Racing Companies Weigh In on Drug Uniformity Push
Jun 4, 2015 13:00:41 GMT -5
Post by cait on Jun 4, 2015 13:00:41 GMT -5
very pc - but ritvo says they're not a part of the coalition (think he means FL) - this is the crux - "Public perception is our highest priority" and "without the industry doing it together, nothing ever works"
Racing Companies Weigh In on Uniformity Push
By Tom LaMarra
Bloodhorse
Two major United States racing companies have restated their support for uniform equine medication and drug testing but have stopped short of endorsing an effort to pass federal legislation that would award oversight to the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
The Stronach Group and Keeneland, in separate but similar releases, outlined their positions on multiple aspects of the National Uniform Medication Program, which is based upon efforts that began in the Mid-Atlantic region more than two years ago. The program—all or parts of it—is gradually being adopted by U.S. racing jurisdictions based on legislative schedules.
On May 31 U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko of New York announced his intention to introduce legislation in Congress called the Thoroughbred Horse Anti-Doping Act of 2015. The measure would create the Thoroughbred Horseracing Anti-Doping Organization, which in turn would appoint USADA to oversee medication policy, testing, and enforcement.
On the same day, four organizations—The Jockey Club, Breeders' Cup, Water Hay Oats Alliance, and the Humane Society of the United States—announced the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity, which supports the federal bill.
In a June 3 release, The Stronach Group listed what it calls "foundation principles" necessary for Thoroughbred racing to move forward. They are "mutually agreed upon uniform testing procedures and protocols at all North American tracks," including out-of-competition testing; nationally uniform rules that clearly define prohibited and permitted medications; regional, accredited testing laboratories that strictly adhere to uniform standards; uniform and timely administration of penalties for violators; and "fair and uniform" investigations and prosecutions.
"Public perception is our highest priority," The Stronach Group said. "As such, the aforementioned objectives must be pursued enthusiastically by the entire racing industry in order to maintain a level playing field for our sports' stakeholders and most importantly, the betting public."
On June 4 Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer of The Stronach Group, said the company that operates major racetracks in multiple jurisdictions believes much has been accomplished over the past two years. He noted Florida, which has been characterized as an outlier on medication policy even though it's a major racing and breeding state, now has the framework in place to adopt key aspects of the National Uniform Medication Program.
"Racing is making a lot of progress without (federal legislation)," Ritvo said. "We work hand-in-hand with the horsemen, who are our true partners. We definitely need to make more strides, and we believe if done properly, we can govern ourselves.
"We've already seen serious reform. We're looking for uniform medication reform and uniform penalties across the industry. We definitely want to clean up the sport. We're just not members of this coalition at this time."
Ritvo also alluded to the fact the Thoroughbred industry is divided on how to achieve uniformity.
"The Stronach Group understands that without the industry doing it together, nothing ever works," he said. "Racing needs a uniform front."
Keeneland issued its release May 31. The racing and auction company also stopped short of endorsing the new coalition and federal legislation—though it didn't say it won't do so in the future.
"Significant progress has been made by thoughtful individuals and organizations, but many argue it has not been fast enough and we are losing participants because of that pace," Keeneland said in the statement. "Although not currently a member of the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity, Keeneland is committed to achieving these initiatives vital to the growth and success of our industry, and we urge other racetracks and horsemen to constructively work with the coalition and other industry leaders with a sense of urgency."
Keeneland also suggested the need for all parties to be on the same page.
"We will achieve uniformity with integrity only through constructive dialogue and coordinated action," Keeneland said. "We appreciate all who are passionately working to advance these guiding principles for all the right reasons and look forward to the continued process to achieve these crucial objectives."
Keeneland president and chief executive officer Bill Thomason couldn't immediately be reached for comment June 4.
Keeneland said it supports national uniform rules that include the same list of prohibited and permitted substances and methods in every jurisdiction; uniform testing procedures and protocols, including out-of-competition testing; uniform standards and accreditation of labs; uniform set of penalties that are administered in a timely manner; and uniform and fair investigations and prosecutions. It said "all of these must be performed with appropriate rigor to achieve the goal of a level playing field for all participants and the elimination of performance-enhancing drugs in Thoroughbred racing."
