Horse racing is definitely a sport that is not as popular in the United States as it is in Europe, but the Triple Crown is still a well known event. Winning the Triple Crown is well known for being both rare and difficult (32 horses have won the first two races, but only 11 have won all three). There is currently a horse that is in the running. His name is California Chrome. He has won the first two races, but he might not be able to compete in the third and if he does, it will be without the strips that help him to breath.It appears that the Crown does not have set rules for each race, as he was allowed to wear them the first two times but not the third.
It's understandable that the racers want to prevent cheating, but nasal strips that allow a horse to "help prevent fatigue related injuries, help protect the lungs from injury and bleeding and promote optimal athletic performance". Which don't seem like much of a big deal, especially considering that a.) the other two races allowed for them to be used and b.) they are only to help keep Chrome from injuring his internal organs. I guess,in the end, it depends on the horse and it's owners.
Link: http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/18/us/california-chrome-nasal-strips/?hpt=zite_zite3_featured
If it's allowed in the other races, then it should be allowed here.
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