Craig Fravel

The Thoroughbred Safety Committee announced three new recommendations to the industry to further improve the health, welfare, and safety of its equine athletes. The recommendations call for: - Increased self-reporting statistics from the Equine Injury Database - Mandatory stand-down period for horses in the care of trainers determined to be in possession of or intending to administer illegal substances to racehorses - Banning the presence of clenbuterol in Thoroughbred racehorses and Thoroughbreds consigned for public auction The full text of the recommendations can be found on The Jockey Club website....

As the overseer of two of the biggest tracks still running races in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, The Stronach Group's CEO Craig Fravel has a lot of responsibility right now. As Saturday's GI Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream nears and the GI Santa Anita Derby follows next weekend, Fravel stopped by the TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland to talk with Bill Finley about this tumultuous time. "Things seem to change on an hourly basis," Fravel said. "I think I was in Florida a week and a...

Santa Anita and Gulfstream are only two of the six tracks still racing in the U.S. This week, we check in with Craig Fravel from the Stronach Group to talk about the precautions they're taking. Also, the writers talk about the latest developments in horse racing with the coronavirus, and the challenges horsemen face.

Bill Badgett, former General Manager of Gulfstream Park and current President of the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, will rejoin The Stronach Group, effective immediately, in the capacity of Executive Director, Florida Racing Operations. "We are thrilled that Bill will be returning to lead our 1/ST Racing operations in Florida," said Craig Fravel, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST Racing. "Florida is a key priority for our company and Bill's daily presence and expertise will be instrumental as we grow our racing program with the highest of integrity and modern-thinking." Badgett...

Tim Ritvo, who has served The Stronach Group in a variety of executive capacities since 2011, is leaving his role as chief operating officer of the company effective immediately, according to a release issued Monday afternoon. The company has no immediate plans to fill his position, the release said. "I am honored to have been part of The Stronach Group and am proud of the accomplishments that we have made for the industry across our racing and training programs," Ritvo said. "As a former jockey, passionate fan and life-long horseman,...