CHRB The " Good old boys Frat Club"
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Stellaspeed
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You know... this probably goes on, to some degree, in just about every jurisdiction. So, the story probably isn't all that unusal...
This case does, however, point directly at some of the apparent conflicts and, at the same time, pretty much bring to front the attitude of the guilty parties. This attitude, to a large degree, is what has led them to their problems to begin with.
Hey, there were rumors about Jeff Mullins when he started winning... those rumors not only persisted, but gained momentum, especially when he ventured into other jurisdictions who were "less forgiving". So, it is not like he hasn't had his chances to "clean" his house. Apparently, he chose to continue to reap the rewards of the short cuts. Now, he is miffed because they brought him public?
Wasn't Mullins under scrutiny before? Perhaps he was singled out because he made for the easiest target. Did he consider that?
Sure what Mullins says probably has some validity, probably a little like Conseco's claims about steroids in baseball, however it doesn't make him less guilty. It simply makes him sound like a guilty, spoiled, crybaby tattletale. Had he decided to go "public" with concerns about the sport, after trying to work through channels, and done so with less self-interest and venom, perhaps he would appear to be more "up standing".
California needs to get its house in order, there is no doubt about that. The drug policy, testing, and punishment should be pretty easy and pretty straightforward, why is it not? Set a policy in stone, no exceptions, no deviations... test... punish positives with set rules that are set in stone with no exceptions.
The real shame of this is that Mullins will probably go unpunished for his remarks. What he said, was detrimental to the sport and the public's confidence. This should be punished... he should, at mimimum draw a fine, and perhaps should be suspended for a rather lengthy time. However, who is going to do this? How could they possibly get such a punishment to "stick" and withstand appeal?
What bothers me is the owners in California. They know, or should know, of the reputation and the rumors surronding certain trainers. They should know that where there is smoke there should be fire... and in some of these cases, the smoke was very, very thick. Yet, they continue to send these guys horses, continue to support them, continue to show that they are not horsemen or sportsmen, rather they are simply greedy egomaniacs. Of course, some aren't this diabolical... some are simply very, very naive'.
This case does, however, point directly at some of the apparent conflicts and, at the same time, pretty much bring to front the attitude of the guilty parties. This attitude, to a large degree, is what has led them to their problems to begin with.
Hey, there were rumors about Jeff Mullins when he started winning... those rumors not only persisted, but gained momentum, especially when he ventured into other jurisdictions who were "less forgiving". So, it is not like he hasn't had his chances to "clean" his house. Apparently, he chose to continue to reap the rewards of the short cuts. Now, he is miffed because they brought him public?
Wasn't Mullins under scrutiny before? Perhaps he was singled out because he made for the easiest target. Did he consider that?
Sure what Mullins says probably has some validity, probably a little like Conseco's claims about steroids in baseball, however it doesn't make him less guilty. It simply makes him sound like a guilty, spoiled, crybaby tattletale. Had he decided to go "public" with concerns about the sport, after trying to work through channels, and done so with less self-interest and venom, perhaps he would appear to be more "up standing".
California needs to get its house in order, there is no doubt about that. The drug policy, testing, and punishment should be pretty easy and pretty straightforward, why is it not? Set a policy in stone, no exceptions, no deviations... test... punish positives with set rules that are set in stone with no exceptions.
The real shame of this is that Mullins will probably go unpunished for his remarks. What he said, was detrimental to the sport and the public's confidence. This should be punished... he should, at mimimum draw a fine, and perhaps should be suspended for a rather lengthy time. However, who is going to do this? How could they possibly get such a punishment to "stick" and withstand appeal?
What bothers me is the owners in California. They know, or should know, of the reputation and the rumors surronding certain trainers. They should know that where there is smoke there should be fire... and in some of these cases, the smoke was very, very thick. Yet, they continue to send these guys horses, continue to support them, continue to show that they are not horsemen or sportsmen, rather they are simply greedy egomaniacs. Of course, some aren't this diabolical... some are simply very, very naive'.
My original post (above) included some editorializing and remarks which were somewhat unfair and unsubstantiated. They also had no place being put into a public forum. Thus, I deleted them and offer my apologies to anyone who read them.
The one thing which is missing from my post and from the article in question is the fact that, until just a short time ago, there was no police about milkshaking. It is very, very, very shortsighted to start casting stones and disparaging remarks about a practice that was not illegal at the time it was performed. Nothing which happened prior should be discussed now... however, I do think it prudent that someone be under suspicion, now, if they engaged in such practices before they were illegal.
