The government neglects to take action against regulating the drug abuse found within the racing industry. 

 

When drugs are confirmed in a post-race urine sample or blood test, the seriousness of disciplinary action is considered. The trainer usually takes the fall as they are usually labeled as the sole insurer of whether their horse is fit to race or not. According to the Energy on Commerce, documentation is not present to back up the deaths of race horses, not allowing for the cases of drug misuse. Race tracks lack to accord for these instances because the system is not regulated. Without this documentation, officials are not able to correctly discipline owners who are doping their horses (5).

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he National Association of State Racing Commissioners (NASRC) was founded in 1934 in order to bring some uniformity in rules to racing in the U.S. In 1988, this organization became the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI). The ARCI does not serve as a one body. Its members are politically voted on as members of state

commissions and its sole purpose is to make recommendations on uniform rules and policies for member states, not all of the doping going on within the racetracks (5). 

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The public is not aware of how serious this world has impacted the racehorses. With the lack of disciplinary measures, people do not realize a horse is euthenized due to drugs. Only when famous race horses, such as Eight Belles and Barbaro, go down on the track is when owners and vets are no longer able to cover up how these breakdowns have occurred. 

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You can take action in stopping this drug abuse by expressing your concerns for the wellbeing of these horses. If you have direct contact within the racing world, let your voice be heard. Nothing will be changed without an outcry from the public. If you have direct connections, use them.