Well, this isn't good...

[Cannon Shell]

The jail rule is really not going to do very much in terms of stopping breakdowns and in some cases actually can be a contributing cause. Lets not forget that a guy dumping a horse off the claim is 1st trying to dump the horse and secondly trying to earn some purse money back. Just delaying that 25 or 30 days doesnt really help the horse unless there is a new 30 day cure that has been developed. What some trainers do when they claim a bad one with a jail rule in place is simply walk the horse for 3 weeks, maybe pony without a rider on it for a few days and then drop the horse in. Because they have been given a short break often the horses start to feel better, act a little less sore and are able to pass the vet exam. Then because they are feeling better, may warm up ok and the jock lets them run. However often the underlying issue wasnt actually healed and as the horse puts forth effort the leg comes apart.

This isnt to say that this wont happen if the rule isnt in place either but relying on rules with little regard to the individuals who are calling the shots is misguided.

I agree that purses for lower level races can be out of whack but lets not forget for those who dont pay the bills that you have to give owners a reasonable chance of getting some return.