Above all, I probably should be pointing to this as another example of why people should support a national drug policy. Please read Mr. Biszantz article in the Blood-Horse, and keep in mind that while he is directly calling out horsemen in Kentucky, the same thoughts should apply to other jurisdictions as well. I just hope all jurisdictions adopt the policies, however more important to me is that all jurisdictions enforce such policies equally as well.
The one thing which is missing from my post and from the article in question is the fact that, until just a short time ago, there was no police about milkshaking. It is very, very, very shortsighted to start casting stones and disparaging remarks about a practice that was not illegal at the time it was performed. Nothing which happened prior should be discussed now... however, I do think it prudent that someone be under suspicion, now, if they engaged in such practices before they were illegal.
Above all, I probably should be pointing to this as another example of why people should support a national drug policy. Please read Mr. Biszantz article in the Blood-Horse, and keep in mind that while he is directly calling out horsemen in Kentucky, the same thoughts should apply to other jurisdictions as well. I just hope all jurisdictions adopt the policies, however more important to me is that all jurisdictions enforce such policies equally as well.
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louis finochio
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Jeff Mullins is currently training around 150 TB. If Jeff was found guility of performance enchancers all the time the stewards would ban Jeff from competing in Calif.
This would make the short fields shorter. To combat the enchancers the vets are working with Jeff and other trainers to make sure the levels of medications are below the positive level.
Without the vets help in this matter, these enchancers would close the door on Calif. racing.
This would make the short fields shorter. To combat the enchancers the vets are working with Jeff and other trainers to make sure the levels of medications are below the positive level.
Without the vets help in this matter, these enchancers would close the door on Calif. racing.
Those without sin cast the first stone.
Louis Finochio
Louis Finochio
CHRB
I just cannot understand why all that stuff is just banned like in Germany.
Just ban everything what is not natural to horses and get rid of everything.
Within some 15 years the races, the breeding and everything will provide
sound horses again. And not that vets need type of horse. Safes a lot of costs to owners.
Ben
Just ban everything what is not natural to horses and get rid of everything.
Within some 15 years the races, the breeding and everything will provide
sound horses again. And not that vets need type of horse. Safes a lot of costs to owners.
Ben
Mandella? Is he serious? Has the man ever had even a bute overage? Not to mention the year that he had a film crew following him around every day at the barn. Wonder if Mullins would care for that level of scrutiny?
If Mullins wasn't misquoted (and from what I hear that's possible with Simers), then those are the remarks of a desperate man. Mullins was under serious scrutiny long before the milkshake thing--and he should have been. He went from a 12-15% trainer in Arizona and Northern California, then comes to the big leagues and starts winning 30 +% of his races meet after meet. When someone explodes with stats better than Ben Jones, does it several meets in row with multiple horses that can never seem to hold their condition for more than a few months at a time to never be heard from again, sends out horses that freak and never seem to get passed in the stretch, it didn't take Bruce Headley to put him under the microscope. He did it to himself.
And KAL, I agree he should be punished for those remarks. Racing has enough of a PR problem as it is without trainers calling the gamblers idiots.
If Mullins wasn't misquoted (and from what I hear that's possible with Simers), then those are the remarks of a desperate man. Mullins was under serious scrutiny long before the milkshake thing--and he should have been. He went from a 12-15% trainer in Arizona and Northern California, then comes to the big leagues and starts winning 30 +% of his races meet after meet. When someone explodes with stats better than Ben Jones, does it several meets in row with multiple horses that can never seem to hold their condition for more than a few months at a time to never be heard from again, sends out horses that freak and never seem to get passed in the stretch, it didn't take Bruce Headley to put him under the microscope. He did it to himself.
And KAL, I agree he should be punished for those remarks. Racing has enough of a PR problem as it is without trainers calling the gamblers idiots.
Last edited by Sysonby on Sun Mar 06, 2005 1:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
louis finochio wrote:Jeff Mullins is currently training around 150 TB. If Jeff was found guility of performance enchancers all the time the stewards would ban Jeff from competing in Calif.
I think those 150 TBs would go to someone else. If Mullins had his license yanked here, no one else will pick him up and those horses wouldn't be following him anywhere.
Another way to look at it is that Mullins didn't suddenly bring dozens of owners into the game. He took most of those owners and horses from other trainers and several of them have left California. Have you seen Scott Hanson or Cliff Sise or Ian Jory around? Maybe it's not a one to one ratio, but when the supertrainers set up shop, it seems like there ends up being a lot fewer horses for every one else.
