“We’re trying to rais e y o u a g o o d h ors e .”
August 30, 2020
The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader United States Senate 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Majority Leader McConnell,
I am writing to you to express my appreciation for your leadership in sponsoring the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA).
What is happening here today is one of the greatest things to ever happen to American racing in all of its history. Passage of this important piece of legislation will give our sport back its integrity and vitality. It will enable us to have a bright future.
The Federal way is the only way to abolish performance-enhancing drugs on race day and to create and maintain national uniformity of drug rules across all of the state boundaries.
My sincere thanks go to you, and to our leaders in the House, Representatives Andy Barr and Paul Tonko.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Arthur B. Hancock, III President of Stone Farm Water Hay Oats Alliance Co-Founder
Stone Farm LLC 200 Stoney Point Road. Paris. Kentucky. 40361 859.987.3737
INTERNATIONAL 9212 Perth Road Lake Worth, FL (859) 621-8186
August 30, 2020
The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader United States Senate 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Majority Leader McConnell,
I thank you for your support of legislation that will lead to the United States Anti- Doping Agency being appointed to oversee drugs in horse racing.
Your move to embrace action to allow our sport to be contested on a level playing field is the most decisive and important ever undertaken and for this I salute you.
This is especially meaningful to me, as I was the first member of the Thoroughbred racing community to call for a move to install the aid of USADA in an Op/Ed I wrote for The Blood-Horse trade magazine 16 years ago.
As a member of the Water Hay Oats Alliance, your decision to support a bill to bring a higher level of integrity and safe to horse racing is a very big thing to our group and one that will be makes us feel that we have not been working hard for the last 8 years to see legislation passed that will help our sport.
Sincerely yours,
Barry Irwin CEO Team Valor International (859) 873-1003 (o) (859) 621-8186 (c) [email protected]
Janet Elliot 21 Mt. Eden Road Kirkwood, PA 17536, USA Tele (717)529-6861 [email protected]
August 30, 2020
The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader United States Senate 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator McConnell,
It is high time that America joins with the rest of the racing world, and develops uniform international rules and standards.
It is absurd that each state in the country has its own set of rules.
In order to have top class racing we must work together to abolish all race day medication.
The elimination of performance enhancing drugs is imperative for the health and safety of our equine and human athletes, and the long-term health of the breeding industry.
I support the efforts made by WHOA and wish to see the progression of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.
Thank you,
Janet Elliot Hall of Fame Trainer WHOA Supporter
Statement from Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Chief Executive Officer, Joe Harper, in Support of Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell's Introduction of The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act:
“The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) applauds the introduction of federal legislation which will provide safety and welfare uniformity within the sport of horse racing. DMTC’s commitment to the safety and welfare of our human and equine athletes is unwavering. We are proud of the recent industry-leading medication reforms that have been implemented at Del Mar and at California’s other horse racing venues. We urge Congress to support similar medication regulation for horse racing throughout the county.
DMTC is a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition and is accredited by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance. DMTC looks forward to continuing our work with other industry stakeholders, legislators and regulators to ensure our sport is conducted at the highest levels of safety and integrity.”
C. R. MCGAUGHEY, ill P .O. BOX 192 OLD WESTBURY. NEW YORK 11568
516 437·7796
The Honorable Mitch McConnell. August 31, 2020 Majority Leader - · United States Senate 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, O.C. 20510 ·
Dear Majority Leader McConnell:
It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for me to write to you to express my appreciation for your leadership in sponsoring the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) to build onto the HIA by further enhancing the anti-doping program contained therein and adding comprehensive steps to create meaningful racetrack safety standards to protect the thoroughbred race horse.
1have had the good fortune during my career to have won the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes, nine Breeders Cup races, four Travers Stakes, an Eclipse Award as the outstanding trainer in North America and selection for Racing's Hall of Fame. The reforms and safeguards contained in HISA will do much to safeguard the integrity and future of our sport and I commend your hard work and vision to make that future a reality.
ReDjectfully, / /.h;/JI.~ Shug McGaughey
DAVID T. O’ROURKE
Chief Executive Officer and President
Tuesday, August 31, 2020
Today, Senator Mitch McConnell introduced The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act in Lexington, Kentucky. In response, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) issued the following statement of support from NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke.
“NYRA has long supported a national approach to medication control and anti-doping across the sport of horse racing. The safety and welfare of the athletes competing at NYRA tracks is our highest priority, which is why NYRA supports the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act and urges quick consideration by Congress.
“NYRA is committed to providing the safest possible environment for racing and training by adopting and implementing the best proven safety practices in consultation with independent experts, veterinarians, horsemen and regulators.
“Accredited by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance, NYRA is a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, a group of the nation’s leading racing organizations working collaboratively to advance safety measures across the sport.”
For additional information on NYRA’s industry leading commitment to safety, visit https://www.nyrainc.com/about/nyra-safety
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The New York Racing Association, Inc. I 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11417 I (718) 659-2328 I [email protected] I www.nyra.com
“The Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital partners and employees support the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act and applaud Senator Mitch McConnell’s decision to join in this important step forward in ensuring the integrity of racing and the safety of the horse. In addition to its emphasis on safety, fairness, and integrity this bill represents a step in the direction of nationwide uniformity and cooperation, which our industry greatly needs.”
Quote from Dan Metzger, president of TOBA, in support of HISA
“TOBA seeks to align itself with causes that benefit not only our members, but the racing industry as a whole. As we’ve said before, the top priority for our sport in 2020 is the enhancement of equine health and safety. Passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act is in the best interests of owners and breeders, would enhance equine health and safety, and would bring much-needed uniformity to our industry. It is also in line with TOBA’s mission to improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport.”
