Jockey insurance bill brought to House

Two U.S. representatives introduced a bill on Wednesday to the House floor that would redirect at least half of all horsemen's simulcasting revenue to state racing commissions in order to pay for insurance for jockeys and other track workers.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Ed Whitfield, a Republican from Kentucky, and Rep. Bart Stupak, a Democrat from Michigan.

By one measure, simulcasting currently provides approximately $900 million a year - or 90 percent of all purse monies - to horsemen's groups.

The bill would also prohibit the administration of anabolic steroids to racehorses. Anabolic steroids are currently legal to administer in every racing jurisdiction, though several state have restrictions on raceday use.

Brent Dolen, a spokesman for Whitfield, said the bill would likely be referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Both Whitfield and Stupak are members of the committee.