Horse racing board votes to ban toe grabs
RULE CHANGE COULD TAKE EFFECT FOR FALL RACING
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously Monday to limit toe grabs on the front horseshoes of all Thoroughbreds in training or in competition on Kentucky tracks.
A toe grab is a cleat at the front of the horseshoe to improve traction. Under the new rules, anything higher than 2 millimeters or any other traction device would be banned.
The rule was recommended by the commission's health and safety committee. The committee looked at many years of scientific study showing a significant increase in the risk of front-leg injuries when toe grabs are used.
The rule change follows a Jockey Club recommendation to ban toe grabs. Officials said five other states already have adopted such a rule.
"It's a big deal," said Mitch Taylor, director of the Kentucky Horseshoeing School, who testified Monday at the commission's meeting at the Kentucky Horse Park.
"I expect to see a significant change, and even if this saves one horse, it's worth it."
The rule change will need to go through the legislative rules process and a public comment period, but it could go into effect this fall, said Commission Director Lisa Underwood.
"There are going to be horses who benefit from toe grabs, but for the few who might benefit, the vast majority will benefit from flat plates," said John Veitch, the state's chief steward.
Taylor said that anecdotally, many people believe that toe grabs help horses get a better hold of the dirt with their front legs, even though most of their propulsion comes from the hind end.
But in looking at special videos comparing horses shod in toe grabs, it's clear that it causes horses to overextend their lower front legs.
Underwood said that Eight Belles, the Kentucky Derby runner-up who broke both front legs after the race, was wearing toe grabs, but it was unclear if they affected her.
Her death elicited a frenzy of hand-wringing over the state of horse racing; the ban on toe grabs will solve some of that, Taylor said.
"It's a multi-faceted problem and it needs a multi-faceted solution," he said.
Another piece of the puzzle is the use of whips, which came under fire in the wake of Eight Belles' death and is also under discussion by the commission's health and safety committee.
Commission members looked at a new prototype for whips that are 28 inches long, rather than the regulation 30 inches long. Jockeys have been trying out the whips at Ellis Park and Churchill Downs, said Jeff Johnston of the Jockey's Club.
"I was pleasantly surprised by the results," he said. "Most of the jockeys are receptive."
In other business, the commission passed rules to raise licensing fees for standardbred and Thoroughbred owners and trainers, the first time they have been raised since 2002, Underwood said.
The annual fee would go from $100 to $150 for Thoroughbred owners, trainers and veterinarians. Fees would go from $100 to $125 for standardbred trainers and drivers. The increases should bring in an additional $400,000.
Veitch also reported that trainer Steve Asmussen was fined $250 by Churchill Downs stewards for using profanity to a starting gate assistant.
Eight Belles was wearing toe grabs when she was fatally injured after the Kentucky Derby.
(c) HeraldLeader
Beshear revamps Kentucky Horse Racing Authority
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear Thursday signed an executive order reorganizing and renaming The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, which becomes The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
He also named a new Racing Commission board, including Robert M. Beck of Lexington, as chair; Tracy Farmer of Midway, vice chairman; Edward S. Bonnie of Prospect; Francis Thomas Conway, Louisville; John Thomas Ward Jr., Paris; Frank L. Jones Jr., Louisville; Burr James Travis II, Fort Mitchell; Michael Anthony Pitino, Louisville; Jerry L. Yon, Lexington; Thomas Bayley Gaines, Lexington; Elizabeth "Betsy" Stone Lavin, Goshen; Foster Harold Northrop, Crestwood; Tom Ludt, Lexington; Alan J. Leavitt, Lexington; and Wade Houston, Prospect.
The order, which also increased the body to 15 from 13 gubernatorial appointees, is effective immediately. Beck was chairman of the authority, which also included Leavitt, Lavin, Ludt, Yon, Northrop and Bonnie. The six other authority members were replaced by eight new commission appointees.
"Kentucky's signature industry is in crisis and immediate. Aggressive action is necessary to preserve its integrity," Beshear said in a news release. "The actions I have taken today reflect my continued commitment to strengthening horse racing in the Commonwealth."
The commission is an independent agency of state government responsible for regulating horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering and related activities within the state. It also includes the secretaries of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Public Protection Cabinet and the Economic Development Cabinet.
(c) 2008 American City Business Journals, Inc.
