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The California Horse Racing Board has finally agreed to implement the security and surveillance standards we demanded. My hands are shaking as I type this because the fight felt endless and often impossible. We have the rules now but I will be watching closely to ensure they are actually enforced.

December 7, 2014

Improving Thoroughbred racing through better surveillance and security along with tough penalties for those who violate the rules

Improving Thoroughbred racing through better surveillance and security along with tough penalties for those who violate the rules

🏆 Won — 506 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Beth L.
R
ruth p.
K
Kent M.
S
Sharon
M
Michael M.
M
Michael J.
C
Christian H.
M
Mike M.
S
Someone
S
Someone
+496 more
AC
Started by Anthony Colannino 11 years, 10 months ago

We the Bettors, Fans, Owners, Trainers, and other Industry Stakeholders sign this pledge advocating for better Thoroughbred horse welfare by enacting greater security measures to protect horses and the integrity of the Sport. We also want meaningful strengthening of rules providing appropriate consequences for all those that break the rules governing race day medication. Here, the undersign, request that state horse racing boards, in the interest of fair and clean racing implement surveillance and security systems throughout the backstretch including stricter security for those entering and exiting such areas. This alone can ensure better horse health and deter improper conduct.


In addition governing bodies like the California Horse Race Board should create and enforce regulations in an equitable fashion based upon higher standards as those found in the Hong Kong Jockey Club, widely considered the worldwide leader in such matters.


On the eve of the Breeder's Cup, we strongly urge the California Horse Racing Board to take the lead in putting such measures in place following North America's premier two days of racing.


In addition to signing, we're asking petitioners to add to the discussion board below with any suggestions that would benefit Thoroughbred horse racing by providing the safest and fairest conditions for the sport we love.


As noted in the privacy clause of this site, names and emails will only be used to show horse racing governing bodies that each signature is unique and has been provided by an individual interested in joining this most important cause.


Sincerely,

Friends and Stakeholders of Thoroughbred Racing

Updates

Reached 500 supporters

November 15, 2014

October 19, 2014

One hundred people have signed on to demand better security for these horses. It has been an exhausting road to get even this far but having this many people behind the cause gives me a reason to keep pressing forward.

Reached 100 supporters

October 18, 2014

177 Comments

B
Barry Meadow
11 years ago Featured

Owners and trainers are simply suppliers of the product (horses). In any business, when you find one of you suppliers cheating, you simply never use him again. Why these cheaters keep getting away with little wrist slaps is a mystery to me.

D
Dennis Horcher
11 years ago Featured

Imagine pro football or basketball having different rules in different states. They call this the racing industry but run it like a bunch of private clubs. Until we have a set of uniform rules for every track, nothing will ever change.

J
John Pricci
11 years ago Featured

The Hong Kong model is a good one but let's remember, too, that it is Frank Stronach who proposed months ago that vets buy their medications only at an on-track pharmacy. This is a national issue. Until USADA gets involved in the testing process and out of competition testing is a rule not an exception, the status quo will remain.

N
nicolle neulist
11 years ago Featured

There are a lot of good people in the sport of horse racing...but a few bad apples can ruin it for everyone. Increased security on track property as well as stricter enforcement of health and medication rules are necessary, since there are still those who do not follow the rules.

J
Jim Moriarty
11 years ago Featured

National body needed, and no cheating allowed. Suspend the trainer and horse for 6 months on first offense, two years for subsequent offense. Watch how quick that gets everyone in line.

B
Bill Curry
11 years ago Featured

I once saw a horse so drugged that he flipped over in hs stall, gave himself a bloody nose and his owners a win. I hope they enjoy their bloody victory photo. Before the race I came an inch from informing the stewards. I wish I had.

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Beth Lauxen
11 years ago

Must be done

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Michael J Scarpelli
11 years ago

TERRIBLE BC CLASSIC STEWARDS DECISION!!!