Fkach,
For a change, I agree with most of what you say on this issue. You make an excellent point when you say that the ones who suffer most are the honest trainers, owners, grooms, vets, etc., though the horses and jockeys whose lives are endangered by illegal drug use may suffer even more.
It is indeed possible for bettors to adjust and even profit from the drug problem but I, and I suspect that most handicappers and bettors, would much prefer a fair game, as Boscar has pointed out. Personally, as I primarily handicap for recreation, I got into the game for the fun of predicting a fair athletic contest and not a game of “spot the crooked trainer”.
Of course, I have to take the juicers into account in my handicapping. I’d just rather not have such despicable practices that endanger lives and drive honest people out of the sport as a source of my profit. It just takes a lot of the fun out of the game.
I do agree that there are others more affected than gamblers by the drug problem, but I also think the majority of bettors would like to see the sport cleaned up as well.
I also think that the bettors, as the ultimate consumers, have the unique power to change things, and as those who profit from the sport, have an obligation to use this power to protect the honest trainers, as well as the horses and riders, who give us this sport.
Bob
