Page 8 - February 2005 The Game

Tommy Wolski
Code of Ethics For Auctions Announced
According to an article published on the Blood-Horse website, the first-ever code of ethics for the Thoroughbred auction industry was announced on December 16, 2004.
The code was implemented by the Sales Integrity Task Force, put together by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and was introduced during a press conference at Keeneland.
The code of ethics deals with such issues as dual agency, veterinary practises and agent/buyer disclosure agreements.
The following is a brief overview of some of the items in the code of ethics: (information from the Blood-Horse article)
- Veterinary procedures deemed to “improve the conformation of horses and thus enhance their opportuni- ty to remain sound” are acceptable and must be disclosed.
- Veterinary practices prohibited and deemed unacceptable are "temporary alterations" which may mask a horse's conformation, such as shock wave therapy and acupuncture and/or electro-stimulation with the intent to alter laryngeal function. These practices are not permissible "after a horse has arrived at the sale grounds."
The injection of an internal blister or any other means of temporarily altering conformation is "prohibited any time, regardless of the animal's location, within 90 days of sale."
If proof is provided within 14 days of a sale that such a practice has happened, the code considers it "to be just cause for the buyer to turn back the horse and expect reimbursement of the sale price."
an appended form will be provided by sale companies to consignors to provide information on performed procedures on sale horses, and consignors are "asked" to include the information in repositories. The form is voluntary for foals of 2004 but will be mandatory for foals of 2005 and later.
- Veterinarians are to sign a dual agency agreement that reads: "I agree to fully disclose my ownership in any horse that I am asked to examine or render an opinion on, to the client or his agent for whom I am employed."
- Supplying of ownership information is not held to be a requirement." A change of ownership in a horse once it reaches the sale grounds "must" be announced from the auction stand.
- The code suggests a written agreement be made between an agent and buyer, but does not require such a document.
George is back:
What can you say about a person who trained his first horse in B.C. back in 1947. Won the first of six trainer’s titles at age 57 in 1978. The list of numerous equine stars, he has trained include Overtime Victory, Commander Bold, Solander Isle, Trustwood, Boy K.K and co-track record holder Coral Isle.
Campaigned the almost invincible runner, Dr. Ken Walters‘s, Gallant Goalie, who under the care of Cummins won 37 races. Gallant Goalie ended his eight year career in 1996.
On November 7 1992,.the man often referred to as ‘God’ because of his knowledge of training, accomplished the near impossible. While behind in the Exhibition Park trainers standing, Cummins saddled five winners to capture his sixth training title on the final day of racing of the racing season.
His five other titles all were won with a relatively small racing stable.
In 1999, Cummins was recognized for all his accomplishments in horse racing with an induction into B.C.'s Racing Hall of Fame.
Now 84, and with fifty eight years of training behind him, Cummins is first to admit he may be slowing down a little.
But, not enough to keep him from arriving to his barn at 4:30 am seven days a week. It is the same ritual he has maintained through out his remarkable training career.
Only now Instead of having six horses, he has one runner in his care.
And we did say runner. Because chances are sooner or later, even if with only one horse stabled in his barn, there is a good chance of that horse will become a winner, just like the man.
As for what you say about someone named George Cummins? It is simple, great to have you back again.
FULL HOUSE: The recent news of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, one of the most successful businesses in Western Canada, becoming sole owners of all three major race- tracks in British Columbia, has definitely sent out a positive message to horsemen.
With over 1350 stall applications at Hastings, one might see a ‘No Vacancy’ sign hanging out- side the racing secretary’s office.
This season, three popular riders Patricia Trimble, former Alberta riding champion Richard Hamel and Jake Barton, will begin their season at Hastings.
Barton, a rider who does well wherever he places his saddle, will arrive to Vancouver after riding successfully at Turf Paradise in Arizona.
ROYALTY RETURNS: Trainer Dino Condilenios, who won his second consecutive trainers title last year, will be back with a stable of between fifty-sixty horses. He reports three time B C Older Horse of the Year, R.J Bennett’s Lord Nelson is back again.
“He (Lord Nelson) has been doing great at his owners farm in Kewlona. And it is always great seeing the old guy back in his stall. I also have Five Point Star, and Maxwell two nice horses who won stakes last season, back this season.” said Condilenios. “ Another horse returning after missing all last year due to some problem is Let’s Go Rusty, who should make the older horse division more interesting.”
Judging by the optimism heard in the back- stretch, this should be a breakout year for horse racing at Hastings Racecourse. Something long overdue.
A Hastings runner receives a morning exercise with a pony and Shannon McVie.
Photo Right - B.C Hall of Fame trainer George Cummins
SILVER DUCK RACING STABLE
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Complete Broodmare Care Including Foaling and Breeding
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Did You Know....
That 989 horses have been nominated to the Dubai World
Cup meeting which is scheduled for March 26, 2005 at
Nad al Sheba in Dubai.
The Dubai World Cup event consists of four Group 1 races,
two Group 2 races for thorough- breds as well as a Group 1 race for Arabians. The races are worth a total of $15,250,000.
8 The Game, February 2005
Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
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