spends one percent of that. And many wonder why we are on welfare?

###

SLANTED/ANGLED FINISH LINE

WHAT ABOUT OSKAR?

Many of you do not understand the problem that Standardbred horse racing is facing. Until we, as an industry, can collectively identify and comprehend the problem, and then create solutions, Standardbred racing, as we know it, will die.

Wishing we could go back to “how it once was” is old school mentality. Feebly attempting to appeal to people who live in a 10-mile radius of a mere dozen U.S. tracks is admirable, but it severely limits our opportunity to appeal to the masses, which is what we desperately need. Folks who once shopped at Sears, now enjoy the ease of shopping online at Amazon. Times have changed.

Oskar is my friend who lives in Scottsdale, AZ. I have tried relentlessly to get Oskar interested in Standardbred racing. All Oskar knows is he does not enjoy Indian file horse racing, in which the jockeys (he refers to our drivers as jockeys) lay straight back in the chariot (he calls sulkies chariots). He also does not like to see a group of horses falling on the racetrack when there is an accident.

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 was not so boring. He loves horses, so told me if I ever buy a regular racehorse (Thoroughbred), I should let him know. He has no idea that Standardbreds are a special specific 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 show, we sadly will see the sport shrink even more.

This is not 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.

The way to predict the future is by creating it.

Is a slanted/angled finish line the answer?

Many individuals consider harness racing to be extremely boring because of the single-file feature of the sport. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, which necessitates drivers to go to the top or find a hole and sit as long as possible in that Indian-style flow. A staggered finish line would give drivers the opportunity to be in an outer flow without the major concern of burning up his horse by being parked. COURTESY TUCKS COULD BE TOTALLY ELIMINATED.

A slanted/angled finish line would 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 not their post positions. I define “self-handicapping” as creating a race that potentially provides the distance each horse travels as being closer to being 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 on the outside of the track.

A slanted 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. Refusing modern-day thinking has destroyed many once successful companies.

Picture a clock that has one hand on the one and the other hand on the seven. Draw a line from the one to the seven.

A finish line that is slanted slightly to the benefit of the outside horses would not only make the distance of the race a more legitimate mile in distance, but it would also level the playing field, especially for horses that unfortunately drew the outside. Because closing horses would be widened across the track, there is an opportunity for photo finishes with several horses in that photo. Fans enjoy the excitement of many horses charging the finish line simultaneously noses apart.

SAFER…Many wrecks are caused by a chain reaction caused by just one horse falling, or by the locking of wheels. Logically, if the field is in single-file, or close quarters, and one goes down, those beside or behind him usually go with him/her.

Conversely, if the horses and drivers are out and moving three and four-wide, it hopefully would lessen incidents of a chain reaction.

INCLUDE THE PASSING LANE…Whoever came up with the concept of a passing lane deserves a medal for creative thinking. This recent concept must be incorporated into the slanted finish line. For safety purposes it spreads the horses even further. Forget the gamblers who are against it. They will adapt if it is universally adopted. Old-time gamblers are reluctant to change, but because they are gamblers, they will bet on whether or not a fly will land on a cube of sugar. They will survive and eventually accept it.

There will be technical changes necessary, and this project may seem too complex for those who may be a bit on the lazy side; however, we must analyze this from the standpoint of attracting new, and/or keeping existing fans, via creating a more exciting product – and God knows we need a better, more exciting, safer product.

###

Indian file racing must become obsolete for the safety of racing, plus for more racing excitement. The following video is not intended to pick on Mr. Stalbaum regarding going from the outside post (described in the beginning) directly to the rail. This reflects what most drivers think and do.

###

While horseracing is a lucrative industry for gamblers, it is also a high fatality one, with hundreds of horses dying every year. To lower the amount of deaths, French startup Arioneo plans to launch the Equimètre, a wearable device that can track the horse’s heart-rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, alongside speed and acceleration. It will also provide humidity and other environmental conditions, which may factor into the horse’s behavior and performance. 

###

International Veterinary Workshop Seeks To Make Horseracing Safer

Injuries to the racehorse fetlock are thankfully rare, indeed the fetlock injury is one of a number of racecourse musculoskeletal injuries which collectively are estimated to occur in around 8 of every 10,000 race starts in the UK. Serious musculoskeletal injuries are slightly more common in the US and Canada, yet despite recent concerns, research shows 99.8% of starts in those jurisdictions are free of serious musculoskeletal injury. Nevertheless, fetlock injury can be extremely impactful and can be career-ending in some injured horses.

On the first day of the workshop an expert panel discussed how diagnostic imaging prior to racing can contribute to risk reduction. At the current time, radiography is the most widely available tool used to identify tiny fractures which will heal effectively, providing exercise is reduced. Excitingly, technological progress in advanced imaging such as standing MRI, standing CT and PET scanning, have the potential to identify pathology even earlier. At the workshop, the expert panel reviewed existing knowledge and discussed how to generate the research evidence, which is essential if these novel technologies are to gain a place in effective pre-race risk assessment programmes.

