MEDIA ADVISORY: ARCI
President Comments to Jockey Club Roundtable Presentations
For those reporters seeking a comment
from the ARCI concerning things said at the Roundtable conference, please refer
to the statements indicated below on topics raised during today’s
presentations.
Statements of Ed Martin,
President, ARCI
“While The Jockey Club is to be
commended for its commitment to the sport and its efforts at promotion and
marketing, its departure on some significant issues from a cooperative effort
with industry regulators as to how to address equine welfare and integrity
challenges is most unfortunate.
“Professional
horse racing is not limited to Thoroughbred racing. Equine welfare
and integrity challenges should be addressed holistically, working with the
entire community of regulators. The Jockey Club possesses no regulatory authority
other than as a breed registry. The collection of data in Jockey
Club computers that is not seamlessly integrated with regulatory data systems
potentially undermines the benefits to be achieved from these efforts.”
Equine Injury Database:
“The Equine Injury Database has been
an important reform and tool. It was developed by regulatory
personnel working with The Jockey Club’s technical staff. It is not,
however, made available to the regulatory commissions who require track-specific
information in order to address track-specific problems which may contribute to
equine injury. It is time for this database to be shifted to direct
regulatory control.”
STATS: The New Vision for
Racing:
“While technology affords exciting
opportunities for fans to analyze performance data, we question the extent to
which fans will be being charged for data and whether this may depress the
growth of the sport. The management of racing data is currently a monopoly
and it is a legitimate question to ask whether monopolies are the most
effective way to service the sport and its fans.”
AAEP Recommendations:
“Veterinarians have expansive
authority under various laws and federal regulations to utilize legal substances
they deem appropriate for the treatment of horses. The proposals Dr.
Anderson articulated can be implemented immediately by veterinarians through
the treatment decisions they make. The regulation of legal medications
used in training may require additional authority for state commissions over
the practice of veterinary medicine on race horses. We are already
exploring this and are in the process of taking steps to require the regulatory
registration of all racehorses.
“The remarks concerning time-based
restrictions on drugs emulates a long standing policy in New York and is one
that, in my opinion, makes sense. The ARCI had initially included
such restrictions in our Model Rules but removed them at the request of
industry representatives. Regulators are open to revisiting this
matter.
“We welcome AAEP’s desire to develop
a non-raceday solution to treat EIPH and end the long standing and divisive
issue surrounding a thirty year equine welfare policy. Those
responsible for the medical care of horses have urged us not to change the
furosemide policy. Given the 2015 consensus statement from the American
College of Veterinary Internal Medicine concerning the seriousness of EIPH, the
time has come for this issue to be de-politicized.”
Governor Beshear:
“We appreciate Governor Beshear’s
comments and praise his action in Kentucky by signing the Interstate Racing
Regulatory Compact legislation which state regulators across the country have
endorsed as a way to achieve the goals the Governor
articulated. It is unfortunate those who helped develop this
concept have not followed through on their support in order to implement this.
“We also agree with the Governor that
there are issues with the proposed federal legislative
approach. The ARCI, as it has historically, will continue to
work with all interested parties to enhance the integrity of
racing. We note that no federal bills being proposed were written
with the consultation of those involved on the front lines of policing this
sport.”
Comments of Edwin Moses:
“To date, USADA has not accepted the
ARCI invitation to collaborate with the existing network of racing regulators,
lab directors, and research scientists who currently operate a program that
meets the metrics Mr. Moses indicated were necessary for an effective
anti-doping program. The lack of USADA collaboration directly with
its counterparts in racing may explain his unfamiliarity of the similarities
that exist between the two efforts.
“If USADA wants to help horse racing,
we can figure that out now absent the years it will take for a federal
bill. There are no impediments to achieving common goals.”
“It is unfortunate the “Roundtable” is not a roundtable
discussion where the audience could benefit from an interaction between USADA
and ARCI regulators on how to have the most effective ant-doping program for
racing.”
Barr/Tonko Bill:
“Despite being well intentioned, this
legislation is not workable. Racing’s equine welfare and
anti-doping policies should not be placed in the hands of a private
organization with no experience with horses that operates a program that is one
thirty-seventh the size of what is done in racing.
“The legislation provides no federal
help and may complicate an already difficult job.”
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