Horse Racing Story Gives Wrong Impression

Bill Christine’s article of Jan. 9 is not the kind of journalism usually associated with the Los Angeles Times. Neither the headline, “Surge in Use of Procaine Is Alleged,” nor the body of the article including “a member of the California Horse Racing Board who refused to be identified” belongs in a first-rate paper. Why do you allow a reporter to imply validation to someone who cannot be named?

I have been a thoroughbred owner for more than 25 years and know that racing is as honest and legitimate as any other major sport. Otherwise I wouldn’t be in it. Actually, every race is monitored electronically and chemically far more carefully than any other sport I know of. That is why when something unfortunate happens you hear about it immediately and are able easily to write about it.

Racing has its problems, true, and they are being addressed by owners, breeders, veterinarians, trainers and others. They are not one-dimensional problems, but involve the very lifeblood of the sport and cannot be simplified. Illegitimate drug use exists, but it is rare. The Times should realize this and realize, too, that simple, sensationalized, tabloid-like headlines and copy are not appropriate either from a journalistic point of view or from a fairness-to-the-sport point of view.

HAROLD KEITH

Beverly Hills