The following day a larger group of stakeholders reviewed the expert panel’s conclusions and discussed the need for greater transparency, education and communication amongst the racing industry stakeholders, all of whom share responsibility for ensuring racing continues to collaborate and enhance racehorse safety and welfare.

Prof Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal, who chaired the meeting said: “Racing has an excellent safety record and the injuries we are talking about are extremely rare. The low prevalence of fetlock injury makes it very difficult to pinpoint the affected individuals. But it is essential that we continue our efforts to do so ever more effectively because if silent injury is not detected it can progress to become much more serious.”

Fred Barrelet, Trustee of Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust, said: “The charities who supported this event are delighted to contribute to advancing veterinary science. The social licence which supports racing places responsibility for promoting animal welfare in the hands of the veterinary profession. These are exciting times, and as new technologies come on board and information from these modalities is slotted into existing knowledge of risk factors, we can expect to see more effective risk assessment for individual races.”

Pete Ramzan, Partner at Rossdales LLP, who co-ordinated the workshop said: “There was a great need to get some of the key experts leading these new technologies together in the same room to correlate their findings and work out how to translate them into tangible reductions in serious injury rates. One of the somewhat unexpected outcomes of the discussions was that despite the fact that we are riding the crest of a wave of technological advances, basic radiography still has much to offer; better education around the application and interpretation of radiographs has real potential to allow vets like myself at the coal face to detect injuries at an early and recoverable stage”.

Peter Stanley, Chairman of the Jockey Club Estates, said: “The Jockey Club Estates are thrilled to support this very important initiative for global horseracing. Racehorse welfare is at the forefront of our activities and is of paramount important to us”.

###

CABERNET NECROPSY

I recently challenged the USTA to begin a case-by-case study of the sudden deaths of our horses and to share their findings on their website. One of the horses I used as an example was a mare named CABERNET.

On November 1, 2022, as I was watching the races at Hollywood Dayton, in Race 8, I noticed a horse struggling when leaving the gate. It was #5 CABERNET, driven by Mitch Cushing and trained by Larry Finn. Although far behind, she continued to struggle to race for approximately 57 seconds. Then, she fell – dead.

Concerned about the death of Cabernet I asked the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Ohio Racing Commission, Hollywood Dayton, the USTA, etc. what caused this horse’s death. I believe the betting public and those involved in Standardbred racing deserve to know the causes of the deaths of horses who die in front of the wagering public. I am entitled to my opinion, just as you are entitled to yours.

The only reply I received was from the very professional, Renee Mancino, Executive Director of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association. Her reply was, as follows:

“I don’t know about the other horses because they are in other states.

As I have said Ohio necropsy’s all catastrophic deaths and reports at the Racing Commission meetings upon the conclusion of the necropsy.

The Racing Commission reported last month on Cabernet in the public meeting. The cause of death appeared to have occurred as a result of the fall, which resulted in a fractured skull. All testing completed on her came back clear.”  (end of quote)

I say, WHAT?! I question the capability, integrity, thoroughness, and honesty of the person(s) who did the necropsy and toxicology.

Watch the replay. The horse, #5 in the middle, has no momentum to go forward, thus is quickly out of the photo, yet still on her feet. She was half dead behind the gate long before she fell. The cause of death may have been a fractured skull, but there is more to it. What caused her to fall? Was the necropsy a joke?

AN ANALOGY OF THIS DEATH WOULD BE: “A DRUNK STUMBLES OUT OF THE DOOR OF A BAR, AT WHICH TIME SOMEONE SHOOTS HIM IN THE BACK. HE STUMBLES, FALLS, AND HITS HIS HEAD. THE CORONER RULES THE CAUSE OF DEATH AS A FRACTURED SKULL AND CLOSES THE CASE.”

That mare may have died as the result of a fractured skull, but there were obvious additional factors that were overlooked either purposely or because of incompetency.

This is just one more example of the lack of professionalism, lack of transparency, and nonexistence of sincerity in harness racing. “The hell with the horse,” they say.

###

LETTER: Tim Finley on dead and euthanized horses (as appeared on Harnesslink website)

19 November 2022, in Top 4, USA

I am an animal fanatic! When animals hurt, I hurt with them. Also, I love the sport of harness racing, and if there is anything that tarnishes its image, I become pro-active to correct it – especially if it involves a horse being injured or killed.
One of my latest missions is to convince the leaders of the Standardbred racing industry (whoever and wherever they are) to begin immediately posting on their websites (preferably the USTA), in a conspicuous place, the names of each and every Standardbred that falls dead or that is euthanized on a public racetrack while in competition.

