After practicing on the racetrack for some 30-plus years and then being involved with regulations for the next 10 years, I see no other alternative than the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
The Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and Association of Racing Commissioners International (both which I addressed the need for uniformity and stricter medication rules) have not been supportive of needed changes.
HBPA members think they know more about medication than regulatory veterinarians and ARCI has never been able to get uniformity in anything.
I have witnessed the decline of our sport over the last two to three decades and have a real concern about its future.
Tom V. David, DVM
Metairie, LA
I must say that as much as I respect Wesley Ward and Larry Rivelli as horsemen and good human beings, it's absolutely ludicrous to believe that any horsemen's group will ever push for meaningful change in regulations of horse racing. (See Open Letter to Industry from Ward and Rivelli)
As the past chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, I have dealt with trainer groups threatening to withhold simulcasting rights and rallying the troops when any meaningful change is proposed.
I'm sure you remember the trainers being up in arms when 2-year-olds had to race without Lasix in the 2013 Breeders Cup in California.
When trainers talk transparency I can't help but smile and roll my eyes because they have always fought any transparency when it comes to veterinary records and changes in drug rules.
Willie Koester
Cincinnati, Ohio
I am not a Thoroughbred owner or trainer, nor am I personally involved with the sport except as a fan and a lover of all horses.
I became more aware of how the Thoroughbred racing athletes' welfare was not actively monitored until animal rights activists called public attention to it in California as a result of many deaths in 2019. It became obvious that something needed to be done.
According to articles I read in the New York Times, it seems a lot of key people knew there were issues that needed to be addressed, but money and politics took precedent until the public became outraged.
Recent reporting of much pushback from certain states against national safety and integrity regulations is depressing. I would think anyone interested in keeping the sport alive would welcome the changes.
I may not know the whole story, and at this point it doesn't matter. What is evident to me is a glaring lack of concern for the athletes.
I am curious why seven states are opposed to Sen. Mitch McConnell's trying to fix the original bill that would make the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act no longer unconstitutional.
Especially after I read the letter from the various state attorneys generals, it appears that these states' concern has more to do with money (wrapped up in stating constitutional rights for the states and people) than for the integrity of the sport and the well-being of the athlete (the horse).
I see no concern expressed about the true athlete that has no voice: the amazing American Thoroughbred.
I cannot continue to watch or attend the races with a clear conscience unless safeguards in HISA are effectively implemented. The industry needs to realize it is not going to get a younger generation interested. The younger generation is keenly aware of any animal abuse and will not support this sport.
Carol Selvaggio BSN RN
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