VVV, I have not posted for a few days as I have had to have a triple bypass after the shock of you agreeing with me last week.
To be honest I am a bit 50/50 on this issue, as the battle between longevity of a horses career versus the use of drugs to treat bleeding etc is quite subjective and to be honest. As I have not ever driven a pacer, but have seen plenty of horses collapse in races I really do not think that I would want this horse in the race. I know they do it in the US and from what I see on the TV it is quite clean even though they race alot more spread out and not at as close quarters I still think the line between usable drugs and non usable drugs is a very difficult balance.
I think issues that need to be addressed sooner than later are
Field Sizes - The fields at Menangle for the last couple of months have been a disgrace. I wonder if this ridiculous import fee on NZ horses are the issue. If HR Aust is trying to improve breeding in this country by making it more expensive to import horses is ridiculous. The field sizes are so poor a $40k at Menagle on Saturday only had 6 horses, it is absolutely ridiculous.
Change of Tactics - The use of initiative is becoming dead. The pathetic slap on the wrist in the Miracle Mile was a disgrace if HRNSW stewards really believe in this rule. Scrap it and let drivers use their own brain.
Slow Sectionals - Instead of the driver being fined for slow sectionals, the 9 drivers behind him should be fined for letting him go so slow. If a horse is used out of the gate why should he have to go a certain speed to allow the drivers that show no initiative behind them a chance to win.
Drivers/Trainers Fines - I would wonder how an Australian Cricketer would feel if they were fined multiple times their match payment. They are getting in an Restricted race $33 per drive and I have seen fines that are many times both their percentage and their drivers fee combined. Its a hard enough industry to make a living without the stewards taking away their income. Surely if a cricketer is fined 25% of his $10k match fee for a slow overrate, drivers should not be penalised more than their driving fee and percentage for an indiscretion. Surely the maximum fine should be restricted to $ earned and if it serious enough suspend. Facts are most of these fines are for minor indiscretions.