from U.S. Harness Writers Association

It has been publicly reported that the New Jersey Racing Commission has informed trainer Mickey Burke that one of his horses has tested positive for a prohibited substance. Mr. Burke was recently named Trainer of the Year by a vote of the Directors of the U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA).

In accordance with New Jersey racing regulations, Mr. Burke has requested that a “split sample” from the positive finding be tested at an independent laboratory. No hearing on the violation has taken place. Moreover, the allegation was lodged, and involves a race which was contested, subsequent to the time period within which the award voting took place.

The U.S. Harness Writers Association is vigilant in demanding integrity in racing, in every way. Medication offenses assuredly tarnish the image of the sport by calling into question the general integrity of its participants and its contests. USHWA abhors the use of banned substances by both humans and equines.

However, a rush to judgement based upon a finding, before the accused is afforded the opportunity to confront the evidence against him and be heard, would run counter to the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” — one of the integral cornerstones of society. The due process rights guaranteed to an accused person by law should not be ignored. At this point, USHWA has no intention of depriving Mr. Burke of his honor.

We hope that as many of you as possible will join USHWA in honoring the best of the sport in 2006 at the annual USHWA Awards Banquet, to be held at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City NJ the evening of Sunday, February 25, 2007.