The issue of receiving barn hygiene and security raises significant concerns among trainers and stakeholders in the horse racing industry. The case of trainer Steve Klesaris, whose mare, She's Awesome, tested positive for the anti-seizure drug gabapentin after being stable in what he describes as inadequately maintained overflow accommodations, highlights the urgent need for change in how receiving barns are managed.
Klesaris's assertion that backstretch workers who use gabapentin may have contaminated the stall underscores a serious flaw in current protocols. The lack of supervision and proper access control allows anyone to enter the stalls, raising questions about the integrity of the environment in which horses are housed before races. Trainers are expressing frustration over receiving barns that often do not meet hygiene standards, with some stalls reportedly left dirty, containing remnants of bedding and feed from previous occupants.
The physical conditions of the stalls themselves compound this situation. The presence of dirt floors, coupled with porous walls, makes thorough cleaning and disinfection nearly impossible, leaving potential drug residues behind. As the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) shifts more accountability onto trainers for maintaining the integrity of their horses, the expectation is growing that track operators must implement better cleaning and security measures in receiving barns.
While HISA has established a confidential tip line for reports related to receiving barn practices, the absence of any complaints so far indicates a possible gap in communication or awareness about the available recourse among the racing community. Nonetheless, enhanced hygiene and security protocols could potentially alleviate many concerns regarding drug testing failures, providing a clearer path for trainers who are committed to ethical practices.
In response to these challenges, trainers like Ron Moquett advocate for immediate action towards improving the standards surrounding receiving barns. The consensus appears to be that it is time for track operators to bear some of the responsibility for ensuring a safe and clean environment for horses—something that should be fundamentally expected in a professional sport. As HISA continues to draft new regulations, there is hope that these efforts will lead to a more structured and safer framework for all involved.