People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has revealed the findings of an undercover investigation into the backstretch behaviour of top Thoroughbred trainer Steve Asmussen and his assistant trainer, Scott Blasi, in a scathing New York Times article.
The investigation, which was carried out and documented by a PETA investigator who acted as an employee for Asmussen for several months last summer, includes seven hours of damning video-taped evidence of mistreatment in the form of overmedicating and training/competing injured or ailing horses. It also contained reference to the use of an electrical device by at least one of Asmussen’s jockeys to shock horses into running faster. Other infractions, such as hiring illegal workers and paying well below the minimum wage were also brought to light.
Asmussen, who received a six-month suspension in 2006 for a doping infraction, has been in the business for more than 25 years. He is ranked second for career wins, with more than 6,700 to his credit and earnings of more than $214 million.
As a result of its findings, PETA filed complaints with federal and state agencies in Kentucky and New York on March 18th.
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