Association of Racing Commissioners International Chair Robert Lopez said today that the U.S. members of ARCI are focused on a smooth and expeditious implementation of the newly enacted Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.
“We view this as an opportunity to achieve improvements we support and believe necessary,” Lopez said.
“Uniform rules, uniform testing, expanded jurisdiction over horses, and the creation of a multi-jurisdictional investigative entity are all tremendous improvements that will result from this law,” added Ed Martin, ARCI's President.
ARCI had, in the past, advocated a different path to address these needs, specifically the creation of an interstate compact as an alternative to involving the federal government. But, ARCI says, “only a few states picked up that mantle, leaving interested lawmakers in Washington no other choice but to pass the new federal law.”
“The ARCI and U.S. State regulators are eager and ready to work in partnership with the new authority, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, and the Federal Trade Commission to ensure a smooth transition and effective program,” Martin said.
“RCI Members in Canada have long demonstrated how a federal agency can partner with Provincial Racing Commissions with each complimenting the other. We envision that happening in the US,” Lopez said.
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