Breeding group supports USADA oversight

The Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association, a trade group representing the interests of Thoroughbred auction participants, has joined a lobbying group that supports legislation that would give the United States Anti-Doping Agency control over Thoroughbred racing’s medication policies and drug-testing, the lobbying group announced on Tuesday.

The association, which goes by the acronym CBA and represents approximately 400 auction participants, said that it had joined the coalition because of its support of the legislation, which was written by The Jockey Club and other supporters of an effort to put the USADA in a position of control over the industry through a federal bill. Supporters believe the appointment of the USADA would lead to improved medication policies and drug testing for the sport.

“Our association’s initiatives are designed to encourage a fair and expanding marketplace for all who breed, buy, or sell Thoroughbreds,” said a statement attributed to the CBA board. “We feel the implementation of [the bill] will create an expanding marketplace by addressing an important issue in our industry.”

The coalition also includes The Jockey Club, the Breeders’ Cup, the Water Hay Oats Alliance, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, the Humane Society and an affiliated veterinary group, and the harness tracks owned by Jeff Gural. Many of the Thoroughbred organizations share members.

The bill is being opposed by most rank-and-file horsemen’s organizations, most racetracks, and representatives of state racing commissions, under a variety of concerns, including the legislation’s use of federal interstate horseracing rights as an enforcement mechanism and the concern by many trainers that the bill will be used to prohibit the raceday use of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide. Other opponents have raised concerns that anti-racing groups will use the bill as a vehicle to place unattainable demands on the industry if it passes.