What is it with New Zealand racetracks and methamphetamine?
A year ago we brought you this story concerning meth-head greyhounds racing on New Zealand's dog tracks. And now, well, look at this:
So now the trainers are taking the drugs too?!?
What in the world is going on, New Zealand?
Yes, trainer Rochelle Lockett has received a three-year suspension after one of her horses, Be Flexi, tested positive for meth following a first-place finish at the Otaki-Māori Racing Club early this year. The race featured a $6,700 payout for the winning horse (that's $4,400 USD). What's more, after the horse tested positive, Lockett had to provide a urine sample of her own.
And it turns out she had meth in her system as well!
COME ON, LADY!!
The board met in early April to discuss Lockett's penalty, and during the meeting she told the committee she never wanted to hurt an animal.
She said she loved horses and had worked with them her whole life.
She said [she] knew she had let everyone in her life down and would do whatever she could to "make it right"...
She no longer has any horses and told the board she was wanting to get treatment for her drug use.
Well at least she's on the right track.
Speaking of her recovery, if Lockett can stay clean for 18 months, the board will let her back on the racetrack. So let's hope that's enough of a motivator for her to quit, because it seems she's somewhat of a recreational user at this point.
Drugs will do that.
Oh, look at this: I guess this isn't the first time a trainer, jockey, or horse has been found to be on methamphetamine either.
Since 2001 there have been 14 cases where trainers or jockeys have tested positive for methamphetamine.
However, the first instance of a horse testing positive for the drug was I'm Not Ticklish in 2014. Its trainer Tracey Newton was banned for three years and denied giving her horse meth, nor did she have any of it in her system.
Sad that this is a thing.
Alright New Zealand, hear me out: you really gotta get it together here!
Just say no to drugs!
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