Chief Stipe

Any word on what happened with Princess Lowry? I tried watching the race on Loveracing but the streaming has terrible buffering for some reason. Could it be a case of the "Thumps"?

Seriously though I can't see what some of you saw in the horse.

You're kidding with those comments? I liked Fangirl - she's a very good filly.

Bowman has been out riding JMac over the last couple of weeks. Bowman is a top jock when in form.

I can understand why you would think that because your idiosyncratic form analysis would offer no alternative. Sundees Son has shown exceptional ability from his first season - he ran 1:58 for a mile as a 2 year old. Like most trotters his consistency and performance has improved with age.

It isn't I that is continually referring to the Dunn stable it is the likes of Butterfly and others that hide behind private online forums and paywalls. It is better for it to bought out into the open and challenged head on. There is no evidence of what is alleged. I never took you for being duplicitous nor sanctimonious but perhaps I was wrong. In every generation there is a champion horse that sets a new standard Sundee's Son is one such animal. You may wonder all you like but what I've stated is a fact. I can list (as can @Gammalite) numerous champions of past eras that have done exactly the same thing as Sundee's Son. The use of the word "staggering" is just hyperbole - the media are prone to use it. Michael Guerin can't write a sentence without it and exaggeration and embellishment. I remember many instances of "staggering" performances over the years. I've been fortunate to see many on course. One that springs to mind was the performance of Lord Module winning the Alan Matson Free-For-All in world record time. I saw that race in the Owner/Trainer stand and there were seasoned Trainers with stop watches who were absolutely speechless - the term stunned mullet came to mind. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary why diminish a great champion by inferring there has been cheating?

Well he is obviously not bright enough to run a sophisticated doping regime that can outwit all the Feds and the sophisticated testing that is available. But that won't stop your conspiracy crap.

That's incorrect. Kerr was done for using PED'S was he? As far as I know he wasn't. Mail fraud in case you didn't know is quite a different kettle of fish.

@Archie Butterfly Either post your slanderous crap in an open forum with evidence or STFU.

