Thoroughbred racing organizations have launched a new collective effort they say will ensure the safety of equine and human athletes at a time when the industry’s future is in jeopardy.
The effort called the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition says it will focus on implementing universal guidelines for safety, medication, operations, and racing integrity.
New York Racing Association President and CEO David O’Rourke said in a statement that NYRA looks forward to “advancing these efforts, communicating directly with the public and broadening the coalition in the coming weeks and months. “
New York Congressman Paul Tonko, a Democrat who represents parts of Saratoga Springs, is behind legislation to create universal anti-doping and other guidelines for horse racing: a bill that NYRA supports. Racing is under a microscope amid high-profile horse deaths at several tracks.
