At the December Arizona Racing Commission meeting, Arizona Department of Racing steward Magdaleno Perez announced the launch of the Healthy Humans, Healthy Horses track wellness program, created to address the growing substance abuse problem at the state's racetracks by supporting racing participants who may be suffering from addiction.
“I commend Magdaleno and the entire racing team in their diligent efforts to move this project forward,” said ADGaming Director, Ted Vogt. “The Healthy Humans, Healthy Horses program will directly support Arizona horsemen and create a safer and healthier backside, driving us forward in meeting our mission to ethically and effectively regulate horse racing, while ensuring it is conducted in a socially responsible manner.”
The 2021 winter meet at Turf Paradise kicks off Jan. 4 and the Arizona Department of Gaming–Racing Division will implement the following measures:
- Suspension reductions for those who seek help with substance abuse
- Random drug testing for licensees on horseback
- Partnering with subject matter experts to address the influx of substance abuse
- Adjusting fines and suspensions for repeated drug-related offenses
- Proactively connecting those seeking help with substance abuse to available resources statewide
“A big thank you to the Racing Division for their hard work to support the Arizona racing community,” said Racing Commission Chair, Rory Goreé. “It is a priority for the Commission to help ensure the health and safety of racing participants, and this project furthers that goal while providing necessary aid to those in need.”
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