Friday, May 30, 2014

Washington Post: Five Myths About the Triple Crown--One of those Myths is that Doping has tarnished the Triple Crown Series

John Scheinman, a former horse racing reporter for The Washington Post, is a freelance writer and editor. He contributes to the Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred Racing Commentary, Bleacher Report and other publications.  In the Washington Post Scheinman address his thoughts on whether doping has tarnished the Triple Crown and states:
 
3. Doping has tarnished the Triple Crown series.
The racing world at times has been awash in scandal and derision over medication and doping issues.
Yet elaborate security protocols were developed by state racing commissions for horses running in the Triple Crown following the death of the filly Eight Belles in the 2008 Kentucky Derby.
These days, the Triple Crown horses practically live in maximum-security prisons. State racing commission security at their stalls runs around the clock. Multiple blood samples are taken in the days leading up to the races and are examined in specialized labs. Vet records are monitored. Commission investigators or vets oversee the administration of all medications. Vials and syringes are taken by the commissions for possible testing. Entry and exit logs are kept to follow who goes in and out of the barns. Security cameras are in place. Post-race testing is also conducted. If anyone is cheating under such heavy scrutiny, they’re doing a damn good job of it.

quoted from here

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