Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), the co-chairmen of the Congressional Horse Caucus, have introduced the bipartisan Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015.
Under existing law, the American thoroughbred horseracing industry labors under a diverse patchwork of conflicting and inconsistent rules governing medication policies and practices across 38 different racing jurisdictions. This lack of uniformity in the rules of horseracing has impaired interstate commerce and undermined public confidence in the sport.
By establishing an independent, nongovernmental anti-doping authority charged with the responsibility of implementing a national uniform medication program with input from the thoroughbred industry, the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act will encourage fair competition and a level playing field across state lines, assure full and fair disclosure of information to purchasers of breeding stock and to the wagering public and provide for the safety and welfare of horses and jockeys.
“For well over a century, thoroughbred breeding and horseracing have provided good paying jobs, opportunity and entertainment to the people of our Commonwealth,” Barr said. “To build upon this proud heritage and to ensure an even more prosperous future for this signature industry, we must tear down the silos that divide the industry and replace the existing state-by-state system of conflicting and inconsistent rules with a national uniform medication program that facilitates interstate commerce, promotes safety, and enhances public confidence in the integrity of the sport.
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