Racing Companies Weigh In on Uniformity Push
By Tom LaMarra
Bloodhorse
Two major United States racing companies have restated their support for uniform equine medication and drug testing but have stopped short of endorsing an effort to pass federal legislation that would award oversight to the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
The Stronach Group and Keeneland, in separate but similar releases, outlined their positions on multiple aspects of the National Uniform Medication Program, which is based upon efforts that began in the Mid-Atlantic region more than two years ago. The program—all or parts of it—is gradually being adopted by U.S. racing jurisdictions based on legislative schedules.
On May 31 U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko of New York announced his intention to introduce legislation in Congress called the Thoroughbred Horse Anti-Doping Act of 2015. The measure would create the Thoroughbred Horseracing Anti-Doping Organization, which in turn would appoint USADA to oversee medication policy, testing, and enforcement.
On the same day, four organizations—The Jockey Club, Breeders' Cup, Water Hay Oats Alliance, and the Humane Society of the United States—announced the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity, which supports the federal bill.
In a June 3 release, The Stronach Group listed what it calls "foundation principles" necessary for Thoroughbred racing to move forward. They are "mutually agreed upon uniform testing procedures and protocols at all North American tracks," including out-of-competition testing; nationally uniform rules that clearly define prohibited and permitted medications; regional, accredited testing laboratories that strictly adhere to uniform standards; uniform and timely administration of penalties for violators; and "fair and uniform" investigations and prosecutions.
"Public perception is our highest priority," The Stronach Group said. "As such, the aforementioned objectives must be pursued enthusiastically by the entire racing industry in order to maintain a level playing field for our sports' stakeholders and most importantly, the betting public."
On June 4 Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer of The Stronach Group, said the company that operates major racetracks in multiple jurisdictions believes much has been accomplished over the past two years. He noted Florida, which has been characterized as an outlier on medication policy even though it's a major racing and breeding state, now has the framework in place to adopt key aspects of the National Uniform Medication Program.
"Racing is making a lot of progress without (federal legislation)," Ritvo said. "We work hand-in-hand with the horsemen, who are our true partners. We definitely need to make more strides, and we believe if done properly, we can govern ourselves.
"We've already seen serious reform. We're looking for uniform medication reform and uniform penalties across the industry. We definitely want to clean up the sport. We're just not members of this coalition at this time."
Ritvo also alluded to the fact the Thoroughbred industry is divided on how to achieve uniformity.
"The Stronach Group understands that without the industry doing it together, nothing ever works," he said. "Racing needs a uniform front."
Keeneland issued its release May 31. The racing and auction company also stopped short of endorsing the new coalition and federal legislation—though it didn't say it won't do so in the future.
"Significant progress has been made by thoughtful individuals and organizations, but many argue it has not been fast enough and we are losing participants because of that pace," Keeneland said in the statement. "Although not currently a member of the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity, Keeneland is committed to achieving these initiatives vital to the growth and success of our industry, and we urge other racetracks and horsemen to constructively work with the coalition and other industry leaders with a sense of urgency."
Keeneland also suggested the need for all parties to be on the same page.
"We will achieve uniformity with integrity only through constructive dialogue and coordinated action," Keeneland said. "We appreciate all who are passionately working to advance these guiding principles for all the right reasons and look forward to the continued process to achieve these crucial objectives."
Keeneland president and chief executive officer Bill Thomason couldn't immediately be reached for comment June 4.
Keeneland said it supports national uniform rules that include the same list of prohibited and permitted substances and methods in every jurisdiction; uniform testing procedures and protocols, including out-of-competition testing; uniform standards and accreditation of labs; uniform set of penalties that are administered in a timely manner; and uniform and fair investigations and prosecutions. It said "all of these must be performed with appropriate rigor to achieve the goal of a level playing field for all participants and the elimination of performance-enhancing drugs in Thoroughbred racing."