Changes in horse racing

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12901&source=rss

So, the NTRA has implemented some reforms that are going to have a big impact on racing...

* Uniform medication rules for each state;
* A ban on steroids in racing;
* Out-of-competition testing for blood-doping agents;
* Uniform penalties for drug infractions;
* Mandatory on-track and non-racing injury reporting;
* Mandatory installation of an inner safety rail at tracks;
* Mandatory pre- and post-race testing; and
* Implementation of placement programs for Thoroughbreds that can no longer compete.

This comes on top of New York banning steroids the other day, Kentucky banning steroids a couple months ago, the Breeders' Cup banning steroids around that time, and Churchill Downs, Inc., putting serious restrictions on the use of toe grabs this week.

It just makes me think...all it took to change racing was for a horse to die in the Derby? I never like seeing a horse die. But what about Barbaro being injured in the Preakness? What about Charismatic being injured in the '99 Belmont? What about Pine Island being euthanized and and Fleet Indian injured in the 2006 Distaff? What about George Washington being put down in the 2007 Classic?

Was it just because it was the Kentucky Derby? Was it because the horse died, instead of just being injured? Was it because it was a filly?

Crazy.