A week after receiving a letter from Gov. Cuomo questioning the alarming 20 equine fatalities, 18 of them fatal breakdowns, at Aqueduct since the inner-dirt meet began Nov. 30, a team of investigators was approved by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board on Thursday.
NY To investigate race horse fatalies
NY Gov. Cuomo questions the alarming 20 equine fatalities at Aqueduct.
The New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety is comprised of former Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey; Alan Foreman, the chairman and CEO of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations; Dr. Scott E. Palmer, hospital director and staff surgeon at the New Jersey Equine Clinic;and Dr. Mary Scollay, equine medical director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
“This team of renowned experts has the knowledge, experience and objectivity to shine a light on the causes behind these tragic breakdowns,” said John Sabini, chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board. “I’m confident that their findings will help improve safety and the well-being of equine athletes racing in New York.”
The team will examine Aqueduct’s inner-dirt track and review and advise on policies relating to public disclosures, necropsies, track conditions, pre-race examination of horses, claiming procedures, veterinary procedures and equine drug use.
“Providing a safe environment to conduct racing is NYRA’s highest priority, and this panel of industry experts will ensure that the proper procedures and best practices are in place to reduce the inherent risks involved in horse racing,” NYRA president Charles Hayward said. “This skilled group of racing professionals possess the knowledge and expertise needed to perform a comprehensive review of NYRA’s procedures and recommend changes to improve safety at all our race tracks.”
The other two horse fatalities were due to a heart attack and an infection. Racing is currently being run on the main track.
The task force will work with the NYSRWB, NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Inc., with the panel eventually releasing a comprehensive review/report of its findings.