DRF: 29th Symposium on Racing

[Silver Charm]

There are three \"must read\" articles written by Matt Hegarty, DRF Editor in Chief Steve Crist and Stan Bergstein published today. reads.

http://www.drf.com/symposium/2002/news.html

Crist, at the sake of risking his livelihood, is put his neck on the line by demanding the tote companies stand up and answer questions and not hide behind their lawyers. Track officials should also be held accountable because of the disservice they have done to the betting public. They, like the tote companies, have consistently said things were on the up-and-up when you and I knew they were not.  
Berstein addresses the drug issue and the fact that there will be little if any discussion on banned medication. Great, unlike a courageous guy such as Steve Crist, who will put the prosperity of his paper on the line, track officials don\'t want to even discuss tougher drug rules. The reason, toughen the drug rules at your track or state and watch the drug trainers move to a different local where they can do what they please. The tracks simply are to afraid, because they fear their content (the horses)will be packed up and moved elsewhere.    
Fixing the integrity issue, and tightening up the drug laws throughout the entire industry are the first two steps to rebuilding a sport that has fallen behind even Pro Wrestling. I will discuss the marketing issue in later post.