Oaklawn Announces Safety, Integrity Initiatives for '21

Working in partnership with the Arkansas Racing Commission and the Arkansas Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Oaklawn Park announced Oct. 29 a series of significant proposed safety and integrity enhancements planned for its 2021 racing season, subject to legislative approval. Key provisions include the prohibition of clenbuterol within 60 days of a race, a reduction in the maximum amount of Lasix without specific approval, and the mandatory use of more forgiving riding crops.

"We began working on these measures last spring," Oaklawn president Louis Cella said. "We hosted a series of roundtable meetings with horsemen, regulators, racing officials, and our own management team where we asked a simple question: 'What can we do to enhance the safety and integrity of our program?''"

Cella said the effort resulted in about a dozen proposed rule and policy changes. The rule changes are currently making their way through the regulatory approval process in Arkansas and are expected to be finalized in advance of the start of the racing season Jan. 22.

"We could not have accomplished all of this without the strong partnership we have with our racing commission and our horsemen," Cella said. "When it comes to integrity and safety, we are united."

Some of the proposed rule or policy changes include:

• The use of Clenbuterol or any other beta2-agonists (bronchodilators) will not be allowed within 60 days prior to a race at Oaklawn, confirmed for the first time through hair testing.
• The maximum dosage of Lasix that can be administered has been reduced by 50% without specific approval of the state veterinarian. Lasix is also prohibited in any 3-year-old stakes that awards points toward eligibility in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1). These are the Smarty Jones Stakes, Southwest Stakes (G3), Rebel Stakes (G2), and Arkansas Derby (G1) for horses pointing toward the Derby, and the Martha Washington Stakes, Honeybee Stakes (G3), and Fantasy Stakes (G3) for horses pointing toward the Kentucky Oaks.
• The use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy, radial pulse wave therapy, or similar treatments will not be allowed within 30 days of a race. Also, shock wave equipment will not be allowed on Oaklawn's grounds at any time.
• Trainer and veterinarian records must be made available upon request for review by the pre-race exam veterinarians.
• The only riding crops allowed during races will be the 360 Gentle Touch (also known as the 360 GT), Pro-Cush, or other similar riding crops approved by the stewards.
• Off-track training facilities in Arkansas will be asked to abide by rules similar to rules that apply on-track.
• Horses will be required to be on the grounds at least 72 hours before races unless approved for late arrival. To facilitate this, entries will be scheduled at least four days prior to a race.

"Our racing program has become one of the elite racing programs in America with a projected average daily purse distribution of $700,000 a day in 2021," Cella said. "In addition, we are close to completing a $100 million expansion project that will elevate the program even further. So the time for safety and integrity enhancements is now."

One of the people who worked closely with Oaklawn and horsemen in the development of these measures was Alex Lieblong, the chairman of the ARC.

A horse owner himself, Lieblong said, "I applaud Oaklawn for taking these forward-thinking steps that will help solidify Oaklawn's status as one of the premier racing destinations in the country. They have the full support of the racing commission."

Another key participant was Bill Walmsley, the president of the Arkansas HBPA.

"We began these meetings in early 2020 and continued working through the summer and into the fall," he said. "While we do not endorse every change, we do not object to any of these changes. Overall, it has been a true partnership effort, and it demonstrates why Oaklawn, the Arkansas HBPA, and the Arkansas Racing Commission enjoy what I believe is the strongest working relationship in the industry."

Oaklawn's 2021 season runs from Jan. 22 to May 1. Scheduled are 33 stakes worth $11 million, topped by four $1 million stakes races: the Rebel Stakes, Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn Handicap (G2), and Apple Blossom Handicap (G1).