Letter to the Editor: Bloodstock Agent Jason Litt

In horse racing, performance matters. I am a bloodstock agent and my performance is measured by the winning post. If I don't perform, I no longer have the credibility to earn a living buying racehorses.

The Jockey Club was founded “not only to encourage the development of the thoroughbred horse, but to establish racing on such a footing that it may command the interests as well as the confidence and favourable opinion of the public.”

I moved to Kentucky to work in the horse business in 2000. Since then:

• The foal crop has reduced from 35,000 per annum to 17,000. *
• The risk of fatal injuries in America remains significantly greater than other major racing nations. **
• Public confidence in horse racing is alarmingly low; a mere 22% positive public impression. ***

By every measure, our industry leaders have spectacularly failed to perform.

So today, I echo the call from Max Hodge for the industry to assume its own control. And I also raise the stakes:

1. Call out the accountability and performance of all industry alphabet groups.
2. Make transparency the new normal so we can start to earn back the favorable opinion of the public.
3. Create a safe environment for horses, jockeys, and employees.

It is time for our industry's leaders to be held accountable for their performance.

Just like the rest of us.

* The Jockey Club foal crop Click here
^** Death rates per 1000 starts – US: 1.25, Australia: 0.59, Hong Kong: 0.6, Britain: 0.9
^*** Click here