Xanadu,

I'm a bit surprised about your concerns about skulduggery in racing. Anywhere there is money to be made it exists, from land developers, Politicians, inside trading and yes especially the gambling industry including horse racing.

Any reading about horse racing history has plenty of common and sometimes spectacular skulduggery mentioned. There was no date at which it suddenly all stopped that's for sure. Regarding the common gripes you mention they are mostly very hard to prove so that's a big problem. Personally I just take it in my stride as part of the game and know yes, often it's going to cost me money so I don't stress about it. It's just another hurdle among many others in trying to beat the bookie, which long-term I never expect to do.

I bet for pleasure nowadays because I love horse racing. If I wanted to make money I could think of plenty of better ways to do it with better odds of success.