Panel Urges Ban on Steroid Use
A committee organized by the Jockey Club last month after the death of filly Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby issued its first recommendations yesterday, including the elimination of anabolic steroids in the training and racing of thoroughbreds.
The seven-member committee, which included prominent breeder Stuart Janney III as well as leading veterinarian Larry Bramlage, also pressed for the ban of shoes called "toe grabs" -- which are believed to cause extra pressure on a horse's front legs -- and reforms for the design and use of whips.
While the recommendations are not binding, committee members said they have broad support from industry groups that could enact the changes, which are targeted for implementation by Dec. 31.
The announcement of the recommendations came two days before a House subcommittee on commerce, trade, and consumer protection is scheduled to hold a hearing examining breeding, drugs and breakdowns in racing.
Janney said the announcement was not in response to the hearing, but that public opinion and the heightened focus on safety after Eight Belles' death, as well as the use of steroids by Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, played a large role.
"In terms of what goes on in Washington . . . if over time you demonstrate the ability to regulate your industry, it is going to be of great interest in Congress, and I think we can do that," Janney said.
(c) 1996-2008 The Washington Post Company
Congress hearing on horse racing set
Top Thoroughbred racing figures -- including the trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown -- will answer questions next week in Washington on horse deaths, drugs and the industry's "special status" regarding gambling.
The congressional subcommittee is waving a big federal stick to get racing's attention.
"Given the unique benefits of the Interstate Horseracing Act to the racing industry, the hearing will play an oversight role in determining whether the special status of the sport under federal law is still warranted," according to the release announcing the hearing on June 19.
The IHA allows off-track betting, which has evolved into simulcasting and advance-deposit wagering. In 2007, almost 90 percent of all $15.4 billion bet on Thoroughbred racing came from simulcasting. Only about 10 percent actually was bet at the track on live races.
"Obviously, we want to protect that," said Kevin Flanery, vice president of Churchill Downs Inc., on Wednesday. "That's something that's very good for Kentucky."
The Interstate Horse Racing Act is virtually the only federal regulation of racing; medication, testing, and even betting are regulated by individual states.
Lawmakers want to hear from top veterinary researchers, breeders and trainers, including Big Brown's trainer, Rick Dutrow.
Dutrow backs the use of anabolic steroids such as Winstrol, which he gave to Big Brown before the Derby.
The drugs are legal for use in many states including Kentucky, Maryland and New York, where the Triple Crown races are run. However, they are illegal overseas and there has long been a move to ban them in the United States as well.
"If they tell me you can no longer use them, I'll stop using them," Dutrow said before the Preakness.
According to Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, that is likely to happen.
"This industry understands that the time has come and I am confident that steroids' days are numbered in the game," Waldrop said on Sunday.
Arthur Hancock, known as a "hay, oats and water" man and owner of Stone Farm in Paris, also plans to speak out against steroids.
"I'll speak my mind," said Hancock, breeder of Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence.
The spotlight comes in the wake of Eight Belles' fatal breakdown in the Derby. The filly was not given steroids, according to her trainer, Larry Jones.
Public scrutiny already was heightened by Barbaro's eventually fatal injury in the 2006 Preakness, and George Washington's death in the 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic.
According to the press announcement, the hearing will look at "commercial breeding practices that emphasize speed and precocity over durability, the prevalence of performance enhancing drugs and other medications, track surfaces, and maintenance of the tracks."
Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Hopkinsville, is the ranking minority member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, which is holding the hearing.
Whitfield could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Whitfield and Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., sent letters on May 22 requesting information from The Jockey Club, Magna Entertainment, the New York Racing Association, Racing Commissioners International and Churchill Downs.
Entitled "Breeding, Drugs and Breakdowns: The State of Thoroughbred Horseracing and the Welfare of the Thoroughbred Racehorse," the hearing will begin at 10 a.m. Audio webcast will be available from the committee's Web site:energycommerce.house.gov.
(c) Herald Leader
HORSE RACING: Top 3-year-old El Gato Malo out with injury
One of the West Coast's top 3-year-olds, El Gato Malo, is out of training at least 45 days after suffering a bruised sesamoid, according to Oceanside's Jeff Bloom, vice president of West Coast operations for West Point Thoroughbreds.
