On the TunneySide of Sports November 16, 2020 #822 Up next… Authentic!
After further review… Authentic went wire-to-wire in the 2020 Breeders Cup at Keenland Race Course in Lexington, KY. Authentic, owned by Spendthrift Farms LLC, went the 1-1/4 in 1:59.19 with Jockey John Velazquez aboard. Authentic was trained by legendary trainer Bob Baffert who is the most decorated trainer in American horse racing. He has dominated the sport winning the Kentucky Derby six times and the Triple Crown twice in the last five years.
However, it is the word authentic, not the thoroughbred, that sheds a negative light on Baffert. Authentic as defined by thesaurus: ”worthy of acceptance because of accuracy” which also may define Baffert’s legacy. He has gained the enmity of his rivals who believe that he has persistently cheated. These suspicions were fueled by 29 failed drug tests by Baffert’s horses over the last four decades including four in the last six months.
Looks like thoroughbred racing is under suspicion again. I say, again, because my family has been in horse racing for the last 70 years, but in administration, not training or ownership. My father, Jim Sr. recruited by the California Horse Racing Association served 20 years as Steward at southern California tracks, namely, Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del Mar.
Mind you, my dad had never been on a horse let alone was knowledgeable about racing rules. But he had been an established sports official and could recognize a foul when he saw one. At that time, in the 1940s, horse racing had fallen under suspicion of “fixing” races mostly through jockeys abuse during races. Dad had to learn “the ropes” as to what types of fouls needed to be corrected. During his 20-year racing experience, he not only learned what was happening but was honored as one who was responsible for “straightening things out.” Integrity matters!
My brother, Peter, had a similar role in California Horse Racing as the General Manager of Golden Gate Fields in Albany for 30 years. Under his watchful eye, thoroughbred racing held steady.
Horse racing leaders must again defend a culture of performance-enhancing and painkilling drugs which are undermining the credibility of one of America’s sports. Baffert said recently, “I want to have a positive influence on the sport of horse racing. Horses have been my life and I owe everything to them and to the sport to which I have been so fortunate to be involved.”
Will you maintain a high level of integrity in your job?
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Stories from Jim’s adventures and people he has met can be found in “On the TunneySide of Sports” books now on sale just in time for Christmas giving. See the website for products.
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Thank you!
Jim Tunney
