The Golden Syringe Award

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Danzig

maybe they should offer a lifetime achievement award in that category as well. i've got some ideas on who they could name it after.

Considering that Keith Bennett has won 4 Golden Syringe's since 1999 - I think it's him.

Tragically he hasn't started a horse since April 27th of this year.

He was in strong contention for a 5th title this year - winning 32 of 84 races in 2010 (38% wins) and with a profitable ROI... it's too bad he decided to empty his syringes and hang it up.

Bennett has had a win percentage of 25% or higher every single year for the last ten years. He's had a profitable ROI for the year in nine out of the last 14 years.

Oddly, the one thing his horses were getting caught with in tests was alcohol when TuP started testing for it. From the Paulik Report...

Another trainer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Paulick Report alcohol is also being used in connection with so-called milkshakes, which contain baking soda and electrolytes and are designed to reduce the lactic acid buildup that causes fatigue. The concoction is mixed together as a paste, the trainer said, and can be administered through a dose syringe, though it is more effective when given through a tube into the horse’s stomach.

“You’re getting them carbohydrates at the top of the lane where some horses are running out of gas,” the trainer said. “I tried it, and believe me, it works. But I quit doing it because I couldn’t afford to get caught.”

Alchemist type stuff right there. Booze, baking soda, and electrolytes.