Quote:
Originally Posted by Kitan
He has had a substantial bleeding history in Hong Kong, which is why this was an issue that was brought up in the first place. It has occurred four times, as per his vet records: http://www.hkjc.com/english/racing/o...p?HorseNo=N011 However, he has a win and a second in two of those four starts starts.
This is the modern day problem, especially here in the Western world. If there is a problem, whether human or animal, let's just fix it with medication. Instead of attempting to fix the problem with other means we will just taper it and mask it with drugs. Maybe if a horse has constant problems bleeding its body is saying that he shouldn't be racing in the first place.
And for those that are complaining about how cessation of Lasix would cause more instances such as this in the future, well that becomes part and parcel of the game. I don't see gamblers in other racing jurisdictions complaining when it happens, and in fact I'd actually be inclined to believe that it actually happens a lot less in those places. I see how fragile the modern day North American thoroughbred is and compare it to England, Australia, HK, etc. They seem to be much more durable there, so clearly they're doing something right. |
Just because lasix is illegal overseas doesn't mean that they don't use other methods and other bleeder shots to try to control the problem. In NA when lasix was illegal every vet concucted his own bleeder shot and if he got a fav rep he had a long list of customers and made a fortune.
At least with lasix we know the playing field is almost level.