Image IS Everything

Image is nothing.
Thirst is everything.
Obey your thirst.

Actually Sprite guys, image is everything. Turn on the television and you'll see that such a statement is an absolute truth in American culture. There are shows on television such as "What Not To Wear" and "How To Look Good Naked" that are devoted to nothing but appearances. Of course there are all sorts of fashion magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Vogue devoted to splashing huge glam shots in an attempt to sell appearances. In 2007 Americans spent 50 billion on cosmetics and another 13 billion more on cosmetic surgery. Meanwhile approximately 15 billion was wagered on thoroughbred racing.

Why is image so important? Because many people do "judge a book by its cover". When Eight Belles broke down the industry took a huge black eye on the world's stage. People who do not pay any attention to thoroughbred racing 364 days of the year watch one race and one race only. And what did they see? A horse that ran 2nd in the nation's most popular race break down on the track. What else do they see during the Triple Crown season? Well during the Preakness there is drunken revelry in the infield. Also, do you remember that one zany "fortune teller" who predicted Brother Derek to win because he saw a peacock in his dreams. He had a tent, ball, robes... the whole enchilada. Seeing images likes this it makes sense when the casual follower of racing begins to wonder if those involved in the sport are degenerates of one degree or another.

Well the state of Louisiana took a step in the direction of "image" by banning steroids starting in January (here). While they are not the first, this is another movement in the right direction for the sport. Eventually if we can eliminate steroids in all juristictions then the next step would be to crack down on more medications, eventually eliminating them all together.

I would love for every state to ban all medications. Primarily because of "image". The general public is not familiar with nor can distinguish between useful drugs such as Lasix and harmful ones like cobra venom. To them a drug is a drug and the term drug usually is cast in a negative light. Also there is a lot of conflict over whether medications are beneficial to horses. Years ago the equine population did without and during those times we had some great horses with long careers. These days it seems that horses are very fragile. Opponents of medications such as Lasix point out that horses that would have failed on the track years ago are now winning major races and are becoming breeding magnets thanks to modern veterinary medicine. Consequently all their offspring are prone to be in need of drugs as well. This "weakening of the breed" argument makes a lot of sense to this scientist.

Most trainers I have spoken with say that if they had to go to an oats and water only regime they would be perfectly fine with that. I think most handicappers would as well. Who hasn't wondered when a 20-1 comes up and blows the rest of the field away if something going on. I have spoken to Del Mar's customer relations and they indicated that a lot of negative mail comes through when longshots score huge. Also what images the term "Supertrainer" bring to mind? Aren't drugs usually used in reference to Supertrainers? Most other racing countries such as Japan, the UAE, and Europe have very strict medication rules. Why are we as a racing nation so far behind the curve?

Perseverance!