NTRA pushes quick adoption of racehorse safety plan

LEXINGTON, KY. — In another move toward reform in the racing industry, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is seeking to have a long-term plan to implement uniform health and safety measures for racehorses in place by the time the Breeders' Cup World Champtionships are held Oct. 24-25 at California's Santa Anita racetrack.

About 70 industry stakeholders, including owners, breeders, veterinarians, jockeys and regulators, met in Lexington Sept. 12 to discuss ways to implement reforms quickly in five key areas: drug testing and medication, injury reporting and prevention, safety research, a safer racing environment and care for retired racehorses.

Some of the same issues were addressed by the Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Safety Committee and state racing jurisdictions following a June Congressional hearing on racing-industry reforms, and the breakdown the filly Eight Belles in this year's Kentucky Derby. And some reforms, particularly a ban on anabolic steroids in racing, are already adopted and being enforced in some states or in the process of adoption.