Little Red Feather Racing has hired an independent compliance consultant to oversee all aspects of its racing and sales divisions. The consultant will ensure that LRF's trainers, veterinarians, and staffs comply within regulatory rules as well as LRF's internal policies regarding training and medication.
“Many industries have compliance managers, why not horse ownership?” said LRF Managing Partner Gary Fenton. “We want our partners to have the utmost confidence and trust that our equine athletes receive world class care.”
LRF Founder and Managing Partner Billy Koch added, “It's time we take a long, hard look at everything we provide to our equine athletes. Current training practices need to evolve with changing times.”
Effective immediately, Tom McCrocklin will serve as compliance consultant for the LRF team and report directly to Fenton and Koch.
Born in Baton Rouge, La., McCrocklin has an undergraduate degree from LSU and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, specializing in equine from Louisiana Tech. McCrocklin trained at east coast racetracks until 1992. He moved to Ocala, Fl., to commence a breaking/training/sales operation, representing some of the biggest names in the industry.
McCrocklin will review veterinarian and training bills as well as regularly visit each LRF barn. He will work alongside LRF's trainers and vets to create a universal set of protocols.
“Since I am a trainer and understand the culture and mentality, I look forward to working with my colleagues to create a methodology that is positive for everyone,” said McCrocklin. “Most trainers want to learn and try less medications and supplements; they just need the educational and support tools to do so.”
“Too often we hear discussion about a problem in our industry, yet rarely is there a solution posed,” said The Jockey Club President Jim Gagliano. “Today is not that day. We applaud LRF for taking this innovative step and showing that owners can and will take measures to ensure best practices are being met within our industry.”
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