CULLEN RESPONDS TO ACCUSATIONS OF WRONGDOING
By Ray Paulick
I took no glee in writing about bloodstock agent Jim Cullen’s legal and financial problems earlier this week. The trail of lawsuits, unpaid financial obligations and charges of alleged wrongdoing from some of his former clients and associates do not paint a pretty picture to outsiders interested in investing in the Thoroughbred industry.
For his part, Cullen has responded to my article at the website he maintains for his company, Cullen Bloodstock. Click here to read his response. Feel free to comment below on whether you feel he was wronged by the Paulick Report expose, or in subsequent, similar articles at bloodhorse.com and drf.com.
We have a shortage of Thoroughbred owners, and in some ways the industry has itself to blame. Organizations have failed to adequately look out for and protect the best interests of many newcomers to racing who, quite frankly, have been fleeced and unfortunately participate in what has historically been a three-step program: 1) get in; 2) get screwed; 3) get out.
There has been some progress. The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association’s Sales Integrity Task Force has been formed, and it took some very modest steps to protect horse owners from unscrupulous agents, including a long-overdue Code of Conduct for participants. It’s better than what was in place before—nothing.
But let’s be honest. Much, much more can and should be done to inspire confidence in people who enter the Thoroughbred industry with the expectation of getting a fair shake. The decision by Keeneland to sanction Cullen—banning him from auction participation until 2011 at the earliest—was the first time the Sales Integrity Task Force’s Code of Conduct has been openly cited for enforcement since its adoption in 2007. I would suggest its enforcement has been less than aggressively pursued by some auction companies.
There has been no small amount of throat-clearing and back-patting about how well “the system worked” in bringing about the Code of Conduct-cited sanctions against Cullen. In this instance, the “system” did very little. If not for the tireless efforts of the individuals who felt they were wronged by Cullen, I doubt any action would have been taken.
By the way, the charges are just that—allegations—and Cullen deserves his day in court to respond to any of the lawsuits or accusations against him. For his part, he calls the conduct of his former clients “harassment” and said they have made “slanderous” and “defamatory” statements about him. Cullen said he has filed “charges” against them with the Lexington (Ky.) police for “harassing communications.” The Paulick Report checked with both the Lexington Police Department and Fayette County court system to see if such charges were filed, but was unable to confirm that any charges have indeed been filed as Cullen indicated.
Copyright © 2009, The Paulick Report
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Tags: bloodstock agent, cullen bloodstock, fasig-tipton, jim cullen, Keeneland, Paulick Report, Ray Paulick, sales integrity task force, SITF Code of Conduct, Thoroughbred Auctions, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, TOBA
November 27th, 2009 at 8:21 am
I think things like this are best left alone until finished through the court system.
“He said-I said”, “might be” “could be” ” I did this-you did that,” Gossip and half-telling, speculation and bias are murderers.
PS I have no idea who any of the “players” are and don’t want to.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Admiration and respect are due Keeneland for taking action in the Cullen matter. Drugs and thugs are destroying our sport and if we don’t put a stop to them, they will with mathematical certainty destroy us and our businesses. There are trainers who should not be allowed to work and bribing agents and consignors who need to be run out of town. Over the years there have been many fine people who have gotten in, gotten screwed, and gotten out……never to return.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:41 am
this same sort of thing has happened to the missouri foxtrotter breed asso. People get in, get screwed and get out just the same as in your industry. It has ruined the pleasure horse industry just as it is ruining yours. The foxtrotter leadership refuses to discipline the folks responsible and work on the good old boy system. Unfortunately, there may not be much left with the economics of the equine industry in the state they are.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:44 am
He is getting exactly what he deserved!!!! I personally know people who got screwed by him. I sure hope his wife, Christine, opens her eyes and gets the heck away from this slime ball!!!
November 27th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I could not agree more with Arthur Hancock’s admonition that the leaders of our industry should be playing a more aggressive role in cleaning out corruption that haunts the Thoroughbred business. The failure of our industry to wipe out drugs is a symbol that ours is a game of and for insiders. That is a real reason investors are turning away from our sales. But Keeneland does deserve credit for being willing to stand up to financial misdealers. And thanks to for the Paulick Report for being willing to shine the spotlight on the bad guys. –Ken Tomlinson
November 27th, 2009 at 10:07 am
I believe that this is what we can call a “start” and Keeneland has stepped up to the plate now others need to follow. I give credit when someone puts out that first step. This can and will be a wonderful business. I have retired from my job (law enforcement) so that I can pursue my dream of having a well run Thoroughbred farm and I will always hold my chin up as being someone who will be honest and do right and thats what makes me feel good!! Thanks Ray for the work you do I can tell it also comes from the heart….
