The Justify doping scandal points to an unjustifiably broken horse racing industry

A bombshell New York Times investigation published this month uncovered that Justify, winner of the 2018 Triple Crown, failed a drug test shortly before the Kentucky Derby — a finding that should have disqualified the colt from competing for the ultimate prize in U.S. horse racing.

Worse still, the unusual circumstances surrounding the failed drug test suggest a possible cover-up by the California Horse Racing Board, whose purported mission is to ensure the integrity and safety of the state’s horse racing industry. The board’s secrecy and lack of enforcement is simply another sign that action is urgently needed to regulate the use of banned substances.