What constitutes cruelty to horses in horse racing, particularly in cases where racing unsound or unfit horses is involved? The BTC has on a couple of occasions suspended trainers for cruelty raising questions about who determines the fitness of a horse. If the veterinary officer's opinion is considered supreme, should they be not held accountable for permitting horses with numerous problems to race?

Horses returning after a prolonged break often carry their previous reputation, misleading punters into thinking they have regained fitness. Unfortunately, these horses frequently fail, some even returning lame. Is there a guarantee that the horse was not lame before the race? Additionally, when does a veterinary officer recommend a horse to be retired or deemed unfit to race? What if a horse with a history of treatments returns lame due to superficial treatments that may not reveal underlying issues until they manifest in a competitive environment?

These questions demand the utmost gravity and consideration. Three instances stand out where horses raced after a prolonged hiatus, resulting in one surprising victory as a long shot. Two other horses, heavily backed by the public in anticipation of their full recovery, found themselves lamenting losses after the race.

In the case of Sulaiman Attaollahi's Elpenor, a previous Gr 1 Poonawalla Multi-Million winner in Mumbai, the horse had been absent from racing for a considerable period and underwent a series of treatments, including those for tendon issues. The extensive list of treatments, as detailed in the treatment sheet, is daunting. Despite spirited backing from punters at lower odds, Elpenor failed to live up to expectations, trailing far behind well before the race concluded. Adding to the intrigue, Shabelle, a long-shot stablemate who had not won in over 500 days, emerged victorious, defeating fellow stablemate Pink Jasmine, with Peyo finishing third and Auspicious Queen fourth.

The uncertainty surrounding Elpenor's soundness after the race raises concerns, especially considering the numerous treatments the horse has undergone. It is crucial, in the best interest of all stakeholders, that horses with such extensive medical histories are retired. Racing already grapples with a tarnished image, and persisting with horses plagued by myriad problems not only satisfies the sport's needs but also draws the attention of animal welfare advocates, potentially jeopardizing the sport's standing, as seen in the USA.

Public outcry against subjecting horses to racing itself is gaining momentum, and racing horses with questionable fitness goes against the very essence of the sport. Prioritizing the safety of animals should be paramount when permitting these horses to race. While adherence to medication rules is necessary, authorities must adopt even more stringent measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the horses involved.

Another instance involves Prasanna Kumar-trained In Thy Light, a horse returning to racing after a prolonged hiatus, which faced a setback for different reasons, concluding the race lame. In the past, In Thy Light had showcased notable victories, defeating horses like Touch of Grey, a multiple classic winner, and Meropi, a narrow runner-up in a Group I race.

The two mock races and the workouts leading up to the event fuelled punters' belief that this horse, competing in a lower category, was an exceptional contender. However, an interference occurred during the race, resulting in the jockey's fall. Following the incident, the horse returned lame, prompting questions about whether it stumbled due to a genuine issue with its legs or if the interference played a role in the stumble. The lingering uncertainty raises concerns about the horse's well-being and the impact of the race on its future performance.

A more serious concern arises with the prevalence of horses returning with ruptured blood vessels, often attributed to exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EPIH), as evident in racing incident reports. The authorities at BTC seem to grapple with various issues, and the phenomenon of horses engaging in in-and-out running is widespread. Horses that initially run at odds of 20 to 1 suddenly become favourites in subsequent races, strongly suggesting that their previous run was without serious intent.

The lack of clarity on these matters not only confounds punters but also underscores a potential oversight by the racing authorities. Instances of professionals misleading both punters and authorities are on the rise, catching the oversight of the racing regulators. Concerted efforts must be made by the authorities to regain the trust of racegoers. Racing cannot afford further deterioration, and proactive measures are needed to address these pressing issues and ensure the integrity and credibility of the sport.