November 27th, 2009 at 10:07 am
[applause] Arthur Hancock [/applause]
November 27th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I was warned to stay away from him at least 3 years ago-as well as the agent whom he claims inspected the one horse. One thing I noticed in his web gallery was a clipping of a piece from American Express magazine that profiles Cullen. What is noteworthy is he claims to have had $3.4-million in company sales in 2004. I find that interesting after he seems to now be blaming his tax people for his woes, note that changes daily, for exaggerating his income. Seems like he was doing a great job of that already. I’m also surprised, though I’m sure they are unaware of the posting, that MidAtlantic Thoroughbred & The Blood-Horse haven’t demanded he remove their names and copyright articles from his site.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Sleaze that play high and tight with other people’s money is destroying this industry….or, should I say, has destroyed the sport. The equine athlete is a sports franchise upon itself, hence would such shadowy characters promoting “ownership” be allowed in MLB, NBA and NFL to play insidious games with the cash of investors?
November 27th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Rachel A, it has played out in the courts and evidently it is not a crime to steal money from people in this industry. It is a civil matter and with that said, Mr. Cullen was deposed by attorney Michael Meuser, representing the, as you so dismissively put it ‘the players” and Emily Cowles for National City Bank. Cullen has admitted, under oath, to every allegation that has been made public. The people who were harmed may not be “players” but they are business people and horse lovers who bought horses, paid trainers, farms, insurance agents, feed companies, hot walkers, grooms, etc, etc, to care for their horses. If you eliminate the “players” all you have, as Rob Whiteley put it, “a bunch of rich guys trading horses with each other” You can bury your head in the sand and belittle the whistle blower, but you bury an industry that way, it just a slower death. You have to break it down to build it up. We may be at a low point and maybe this is what we need to correct things. Stay tuned on this, its just getting started.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Be careful about all the media hoopla that is coming out. I’m not defending anyone, but media disclosure of these types of incidents tend to be hyped and one sided. I don’t know Mr. Cullen, but I do know that there is a legal system that resolves these types of problems and weighs all of the evidence and is able to obtain this evidence in a much more thorough setting than some tabloid format. Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton have done an ample job of addressing the matter and are very wise not to get involved in the media circus that is beginning to surround this. Once the evidence is presented, the trial is concluded, and the party is found guilty or innocent, then proceed with your lynching if that is what you want to do. Just look at the media hype and distortion that came about during the investigation of the cenus worker in eastern Kentucky that the evidence now shows committed suicide.
Enough said, this industry doesn’t need a three-ring circus of internet blogging about things that most of the bloggers know absolutely nothing about.
I am also one of those in favor of bloggers being held accountable for what they post by being required to use their real names online. Maybe that would stop some of the totally inflamatory remarks and comments about our industry which is struggling enoung at present. Maybe more work could be done and focused on the real problems that help alienate owners such as multiple state licensing, inconsistent racing rules and medication policies and all the other things that make owning and racing a thoroughbred racehorse a total pain in the ass. Those are the things that I find extremely time consuming and frustrating and I do this for a living, not something that I am doing only for some type of enjoyment like the people that are trying out this business for something different and fun.
November 27th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Ray,
As you know I started AIR- “Alliance for Industry Reform” about 6 years ago. The purpose of the organization was to develop an enforceable Code of Conduct to eradicate corruption in our industry and to provide complete transparency at the public auctions. In spite of strong opposition, I persisted and gathered enough support from leading owners at that time to gain momentum. That lead to formation of “Sales Integrity Task Force” under Cot Campbell’s Chairmanship of which I was member. A code of Conduct was developed, approved by the committee and eventually handed over to TOBA for implementation, monitoring and enforcement. Subsequently Jess Jackson tried very hard but without much success to further enhance and legalize the Code. We all knew it will never get approved and it did not. The Code essentially deals with Full Disclosure and Transparency at public auctions – Dual Agency, Veterinary Procedures and Ownership. So why is not working and will never work in its current form? Because it has loopholes, lacks ownership disclosure, does not have teeth and is not legally enforceable.