Winner of the $400,000 Lone Star Derby in his last start, Bloom had hoped to run El Gato Malo in the Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park on July 12 and the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., on Aug. 3.
El Gato Malo finished a disappointing fifth in the Santa Anita Derby and was entered in the Kentucky Derby but didn't get in the starting gate because he didn't have enough graded stakes earnings.
Bloom contemplated facing top 3-year-old Big Brown in the Preakness Stakes, but elected to pass after watching Big Brown's scintillating Kentucky Derby victory.
The gelding will be given at least 1 1/2 months off before resuming training for a fall campaign.
El Gato Malo will likely be pointed for the Strub series for 4-year-olds at Santa Anita Park next winter.
(c) North County Times
A lot is riding on Big Brown
BALTIMORE -- While the eyes of racing are squarely focused on Big Brown for the 133rd Preakness Stakes on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course, the eyes of the sports world are squarely focused on horse racing.
Two weeks after a Kentucky Derby that revealed the highest of racing highs, and the most gut-wrenching of lows, Derby winner Big Brown will put his unbeaten streak on the line, and attempt to keep his Triple Crown hopes alive, when he faces 11 rivals in the Preakness.
Pimlico is the track where two years ago Barbaro, that year's Derby winner, fractured his right hind leg in the Preakness, beginning an eight-month odyssey that ended with him being euthanized due to complications from the hoof disease laminitis. The death of the filly Eight Belles just moments after her runner-up finish in the Derby two weeks ago at Churchill Downs reopened a debate on many aspects of racing, pitting racing's supporters against those who would like it banned, or at least severely overhauled.
It will be against that backdrop that Big Brown will step onto the track at Pimlico on Saturday, carrying far more than 126 pounds, including jockey Kent Desormeaux. It is not a stretch to say that many in racing will be holding their breath until all 12 runners have successfully completed the 1 3/16 miles and been safely tucked away in their stalls after the race.
Big Brown will be a heavy favorite to pick up the first prize of $600,000 from the $1 million purse.
Big Brown has won all four of his starts by a combined 33 3/4 lengths, the smallest margin being the 4 3/4 lengths by which he won the Derby. Of the 19 horses Big Brown faced at Churchill Downs, only one - Gayego, who finished 17th - is here for a rematch. The other 11 Preakness runners all bypassed the Derby.
This will be the first and probably only time that Big Brown, a son of Boundary, will have to race on just two weeks' rest. For Big Brown to lose, he likely will have to regress significantly off his Derby performance, and one of his rivals will have to run the race of his life.
"It's not a party when you have to run back in two weeks," said Richard Dutrow Jr., who trains Big Brown. "You go through a lot to get ready for races like this. But I feel like I have the best horse, the fastest horse, who is proven at the distance. If our horse can get over the two weeks, he's going to be tough to beat."
Big Brown arrived at Pimlico on Wednesday, shortly after 8 p.m., following a flight from Louisville, Ky. He got his first feel of the Pimlico main track about 12 hours later Thursday morning, when he effortlessly galloped 1 3/8 miles with exercise rider Michelle Nevin.
"He was comfortable, cool, and relaxed," Dutrow said Thursday morning. "I'm happy as can be right now.
"I figure the lighter I train him, the better," Dutrow said. "I don't want to squeeze anything out of him. I want to go as slow and easy as I can between races."
Big Brown galloped with bell boots on his front feet to protect hooves that have had quarter cracks. Dutrow said Big Brown would wear the front leg wraps that he had in the Derby in the Preakness, too.
Thursday at noon, Big Brown had new glue-on shoes affixed to his front feet by Ian McKinlay, a noted equine blacksmith.
Dutrow has started to look over the horizon. If Big Brown wins the Preakness, he will head to the June 7 Belmont Stakes in New York with a chance to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to sweep the Triple Crown.
"We've got two more races we have to get through," Dutrow said. "I hope he doesn't have to get on his belly. I want something left for the Belmont.
"In the Belmont, you'll have some fresher, better horses. It'll be his third race in five weeks," Dutrow said. "The Belmont is going to be the one we really have to deal with. The Preakness looks like it's in our favor."
Big Brown landed post 7 in the original 13-horse field, which was reduced to 12 on Friday after Lexington winner Behindatthebar was scratched because of a bruise in his left front foot. Trainer Todd Pletcher said Behindatthebar will now be pointed for a possible run in the June 7 Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown.
