Thoroughbred Safety Coalition Adopts New Reforms

The Thoroughbred Safety Coalition has added eight medical and operational reforms to its platform. The group's Steering Committee, made up of executives from the Breeders' Cup, Churchill Downs Incorporated, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Keeneland Association Inc., the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and The Stronach Group, voted unanimously to adopt the reforms with the ultimate goal of uniform implementation across racing jurisdictions.

The following reforms have been added to the Coalition's platform:

• Strengthen race entry and eligibility requirements;
• Work with state racing commissions to apply racing regulations surrounding prohibited substances and restrict selected therapeutic substances in proximity to high-speed works;
• Prohibit the administration of external treatments, therapies and musculoskeletal manipulation within at least 24 hours of a race;
• Work with state racing commissions to implement a clenbuterol prohibition in racing and training along with reporting/procedural requirements as outlined by the RMTC;
• Strengthen requirements for removing horses from the Veterinarians' List;
• Adopt a waiver claiming option for horses coming off an extended layoff;
• Require implementation of an emergency track warning system; and
• Modify racetrack on and off gaps to increase horse and rider safety.

“As today's announcement and recent progress make clear, the Coalition's important work to ensure the well-being of our athletes has continued despite the challenging circumstances our industry and our nation have faced this year. The new reforms will go a long way toward increasing our collective ability to identify at-risk horses before they set foot on a track and protect the integrity of our sport,” said Coalition Strategic Advisor Donna Brothers.