1/ST shuts off simulcast signals to Puerto Rico track

1/ST Racing and Gaming has cut off the simulcast signals from Gulfstream Park in Florida and Santa Anita Park in Southern California to Puerto Rico’s Thoroughbred track, citing concerns over animal welfare, while also putting in place policies that will bar horsemen who ship horses to the island, according to an announcement from the company.

The track, Hipodromo Camerero, has long been cited as having inadequate measures in place to identify at-risk horses, and a recent report released by equine advocacy groups highlighted a large number of fatal injuries at the track from 2021-23. Advocacy groups also have noted that horses are often claimed from lower-level races at Gulfstream Park to race at the track.

In a press release, 1/ST said that “previous policy changes” made by the company to address concerns about shipping to the island and funding for aftercare did not result in significant changes to “horse welfare and safety.”

“Significant issues remain necessitating these policy changes,” the release said.

Puerto Rico is a major importer of simulcast signals from North American racetracks. Aidan Butler, president of 1/ST, said in the release that the decision to withhold the signals from Gulfstream and Santa Anita would cost the 1/ST “millions of dollars in handle.” Butler said the decision was made in consultation with horsemen’s groups at both tracks.

As part of the decision, 1/ST also made a $100,000 contribution to Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, an organization that raises and distributes funds for the care of retired racehorses in Puerto Rico. CTA shared a Special Eclipse Award in 2018 after Hurricane Maria stranded hundreds of horses and devastated the racetrack.

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