Behindatthebar had drawn post 5 for the Preakness, so all horses outside of him, including Big Brown, will now move in one slot in the starting gate.
Gayego, who won the Arkansas Derby before his poor try in the Kentucky Derby, returned to California, then shipped here on Wednesday. But that trip is not nearly as bad as what he encountered in the Derby.
"He missed the break," said Paulo Lobo, who trains Gayego. "He got squeezed right after that, then he got rank. Near the wire the first time he clipped heels. After all of that, the race was finished for him."
Kentucky Bear was third in the Blue Grass Stakes in his last start. He entered the Derby, but was not among the top 20 horses in terms of earnings in graded stakes races, so he was one of four excluded from the race. He has trained sensationally in recent weeks, and his trainer, Reade Baker, has seemingly been trying to keep up with Dutrow in the war of words.
"How come he can't bounce now?" Baker said, hoping Big Brown might regress off his Derby effort.
Big Brown "certainly was the best of those horses," Baker said of the Derby, "but that doesn't make him better than anybody else."
Kentucky Bear was seventh in the Fountain of Youth Stakes prior to the Blue Grass.
"He bled and grabbed himself and got bounced around on the first turn," Baker said.
Yankee Bravo turned in one of his best races in his lone try on dirt, when third in the Louisiana Derby. He was fourth in the Santa Anita Derby in his last start.
"He just didn't kick in the last little part," said Paddy Gallagher, who trains Yankee Bravo. "He flattened out. I was a little disappointed. But he still ran a decent race."
Hey Byrn finished 15 3/4 lengths behind Big Brown in the Florida Derby, then won the Holy Bull Stakes. His owner, Bea Oxenberg, was to celebrate her 87th birthday on Friday.
Riley Tucker was third and Racecar Rhapsody fourth in the Lexington.
Macho Again won the Derby Trial in his last start, but was well-beaten in his two previous tries around two turns.
Tres Borrachos was third in the Arkansas Derby, 4 3/4 lengths behind Gayego.
Icabad Crane won the Federico Tesio Stakes here on April 19, making him the only horse in the Preakness with a race, and a win, over this track.
Giant Moon won his first four starts, but has lost two straight, including a fourth-place finish most recently in the Wood Memorial.
Stevil was fourth in the Blue Grass, his fifth straight loss following a debut win against maidens.
The Preakness is the 12th race on a 13-race card that begins at 10:30 a.m. Eastern and is scheduled to end at 7:15 p.m., making it the longest day in American racing. It is the final leg of a $1 million-guaranteed pick four wager. Post time for the Preakness is scheduled for 6:15. It will be televised live by NBC during a two-hour telecast that begins at 4:30.
A crowd of more than 100,000 is expected to stuff itself into Pimlico. They might have to dodge a few raindrops. Thunderstorms and rain were forecast for Friday, according to Weather.com, and there was a 30 percent chance of lingering showers for Saturday, with a high of 73 degrees.
(c) 2008 ESPN
Concern over racing ethics as horse dies at Kentucky Derby
Ed Pilkington in New York
The Guardian, Monday May 5 2008
The greatest event in the American horse racing calendar, the Kentucky Derby, has prompted a renewed bout of soul searching after the horse who came in second had to be put down.
Eight Belles was the first filly to run the derby since 1999 and excelled to come in behind the winner, the colt Big Brown. But after she had crossed the finishing line, while cooling down, she suddenly collapsed on to her knees with her ankles fractured and the on-call vet said there was no way to save her.
It was the second time in two years that an animal died from injuries sustained at one of America's Triple Crown races. In 2006 Barbaro broke a back leg in the Preakness and died eight months later. Last October another horse, George Washington, was put down on the track after the Breeders' Cup Classic in New Jersey with a broken bone in a front leg.
There was an immediate outpouring of anger and questioning after Saturday's race, an event of barely two minutes known as the Run for the Roses. The Washington Post said thoroughbred racing was in a "moral crisis, and everyone now knows it".
The paper said that horses were being over-bred and over-raced, "until their bodies cannot support their own ambitions".
Attention has focused in the past on the hard dirt track, and there were also doubts this time that a filly should be put to run against colts.
guardian.co.uk (c) Guardian News and Media Limited 2008
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