Gulfstream Park accredited by NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance

Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla., has been accredited by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance, the alliance announced on Thursday.

This was the first time that Gulfstream had sought to be accredited by the alliance, which was formed by the NTRA in 2008 in response to public-perception concerns about safety at U.S. racetracks. Gulfstream is now the 23rd racetrack to be accredited by the alliance, although many of those other tracks are now in their second round of accreditation. Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary, and the alliance itself is funded by the racing industry.

Racetracks must meet requirements developed by the alliance in order to be fully accredited. Mike Ziegler, the alliance’s executive director, said that Gulfstream received “best practice” ratings for several of the alliance’s requirements, including pre-race examination protocols and the track’s participation in an aftercare program for retired horses.

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