KTA, KTOBA Join Integrity Coalition

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders have joined the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity, according to the organization that supports national oversight of uniform medication standards in Thoroughbred racing.

"The Thoroughbred horse breeding and racing industry is a major part of Kentucky's  economy and rich history, and we believe consistent medication administration and enforcement regulations are necessary to preserve this tradition," Chauncey Morris, executive director of KTA, said in a release from CHRI. "Our directors appreciate the fact that the coalition and its legislative partners have considered our input and will ensure that industry oversight is tough, fair, and accountable for implementing an effective and efficient anti-doping program, and they voted unanimously on June 17 to support the legislation. The Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity has produced the best solution yet for a path forward for this great American sport."

The coalition's membership also includes The Jockey Club, the Water Hay Oats Alliance, Breeders' Cup, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Humane Society Veterinary Medicine Association.

The coalition supports legislation that will direct the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to create an independent, Thoroughbred racing-specific, non-governmental and non-profit organization to work collaboratively with state racing commissions and their respective staff members throughout the country.

"We are immensely proud to welcome the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association into our ranks," said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. "The growth of the coalition points to the importance of our goal—modernizing horse racing's drug and medication regulations to provide certainty and safety for our participants and fans."

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders are a horseman's group and trade association representing the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry in Kentucky, which is responsible for 34% of the U.S. foal crop.