Woodbine: NTRA renews safety approval

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Woodbine has earned re-accreditation from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance, the alliance announced on Monday.

The re-accreditation followed a complete review of all racing operations at the facility, including prerace examination procedures and participation in programs for retired racehorses.

Racetracks must meet requirements developed by the alliance in order to be accredited, in areas including the presence of safety equipment, the establishment of specific drug-testing and pre-race protocols, and participation in industry projects to collect data on injuries.

Woodbine received its initial Alliance accreditation in March 2010. All accreditations and re-accreditations are for two-year periods.

Woodbine is the 14th alliance-accredited racetrack to earn re-accreditation, joining Aqueduct, Arlington, Belmont, Hollywood, Calder, Churchill Downs, Del Mar, Fair Grounds, Keeneland, Pimlico, Santa Anita, Saratoga, Turfway.

Participation is voluntary and the alliance is funded by the industry.