Trainers, vets, others charged in racehorse-drugging scheme

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Stephen Whyno, Ap Sports Writer
Updated 6:28 pm CDT, Monday, March 9, 2020

More than two dozen people, including the trainer of champion Maximum Security, were charged in what authorities described Monday as a widespread international scheme to drug horses to make them race faster.

Trainer Jason Servis, whose stable includes the 3-year-old champion, was charged with administering performance-enhancing drugs to that horse and others. Maximum Security crossed the finish line first at the 2019 Kentucky Derby before being disqualified for interference and has since won four of his five high-profile races.

The charges against trainers, veterinarians and others were detailed in four indictments unveiled Monday in Manhattan federal court. Charges brought against the 27 people include drug adulteration and misbranding conspiracy.

Performance-enhancing drugs "were given to racehorses in an effort to increase their performance beyond their natural abilities,” William F. Sweeney Jr., assistant director in charge of the FBI New York Office, said at a news conference. “What actually happened to the horses amounted to nothing less than abuse. They experienced cardiac issues, overexertion leading to leg fractures, increased risk of injury, and, in some cases, death. Conversely, the human being involved in the scheme continued to line their purses as they manipulated this multibillion-dollar horse racing industry across the globe.”

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Over-2-dozen-horse-racing-professionals-charged-15116494.php

[Mike 03]

1. So glad investigators are looking at horse racing.

The explanations for the disastrous Santa Anita horse racing deaths set out in the NYT weren't fully believable, even though those were good articles. I wonder if this type of drugging scheme is the actual explanation for all those poor horses having to be euthanized.

[stuffmatters]

4. TY.I have same thoughts about Del Mar racing deaths too.

[oldsoftie]

2. Time to put an end to this nonsense. Too many dead horses who have no say in the matter.

Dog racing is going away; its time for the same for horse racing

[CousinIT]

3. They need to just BAN horseracing.

Yea yadda yadda industry, yadda yadda profits, yadda yadda jobs, etc.

BAN it.

[Judi Lynn]

5. No doubt about it. Time for the human race to grow up. Thanks. n/t

[ToxMarz]

6. I haven't heard anything about the owners of the horses

who must have been fully complicit.

[CountAllVotes]

8. Well FYI American Pharoah is doing just great

Of course he is retired now and they are getting $250,000+ a hit for his "services" so to speak. Three times a week or more = $1,000,000 a week!

That's what horse racing is all about, money and lots of it.

As for American Pharoah, he lives a fine life indeed THANK GOD!

[Coventina]

7. Horse racing is cruel and barbaric.

END THIS CORRUPT "SPORT" NOW!!!!!

[jeffreyi]

9. Horrible.

As a horse person, I have strong feelings about this. it's bad enough for "civilians" to do this but veterinarians, geeze. No hellhole is too deep for their kind, may the punishment be severe. Also, those "3 year olds" are started when they are 18 months old or even less, that is way too young, no way are their bodies ready for the stress. If the whole process was delayed until the horses are even just a year older and more mature, a bunch of those injuries and deaths would be avoided.