The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) today announced the launch of an advocacy website, cleanhorseracing.org, that is dedicated to the reform of medication rules in horse races.
Medication reform for horse races
New clean racing website includes news, videos, scientific studies and commentary in support of medication-free racing.
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Features of the new educational website include news, videos, scientific studies and commentary in support of medication-free racing, as well as several action-oriented sections that enable industry participants to pledge their support for clean racing by contacting state racing commissions and signing petitions regarding medication reform.
The site will also maintain a substantial social media presence, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
“As the momentum continues to grow for a ban on the use of race-day medication in this country, we want to keep all industry stakeholders properly informed,” said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “This website provides a platform for advocates of medication reform to receive the latest updates and take action. It should also prove to be an invaluable information resource for regulators as they reconsider current medication rules in their respective jurisdictions.”
“More than 75 percent of TOBA members support a measured phase-out of race-day medication,” said Dan Metzger, president of TOBA. “Those members, as well as sales companies, prospective buyers and sellers, fans and international organizations, all want to see a true representation of quality that is based solely on a horse’s natural athletic ability.”
The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms.
TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred horse breeders and owners. TOBA’s mission is to “improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders.” Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, The Racing Game, Sales Integrity Program and Claiming Crown. Thoroughbred Charities of America is the charitable arm of TOBA. TOBA is the owner of The Blood-Horse Inc. and is represented on the board of directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association as a founding member.