To further my cause, on Facebook and on my website, I have been posting pictures and/or videos of the dead or dying horses falling and laying on the racetrack in my effort to raise public awareness and to encourage our leaders (whoever and wherever they are) to provide the public with information regarding our deceased heroes. Why? Because: (1) They deserve the recognition. (2) The wagering public deserves the information. (3) The lack of transparency in our sport makes us look sleezy.

• The registered name of the horse, age, and sex.
• The name of the track where the incident took place, including the date and race number.
• The attending veterinarian’s name.
• The circumstances regarding the tragedy.
• The place to which the body was sent for a necropsy and toxicology (cause of death tests).
• The anticipated date the results regarding the cause of death will be available.
• The results of the tests.

We are in a historic time when Standardbred racing is suffering extreme scrutiny. For decades, the sport has had suspicious overtones, but because of the recent arrests and convictions of veterinarians and trainers, the previous minimal credibility of the sport has been destroyed. Dead horses do not further our cause of upgrading a wonderful sport.

Why am I making this my business? I have been involved in Standardbred racing for fifty years and have spent a lot of time and money to participate in a sport that has become an embarrassment to the sport’s participants and in the eyes of the general public. Furthermore, because horses are an instrument upon which the general public can wager their money, I believe they deserve the transparency offered by other sports. There are few wagerers left, but perhaps with complete transparency we can bring them back and also grow the sport. I am making it my business because I care.

Many Standardbred participants accuse me of snooping where I do not belong. These horses are not backyard pets. They are animals who, under the regulation of the various states, are approved to compete at a licensed location where patrons can place wagers. Therefore, what takes place in the sport is subject to public scrutiny. If there is cheating, it is the business of the public. If drivers are allowed to compete while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that is the business of the public. If horses compete while under the influence of drugs, that is the business of the public, as well.

To reiterate, I will continue to post the pictures of dead racehorse until I am able to go the USTA website (preferably), the OHHA website, the Meadowlands website, the various racing/gaming commissions, etc. and effortlessly locate the results of the necropsies of dead horses. I insist on knowing how corrupt the sport, my sport, is, if it is.

If the trainer of a subject horse is not guilty of anything illegal, he or she, should welcome the results being prominently posted to clear his or her name.

(Video added by author and did not appear in the Harnesslink article)

Although I have always been concerned about the deaths of horses that die on the racetrack, I first became dreadfully concerned about the cause of death of a horse named TWICE AN ANGEL (Dragon Again) who suddenly fell at Monticello Raceway during the 3rd race on 3/22/2021. TWICE AN ANGEL did not finish and was euthanized after breaking down. The trainer of record was Philip “Bo” Sowers.

What caused my concern was that Mr. Sowers who was a licensed trainer of the NYSGC had 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.

I asked myself if TWICE AN ANGEL could have been given an illegal substance that caused her to break down.

So, my quest for answers began. I wanted to see a copy of the necropsy for my own satisfaction. I made it my business because I am a horse lover and have been involved in Standardbred racing for five decades and I want to know what good and bad is taking place. In writing, I contacted every racing and gaming agency in NY, including the Governor’s office, but yet to have received a copy of the necropsy.

As usual there were other horses that died or were euthanized on the racetrack, but because those seemed to happen because of wrecks, I kept quiet.

I was stunned the night FOX VALLEY ADELE (Lazarus), trained by $100,000,000. winning trainer Erv Miller, fell to her death at the Meadowlands on July 22, 2022. Although in her prior race she had paced home in 25 4/5, trainer Miller chose to put this two-year-old pacing filly on Lasix for the first time. In that race she finished second in 1:52. In my humble opinion, a two-year-old filly with a line like that should have been turned out to mature and raced at three. In writing, I contacted every racing and gaming agency in NJ but have not received a copy of the necropsy as of the date of this writing.

(Video added by author and did not appear in the Harnesslink article)

NEVERMIND (Photo not available), a two-year-old Trixton colt, Yannick between the shafts, dropped dead in the post parade at Lexington on September 19, 2022, at the Red Mile. Upon my investigating the horse’s owner, Nicholas Roussel, I discovered he was fined for “excessive or indiscriminate use of the whip” when he drove NEVERMIND on June 27, 2022, at Oak Grove. Why would a horse fall over dead in the parade. Was it something natural, or was it caused by an illegal substance in his body? In writing, and via telephone, I contacted several racing big shots in Kentucky to try and get a copy of the necropsy but have not heard back from them.

(Photo not available for NEVERMIND)

CABERNET is the last, but not least. On November 1, 2022, as I was watching the races at Hollywood Dayton, in Race 8, I noticed a horse struggling when leaving the gate. It was #5 Cabernet, driven by Mitch Cushing and trained by Larry Finn. A few yards later she fell over – dead. A five-year-old Cam’s Card Shark, CABERNET had 83 starts (11-8-10) with earnings of $100,108. Too tired to research, I am using this article to ask the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Ohio Racing Commission, Hollywood Dayton, the USTA, etc. what caused this horse’s death. The betting public and those involved in Standardbred racing deserve to know.