"DOPE" EVIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 139, 15 June 1938, Page 23

"DOPE" EVIL.

RAMPANT IN FLORIDA. RACING COMMISSION* ACTS. SPECIAL LEGISLATION. Much is written in Australia from time to time anent the cviW of dope and the prevalence of this abhorrent practice on racecourse in various parts of the ComlnonwtaltTi. But it is not only in Australia that the '"dopcr ' works. As recently as April List the Hoi ida State Racing Commission met at Miami 1 1 S.A.), ami among other business passed two new rules, one prohibiting nitriit racing, and the other providing for stricter supervision of horses before tihey wont out to race. Xow no horse is permitted to leave the paddock for the post until it has been examined by the track veterinary surgeon to determine whether it is in a -condition to compete. The only exception is where the trainer assumes entire responsibility for its condition. It is also stipulated that houses entered for the races on which the daily double is held shall undergo veterinary examination Iveiore the mutuel windows open for sale of such tickets. The veterinary has then to report to the stewards as to the condition of the horses before sales of tickfte commence. In Belgium, Too. The doping evil is also giving concern in Belgium, several cases having been discovered since the commencement of the season. As a result the suggestion has been made that in principal races bets should not be paid out until the result of the analysis of saliva has been announced. In, p ' '■ the cases animals belonging to -we! -known owners, and trained by the mo~t prominent trainers were concerned. InepnrM's were held, but no suspicion attached to the owners or trainers, it •b<-ing believed to be the work of a gang. Of course no prominent trainer would use dope—perhaps. It is nearly always the same everywhere when there is an inquiry into doping, though several years ago a prominent Australian veterinary surgeon stalled that most of the doping cases with ■which he had to deal were the amateurish efforts of trainers with their own horses. The dope was supplied them—occasionally by vet, rinarv l surgeons—but some were insulHei'mtly intelligent to properly administer it.