The National Thoroughbred Racing Association officially unveiled a series of equine health and safety reforms Oct. 15 that will be overseen by an independent monitor.
During the news conference in New York City, less than two weeks before the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in California, the organization announced former four-term Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson will serve as independent counsel for the newly-formed Safety and Integrity Alliance.
The NTRA previously discussed the Safety and Integrity Alliance at the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association summer convention in June, and the International Simulcast Conference in early October. On both occasions NTRA president and chief executive officer Alex Waldrop said it is imperative industry stakeholders buy into the plan.
The reforms, which largely stemmed from the breakdown of the filly Eight Belles as she galloped out after the grade I Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) at Churchill Downs in May, are uniform medication rules for each state; a ban on steroids in racing; out-of-competition testing for blood-doping agents; uniform penalties for drug infractions; mandatory on-track and non-racing injury reporting; mandatory installation of an inner safety rail at tracks; mandatory pre- and post-race testing; and implementation of placement programs for Thoroughbreds that can no longer compete.More »^ Less
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