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louis finochio
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To Ben: In the AM before the TB go to the track the vets give anti-inflamatory injections to all TB. This is a temporary band aid, to hold these fragile TB together.
Years ago when the TB had many outcross'es of different sire lines, this temporary band aid procedure wasnt needed, because the TB soundness would carry them for 40- 80 starts lifetime.
As the times have changed and the years have gone by, the breeders and pinhookers have shot their selves in the foot. As the soundness has taken a backseat to money.
The only way this can end is for the buyers to lose money off their original investment. Then they will be history and the soundness will return.
I have researched how the stallions in the Euro arena are bred and you will find that they still have those old sire lines, that are bred to the Northern Dancers, Storm Cats, Danzig and Danehill, as most of these crosses take place on the dam side.
The soundness has returned when this has taken place, as the mares stamina are bred to those speed stallions.
As the Euro TB are raced on grass with soft going the TB soundness is enchanced.
Years ago when the TB had many outcross'es of different sire lines, this temporary band aid procedure wasnt needed, because the TB soundness would carry them for 40- 80 starts lifetime.
As the times have changed and the years have gone by, the breeders and pinhookers have shot their selves in the foot. As the soundness has taken a backseat to money.
The only way this can end is for the buyers to lose money off their original investment. Then they will be history and the soundness will return.
I have researched how the stallions in the Euro arena are bred and you will find that they still have those old sire lines, that are bred to the Northern Dancers, Storm Cats, Danzig and Danehill, as most of these crosses take place on the dam side.
The soundness has returned when this has taken place, as the mares stamina are bred to those speed stallions.
As the Euro TB are raced on grass with soft going the TB soundness is enchanced.
Those without sin cast the first stone.
Louis Finochio
Louis Finochio
Great article. Little by little, the racing public is finally learning about the rampant use of enhancing agents by some trainers, vets and owners. Some of us have been screaming about this problem for so long it seems incredible that so many people seem shocked that most horses are fed more than hay, oats and water. Milkshakes are just the tip of the iceberg, folks, so stay tuned.
I certainly agree with Louis that today's breeding business has very little to do with the survival of the fittest. Physical weaknesses, temporarily masked by drugs, are passed on to future generations, and this is one big reason why horses are in general more unsound today than ever. Shame on the breeders among us who continue to breed to unsound stallions from mares who are just as compromised. It's long past time to throw away the breeding stock known for reproducing unsoundness, irrespective of their pedigrees, nicks, dosages and various numerical indeces. That's OUR part in creating a better world for our horses and the business of racing.
And until regulatory agencies, like the CHRB, take a no-tolerance stance against the arrogant use of drugs and other enhancers, we should continue to exert pressure on them to do so. The CHRB has certainly been a bedrock of conflict of interest and inept leadership, but I must say that I see Ingrid Fermin's recent appointment as Executive Director one of the BEST changes our industry has seen in a long time. To accuse her of favoritism with her brother in law is really preposterous; both she and Headley have proven they play strictly by the book.
I agree with KAL that a national drug policy must be adopted and ENFORCED. An inherent problem in this ideal, though, is that the funds allotted by each state differ so greatly that consistency is almost impossible. For example, California allocates $135 per test (horse), while neighboring Arizona spends only $25. There's a lot of room for monkey business in there.
I believe that the identities of ALL violators should be made public. At present, only jockey infractions are noticed. It's inconceivable to me that the vets and trainers who abuse the system should get off scott free. Put their photos and names in the local newspapers, pull their licenses, and see what effect that has on other potential violators. A little hanging in the public square might be just what this industry needs!
I certainly agree with Louis that today's breeding business has very little to do with the survival of the fittest. Physical weaknesses, temporarily masked by drugs, are passed on to future generations, and this is one big reason why horses are in general more unsound today than ever. Shame on the breeders among us who continue to breed to unsound stallions from mares who are just as compromised. It's long past time to throw away the breeding stock known for reproducing unsoundness, irrespective of their pedigrees, nicks, dosages and various numerical indeces. That's OUR part in creating a better world for our horses and the business of racing.
And until regulatory agencies, like the CHRB, take a no-tolerance stance against the arrogant use of drugs and other enhancers, we should continue to exert pressure on them to do so. The CHRB has certainly been a bedrock of conflict of interest and inept leadership, but I must say that I see Ingrid Fermin's recent appointment as Executive Director one of the BEST changes our industry has seen in a long time. To accuse her of favoritism with her brother in law is really preposterous; both she and Headley have proven they play strictly by the book.
