The recent action by the Louisiana Racing Commission to weaken drug standards is short-sighted, ill-advised and will most likely pose significant health risks to horses and jockeys competing in that state . The decision by Louisiana officials to allow for easier drug policies becomes even more brazen when juxtaposed with the proactive leadership and collaborative efforts that so many stakeholders in our sport are leading coming, with enhanced safety, accountability and integrity measures already in place, including the creation of a central governing body similar to other major American sports.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association and its member organizations represent virtually every segment of the sport of Thoroughbred Racing: jockeys, track operators (including Churchill Downs Inc. , owner of Fair Grounds Racetrack), advance betting operator, breeder, owner and trainer. Overall, we are committed to supporting safety and wellbeing reform and investing in emerging technologies and related safety measures that are core elements highlighted in our current policy. we. Safety runs first initiative, a public awareness campaign launched in the run-up to this year’s Triple Crown.
Although the campaign and some of its initiatives are new, some of the programs featured date back to the early 2000s. Key topics include advances in veterinary procedures; the use of wearable biometric technology can identify horses that may be at risk of injury allowing trainers and veterinarians to intervene early; advanced data analytics (including the use of artificial intelligence) to screen horses for risk factors; additional deployment of advanced imaging diagnostic technologies; and a greater emphasis on modern surveillance technology along with good old-fashioned ground-based security systems. The end result is an ecosystem that cares more comprehensively for our equine and human athletes than at any time in the history of America’s oldest sport.
The research reinforces that increased emphasis on safety and integrity is precisely what both core and casual racing fans expect from us. Make no mistake, we are seeing positive results. The 34% decline in racing fatalities since 2009, as measured by The Jockey Club’s Equine Injury Database, is not a statistical anomaly. It is a very positive trend that underscores our industry’s commitment to safety. These and other improvements focused on the safety and welfare of horses make the practices being carried out in Louisiana even more confusing and disappointing.
Louisiana has a long and storied history of thoroughbred racing and Fair Grounds is the third oldest racetrack in America. Unfortunately, with recent rule changes, Louisiana is threatening the viability of its own race. At the very least, this move could make the state an outlier in the minor leagues. The decision by the Louisiana Racing Commission will make it more difficult for owners and trainers whose horses are expected to compete in other jurisdictions to continue to justify racing there. In fact, many people have expressed their disappointment and were disappointed with these new policies and were skeptical about continuing to race there. That alone should be enough to give Bayou State regulators reason to reverse the ill-advised decision to issue this “emergency rule.”
Louisiana, Don’t Geaux Come Back!
Tom Rooney is president and CEO of NTRA