Ray, Thank you for your excellent article and expose of Mr. Cullen. It is about time that someone with your credibility stood up on behalf of the owners, once again. I entered the industry with great enthusiasm and passion for the sport in 1997. As everyone in our industry knows I have not lost my passion for the sport but continue to be amazed and disappointed at the amount of corruption that still prevails in all aspects of our business and the industry in general. As you have correctly pointed out once again and I completely agree with you, the kickbacks and other fraudulent behavior are something the industry professionals (sales companies, consigners, agents, trainers and others) know about, participate in, reluctantly tolrate, turn a deaf ear to when someone brings it to their attention until it is exposed and hits the press. It is time for us to clean house – in fact it is long overdue. I strongly encourage you to continue to be the conscience of our industry, voice your opinion on such matters and urge the industry leaders to reexamine the industry code of ethics to add ownership disclosure and legal teeth to prosecute criminals, because that’s what they are. We have a crisis in our business and we desperately need to attract new owners. We will not accomplish that if we do not address all integrity related issues in our sport and ensure the owners are protected. This is the only way we will ensure the long term success and health of our industry and encourage new owners to invest in this wonderful sport. Keep up the good work.
November 27th, 2009 at 11:17 am
On the previous article that Paulick wrote on his site Brian R claimed to have bought into a Matty G yearling for $8,750 and that he could not get any of the proceeds when it sold.
I contest that Brian R most likely never even owned any of the yearling. Consingned with Lanes End and Cullen always sold his horses with Mallory. I will bet dime to dollar that the owner that sold the horse was the original owner and not Cullen.
I wonder how many others gave Cullen $8,750 fro 10% of nothing…?
November 27th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Ray - Great article on brother Cullen.
As you may recall, I’m constantly involved in cases involving secret profits and hidden commissions. The “disease” is very widespread and includes hunters, jumpers, Quarter Horses, American Standardbreds, American Saddlebreds and so many others; I’ve been called to testify in so many of these cases.
It seems that people who earn serious money put their brains on hold when they intrust hard-earned money to the trainer/agent.
Ray, I don’t really see and end to it except for funds to be held in escrow by a reliable third party until the pre-purchase exam and all paperwork has been verified.
November 27th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Why does this industry have to rely on the US/State judicial system in the first place? Shouldn’t the industry have standards, licensing (national btw) and enforcement where situations like this with industry ejudication effected swiftly (yeah, right…look at the drug hearings and time involved…real time? NOT!)? Then, if any of the parties are still dissatified, the US judicial system takes over.
One thing that discourages the legitimate victims is cost, jurisdiction and time; it works to the benefit of the bad guys in reverse. Some bad folks take the “innocent until proven guilty” concept to the max.
But we are sitting here pecking away on a keyboard about racehorses (and other breed/sports) while the Feds absolutely allowed the ruination of the finacial markets with the likes of Madoff, credit-swaps with an entire oversight agency (SEC plus others) to keep him in check and protect investors. There is something seriously wrong with this country.
Like someone suggested, does the NFL, NBA, MLB experience these kinds of issues?
November 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Good job, Ray. Don’t let the “kill the messenger” types deter you. Our industry needs to have the spotlight turned on its dark corners.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
When the first article on this subject appeared on PR, I made a comment:
“Anyone unwilling to use his/her legal name should not ‘have the floor’. If not willing to put your name to it - don’t write it.”
The Cullen bruhaha is a fine example that anonymity should not be tolerated at any time. Besides Mr. Nuckols, there are many others who share that belief.
Transparency is the word beloved of reformers and constantly tossed about. This is a fine opportunity to “go transparent”.
November 27th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
My full name.
November 27th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
In a period when we all think expanded gaming should come to Kentucky, Mr Cullen should be the poster child for - ‘ SAY NO TO CASINO’S!’.
November 27th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
pinhead - are you implying that Cullen is a degenerate gambler, come to think of it, i did see him at keeneland betting with two fists, interesting!!!
