The nation’s leading thoroughbred racing organizations Tuesday announced the creation of an effort to enhance existing protections and work jointly to develop new reforms to ensure the safety of race horses and jockeys.
Partnering together under the name Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, the group seeks to create and implement a series of significant safety, medication, operational and integrity guidelines across thoroughbred racing to ensure the well-being of horses and jockeys and increase transparency and accountability, according to a statement issued in Lexincton, Kentucky.
The coalition is composed of organizations that have individually led efforts to modernize the sport, and are now using their combined resolve, expertise and resources to advocate for enhanced safety measures throughout thoroughbred racing. Coalition founding members include Breeders’ Cup Limited, Churchill Downs Inc., Keeneland Association Inc., the New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and The Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. Together they represent more than 85% of graded stakes racing in America.
“Thoroughbred racing is steeped in tradition and we want the sport to live on for generations to come, and that is only possible with all of us working together to ensure that the safety and well-being of our athletes is our top priority,” said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited.