BACKSTRETCH DRUG PROBLEM

[louis finochio]

The Drug problem on the backstretch is a long and naging problem. When the white powder is smuggled into the barns, then it is sold to the employees under the table. When the grooms feed the TB, sometimes the white powder remains on their hands, and gets into the feed tub at feeding time. The result is a postive test for the trainers. To stop this problem I have come up with an Idea to control this drug problem.

I am going to suggest to the security to used trained dogs to sniff out the white powder in the employees living quarters and tack room.

I hope the dont tell me that this suggestion will cost to much money to finance, and wont work.

[BenB]

Louis the dogs are very capable, of smelling and finding the stuff.
In our country they are used, for instance at the airport for this task
Specially the german bred dogs are very capable in this things.

Ben

[madelyn]

Actually, I spent several years at a very large international airport in the SE US (guess which one?) and we had "plain clothes dogs" that would sniff luggage all over the terminal. Spaniels, beagles, etc. DEA dressed like tourists, camera, bags and all.... anyhow, those folks down south foiled the dogs for awhile by packing the stuff in with roses and other flowers coming in... costing Avianca millions in fines... but anyhow, louis, they would have to have warrants and things to go into employee's living quarters. It is not the cost of your suggestion, just its impracticality. I have a much better suggestion... trainers should fire any help that are drug users.

[Ramona]

There is a simple drug testing patch now that can detect immediate/up to 4-days or more of anyone using drugs, even if it's on their hands. It is less invasive of requiring UA's and there should be a lot less switching urine, diluting etc. Now who could protest having a "little old patch" put on their skin? Not sure of the cost, but should be nothing in expense compared to preserving the integrity of horse racing. Just an idea.

[sulphurfire]

... trainers should fire any help that are drug users.

I agree with you on that Madelyn. But what about the trainers who use?

Both drugs and alcohol are major problems on the backside, and it is hard to control. There really is no quick easy solution to this prolem that I can think of
The different racing commisions have statutes about testing for drugs and alcohol for the people who hold licenses, if that testing was used more frequently, then maybe we could see a decrease in the amount of people using.

[louis finochio]

All backstretch employees are tested for drugs when they apply for a job.
The employees that test positive are not given a CHRB license.

If they are clean, and dont test positive they will join the work force.
Then the white powder makes the rounds and we have this problem repeatedly.

The employees that are caught with white powder or other substances are ruled off.

The drug problem is not as bad as 20 years ago, as the Winners Circle Foundation has been a help in this rehab program for backstretch workers.

[BJ]

When the white powder is smuggled into the barns, then it is sold to the employees under the table. When the grooms feed the TB, sometimes the white powder remains on their hands, and gets into the feed tub at feeding time. The result is a postive test for the trainers.

1. Unfortunately Louis, many of the bad tests are NOT accidents.
2. It would be cheaper to teach the drug snorting track employees to not waste the drugs and to lick their fingers or hands after snorting.
or, 3. If they have enough money to buy drugs, maybe they are being paid too much.

Is the cynic in me oozing again????

[Des]

Lets not forget, some Trainers aren't all that clean themselves. What do you do about them?

[BJ]

... trainers should fire any help that are drug users.

I agree with you on that Madelyn. But what about the trainers who use?

Both drugs and alcohol are major problems on the backside, and it is hard to control. There really is no quick easy solution to this prolem that I can think of
The different racing commisions have statutes about testing for drugs and alcohol for the people who hold licenses, if that testing was used more frequently, then maybe we could see a decrease in the amount of people using.

Maybe people do drugs and alcohol to hide from the "reality" of what goes on when the horse can no longer race. Just like in the restaurant business (I knew long ago). People did drugs to be able to smile through all the crap the personnel had to put up with from the ones they were serving. Restaurant biz has the same "easy come, easy go" money environment as the track tends to have. Not condoning it...just shedding a little light on it.

[Ramona]

BJ: And don't forget, the worst reason of all, "the owner with a condition book" excuse. LOL...Actually, in a perfect world, there is no excuse for drug abuse.

[sulphurfire]

I can understand why people would use drugs on the backside, just think how many hours on racedays you can put in when your day starts before the sun comes up and doesn't end until almost midnight. It is not an easy life. I can't throw stones at people who use drugs as I've only been clean for almost three years. But I do advocate more testing and supportive services for the backside employees and employers.

[Ramona]

Congrats Sulfurfire! I'm proud of you for staying clean. It's not easy...as I work with people that are users and have gotten clean. I once had a jockey tell me that in his younger years he used drugs, but he said there is no bigger "high" than getting on the back of a racehorse and in particular, winning.

[yukidragon]

I agree with BJ -not accidents.

For a 200 pound man to get a buzz on the "White Powder" 20 years ago was 100 dollars. for a horse to bad test must be the cheap crack thats made today.

Must people get high before work,lunch time,quiting time.

Someone's getting payed to much money ,if there drug ins up in the feed.

The Trainers an Barn Managers are to blame in my book.

[Sandi in Florida]

Sorry to disagree with you Louis, but I don't believe the miniscule amount of "white powder" someone could have on their hands would be anywhere near enough to trigger a positive drug test. No way. And if it IS possible, maybe the barn workers need to wash their hands more often (or lick their fingers, as suggested above).

Personally, I don't really care if people use drugs (as long as they aren't driving). I wish the government would just legalize everything and then tax the daylights out of it. I'm sick of working hard and paying taxes through the nose only to see drug dealers make big incomes, totally tax-free. I say tax them to death and then maybe MY taxes will go down! All the people who choose to use drugs should be allowed to toot, snort and smoke away to their heart's content--people who use drugs will burn out fast enough and leave good jobs behind for those of us who choose to remain sober. Survival of the fittest and least F--ed up!

[Ryeno]

I am a little disappointed in some of the comments posted about drug use on the racetrack.Ive worked on the track the majority of my life and yes there are people using drugs but it is no different then your local office building and any other walk of life.People have commented on the users making too much money????????At the track????I hardly think so,someone posted a while ago about the paltry wages on the backside.The reasons behind the drug use?Nobody knows what happens or happend in these people's lives for them to justify an escape like drugs but weak willed people will follow that path if influenced.A lot of people have addictive personalities whether its drugs,alcohol,gambling,shoping,there partners or other avenue's that fuel them.Racetrackers have a tough life.What all people need to do is try to help them in any way they can by supporting the Winners Foundation and programs that assist these sick people.Punishing them doesnt solve the problem it only creates more as if you push them off the track it will only create bigger social problems outside the gate as they will turn to crime to support there habit and lead to an even tougher life on the streets where it could lead to bigger sorrows and bigger consequences such as incarceration,crimes or suicide.I have seen drug users come and go at the track and some great success stories of people getting help and coming clean as well as people that have personally cost me money trying to get them help ony to be ripped off.Do I hold a grudge?No because i blame the drug not the person.
Ryeno