November 27th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Garrett, in a perfect world people would absolutely have to attach their names to statements, accusations, and positions on issues, as was done by the gentlemen involved in the Cullen case. In a forum such as this there can be repercussions for speaking out if the identity of the party was known to all. Just as whistle blower laws exist to protect people from the consequences they may suffer from revealing misdeeds by the more powerful and police take anonymous tips to encourage people not to remain silent when witnessing crimes by the lawless.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
first,do not forget that this industry is enforced by each individual state.So you really think that we can have intelligent decisions and rules.Second,this industry and may I add the horse industry as a whole has always been somewhat dicey all over the world.Thus attracting not the most savory of characters.We involve gambling,they gamble in Las Vegas don’t they?Do you think that is controled by a bunch of saints!We have all these sanctomonious breeders who send a yearling through the sales ring,it fetches $1 million,the hammer hits the rostrum it is probably at that point worth about 40% less and probably by the odds after it runs turns out to be worth about $10,000.00 if you are luckey.Do the breeders tell the new owners that?For sure the likes of you Ray are a great help for people to talk and bring out the truths,but in legal terms”Buyer be ware” .As Charley Whittingham always said “this is no game for boys in short pants”
November 27th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Just a note to Alfred Nuckols Jr. I would like you to know that I also do this for a living. I may get a retirement check but my real job these days is the owner of a Thoroughbred Farm in Hot Springs Arkansas (I’ll admit its not Kentucky). I am not trying this job out for something different and fun but yet I am pouring my whole heart into it. I am now on the Board of Directors for both the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders and Horsemen’s Association and the Arkansas Racetrack Chaplaincy and will continue to strive to make this industry all that it can be. I am very proud to be involved and certainly hope that we will all strive together for the betterment of this industry.
Note to Satish Sanan: It has got to be very disappointing and discouraging when you can not get something like that done. Part of me says …WOW if people like the names you have mentioned, can not do it then no one can and I feel like my offering to help, does not do any justice but if there is any way people like us can help, then please let the bus stop here because I will jump on!!!
November 27th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
The one thing that’s always fascinated me is that mega rich owners will just hire an ‘expert’ and say “here’s a bunch of money, go buy me a champion”. Now, while i realize its unethical for an expert to work behind the scenes to make sure the price of the yearling is as high as possible, isn’t it the owner’s responsibility to know the value of the horse he or she is buying? If you are an owner who’s dabbling in the market of million dollar yearlings (and up) there’s way more room for mistakes to be made in the actual price of the horse. If you pay 4 million for a yearling (for example) you really have 4 million dollars worth of potential error on that horse. Any horse, regardless of breeding can be worth as little as 0 dollars. If you pay 25 grand for a horse, the worst you can do is lose 25 grand.
If someone is selling a 2009 baseball card on E Bay for 100,000 and i purchase the card for that price, isn’t it my fault for purchasing a card that’s not worth anything close to 100k? Or, should i blame the seller and say that he’s not ‘allowed’ to ask 100k for a card that’s worth less than 1 dollar?
I’m not condoning agents to be working behind the scenes bidding up horses way over what they’re really worth, but at the same time, as an owner, you gotta be an expert in this stuff or you’re going to get burnt. If you are not an expert on how much each horse should bring at auction, is anyone going to really feel sorry for you when you pay a million dollars for a horse who is worth nothing?
If you’re not an expert at yearlings, why not enter the claiming game? Most horses in claiming races are more closely priced to their actual value than yearlings. The price in a claiming race is very close to market value. And, since there are no such thing as million dollar claiming races, you aren’t likely to get as burnt if you make a mistake.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Susan, well said
November 27th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
The best disinfectant is sunlight. Wronged parties need to pursue legal remedies. Trade pubs need to expose those who are doing the “wrongs”. Keep it up.
November 28th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Jim Cullen’s response: “I concede that I did screw up a season to a high priced-stallion purchase through me by Cam Horton. I take full responsibility for it, and it makes me sick to think about. I failed Mr. Horton and acknowledged the mistake - and the circumstances surrounding it - to Mr. Horton’s counsel. The matter was ultimately settled through an Agreed Judgement between all parties. This judgement includes an amendment that clearly states that I did nothing “unlawful”, “wrongful”, or that any of “…(Cullen’s) actions consistuted a breach of contract.” Working together we also established a repayment schedule with the initial payment of $25,000.00. The first payment was made, but I have not been able to fulfill the rest of my obligation because of my current financial picture. I will statisfy this obligation if it is the last thing I do.”
Mr. Horton, it must be comforting to know that Mr. Cullen has done nothing wrong and that the last thing he does is pay you back.
Hollywood would not be able to make this stuff up.
GO STANFORD!
November 28th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Blue Moon- good point, Mr. Horton must have a warm and fuzzy feeling in his heart knowing he is going to get “paid” - wish Cullen would give me that feeling and promise to pay me - i guess the default judgment is just not enough…
Go Irish!!!
