Belmont Stakes 2012: New Rules Seem to Target I'll Have Another's Trainer

The New York State racing and wagering board have imposed some new rules for the upcoming Belmont Stakes on June 9, and it seems they had a certain horse and trainer in mind when they decided to create them.

According to a report by the Associated Press (via Boston.com): 

"

New rules announced Wednesday call for all Belmont runners to be stabled in the same barn rather than spread out in stables around the track. Also, there will be out-of-competition blood testing and close scrutiny of the horses and humans attending them by board investigators and private security personnel.

"

Considering that Triple Crown hopeful I’ll Have Another’s trainer—Doug O’Neill—is going to be serving a 45-day ban for doping and has a history of violations in four different states, it is easy to see why these new regulations seem targeted in his direction.

Of course, O’Neill disagrees and told the AP that he “doesn’t think” the officials were singling him out, but is not exactly enthusiastic about the changes. He said the plan has not been “real organized” and seemed to be implemented strangely late.

Although the Kentucky Derby and Preakness-winning trainer feels the board did not direct any changes of him, The New York Times acquired a confidential e-mail that says otherwise.

According to the e-mail, the trainer cannot treat his horses with a board investigator present; he cannot administer treatment without first obtaining permission from an investigator; he has to provide veterinary records each day, no later than 10 a.m.  

Those sanctions are unique to O’Neill and he told The Times that he would have no problem following them.

“I’ll comply,” he said by phone. “I understand they are trying to protect the horse, the betting public and the integrity of the sport.”

It is good that O’Neill is willing to cooperate and get things done for the sake of his potential Triple Crown winner. I’ll Have Another is going to have a tough enough time winning at Belmont without all the distractions.

The trainer believes that the newfound popularity might be good for the sport as a whole and could help clean up the image.

"

“With a great horse, you’re under a bigger microscope,” O’Neill said. “I wish they did this everywhere. We need to be transparent and show the public backstage.”

"

If I’ll Have Another wins on June 9, they just might make these changes everywhere.