Medina Spirit Necropsy Finds No Definite Cause of Death The Kentucky Derby (G1) winner collapsed and died after Dec. 6 work at Santa Anita. By Byron King Today, 1:06 PM Anecropsy examining the sudden death of Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) first-place finisher Medina Spirit could not determine why the colt collapsed and died after a Dec. 6 workout at Santa Anita Park, the California Horse Racing Board announced Feb. 11. Omeprazole, an anti-ulcer medication, and furosemide (Lasix), a diuretic used to control respiratory bleeding, were detected in blood and urine samples consistent with the medication report filed with CHRB by Medina Spirit's attending veterinarian, the CHRB reported. A necropsy is an autopsy conducted upon an animal, performed with the intention to ascertain the cause of death and detect visually apparent abnormalities. They are standard procedures on equines that die at CHRB-regulated facilities, with the California Animal Health and Food Safety diagnostic laboratory system of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine undertaking those studies. The CHRB currently lists more than 100 postmortem examination reports on its website, describing necropsy findings, the animal's racing/training history, its veterinary history, and conclusions. Medina Spirit was transported to the CAHFS lab in San Bernardino for the necropsy, which included examination of the body and internal organs, and specimen collection for microscopic examination, toxicology, drug testing, and genetic testing. Specimens also were stored for possible future testing. After the examination was completed, Medina Spirit was cremated. Postmortem examination of Medina Spirit was performed by a diagnostic team at the CAHFS at UC Davis with expertise in pathology, toxicology, and equine drug testing. Team members included Dr. Francisco Uzal, Dr. Javier Asin Ros, Dr. Monika Samol, Dr. Robert Poppenga, and Dr. Benjamin Moeller. Dr. John Pascoe, executive associate dean of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, working with CAHFS director Dr. Ashley Hill, had administrative oversight of the process. Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit's sudden death gained national news attention late last year, in part due to the controversy related to the May 1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Post-race test results taken from Bob Baffert-trained Medina Spirit following the Derby showed the presence of the corticosteroid betamethasone, a finding that places him at-risk of disqualification after a scheduled hearing with Kentucky stewards Feb. 14. Baffert also could be fined or suspended. Acting as a private property owner, Churchill Downs Inc. has suspended Baffert from racing at its tracks through the middle of 2023. Baffert claims Medina Spirit tested positive due to treatment for a skin condition on the colt's hindquarters with the anti-fungal ointment Otomax. His attorneys further argue that Otomax triggered a positive test specifically for betamethasone valerate, which they contend differs from betamethasone acetate. They say the latter is the type of betamethasone given to horses via injections. It carries a recommended 14-day withdrawal time before racing. Medina Spirit passed tests for prohibited race-day medications during the remainder of his 3-year-old season last year, including in his final race, a runner-up finish in the Nov. 6 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar. That followed a victory in the Oct. 2 Awesome Again Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita. Photo: Benoit Photo (L-R): Jockey John Velazquez, trainer Bob Baffert, and assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes celebrate a victory from Medina Spirit in the 2021 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita Park Medina Spirit being treated with betamethasone in early spring is not suspected to have played a role in his December death. Experts say other drugs, such as erythropoietin, also known as EPO, can increase the chance of cardiac arrest, though the necropsy showed no evidence of Medina Spirit having been treated with the red blood cell-building drug. Other than omeprazole and Lasix, no other drugs, heavy metals (including cobalt), or toxicants were detected, according to the CHRB. Blood, urine, and aqueous humor samples were screened for the presence of hundreds of substances, both legal medications and prohibited drugs, including, amongst others, erythropoietin, clenbuterol, and betamethasone. Degenerative joint disease was seen in Medina Spirit's fetlock and elbow joints. The microscopic changes in various tissues were mild and did not suggest a specific cause of death, the CHRB noted. Swollen lungs and foam in the windpipe, an enlarged spleen, and congestion and mild hemorrhages in other tissues seen on the postmortem examination are common in horses dying suddenly, and are compatible with, but not specific for a cardiac cause of death, the CHRB added. Samples of heart tissue were sent to the University of Minnesota and to the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory as part of ongoing research programs, in collaboration with the CHRB, investigating possible genetic causes of sudden death in racehorses. At the time of Medina Spirit's death, CHRB equine medical director Dr. Jeff Blea said the causes of sudden deaths are sometimes difficult to determine, with about half remaining a mystery even after further study. The CHRB echoed those statistics in its Friday release of the Medina Spirit necropsy findings, citing an international study that found that a cause of death related to sudden death was determined with certainty in approximately 53% of cases, a presumptive cause established in 25%, and in about 22% the specific cause of death is not determined. Sudden deaths, classified as having occurred while or shortly after exercise, range from cardiac arrest to hemorrhaging in the lungs and other types of internal bleeding. They account for only a small percentage of equine deaths. Blea initially was to oversee the necropsy of Medina Spirit before Pascoe fulfilled his role in the necropsy's oversight. Last month, Blea was placed on leave after an administrative law judge suspended his veterinary license following an anonymous complaint to the California Veterinary Medical Board. CHRB chairman Dr. Greg Ferraro called the actions against Blea politically motivated. Blea is now awaiting a full evidentiary hearing. Beyond UC Davis' oversight, the finalized death report (with the necropsy photographs, microscopic sections, and toxicology and drug testing results) was provided to experts Dr. Laura Kennedy of the University of Kentucky and Dr. Grant Maxie of the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, for independent review, the CHRB noted. Medina Spirit was one of two equine fatalities for Baffert at CHRB facilities in 2021, the other fatality being Noodles, who died May 22 at Los Alamitos Race Course from a respiratory ailment known as pleuropneumonia, according to the regulator's online records. The CHRB previously investigated seven sudden deaths from Baffert trainees from 2011-13 at defunct Hollywood Park and did not find any similarities among the group or a single, identifiable cause. The report and CHRB analysis noted that all Baffert trainees at the time were treated with a thyroid hormone but that it could not be specifically linked to the cluster of deaths. Dr. Rick Arthur, equine medical director for the CHRB at the time, noted in the report's release in November 2013 that Baffert conducted an internal review of his treatment program and discontinued the use of the thyroid hormone that preceding April. Levels of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone, were below normal reference limits in the examination of Medina Spirit, the CHRB stated. A blood sample was tested for thyroxine at Cornell University. Many states, including California, have since implemented restrictions on the use of thyroid medication after it became overprescribed, used as a supplement without a horse having an underlying thyroid problem. Thyroid medications can raise heart rates. The process now continues with the required review of the necropsy report pursuant to CHRB Rule 1846.6, related to postmortem examination review. Based on subject matter expertise, Dr. Alina Vale has been identified as the official veterinarian to perform the review of the Medina Spirit findings. Additionally, a safety steward and a member of the board of stewards will be assigned to participate in the review. The report will be generated pursuant to the rule and published by the CHRB. Any potential rule violations uncovered in this process will be investigated by the CHRB and would result in a complaint and possible disciplinary action. This process takes place for every fatality occurring at a CHRB regulated facility. Hill, Uzal, and Moeller, as well as CHRB executive director Scott Chaney will participate in a press conference at 11 a.m. PT Friday to discuss the necropsy process and findings. This story will be updated.

