Author’s note
When I first decided to pursue this topic for my project, I was excited. I grew up around racehorses — my parents own a thoroughbred farm in Calmar, Alta. and I spent many days at the track during the season, in awe of the industry and the beautiful horses.
When I finally delved into the research, I realized this subject might be a monster that I cannot tackle. And the pandemic made the pursuit of this topic all the much more challenging. I was not able to collect the photos myself, due to the restrictions of COVID-19 and pursuing interviews became much more difficult. I wasn’t able to go to the track to fully immerse myself in the environment, or interact with trainers, owners and jockeys. Despite this, after readers read my piece, I hope they will have a better sense of how doping affects the racehorse industry and how complex the issues truly are, in Canada and beyond.
But after much research, making connections at the racetrack, and a few gruelling months, I did it. Given the circumstances, I managed to create a thoughtful and well-researched project. Doping in the horse racing industry exists, and I hope I can bring light to a subject that often remains in the dark.
This was by far the hardest thing I have ever written to this date, but it is also the thing I am most proud of.
Thank you to my advisor, Brett Popplewell, for trusting me and giving me edits to make this piece the best it could be in the time we had.
Thank you to my sources, for being so open about a controversial and tricky topic. And thank you to Julie Brewster, who provided me with images when I was not able to go and collect my own.
Thank you to my entire Master’s of Journalism cohort, for being there for me and supporting my choice to write about horses, a topic I am deeply passionate about.
Thank you to my parents and my sisters, who always respect my adoration for journalism.
Thank you to my partner, Dylan, who stood by my side until the very, very end of this project. I am grateful for you every single day.
And thank you all for reading. I hope you can all appreciate horses as much as I do.
- Raylene Lung, 2021.