Lexington, KY, November 15, 2023: Statement from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) President and CEO Tom Rooney:
“Issues raised in recent media accounts are a reminder of why the public needs to know about the significant progress the sport of Thoroughbred racing has made in equine safety over the last few years. On behalf of NTRA members, which include horsemen’s groups, racetracks, and a broad representation of every aspect of our sport, we are firmly committed to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). HISA is a Congressionally mandated step forward and its leaders are collaboratively working within the sport to make substantial, positive changes uniformly across the country. In addition, HISA and other major national racing entities continue to invest in promising technologies, data analysis, and other measures that can further enhance our sport’s safety protocols.”
“Any suggestion that our sport is not committed to reform and not supportive of HISA is a minority view. It is time for the whole of the Thoroughbred industry to come together to safeguard the integrity and growth of this beloved sport.”
The NTRA, based in Lexington, Ky. and Washington, D.C., is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 horse racing interests and thousands of individual stakeholders consisting of horseplayers, racetrack operators representing nearly 80% of the U.S. pari-mutuel wagering handle, more than 30,000 owners, breeders and trainers, and other affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity, welfare and integrity of Thoroughbred racing through consensus-based leadership, legislative advocacy, safety and integrity initiatives, fan engagement and corporate partner development.
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