Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, praised the actions by Churchill Downs as an "unprecedented level of commitment."

Some of the changes were already included for the Derby and other graded stakes races but are now, for the first time, also being implemented at lesser events.

The new "supertesting" procedure falls into that category. While the Derby already had it in place a year ago, now winning horses at every Churchill race will be tested for more than 100 illegal performance-enhancing drugs -- about double what previous tests would have detected.

Andy Schweigardt, director of industry relations and development for the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, said the requirement is exactly what the organization has been pushing all tracks to adopt. Many tracks have been reluctant, based on costs sometimes topping $250 for a single test, but Schweigardt said he is hopeful Churchill's lead will provide an example for the industry.

New safety changes will include

A ban on unsafe horseshoes, including a limit on the length of front "toe grabs" that critics say act as a cleat and can cause injuries.

Mandatory use of safety vests and helmets by jockeys, exercise riders and other on-track personnel.

Extra foam padding on the starting gates, and an emergency guard rail.

Limits on whipping procedures, and a ban on high-impact riding crops.

10-horse field limits for some races, although no immediate plans to change the maximum 20 starters for the Derby.

A ban on racing for any horse younger than 24 months old.

Comments

(Requires free registration.)

0 comment(s) found!