Yesterday. Who is confused and disappointed by the apparent dithering over how many horses in training in this country have received steroids. In particular, the product "Sungate" referred to by Gerard Butler. His opinion is that if the BHA do not announce very swiftly what has been going on, he will reconsider his involvement in the sport. And rightly so....
If it emerges that a great many horses have been "bolstered" by steroids over the winter months, how can we expect to be playing on that level playing field that we aspire to ? If it emerges that there has been systematic and prolonged abuse of the rules, owners will understandably feel very cheated. As will we and other trainers. Has it been common practice for a large number of horses to receive steroids at the end of the season ? To boost and bolster growth and developement through the winter months. Thus putting the rest of us who have to rely on natural developement at a massive disadvantage. I very much hope not....
But whatever has happened, the BHA need to act. And act very fast. To put a halt to the idle gossip and chatter. That will very quickly undermine the credibility of our sport. If there has been widespread use of "Sungate" and other products, on veterinary advice or not, we must be told. And we must be told now. Such news will send seismic waves through the sport. But the finger pointing and backchat will stop. The word "amnesty" mentioned in an article in today's Racing Post. Fine. An "amnesty" for those who have been poorly advised ?? Perhaps that is the way forward, despite the fact that, as ever, it is those at the top of any organisation who are ultimately responsible. And culpable, regardless of who they have been advised by or listened to....
This whole episode leaves a very sour taste in the mouth. Hopefully, it will all blow over. And it will emerge that nobody has been giving steroids to their horses, Messrs Zarooni and Butler excepted. And that no veterinary practices have been actively promoting the use of "Sungate". I fear that this "best case scenario" is an unlikely one......
We have a fantastic sport. Crowds appear to this observer to be growing year on year. We have an exciting and vibrant product. But we are skating on very thin ice. And when my owners start to seriously question the ability of the authority who police the sport to act decisively, we could be in big trouble.....
I very much hope not. I very much hope that we are not dealing with a massive problem. I very much hope that the BHA will tell us what is happening very soon. To put an end to the damaging and dangerous gossip....