November 28th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I love how some of ” the old guard” responds to these matters like they should not be talked about in public. Thank you Ray for shining the light on these cockroaches and their defenders. Hey Mr. Nuckols I think thou does protest to much.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Blue moon, while Mr. Cullen comforts Cam Horton with the knowledge he will get his money(HA!!), Horton’s attorney says the agreement isn’t worth the paper its printed on!Obviously the attorney is trying to slander “Honest” Jim Cullen.Oh! Was that a “harassing communication” aka “the truth” aka “having the guts to say something”?
November 28th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
And my concern is… just exactly what happened (happens) to the horses that had “Cullen fingerprints” on them? Wouldn’t that be an exercise in Sherlock Holmes Detective School???
I don’t like to see people screwed out of effort or money, but I really can’t stand horses getting screwed out of a decent life and humane death becuase of scum humans.
November 28th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Bottom line, if you are an honest person in this business then you have nothing to worry about. If you are dishonest, time to worry!
November 28th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Mr. Nuckols said, “Those are the things that I find extremely time consuming and frustrating and I do this for a living, not something that I am doing only for some type of enjoyment like the people that are trying out this business for something different and fun.”
Arrogance at it’s best. Without us part time owner’s spending our hard earned money in your industry you sir would be running your horses at county fairs. The old guard attitude about new owners needs to change or you and the Cullen’s of the world will find it much harder for the horse industry to survive without us owners that you detest so much.
November 28th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Rachael Anderson. Full credit to you for telling everyone who you are. I agree, no matter what beef some readers have, we should leave it to the courts to find the facts.
Alfred Nuckols, Jr. makes the same, good point. Sad to say, some commentators take umbrage. It is difficult to understand their problem with wise words and good counsel.
“Cornfed”. I understand the essential protections for whistleblowers. There is not any whistleblowing in this forum. It is mudslinging, piling-on, garbage throwing at the pillory. It takes only two shouting that kind of stuff and there is the nucleus of a lynchmob.
To close, who will tell me the point of the exclamations: “Go Stanford” and “Go Irish”?
I’m a Stanford alum and I’m Irish. Where do such slogans fit into this forum?
November 28th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
And it only takes one being silent for to allow thievery, mistrust, and lawlessness to continue. If it is indeed a lynch mob and there is no basis, it will dissipate and it will be as you seem to want, business as usual. If there is merit, and trust me on this, there is merit, maybe things will change for the better. Please remember this is not just against ONE individual, but a system and a way of doing business that must be made better.
Can you share a positive experience with Mr. Cullen with us, if you have one? Or perhaps you can find ONE individual who is willing to post as much. They don’t have to use their real name!
November 28th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Looks like one of the men accusing Cullen did good today with a horse he bought. According to his website Cullen bought a sister to the colt that won the Grade 2 at Churchill today for Colbert two years ago. That’s the race that produced Street Sense and others, so the winner figures as a real Derby horse. Judging by the other horses that seemed to do good for Colbert it seems as Cullen did good for the guy, business practices be damned. Remember, there’s no crying in baseball…or horseracing!
November 29th, 2009 at 10:23 am
“cornfed” :
As everyone who carefully reads PR knows, I am against business as usual. I preach revolution. I have paid a price for my anti-establishment views and actions.
I do not have any experiences with Cullen.
I do have two positive thoughts for you: In a fair society, one is innocent ’til proven guilty; This is my last response in this forum to anyone without the gumption to sign their name.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:51 am
This is borrowed from a recent article covering another touchy subject with a couple words changed: “Winston Churchill said: “It’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.” So what is now required? How do we change? In order to start developing sustainable” success, “we need to reconsider the basic building blocks of commerce and markets: accounting, disclosure, incentives, regulation and responsibility.” “The longer we defer proper accounting, the greater the strain we place on our already fragile”… industry.
It appears that Mr. Nuckols is part of the problem and that Jess Jackson was right but his business standards and proposed sales integrity rules were too good when proposed and were buried by insiders who wrote self-serving rules to create as little disruption as possible while giving the appearance of change.
This seems to be the norm at least with the rules I have read in the past few years which either don’t go far enough, avoid the elephant in the room or leave giant loop-holes, including those covering sales integrity, the NTRA track safety and integrity accreditation, the California and Florida two year old breeze sales allegedly created to protect horses and buyers, the BC 09 testing only 25% of entries (or pre-entries) for blood-doping down from only 50% in 08.
