Breeders Cup

[tiggerette]

Very immotional meeting this year with some fantastic performances, so glad that Henry Cecil got a winner! However, can't believe how many of the winners (including some European ones) were running on lasix, and was even more horrified to hear that California allows horses to race on bute!!

 

[KarynK]

I think that you will find nearly all the European winners were on it, the Godolphin's were and so was Conduit, in fact I think I'm correct in saying that the only Aiden O'Brien winner was actually on the drug, but all the ones that didn't perform were not.

Years ago there was some talk of Zafonic racing in the US as a four year old having bled in a race!

Personally I don't like meds as their use can lead to weakness becoming an inherited trait and that is a shame for a breed that has evolved to be as good as it can at what it does through the ultimate performance trial.

But on the other hand there is a lot at stake in these races both in money and prestige and if the advantage is in having this drug after a very long season, a long flight and a adjusting to a very different climate then who can blame those who did administer it and who clearly benefited from it.

The use of Bute alongside Lasix can be counter productive since bute has a blood thinning effect which can make a bleed much worse! Playing devils advocate there is a limit to the legal amount of bute that can be used at 8.9 mcg/ml, which would not hide serious problems, I doubt that would be an issue at this level, but on lesser tracks with some trainers it could be that horses that sould be off are still racing.

There is currently a campaign on the New York circuit to have declared a horses medical record in the lead up to a race, it's a start:
http://www.unbridledracing.blogspot.com/

Personally I thought that Goldikova’s performance was exceptional, she is a tiny filly but dished it up to all comers despite the race not going all her way. I did shout a lot when Zenyatta won but am torn between her and Rachel for horse of the year as Rachel has beaten more and has been the more versatile of the two.

I couldn’t help thinking as an enthusiast “what if” both Rachel and STS were in that classic, ah well I expect they will in the movie!