Gural Gives Case OK to Drive at the Big M

[Hugh Jass]

Here are my simple minded opinions about this subject.

#1. It won't hurt harness racing reputation that was done ages ago and is unrepairable.

#2. Kicking a horse is the last thing anyone should be worrying about .   

#3. Has Walter had enough chances ? Hell yes and I blame the people that kept letting him race for what

ultimately sent him to jail and almost killed his x-wife. Northfield sent many drivers/trainers packing for

whatever reason they felt like it yet let Walter race because they think he helped their bottom line.

#4. The man did the crime and paid the time and I really have a hard time judging anyone that way I

believe in God and think that's his job.          BUT !

#5. I would make him test at the minimum weekly and also make him donate 5% of all earnings to some

sort of abused women organization, I would also make him do 1 monthly appearance to a college or high

school telling his life story and the effects that drugs and alcohol played. I would make him do this for a

minimum of 2 years and if he missed 1 time or payment or failed any drug/alcohol test he would get a

lifetime ban.

I think if he loves driving and is really sorry for his past mistakes he would agree to this in a heartbeat.

I know I'm a goof ball and a lot of people will disagree with me and that's OK.

I wish Mr Case the best and hope that someway he can make up for his past mistakes no matter how

hard that may be.

[LVGaryD]

Hugh Jass, we all know you are a goofball because one or two of your former trainers made sure we all knew it. 

That being said, you are often correct about a lot of things you post, and I sort of like the idea of Walter being forced to do the public service-type appearances to schools, etc. That is a novel idea that I have not read before, and in my goofball opinion, it's a very good idea.

 

[brownjug1]

So you are okay with letting a convicted felon back into the game in the interest of increased handle ?
I am not.

I am all for increasing handle, I also must admit I would watch any track Case was at just to see how he does.

[Hugh Jass]

1 thing really bugs me about all of this. Why the hell would he let Case drive there after all of his

problems yet exclude Pena who to the best of my knowledge has only been convicted of being a

flashy arrogant S.O.B. ?  I think Gural may have a few loose screws himself, all though as a bettor

excluding Pena makes for much more value betting.

[NIATROSS]

You just said that Niatross doesn't want a convicted felon in harness racing, but doesn't seem to be bothered when the NFL is filled with them.

You would be 100% wrong.We are currently discussing Case and his issues.
I will start on another thread on that shortly.
Case may have his substance abuse issues under control for now but the compulsive behaviour will always be in play.
This is a person who while under the influence of whatever endangered the lives and livelihoods of everyone on the track and their families.
IMO HE DID NOT SERVE ANYTIME FOR THAT BEHAVIOUR.
If the sport was interested in doing the right thing there are other ways he can be employed in the business but NOT in the sulky.

[brownjug1]

Being in the sulky sells tickets, that is the only way his situation creates any type of interest!

[NIATROSS]

Being in the sulky sells tickets, that is the only way his situation creates any type of interest!

Heaven forbid anything bad happens on the track if Case were allowed back.

The lawsuits that woulf dollow would surely end the sport.

[brownjug1]

Heaven forbid anything bad happens on the track if Case were allowed back.

The lawsuits that woulf dollow would surely end the sport.

You worried about him stabbing the other drivers?

[NIATROSS]

You worried about him stabbing the other drivers?

If he were to have a training or racing accident and a human or equine life is lost.

[brownjug1]

If he were to have a training or racing accident and a human or equine life is lost.

Tross that can happen to anyone at anytime in this business!

[NIATROSS]

Tross that can happen to anyone at anytime in this business!

I know that.And if he were to test positive afterwards ?

The lawyers would spin that like questioning" Why allow a convicted felon with substance abuse problems  in that position ?

[LVGaryD]

How many top drivers have failed alcohol tests? And how many years did they not even have alcohol tests?

Hell I saw them pick a guy up out of the bike at Northfield after a race because he was too screwed up to stand up. Many, many times guys have failed breathalyzer tests and been told to come back and take them later. And I mean the very top name drivers at that time.

Driving on a track with Walter Case stoned out of his mind would be safer than driving with most drivers at nearly any track. He's just that good.

[JuiceJunkies]

How many top drivers have failed alcohol tests? And how many years did they not even have alcohol tests?

Hell I saw them pick a guy up out of the bike at Northfield after a race because he was too screwed up to stand up. Many, many times guys have failed breathalyzer tests and been told to come back and take them later. And I mean the very top name drivers at that time.

Driving on a track with Walter Case stoned out of his mind would be safer than driving with most drivers at nearly any track. He's just that good.

Well stated and the truth.

Not to name names, but many many many drove drunk more often then they did sober, and many were better drunk then sober.   At Vernon it was a regular day to consume 6-12 beers before a card, many within the 45 minutes prior.   

When they started testing go and blow clear and then hustle back to the barn and slam a 6 pack before going to the paddock for the night.

Case was one of hundreds if not thousands doing the same routine...

[LVGaryD]

I was actually in the paddock at the New York state fair at Syracuse one day in 1975 I believe, the day Silk Stockings raced. Nearly every driver there was carrying a beer in his hand in the paddock.

I've also known of many guys being allowed to drive because of their name, regardless of their state of sobriety. I will take their names to my grave, along with many other things I've known for many years.

This much I will admit: the outcome of many professional wrestling matches is predetermined.

 

[beans and weenies]

Come on guys.  Drunk/high  driving should go the way of single shaft sulkies and tie down harness.  Our sport has to put forth an effort to give the betting public a fair shake.  We have enough issues without allowing questionable trainers &  drivers run over the wagering $$$$. Across the board regulations state to state could put this game on a whole different level.  Add a commissioner over it all and get us all on the same page.  If one driver/trainer is suspended in California he is suspended in Ohio & Pa. & NY & everywhere else.  The states & racetracks  are so concerned about losing a few $$$ and losing control that it is destroying our business one dime at a time.