The Thoroughbred Safety Committee announced Tuesday that it is recommending
the elimination of steroids in race training and racing, a ban on toe grabs, and
a series of whip-related reforms, all aimed at improving safety and integrity in
Thoroughbred racing.
They are the first recommendations from the committee, which was formed and
announced by The Jockey Club on May 8. The committee has the endorsement and
pledged cooperation from many prominent national organizations in the
Thoroughbred industry.
The committee has scheduled additional meetings over the next 60 days to
investigate and discuss additional recommendations on other critical issues,
including the use of therapeutic medications, illegal drugs and prohibited
practices; substantially increased penalties, including lifetime suspensions,
for major rule violations; best practices and accreditation standards for drug
testing laboratories; more research on the safety factors associated with all
racing surfaces — dirt, synthetic and turf; and breeding and training of
Thoroughbreds.
The committee will present an update on its activities and additional
findings and recommendations at The Jockey Club’s 56th annual Round Table
Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing on August 17 at the Gideon Putnam
Resort and Spa in Saratoga Springs, New York.
“Steroids, toe grabs and whip issues were all first identified at our Welfare
and Safety of the Racehorse Summits,” said Stuart S. Janney III, chairman of the
Thoroughbred Safety Committee. “After closely examining each of them in detail
and talking to many individuals with expertise in each area over the past
several weeks, we feel strongly that these recommendations and actions will
enhance the health and safety of both our equine and human athletes and further
ensure the integrity of our sport. Numerous industry organizations have already
expressed strong support for these recommendations, and we look forward to
collaborating with them to get these changes implemented.”
In regard to steroids, the committee calls for:
–The immediate adoption by all North American racing authorities of the
Association of Racing Commissioners’ International Model Rule on Androgenic
Anabolic Steroids that was based on Racing Medication and Testing Consortium
recommendations, which effectively eliminate the use of all anabolic steroids in
the race training and racing of Thoroughbreds.
–All North American racing authorities to implement the model rule no later
than December 31, 2008.
In regard to shoes and hoof care, the committee calls for:
–An immediate ban on toe grabs other than two-millimeter wear plates, turn
downs, jar caulks, stickers and any other traction devices worn on the front
shoes of Thoroughbred horses while racing or training on all racing surfaces.
–The Association of Racing Commissioners’ International and all North
American racing authorities to implement this ban by rule as soon as possible,
but no later than December 31, 2008, and for all racetracks to consider
immediately implementing this ban by “house rule” in the interim.
In regard to use of the whip or riding crop, the committee recommends that:
–Only riding crops approved by the Association of Racing Commissioners’
International Model Rules Committee, in consultation with the Jockeys’ Guild, be
allowed in flat racing.
–Several specifications and new rules be initiated, including one regarding
mandatory shock-absorbing characteristics, as well as the prohibition of
striking a horse with the arm (raised) above shoulder height.
–Horses be subject to an inspection after each race by a regulatory or track
veterinarian who will report his or her findings to the stewards.
–The Association of Racing Commissioners’ International (RCI) and all North
American racing authorities adopt these amendments to the RCI Model Rule on “use
of the whip” as soon as possible, but no later than December 31, 2008.
In addition to Janney, the Thoroughbred Safety Committee includes John Barr,
James G. “Jimmy” Bell, Dr. Larry Bramlage, Donald R. Dizney, Dell Hancock and
Dr. Hiram C. Polk Jr. Each is a member of The Jockey Club.