Steve
02-03-2006, 08:08 PM
I received a private email that stated in part:
You should also tell your forum of people that you have also have made a lot of money with Don Rice and Kirk Zadie.
I know the person who sent this and they are part of racing everyday at Tampa Bay Downs so I am going to respond.
I am an owner and gambler. As a owner I have never had any knowledge that anything was fixed, stiffed, or any other illegal method was used by ANY trainer that I know- regarding my horse or someone else’s horse. Like everyone though, I hear all those backside rumors, but mostly dismiss them.
Don Rice. I have always felt that Don had an edge over most trainers at Tampa. However, I thought that it came from a life long career of horse racing. I had heard rumors that this year Rice may be in trouble due to the new method of testing so it raised my suspicions early but then Dons horses didn't perform any different than in the past. Simple really. Don runs them twice on the grounds and then sends them. Every handicapper I know at Tampa posses that knowledge.
Don is in his 70's and began this sport riding horses on an Indian reservation. Personally, I like Don and always enjoy talking to him. He has some interesting and humorous stories from the past. I am a sucker for those old tales and I have listened to him for hours about training horses. Don works hard and doesn't miss a beat in the mornings working his horses. He truly is and old timer and many of you will recall that I have said Rice is dangerous after two races at Tampa with any horse. With that knowledge I cashed big this week as many know. I have and always wish him the best and if anyone thinks otherwise they would be wrong. I suppose I would still have Don as a trainer if my stable had not outgrown his barn several years ago.
Kirk Zadie. Like Don I think he is one hard working trainer and I like him as well. Kirk has always been a gentleman to me and he brings home the winners. I have been considering buying a horse for him to train and guide towards a classic. I may still do that. Kirk Zadie is one fine trainer-period.
BUT I have a gamblers side that wants a fair deal like all on this forum. If someone is cheating the public and fellow handicappers by deception then I draw the line. I do my best to live my life in an honest way, and I expect the same from others. All I can say for sure is that if cheating is going on anywhere and with anyone it should be exposed and stopped. It’s really a simple thing for me to expect a line that is not crossed. It won’t happen, but it would be nice if it could.
Bottom line is that Yes I did make a lot of money with those trainers. I like them both myself and I don't see that changing. I never knew them to do anything but work hard. I think I have been clear about this, but if it is not then let me know.
Ok, as I hear it the test was 1 point over the maximum allowed and I also hear that this lab has a history of readings that the state does not accept as accurate. That is why, I am told, that it was not the state that initiated this whole thing and why the state has not joined in to rule Rice off. I really have no idea, but that is what I heard from someone who should know.
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In regards to the forum remark, well a forum is just that. A place where different people with different views can post their thoughts. I have no control –no more than you do writer-- as it is everyone’s right. Feel free to join and air your thoughts. That is what forums are all about. I would no more censor you here than someone who hates me. It’s a simple proposition. So join in writer.
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In closing, sometimes things can become very complex and confusing. If anyone thinks I would disavow my friendship with either of these guys for anything I have heard thus far then they don't know me very well. There is a great difference from dropping friends or desiring a level field. I am guilty of the latter.
Steve
TW
You should also tell your forum of people that you have also have made a lot of money with Don Rice and Kirk Zadie.
I know the person who sent this and they are part of racing everyday at Tampa Bay Downs so I am going to respond.
I am an owner and gambler. As a owner I have never had any knowledge that anything was fixed, stiffed, or any other illegal method was used by ANY trainer that I know- regarding my horse or someone else’s horse. Like everyone though, I hear all those backside rumors, but mostly dismiss them.
Don Rice. I have always felt that Don had an edge over most trainers at Tampa. However, I thought that it came from a life long career of horse racing. I had heard rumors that this year Rice may be in trouble due to the new method of testing so it raised my suspicions early but then Dons horses didn't perform any different than in the past. Simple really. Don runs them twice on the grounds and then sends them. Every handicapper I know at Tampa posses that knowledge.
Don is in his 70's and began this sport riding horses on an Indian reservation. Personally, I like Don and always enjoy talking to him. He has some interesting and humorous stories from the past. I am a sucker for those old tales and I have listened to him for hours about training horses. Don works hard and doesn't miss a beat in the mornings working his horses. He truly is and old timer and many of you will recall that I have said Rice is dangerous after two races at Tampa with any horse. With that knowledge I cashed big this week as many know. I have and always wish him the best and if anyone thinks otherwise they would be wrong. I suppose I would still have Don as a trainer if my stable had not outgrown his barn several years ago.
Kirk Zadie. Like Don I think he is one hard working trainer and I like him as well. Kirk has always been a gentleman to me and he brings home the winners. I have been considering buying a horse for him to train and guide towards a classic. I may still do that. Kirk Zadie is one fine trainer-period.
BUT I have a gamblers side that wants a fair deal like all on this forum. If someone is cheating the public and fellow handicappers by deception then I draw the line. I do my best to live my life in an honest way, and I expect the same from others. All I can say for sure is that if cheating is going on anywhere and with anyone it should be exposed and stopped. It’s really a simple thing for me to expect a line that is not crossed. It won’t happen, but it would be nice if it could.
Bottom line is that Yes I did make a lot of money with those trainers. I like them both myself and I don't see that changing. I never knew them to do anything but work hard. I think I have been clear about this, but if it is not then let me know.
Ok, as I hear it the test was 1 point over the maximum allowed and I also hear that this lab has a history of readings that the state does not accept as accurate. That is why, I am told, that it was not the state that initiated this whole thing and why the state has not joined in to rule Rice off. I really have no idea, but that is what I heard from someone who should know.
-------------
In regards to the forum remark, well a forum is just that. A place where different people with different views can post their thoughts. I have no control –no more than you do writer-- as it is everyone’s right. Feel free to join and air your thoughts. That is what forums are all about. I would no more censor you here than someone who hates me. It’s a simple proposition. So join in writer.
---------------
In closing, sometimes things can become very complex and confusing. If anyone thinks I would disavow my friendship with either of these guys for anything I have heard thus far then they don't know me very well. There is a great difference from dropping friends or desiring a level field. I am guilty of the latter.
Steve
TW