With all sports, we have a watchful eye keeping the integrity of all games. As we approach the national stage in a few weeks in racing, we need to set examples for the world to see if we find examples of abuse or neglect. If I had the seat of power, the decision would be easy.

Investigators found serious violations of animal cruelty laws in at least 40 Thoroughbred horses at the New York farm owned by Ernie Paragallo, following a raid April 8th by State Police and animal protection agency officials.

“It’s the worst Thoroughbred farm I’ve ever seen like this,’’ said Ron Perez, president of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA, which conducted the investigation with the State Police.

When someone is placed in the care of an animal, they are given the daily decisions of what type of life they will lead. As a sport, we need to “police” this responsibility with harsh and swift punishment.

It is not to glimmer for Derby Day, or appease any animal rights groups. We always need to do the right thing. We live in times where animal adoption and other places of care are available if we find a horse cannot compete. This is inexcusable, and to show the world that we stand for nothing less than excellence is the only way.

Ernie Paragallo stands to receive 1 year in jail, and a $1,000 fine for each infraction. Right now, it stands at forty neglected animals.

I sure hope that these next 40 years will be kind to Mr. Paragallo. I am sure they will be kinder than the way he treated his animals.