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                      -- New York Times - PETA Accuses Two Trainers of Cruelty to Horses

"Over a 26-year career, the trainer Steve Asmussen has built one of horse racing’s largest and most successful operations. He ranks second in career victories, with more than 6,700; has earned more than $214 million in purses, the fifth most in thoroughbred racing; and was recently included on the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame ballot.

But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, after conducting an undercover investigation, has accused Asmussen and his top assistant trainer, Scott Blasi, of subjecting their horses to cruel and injurious treatments, administering drugs to them for nontherapeutic purposes, and having one of their jockeys use an electrical device to shock horses into running faster. As a result of its findings, PETA filed complaints with federal and state agencies in Kentucky and New York on Tuesday, saying Asmussen "forced injured and/or suffering horses to race and train."

The undercover inquiry was conducted by a PETA investigator who worked for Asmussen for four months in the spring and summer of 2013 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., and Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y."

"NEW YORK STATE GAMING COMMISSION LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AND MISTREATMENT OF RACE HORSES BY TRAINER STEVE ASMUSSEN, ASSISTANT TRAINER SCOTT BLASI AND OTHER LICENSED INDIVIDUALS

The New York State Gaming Commission has undertaken a formal investigation into
allegations of abuse and mistreatment of thoroughbred race horses in New York State by
licensed individuals. The investigation was initiated after the Commission was provided
undercover evidence of alleged violations by the People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals (PETA).

"The allegations and footage provided by PETA are extremely troubling and we are fully
investigating the matter," said Robert Williams, Acting Executive Director of the New York
State Gaming Commission. "PETA has offered to assist the Commission in its investigation,
and we welcome such cooperation. We expect that all other parties involved will be
forthcoming as well. If the results of our investigation find that licensed individuals violated
the State's laws and rules, the Commission will consider all options.""

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If the sport cannot find a way to rid itself of a culture that abides all of this it not only won't survive—it won't deserve to survive. Barry Weisbord, publisher of the Thoroughbred Daily News, was right in his rant over the weekend. The industry needs a fourth group, of earnest people at the core of the industry, who no longer are content to remain silent and watch their friends, neighbors, or competitors ruin it for the rest. In horse racing, as in life, there is no such thing as "almost honest" or "somewhat crooked" or "slightly abused."

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