IN his popular column, ‘SILKS & SADDLES,’ published by the NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, respected racing writer TERRY BUTTS – who is also a licensed trainer – blasts the Australian Racing Board over the ban on using anabolic steroids.

The globe-trotting Butts, who is off to South Africa this week before cruising home on the Queen Mary (times are tough for a NQ racehorse trainer), also raises the question of safety for those jockeys who ride ‘toe in the iron’ style.

Here is the Butts column:

 

ARB FURTHER TANISHES ITS IMAGE WITH ANABOLIC STERIODS BAN

THE AUSTRALIAN Racing Board has not been held in the highest regard by the rank and file since its messy handling of – and eventual back flip – on the whips issue a few years ago.

Egg is still on the face of the body that is supposed to be the guardian of racing in this country. Yet considered by many to be dictatorial and over influenced by breeders, who it might be argued, have far too much say overall in racing in Australia.

A couple of months ago, the ARB announced, with virtually no consultation, a complete ban on the use of anabolic steroids – to bring us into line with racing in the UK.

Local trainers and veterinarians (some privately if not publicly) are still asking why.

 It was a hasty decision opposed by many leading horsemen (including Peter Moody) who dared to doubt the logic of the ARB which claimed that because steroids are not used in the UK, they shouldn’t be legal here.

What rot.

Little wonder some of those English stayers found an extra leg when they arrived here and were introduced to the anabolics.

 

ANOTHER NOTABLE BACKFLIP BY ARB – THIS TIME ON CORTICOSTERIODS

ANYWAY, last week the ARB performed another notable backflip – this time on the use of corticosteroids.

Again without any consultation that verges on arrogance, the ARB two weeks ago came out all guns blazing, and declared a ban on the use of these steroids within 10 days of a race.

It has been deferred – but only after a very powerful objection by the Australian Trainers’ Association.

So what are these corticosteroids?

The ARB might as well have simply referred to them as Prednisone which is the hottest topic in Queensland at present with seven positives and a recent decision by RQ to discontinue with charges against the seven respective trainers because of ‘testing disparities’ at the various laboratories.

Corticosteroids are man-made drugs that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone that adrenal glands produce naturally. Corticosteroids are often referred to by the shortened term ‘steroids’. However, Corticosteroids are different from the male hormone-related steroid compounds that some athletes use.

What are some types of steroids?

Some corticosteroid medicines include cortisone, prednisone and methylprednisolone. But Prednisone is the most commonly used by trainers to treat certain rheumatologic diseases – and has been used by trainers for many years for a lot of other ailments.

TONY BITA APPEAL CREATING CONSIDERABLE INTEREST FOR SOME TRAINERS

An appeal by Brisbane trainer Tony Bita, who was charged and fined $3000 over its alleged use two years ago, is set down for hearing by QCAT in March.

The case is creating considerable interest, especially amongst those trainers who have been found guilty and punished for its use.

Steroid medications are available in several forms that vary in how easily they dissolve or how long they stay in the body.

Steroids might be given locally, to the precise place where a problem exists, or systemically, which means throughout the ‘system’ or body.

Examples of local steroid treatments include joint injections, eye drops, ear drops and skin creams. Systemic steroid treatments include oral medicines (given by mouth) or medicine that is delivered directly into a vein (intravenously or IV) or muscle (intramuscularly). Systemic steroids circulate through the bloodstream to various body sites.

Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system.

VICTORIAN BRANCH OF ATA STRONGLY OPPOSED ARB DECLARATION ON STEROIDS

The Victorian branch of ATA hotly opposed the ARB’s declaration that the steroids must not now be issued within 12 days of a race. Yet the ARB accepts it is a perfectly legitimate therapeutic medication.

The ARB says there is emerging data linking injections of the steroids to horses that breakdown in races.

It believes a 12 day stand-down period will facilitate and encourage proper veterinary examination and assessment of the treatments.

Currently there is no specific rule.

In days gone prednisone (solu cortef) was widely used up to four hours before a race. Today, if used, it is usually three days before.

Some say ‘seven days to be on the safe side’.

I recall 15 or more years ago a Townsville trainer telephoned a highly prominent Melbourne trainer to ask about solu cortef and the reply was a curt and simple:

“Mate, if you are not using solu cortef - you are not trying”.

True story.

ARB SHOULD BE LOOKING AT ‘TOE IN IRON’ RISK TO SAFETY OF JOCKEYS

IF the ARB is so concerned about incidents in races, of horses breaking down etc, which might impact on the safety of riders, they should look at the ‘toes in the iron’ style that all newcomers are adopting – obviously with the blessing of their instructors.

How many jockeys lose their irons in races? How many come off?  Frankly, too many.

Do senior jockeys Hugh Bowman and Robert Thompson ride with their big toe in the iron? No!

Closer to home – nor does Graham Kliese.

And you might have thought Nash Rawiller learned his lesson on Melbourne Cup day when he lost his irons at the start – and punters lost all hope.

It is a serious matter that should be investigated before hands and heels riding, which Australian jockeys were once renowned the world over for, disappears completely.

 

OFF TO CAPETOWN AND HOPEFULLY STEWARD SITUATION SORTED WHEN I RETURN

YOUR scribe is in Capetown this week to catch up with a few old mates and attend some of the summer racing carnival at picturesque Kenilworth.

When I return there will be a new (and hopefully more permanent) Chief Steward for North Queensland. There might even be a couple of appointments.

Hopefully the race dates for next year will be sorted and Townsville might get the nod to shed a few of the ‘Terrible Tuesdays’ for some Sundays.

And really, why shouldn’t Queensland have two TAB meetings on a Sunday?

Yes. Why not?

COLUMN COURTESY OF TERRY BUTTS AND THE NORTH QUEENSLAND REGISTER, one of Australia's leading rural newspapers.

TERRY BUTTS can be contacted by e-mailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.