Insiders and powerbrokers choose to see no evil, hear no evil, create no waves, obey the code of silence, are against transparency and justify the use and abuse of drugs (sorry Mr. Nuckols “medications”) to train, race and maximize the exploitation of horses without loss of time by reminding everyone and themselves that these drugs are clean because they are “therapeutic” and “FDA approved”… Even though most “therapeutic” drugs only have a narrow therapeutic range, are used off-label and routinely not used to cure horses, but to numb injuries, over-ride exhaustion and depression, push them, drop them, and enable or boost performance.
Arrogant powerbrokers have no intention to clean-up their act until they are absolutely forced to. Rules written by insiders, for insiders offer little progress, mostly the illusion of progress which fails to fool the public, media, potential corporate sponsors and horse owners. Congress will be back.
The NTRA Safety & Integrity Accreditation’ questionnaire mentions anabolic steroids and NSAIDs but I cannot recall reading the word corticosteroids once. So, one of the biggest and most dangerous chemical scourges based on how most “therapeutic” drugs are used and abused at the racetrack, is completely avoided in the accreditation. Why? Because the NTRA has zero authority including with regard to safety and integrity and that accreditation is for the most part to give the appearance that the industry is making progress while the most crucial safety and integrity reforms are avoided.
A recent NTRA video featuring safety measures leading to the 2009 Breeders’ Cup is nothing but shameless propaganda. It implies that such measures are in place to protect all horses, all the time. That soap opera video to “prove” how much equine safety matters is made for TV and a large crowd to help prevent catastrophic injuries and public outrage. It is not done for the day-to-day safety of the horses and riders as such video implies. Safety standards drop drastically outside of the BC in California and nationwide. That video doesn’t show joints of two year olds being injected repeatedly with cortisone or mentions the less-than-rosy side like the spent $2,000 claimers racing right down the road from the BC at Santa Anita, one bad step away from being sent to the killers though horses are not better protected at Santa Anita and most tracks around the country since “you can’t save them all”.
The racing industry should cease to operate outside of crucial, mainstream business regulations, under the radar and above the law.
To disinfect itself and cease to be a societal misfit and outlaw, it could create:
- a racing authority to bring in new blood and hire a tough, impartial commissioner.
- an organization like FINRA couldn’t record and disclose rule breakers’ names, all infractions, judgments and penalties.
- independent escrow/title companies could handle all horse transactions like in the real-estate industry.
- electronic equine medical records could be kept and disclosed to help protect horses, riders, horseplayers and boost business.
- a national animal-offender registry based on the National Sex-Offender Registry could prevent abuse.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Correction:
- an organization like FINRA COULD record and disclose rule breakers’ names, all infractions, judgments and penalties.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
While yes it is situations exactly like this that are aiding and abeting the downfall of the Thoroughbred Industry. There are a full menu of shortcomings that are plaguing the foundations of thoroughbred breeding,racing,and sales. The only reason a smoking gun cannot be found is because its plural;guns. Thugs and drugs Mr.Hancock? Very true,how about a host of orginizations with no viable form of sanction against either offense. What about the failing buisness model we have leveraged government aide to keep afloat for 30 years.
I myself will be thirty in just a few days. I’m a previous buisness owner(Banshee Hill Farm),and current farm manager. I do not know what will save us. So much of this buisness is speculation of a percieved value. We have turned an art and the volatility of livestock into the crippling make or break necessity of surviving in buisness. All the while still packaging and selling it as something majestic. We let the looters in and gave them the keys while we made money on their practices. WE, we the horse owners.We the farm owners/workers.We the fans. We closed our eyes and asked no questions until it occured that it couldnt go on like this forever.
There is something majestic still left though. And I’m proud to say its not human. The horses are still running. They still give us goose bumps.I dont want to try to do the job of a journalist or take up too much space but i leave on this. We have conscientiously turned a blind eye to the likes of Jim Cullen while choosing only to spout empty rhetoric as the industry i love falls down around us..
November 29th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Thanks for the coverage of this matter with Mr. Cullen. After reading Mr. Cullen’s response as posted on his business website, through the link you provided, it reminded me of a quote that has been invoked many times over the years and has been used by such notable people as President Dwight D. Eisenhower (when referring to the red-baiting Senator Joe McCarthy): “Never get into a pissing match with a skunk.”