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 with most of the world, our industry is facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is also facing challenges from within,” said Craig Fravel, chairman of the Thoroughbred Safety Committee and chief executive officer, Racing Operations, The Stronach Group. “At this critical time, it is more important than ever that we ensure our industry is taking the best care of its horses and holding stakeholders accountable for their actions.”
“Two items The Jockey Club has advocated for over the years are increased transparency into the health and safety of horses and that horses should compete only when free from medication,” said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “Implementing these recommendations will show that our industry is serious about the future of our sport and the health and welfare of our equine athletes.”
Gagliano also noted that imposing mandatory stand-down periods for horses determined to be the subjects of illegal substances will assist racetracks and regulatory authorities with decisions regarding horses that are potentially the unwilling subject of illegal activity.
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