Statement from USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart On the Introduction of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act
The introduction of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act marks a historic moment for thoroughbred horse racing. This game-changing, bipartisan legislation will protect the health and safety of equine athletes and provide clean competitors a level playing field.
We thank Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, along with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Martha McSally, and Congressman Paul Tonko and Andy Barr, for their leadership and dedication to saving the sport of horse racing and protecting equine athletes across the country.
USADA is honored and humbled to carry out the anti-doping responsibilities detailed in the Act, implementing uniform rules through our independent model in service of clean competition. As with Olympic sport, one set of rules, enforced independently and uniformly, is the bedrock of any meaningful anti-doping program.
We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and working with key stakeholders in the industry to develop the protocols and tools needed to ensure healthy competition for horses and jockeys, and to assure the integrity and longevity of horse racing itself.
August 30, 2020
The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader United States Senate 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator McConnell,
On behalf of the Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA) and its more than 2,000 members, thank you for your leadership. The announcement and pending introduction of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) marks a turning point in equine welfare by creating an independent framework for oversight that will guarantee race track safety and the drug and medication reform so desperately needed in our sport.
WHOA has supported federal legislation to bring about drug and medication reform since the introduction of the Interstate Horseracing Integrity Act of 2011. After four versions of that bill, and as many Congresses, WHOA anticipates supporting The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act as a vehicle to bring WHOA’s mission statement to fruition. WHOA endorses legislation that will appoint the trusted, independent United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to create and manage a gold standard anti-doping program for United States horseracing.
Without federal legislation mandating that USADA enact “clean” drug rules, reliable testing, qualified labs and strict penalties for violators, the sport of American horse racing faces an uncertain future. With your leadership in the Senate and the continued efforts of Representatives Andy Barr and Paul Tonko in the House, WHOA’s members look forward to the day when our great sport can rebuild its reputation, protect our beloved horses and their jockeys, and reclaim racing’s place as one of America’s top spectator sports.
Thank you sincerely,
Staci W. Hancock Managing Member, Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA)
The Water Hay Oats Alliance LLC – www.waterhayoatsalliance.com
“The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association endorses the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, to be introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, adding independence and accountability to the original principles of uniformity in laboratory standards, testing and penalties. We are grateful for the spirit of compromise between Churchill Downs Incorporated and The Jockey Club, whose dedication brought us to this juncture, and are optimistic this same spirit between all racing stakeholders continues to answer calls for meaningful change on to ultimate passage. We look forward to learning more.”
The Honorable Mitch McConnell Majority Leader United States Senate 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator McConnell,
I am writing in support the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.
I have owned Millennium Farms in KY since 1999 and have been involved in the thoroughbred business for nearly 25 years. Over that period of time, I have also owned and operated a farm in Texas and have been an active participant in all aspects of the thoroughbred business including breeding and racing. These entities and associated activities have employed hundreds of people in Kentucky and other states.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety act is much needed and will support a critical economic driver in many states including Kentucky. Additionally, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority will ensure consistency in standards that promote safety of all participants including horses, jockeys, etc.
Thank you for your support.
Ro Parra 512-431-4077
September 8, 2020
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute supports the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020.
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute supports the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 put forth by Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative Andy Barr of Kentucky. Hagyard is one of the largest and oldest dedicated equine veterinary practices in North America. Hagyard veterinarians have provided uninterrupted service since 1876 for nearly 145 years managing the care and well-being of equine athletes. Hagyard supports independent oversight of uniform laboratory standards, testing, and accountability.
A uniform set of rules to govern horse racing’s therapeutic medications will help racing achieve the highest level of welfare for the horses and jockeys crucial to our industry. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute understands that any effort that can enhance the safety of horseracing requires the support of the veterinary community. We are encouraged by the spirit of compromise demonstrated and we appreciate the collaborative efforts put forth by multiple industry stakeholders.
Richard Manden acing Stables
187 LA ENER RAR Sarte Anna Rne tte4MS-737 Fe 25445-2 PASABENA, CA STIO5 M02-4382 Fa 25-732-3
The Honorable Mitch McConnell Senate Majority Leader United States Senate 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell,
My name is Richard Mandella. I am very proud to be a member of the Racing's Hall of Fame. I would fike to express how much I appreciate your introducing the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, and your interest and support of our great sport. Hopefully this will gain back trust with the public. Saying that, I would recommend having at least one of our best testing chemists and a highly respected veterinarian on the advisory committee.
Sincerely,
NYTHA BOARD RESPONSE TO THE HORSE RACING INTEGRITY AND SAFETY ACT (HISA)
For eight years, there have been various attempts to enact federal legislation aimed at standardizing equine medication policy across the country. Typically, horsemen’s groups have opposed those efforts. On Friday, the Board of Directors of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) voted unanimously to support the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) that was recently introduced by Senator McConnell. Simultaneously adopted by the House of Representatives, the new HISA features significant changes that vastly improves upon previous proposals. As a result of these improvements, the HISA now deserves our support.
Horse Racing is at a crossroads. The 2019 breakdown crisis and this year’s shocking indictments of veterinarians and trainers have exposed the industry’s uneven commitment to both equine safety and competitive integrity. What’s been obvious for years, to owners, trainers, bettors and fans – is that our industry’s institutions need structural change.
Passing legislation is a mere first step and meaningful change will only come about with a) a truly diverse Authority Board and nominating committee, and b) a well-funded and independent Authority staff. NYTHA will advocate strongly for these priorities. Over the next few months, we look forward to working with Senators McConnell and Gillibrand as well as Representatives Tonko and Barr to produce a final piece of legislation ensuring an improved environment for equine welfare.