Interesting article on Dr. Alex Harthill and his use of drugs in racehorses.
Interesting story. Of course question of whether Northern Dancer was given a little help with lasix si something we will never know. So how much of this can you hang your hat on?
A little sensationalistic, although ND was a sensation both on the track and in the breeding shed. In business, you have to push the envelope to gain a competitive edge over your rivals, but those who are in charge of the care of the horse have a moral obligation to err on the side of caution when straddling “the edge between legitimate care and the push for advantage.” And I do believe racing needs uniform medication rules and tougher penalties for repeat offenders.
My memory is pretty much shot with age, but as I recall with all his great notoriety, the late Alex Harthill was quite controversial. He was an astute veterinarian that was much in demand by high end owners and trainers, but he was also investigated on numerous occasions. None of the accusations ever stuck though.
Can’t recall the name of the KD bound colt quite a number of years back that was very sick and dropped weight precipitously in the months before that particular derby, but I think it was Dr. Harthhill (after all other vets failed to help) that recommended administering yogurt (mixed with a small amount of feces as I recall) that brought it back to health and the track.
The turf writers and TV commentators made much to do about his imaginative cure. Now, no one should be surprised as probiotic treatment was included in equine science and veterinary education curriculums at the time and any competent vet should have been able to help that horse. Today, a plethora of products line feed store shelves, when the smart economically wise racehorse caretaker need only occasionally share his or her “plain” yogurt with their stabled horses. A can of beer or stout wouldn’t hurt either. Or a few eggs.
JMO, but the accusations lodged against the late Dr. Harthill was based more in jealously than a true concern for the racehorse. 20/20 hind sight is laudable if it occurs in a timely fashion. Not 50 years post haste. Today, as our education about the horse has increased, we must remember that Dr. Harthill was helping racehorses with the knowledge available at the time and not practicing his profession on the margins like vets who ignore the likes of a Rick Dutrow.
Harthill was the vet who diagnosed the mysterious illness that almost killed Alydar (prior to the broken leg that did him in) as lead poisoning.
Shammy that diet of beer and eggs keeps me in great health! ;o)
[QUOTE=Flash44;8012337]
Shammy that diet of beer and eggs keeps me in great health! ;o)[/QUOTE]
Apparently keeps you in good humor too. This forum could use a little more of that.
