The horse racing industry is one that demands integrity and a deep commitment to the welfare of its equine athletes. For Scott Blasi, a highly respected assistant trainer, the past few years have presented an unprecedented challenge, testing his reputation and career in the wake of serious allegations made by PETA. While investigations by New York and Kentucky gaming authorities ultimately cleared him of significant wrongdoing, the emotional and professional toll has been substantial. This article delves into the events surrounding the allegations, the impact on Blasi, and the subsequent path to rebuilding trust and continuing his passion for horse training.
The Shadow of Allegations
In late 2015, allegations of misconduct within trainer Steve Asmussen’s barn, brought forth by PETA, cast a dark shadow over the sport. At the center of the controversy was Scott Blasi, then a premier assistant trainer overseeing Asmussen’s elite string of racehorses. PETA’s claims, amplified by a heavily edited video and a New York Times article, accused the Asmussen barn of animal abuse, with Blasi prominently featured. The situation was exacerbated by the revelation that Beth Rosen, an individual who had gained employment in the barn, was secretly recording conversations and activities. Adding a personal complication, Blasi had developed a social and sexual relationship with Rosen, a situation that bore an unfortunate resemblance to the plot of “Fatal Attraction,” a connection that Blasi himself acknowledged as deeply damaging to his reputation and career.
Investigations and Findings
Both the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) and the New York Gaming Commission launched thorough investigations into PETA’s allegations. The KHRC’s extensive report, released in January 2015, found no rule violations, concluding that the video evidence provided by PETA was “extensively edited, and the audio has been overdubbed,” with conversations presented out of context. Similarly, the New York Gaming Commission found no merit to the most serious of PETA’s 14 allegations. While Asmussen was fined $10,000 for specific therapeutic medication violations, Blasi himself was neither fined nor suspended by either authority. Despite these exonerations, the prolonged investigations and the initial public outcry left a significant mark.
The Personal Toll
The allegations and the subsequent media storm were profoundly difficult for Blasi. He described the experience as having “something taken away from you” and admitted that it made it “really hard for me to trust anybody, other than people who are in your inner circle.” The betrayal of trust, particularly when personal relationships became entangled with professional scrutiny, was a deeply painful aspect of the ordeal. Blasi acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through.” He also recognized that his personal struggles paled in comparison to the profound tragedy experienced by Kirsten Johnson, whose son, Hub Johnson, an Asmussen stable foreman, died by suicide. Blasi found solace and perspective in recognizing that others faced far greater hardships, particularly in the loss of a child.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
Following the investigations, Blasi was rehired by Steve Asmussen in August 2015. The process of rebuilding his career and reputation was gradual. Blasi candidly shared his initial fears of “ever be able to work in racing again,” but understood the necessity of stepping away temporarily to allow for investigations and to mitigate distractions. His absence from racing lasted five months, during which he worked on his brother’s ranch. His eventual return to the Asmussen barn at Saratoga was orchestrated after the official investigations concluded.
Blasi has reflected on the experience, calling the saga “humbling” and the language used in the video “regrettable.” He has made a conscious effort to change his behavior, stating, “I just quit doing it” in reference to his use of profanity. He acknowledges that while the underlying intentions behind conversations might have been misinterpreted in the edited video, the language itself is unacceptable and has been corrected.
A Resilient Spirit in Horse Racing
The story of Scott Blasi is a testament to resilience in the face of significant adversity. Despite the personal and professional scars, his unwavering dedication to horse care and training has allowed him to persevere. The support from individuals like Ron Winchell, owner of Untapable, who stood by Asmussen during the turbulent period, highlights the complex relationships within the racing community. Blasi’s commitment to his craft, coupled with the exonerations from official bodies, underscores his enduring place in the sport. As he continues his work, the focus remains on the horses and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in training, demonstrating a commitment to integrity and animal welfare that defines his career.
