Thoroughbred Safety Coalition launches Accountability Tracker
A consortium of racetracks and racing organizations formed last year to address safety concerns about the sport has launched a tool on its website tracking the members’ progress toward the goals set by the group.
The Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, which was launched last October, debuted its “Accountability Tracker” on Tuesday on its existing website, at a time when criticism of the sport has been obscured by the widespread disruption to all businesses caused by the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Only a handful of racetracks are currently operating in the United States, although several others, such as Churchill Downs and tracks in West Virginia, have been approved for the conduct of spectator-free racing in the next few weeks.
“This new tool is an important way for our members to continue to hold themselves, and each other, accountable, while encouraging other organizations to join us in our pursuit of increased transparency,” Donna Brothers, the TSC’s strategic advisor, said in a press release.
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The TSC is comprised of a handful of the country’s major racetrack operators, including Churchill Downs Inc., The Stronach Group, the New York Racing Association, Del Mar, and Keeneland. In addition, the Breeders’ Cup is a founding member.
The Accountability Tracker is divided into two sections, “Track-Level Reforms” and “Coalition-Level Reforms.” Many of the reforms advocated by the group can be implemented by individual tracks or their parent companies, but several others, including uniform rules and regulations on whip use and the mandating of necropsies on all equine fatalities, requires buy-in from other industry groups and racing regulators.
The launch of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition occurred in the wake of intense national coverage of equine fatalities brought on by a spate of deaths at Santa Anita Park, which is owned by The Stronach Group. Much of that criticism has fallen by the wayside due to COVID-19, but the coalition had pledged to make progress on its reforms throughout the 12 calendar months after its formation.