Beginning in the third quarter of 2019,
the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) and the University
of Arizona’s Racetrack Industry Program (RTIP) will launch an educational
program for horse racing investigators employed by racing commissions and
tracks.
No such program currently exists, and
the effort will complement the work of the Organization of Racing Investigators
and the Racing Officials Accreditation Program.
Modeled after the ROAP accreditation
program, it is anticipated that racing commissions will phase in a requirement
that racing investigators complete the course as a condition of employment and
be required to participate in continuing education programs like the annual ORI
conference.
“The RTIP welcomes the opportunity to
partner with the ARCI in ensuring that those seeking employment as racing
investigators have the necessary educational foundation to perform
effectively,” said Wendy Davis, Director of the Racetrack Industry Program.
“As one who recruited and built a staff
of effective racing investigators, I can attest that a good investigator not
only must have investigatory and interrogation skills but also have a keen
understanding of how racing works as well as a feel for the backstretch
community and what to take notice of,” said Ed Martin, ARCI President.
The program’s steering committee
consists of Ms. Davis and RCI Board Members Tom Sage and John Wayne, both
seasoned investigators.
The date for the first certificate
program has yet to be finalized, but it is being planned for the third quarter
of 2019. Further information will be disseminated as it becomes
available.
The Race Track Industry Program offers
Bachelor's and Master's degrees centered on the racing industry. It offers two
paths of study; one preparing students for race track management, regulation or
pari-mutuel racing organizations, the other preparing students for employment
in areas dealing with racing and breeding animals.
The ARCI is the umbrella group of the
official racing regulatory authorities that enact and enforce the rules and are
ultimately responsible for detecting and prosecuting those who violate the
rules of racing.
