A couple of people have asked me to comment on the PETA allegations, re: Asmussen and Blasi. I assume I have been asked because I worked for Asmussen for 2 years, and I have been vocal on horse welfare issues, mostly on the slaughter issue. So here are my few thoughts: 1. I worked for Steve for 2 years. Had a terrific experience, and was never exposed to anything I questioned with regard to animal welfare. On the contrary, our horses always looked terrific. 2. I never worked for Scott Blasi. I presume he does have the welfare of horses top of mind, despite the rhetoric we heard in the report. I presume that because he works for Steve, as his right hand man. 3. Scott does have a reputation for poor use of language. No hiding from that. I also assume (an assumption here) that the under cover PETA person was cute, and Scott was trying to impress ... (that is not how I would try to impress) 4. The free use of medication observed in the report is part of a wider racing culture, not something specific to the Asmussen barn. That needs fixing. No arguments from me. It is a HUGE problem in horse racing. 5. My very few interactions with Scott Blasi included him asking me if I got my horse. He knew I was very fond of a horse in Canada, and was showing interest in retiring him. I only mention this, because he did seem genuinely interested in the horse, with regards to that inquiry. 6. Steve always knew I was working for him, to push my own horse welfare agenda. When I told him I was leaving (mid summer of my second year working for him), his one comment was Thanks for caring. 7. I do not condone what we witnessed in the video, just wanted to add my perspective. Perhaps this video will, finally, give the industry what we need: LEADERSHIP!
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 22:59:26 +0000
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