Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito, who was recently in attendance during a meeting that included members of the Coalition of Horse Racing Integrity (CHRI) and Kentucky horsemen interested in learning about the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), offered his support to the Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA):
“Like many of us in the racing industry, I am late to sign up with WHOA. I feel at this time, however, with what I have seen over 40 years as a trainer, that today's medication rules don't add up, and they do not work.
So many states are different in their policies, and the penalties are harsh. In some cases, the penalties are harsh when they shouldn't be, when honest trainers are penalized because of poor testing and rules that are not uniform.
However, with WHOA's position, the help of USADA, and anyone else who feels that this sport and this game is bigger than them, we can find a level playing field.
If you are a Hall of Fame trainer and you are caught taking an edge, if you are a high percent winning trainer and you are caught taking an edge, you should be treated accordingly.
Going to the recent USADA meeting was very encouraging. Travis Tygart made perfect sense; you can't both promote and police, and you can't catch a cheater if you don't test for what they are cheating with.”
The Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA) is a grassroots movement in the racing industry that supports the passage of federal legislation to prohibit the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the sport.
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