Mitchell agrees with the HBPA in that the backstretch isn't full of criminals roaming around with hypodermic needles. Once you lose a customer, it's hard to get him back. And if owners feel, no matter how hard they try or how much they invest, they can't compete because it's not a level playing field, they are gone. Predictably, Mitchell said he hasn't had any negative feedback from thoroughbred horsemen prior to the meet. I personally believe the majority of positive tests are just somebody's honest mistake but for the small percentage that isn't, we have to stay on top of it.
Integrity is merely the latest step.
As well, horsemen around the world have raved about the lush E.P. Taylor turf course. We have been slow to react in dealing aggressively with integrity issues and we in the industry have to take responsibility for that. Look for the long shots.