For Opinion, click here for View from the Racetrack Grandstand

Thursday, July 16, 2015

ARCI Statement on Introduction of Barr/Tonko Bill


Lexington, KY -   The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) is in the process of analyzing the full impact of the Barr/Tonko proposal announced today.   In response to media requests for an immediate reaction, ARCI President Ed Martin issued the following statement:

“The ARCI is unanimous in its opposition to shielding racing regulatory authority from public accountability by putting it in the hands of a private organization.    

“We also note that the proposal provides absolutely no federal resources and not one cent of existing federal anti-doping monies to assist in chasing those who would dope horses.

“We find it ironic that many of the featured speakers at The Jockey Club’s recent Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit who have been instrumental in the development and implementation of regulatory policy - racing commission experts like Dr. Mary Scollay, Dr. Rick Arthur, and Dr. Scott Palmer - would all be shut out or severely diminished under this proposal.  

“Equine welfare and medication policy should not be put in the hands of an entity with no experience with such matters and no veterinarian involvement.    We strongly oppose the politicization of racing medication policies and are concerned that equine welfare policies will be trampled should this be enacted.”