The following is a
statement from NYRA President and Chief Operating Officer Ellen McClain regarding the final report by the New
York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety issued on Friday, September 28:
“We thank Dr. Scott E. Palmer, Dr. Mary Scollay, Jerry Bailey,
and Alan Foreman for their extensive work on the Racehorse Health and Safety
Report. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is committed to safety and
integrity in racing. Notwithstanding the recent Aqueduct inner track meet,
NYRA’s safety record has been among the best in the industry, and as the
report indicates, our track maintenance is state of the art. We further thank
the task force and Governor Cuomo for the commitment to continue to work with
NYRA as we implement all of the recommendations.
“We understand that among the recommendations in the report are
reform of the veterinary structure, stronger drug prohibitions, and new
claiming and purse rules. While we recognize that some of these protocols are
strictly in the purview of the NYSRWB, we look forward to working with the
State to create an even safer environment for our horses and jockeys, and
strengthen the New York racing industry so that it can continue to provide
thousands of jobs and economic support for New York, the leading racing jurisdiction
in the nation.”