Albertrani Positive

[VOL JACK]

From all accounts I hear TA is a straight up classy guy as there is on the back stretch.
If he swears he didn't give the filly the drug....I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. JMO

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by VOL JACK

From all accounts I hear TA is a straight up classy guy as there is on the back stretch.
If he swears he didn't give the filly the drug....I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. JMO

Agreed

[banter]

Something that McLaughlin, Albertrani, and Bin Suroor have been publicly called out at more or less the same time...

"Sheikh Mohammed's Delegator Disqualified"--http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/142633/Sheikh-Mohammad-s-Delegator-disqualified

"Delegator Mile disqualification confirmed"--http://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2009/1207/delegator_celebrationmile.html

A methylprednisolone positive takes center stage in this case.

In my view, a 750 pound (about $1230) fine for a prohibited medication serves no useful purpose as a deterrent. Forget wrist slap, we're talking finger tap with that puny amount.

Even in situations in which a trainer misjudges the withdrawal time of a particular drug, penalties need to be stiff enough to make the stable connections pay scrupulous attention to dosing issues.

"Racing integrity" will remain an oxymoron until and unless such issues are stringently addressed.

I would suppose, although these articles don't say for sure, that not only was the win disallowed but the purse retracted and redistributed. Having the winnings taken away offers something of a deterrent and gives some satisfaction to Zacinto and his connections. Still, they were robbed of the race day experience of outright winning. Another horse got to stand in the winner's circle and have his picture taken.

I would add that the shame of getting caught should be a deterrent, but I see no evidence that things work that way.

And what about the news that the BHA will cut drug testing by 50% next year, or that the FEI will allow the use of bute for show jumping and events?

Disappointing news all the way around.