I agree with KAL that a national drug policy must be adopted and ENFORCED. An inherent problem in this ideal, though, is that the funds allotted by each state differ so greatly that consistency is almost impossible. For example, California allocates $135 per test (horse), while neighboring Arizona spends only $25. There's a lot of room for monkey business in there.
I believe that the identities of ALL violators should be made public. At present, only jockey infractions are noticed. It's inconceivable to me that the vets and trainers who abuse the system should get off scott free. Put their photos and names in the local newspapers, pull their licenses, and see what effect that has on other potential violators. A little hanging in the public square might be just what this industry needs!
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st. louis kid
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As far as the owners are concerned, I know of one owner in particular in CA that I had discussed the issue of which trainer he was going to send his new 2 year olds to. He was a bit torn between using one who he felt was more "old school" or one of the newer trainers with a high win % who he felt might be cheating. His big concern was that if he didn't go with the higher % trainer he may have to run against them in an "unfair competition".
Reviewer
Reviewer
St. Louis Kid, would you care to clarify?
IF you were referring to my stance that Mullins be punished for making his remarks, you are off-base. It serves no purpose for me to indicate and clarify any point of law persuant to this, however it can be simply stated that precedence has been set in such manners, and the courts have repeatedly found there are limits to "Freedom of Speech".
I would never say he doesn't have the right to say virtually anything he wants, however since the remarks were so blatantly detrimental to the sport and industry of which he is a LICENSED participant, he should expect some sort of repercussions.
IF I, as an owner, made similar remarks in several jurisdictions, I would be punished. IF a player, coach, or owner in several other sports made similar remarks, within the context of his own sport, he would expect punishment.
Heck, I don't even disagree with many things Mullins said, however I do have a problem with the manner and the timing of his statements, and the willingness to harm the very industry which provides his salary. I also am certain his trainers license included some provisions forbidding him to perform in an activity detrimental to the industry and sport. If it doesn't it definitely should.
Reviewer, I fully understand your post and the dilemna faced by owners such as the one you described. I have been there. I have had to make such a decision. If I were to advise such an owner, I would only ask one question: Why are you wanting to be involved in racing? If the answer is financial and ego... then go with the high percentage guy and hope for the best with your horse. If the answer is for fun and sport, with hopes to break even or even make a little, then the "old school" guy is the choice.
IF you were referring to my stance that Mullins be punished for making his remarks, you are off-base. It serves no purpose for me to indicate and clarify any point of law persuant to this, however it can be simply stated that precedence has been set in such manners, and the courts have repeatedly found there are limits to "Freedom of Speech".
I would never say he doesn't have the right to say virtually anything he wants, however since the remarks were so blatantly detrimental to the sport and industry of which he is a LICENSED participant, he should expect some sort of repercussions.
IF I, as an owner, made similar remarks in several jurisdictions, I would be punished. IF a player, coach, or owner in several other sports made similar remarks, within the context of his own sport, he would expect punishment.
Heck, I don't even disagree with many things Mullins said, however I do have a problem with the manner and the timing of his statements, and the willingness to harm the very industry which provides his salary. I also am certain his trainers license included some provisions forbidding him to perform in an activity detrimental to the industry and sport. If it doesn't it definitely should.
Reviewer, I fully understand your post and the dilemna faced by owners such as the one you described. I have been there. I have had to make such a decision. If I were to advise such an owner, I would only ask one question: Why are you wanting to be involved in racing? If the answer is financial and ego... then go with the high percentage guy and hope for the best with your horse. If the answer is for fun and sport, with hopes to break even or even make a little, then the "old school" guy is the choice.
Years ago when the TB had many outcross'es of different sire lines, this temporary band aid procedure wasnt needed, because the TB soundness would carry them for 40- 80 starts lifetime.
As the times have changed and the years have gone by, the breeders and pinhookers have shot their selves in the foot. As the soundness has taken a backseat to money.
The only way this can end is for the buyers to lose money off their original investment. Then they will be history and the soundness will return.
I have researched how the stallions in the Euro arena are bred and you will find that they still have those old sire lines, that are bred to the Northern Dancers, Storm Cats, Danzig and Danehill, as most of these crosses take place on the dam side.
Louis, that is music to my ears.
We currently have a few discussions in Australia about small field sizes in G1 races etc and I hope you don't mind if I use your quote in one of my responses as I belive it is also relevant here. You will get credit of course!
Keep up the great work.