Doesn't work like that unfortunately. The Feds are cops, judge and jury and if they find you guilty and you pleaded not guilty and defended the charge you get a longer sentence and costs awarded against you. Better to save your pennies and have a week off.

Plea bargain. Cheapest option every time.

Why is it HRNZ's role to promote the Sales? Doesn't that job belong to the Sales House, the Studs and the Vendors?

You got my vote yesterday. Good luck!

If Sundees Son finishes 1st or 2nd tomorrow night he joins the $1m Club.

The point I was trying to make @Gammalite is that over the last two decades the quality of the horses racing has only got better and better. I just don't think that they have garnered the same support or captured the imagination of fans as they have in yesteryear. That isn't a horse issue but an issue with how the sport has been marketed. As for VE - she must be up amongst the all time greats as she has won Grp 1's over so many distances and often not given herself any favours and overcoming bad runs. Her Melbourne Cup win was unbelievable. Anyway we shouldn't be discussing a Thoroughbred in a Standardbred Topic.

So you'd prefer them to be ex-Cops?

Coming in hot from across the ditch, Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! Talk about making things happen, New Zealand owned and operated, Barrett Homes are building a harness racing dream. Could we see pin-up boy Akuta return to the scene of his devastating Harness Jewels Emerald (2021) win? His owners are leaving nothing to chance. Passion, dedication, Dunstan. Love your horse, they love the game. One of NZ racing's most prolific sponsors are in on the action. This gang will be hoping the cash comes flying out the wall at them on April 14 2022. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, hopefully honey comes in the form of money in The Race for this slot holder. Leading with knowledge, these guys are innovative in the world of gas and water and big on harness racing, could the inaugural The Race winner flow from this slot? With their arsenal of top quality horses the only headache Philip and Glenys will have is choosing which one to run in their slot. These heavy hitters have made a big splash in the NZ broadcasting landscape & we're thrilled to have them on The Race team. Name a better group of Harness Racing supporters, we'll wait. $75

Nostalgia is fine but when it is used to take the shine off today by the unfounded belief that "The horses were better in my day" well isn't that self-defeating for an industry that you support?

Well he did hijack his own Topic. Perhaps start a new one with a succinct topic of interest.

It's like a reverse form of ageism snobbery! I'm surprised you haven't rolled out the real freak Highland Fling. It seems you have fixation on the 70's and 80's. Great decades but were they really any better than the last two? Very very few of the horses of old would be competitive today. @Gammalite a few days (weeks?) ago you were promoting the wonder horses of the last decade or so. The fact is in terms of quality harness stars nothing has changed except that they a damn sight faster. Self Assured, Lazarus, Smokin Up, Terror To Love, Monkey King, Changeover, Flashing Red, Just an Excuse, Spankem, King of Swing, Christen Me, Holmes DG, Sokyola. Blacks a Fake, Elsu. Spankem would have beaten the 70's and 80's horse by 100m in the Miracle Mile! Trotters - Sundee's Son, Marcoola, Monbet, Stig, Lyell Creek, Take a Moment, One Over Kenny, Sundon's Gift. The difference is that the Harness administrators have lost their way - their marketers went down the same rabbit hole as the Thoroughbreds did (well in NZ anyway) where the started focusing on the party instead of the horses.

The test is the same and it would be pretty dumb of Racing Authorities to not have the same test. As I said in an earlier post EPO positives have been found in Harness Racing therefore it follows they have a test and are using it. But you are and are inferring that cheating using EPO is happening. What's more you haven't provided a shred of evidence. Conversely I've posted science and evidence that shows the rumours are unfounded. Blossom you are getting desperate now resorting to ad hominem attacks. Clueless? Based on what has been written on this Topic any reasonable person would conclude that it isn't I who is clueless. Yes I've called out people because in my opinion they are bringing Racing into disrepute with baseless allegations. They have no evidence and when called out hide behind private online social media and paywalls. So Blossom my advice to you and your mates is put up or shut up.

I'm seriously starting to think Joe that you are either partially sighted or are living in a time warp. @Gammalite can you put him right please?

Hopefully a large number of people won't take the Booster. Then the Passports become pointless. Then I can go down to the local and have a jug and watch a non abandoned race meeting or three.