Editor's Note: Walter Blum retired from riding in 1975 and was inducted in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1987. He served as a racing official and steward following his riding career.
I'm not a writer but I was a rider. Having entered the thoroughbred racing industry in 1951 at the age of 16 with the intent of becoming a jockey, I fell in love with the horses, the people, and even just the smell of the place.
I thought since I knew how to ride a horse, not a (thoroughbred) that they would put me in a race and I would then be a jockey. That's not how it went.
Getting to today's time and place, I must say it was worth every second, minute and hour of every day. Walking hots, galloping horses and finally riding in a race as a real jockey in May of 1953 and then breaking my maiden at Jamaica race track in July of the same year.
Riding and racing have been very good to me, but I feel a need to express my opinion now.
I was always proud to tell people I was involved in racing, not only as a jockey but as a steward as well. Did fairly well at both, too. However, I'm becoming very disillusioned as I approach my 88th year and I'm hoping as that time arrives the racing industry will once again be known as the Sport of Kings.
It seems that more and more news is about a horse being disqualified for illegal medication or a trainer being suspended for something his horse was not supposed to have. I also noticed a trainer can have 6, 7, or 8 different medication violations, get suspended, and or fined, and after serving his time, and paying his fine he's back in action.
I am of the opinion, as are many people, that these repeat offenders should lose their licenses never to be involved in racing again.
It is my fear that should these people (and they know who they are) continue their illegal treating and medicating so as to enhance their horses' performance, it will one day soon bring the authorities to shut the door on racing and stop it altogether. Think of it, no more racing anywhere. Jobs, families, people who grew up backside could lose the most important part of life as they know it, since racing is their life.
Nothing wrong with helping a horse get over an ailment with legal medication, however if you're going to use an illegal medication to enhance the horse's performance, think of your wife, your kids, your family and yourself, your name and reputation smeared and ruined.
Don't let this happen, let racing continue as the Sport of Kings. Then we can hold our heads high as we are part of one of America's premier and professional sports ever.
– Walter Blum Sr., Hallandale Beach, Fla.
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