Spoiler Alert

Spoiler alert; The New York Times this weekend is going to start a series of articles on the fatalities in horse racing, most likely inspired by the recent inquiry launched by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. In response, the NYRA has formed a task force to investigate the fatalities, specifically those at Aqueduct on the inner track.

There were 18 racing fatalities on the inner trace from Dec. 14-March 18. That's too many, says Cuomo, and I have to believe that the NYRA Task Force agrees. Any fatality is one too many as far as I am concerned.

The problem is that it is tricky to pinpoint the reason for this rash of equine deaths. Could it be the higher purses offered for lower quality claiming races? Could it be the surface? Could it be the plethora of drug cocktails that trainers use despite drug testing? Could it be combination of all of the above? Probably.

I have heard the the focus of the New York Times pieces is a ban on horse racing. I don't think that is going to happen, especially in New York where it is big business. But I do think it may re-open the issue of drugs in racing, which I believe is at the root of everything. It is weakening the breed genetically and harming those who are running on cocktails that hype them up and mask their pain.

One thing is certain: the controversy will spark some discussion, especially as we approach the Triple Crown.