Kentucky horsemen's group joins push for federal oversight of racing

A group that represents Thoroughbred owners, breeders, and farm managers in Kentucky has joined a lobbying effort for legislation that seeks the appointment of a federal overseer for the sport’s medication policies and enforcement, the lobbying organization announced on Wednesday.

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders is the latest organization to join the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity, a group organized by The Jockey Club to lobby for support of a bill The Jockey Club wrote that has been taken up by U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D.-N.Y.). The Jockey Club has been aggressively pursuing endorsements for the legislation from industry organizations over the past several months.

The legislation would create a federal committee that would advise the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, a private company, on medication policies for racing. The USADA would be ultimately responsible for implementing and enforcing the policies in all U.S. racing states. Tonko has said he plans to introduce the legislation later this year.

Members of the coalition include The Jockey Club, the Water Hay Oats Alliance, and the Breeders’ Cup, which have overlapping memberships. The Humane Society of the U.S. and its affiliate, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, also have pledged support.
The legislation is viewed warily by many racing-industry organizations, including those that represent trainers and racetracks.