Zayat removes horses from Asmussen barn

Zayat Stables has terminated Steve Asmussen and moved all 12 of its horses

that were previously in the trainer's care following an internal investigation

on the PETA report and video that published in last Thursday's New York Times.

PETA's report and video included Zayat Stables' Nehro, who was trained by

Asmussen during the horse's entire 3 1/2-year racing career and apparent time

frame of the PETA undercover investigation. Details in the video include what is

believed to be the voices of Asmussen's former chief assistant trainer, Scott

Blasi, and an undisclosed blacksmith who were discussing the poor condition of

Nehro's feet. Nehro, who was most famously known for his close runner-up

performances in the Kentucky Derby, Arkansas Derby, and Louisiana Derby in 2011,

reportedly passed away from a quick bout with colic early May 4, 2013 while in

training with Asmussen at Churchill Downs.

"I am shocked, hurt, and disappointed beyond belief to think that some of the

things on that video happened to any of my horses, especially Nehro," said Ahmed

Zayat, owners of Zayat Stables. "As soon as the story broke Wednesday evening, I

texted Steve (Asmussen) to find out what was going on. I never heard back so I

sent him more messages Thursday morning to call me, and he still had yet to get

back to me by midday. I finally told him he needs to call me right now. When I

was able to get Steve on the phone that afternoon, the first thing that came out

of his mouth was that he hadn't seen the video yet and could not speak on behalf

of Scott Blasi. It was mind-boggling to me the reaction. I got nowhere with him,

and that's completely irresponsible and unacceptable to me. Then Scott Blasi

texted me Friday night and said this verbatim: 'Mr. Zayat, I want to apologize

for my obscene comments and embarrassment to you and your family. They were

totally taken out of context in a manipulative situation and I was clearly under

the influence of alcohol and a woman. Obviously a weakness on my part. You and

your family have been very dear to me and so good to me and my family. Please

forgive me. Scott.' That's all I got from them, and I did not respond to that

text. It was unbelievably evident that I had been lied to all this time about

Nehro's health, and God knows what else.

"At no point during Nehro's career did Steve Asmussen communicate or suggest

to us that Nehro be retired. I never even had the slightest idea that anything

could be wrong with Nehro's feet. There was never ever anything communicated by

Steve, Scott, or anyone in charge of Nehro's care to me or anybody else from

Zayat Stables about any foot problems. Everybody associated with Nehro,

including my last two stable managers Sobhy Sonbol and Bradley Weisbord, and

WinStar Farm which had Nehro during his recovery time from ankle surgery, have

all said the same. I was in love with this horse, and crushed the day we learned

of his death. Nehro was my all-time favorite and everyone knew what he meant to

me and my family. It's horrifying to think that the video of his treatment is

true and that Nehro suffered in any way. And to hear some of the inferences made

towards me on that video are disgusting and intolerable," Zayat added.

"In an industry that needs transparency now more than ever, I am standing up

for horses and owners alike by showing that this behavior is unacceptable. Steve

Asmussen is a very successful trainer who we've had a great deal of racing

success with. But I will not stand for this. I have removed all of our horses as

swiftly as I possibly could from Steve Asmussen's care, and going forward

they'll be in an environment where they will get the best care possible, as well

as one that has an honest and open line of communication. Our industry deserves

transparency for us all to be properly informed to make decisions that are right

by the horse, so that things like this won't happen. I have moved my horses to

other trainers, and I am evaluating with my advisors what other rights I may

have or actions I should take in connection with this matter. My confidence has

been badly shaken, and we will be more diligent in employing people we can

trust. We will never tolerate anything less," Zayat said.

Over the past few days, Zayat was able to coordinate the logistics for moving

all 12 horses from Asmussen's stables scattered at racetracks around the

country, including Fair Grounds, Oaklawn, Sam Houston, and Aqueduct. The 12

horses, which most notably includes four-time graded stakes-winning millionaire

Prayer for Relief, have been evenly dispersed between trainers Dale Romans, D.

Wayne Lukas and upstart conditioner Michael Wilson. Romans and Lukas have been

regular trainers for Zayat Stables, while Wilson, who will have a string of

horses in New York, is a rising horseman who Zayat believes embodies the

qualities to be a successful, horse-friendly, and owner-friendly trainer of the

future.

"Michael Wilson is a talented horseman and great communicator," Zayat said.

"He represents what the future of this game needs -- somebody who genuinely

cares about the welfare of the horse, his craft, and his owners. Zayat Stables

is delighted to be working with such a sharp, dedicated, and responsible young

trainer, and we will continue to seek out the horsemen who can take this

industry to where it needs to be."

Romans has taken over training duties on Prayer for Relief, who is slated to

run this Saturday in the New Orleans Handicap at Fair Grounds. Two horses,

Selway and Skinny, were scratched from races Asmussen had entered them into last

weekend at Oaklawn and Fair Grounds, respectively. Skinny has moved into the

care of Romans, and Selway has moved into the Lukas barn at Oaklawn.

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