W.Va. Requires Tracks to Join Safety Alliance

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Safety and Integrity Alliance welcomed a move from the West Virginia Racing Commission Sept. 20 when the regulator required its tracks to join the industry safety organization.

The WVRC approved a rule at its regular meeting Tuesday requiring its two Thoroughbred tracks, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, to complete the application process to join the alliance within the next 45 days.

WVRC commissioner Bill Phillips, who supported the rule, said it will bring positive change to the state's tracks.

"I think it's significant for us; all of us ought to be concerned about safety and integrity in this sport," Phillips said. "It puts experts and some fresh eyes looking at issues; maybe at how our people are doing their jobs and how we can better work with each other. There are all kinds of benefits that can come from this."

The rule authorizes the use of capital improvement funds to pay for the accreditation process as well as re-accreditation. If a track determines facility changes are needed during the accreditation process, it can submit a request for approval of capital improvement funds to pay for the needed change.

NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance executive director Steve Koch applauded the WVRC's move.

"Alliance accreditation is an important and tangible way of demonstrating to the public that horse racing is being conducted at a level consistent with national safety and integrity standards," Koch said. "We applaud the West Virginia Racing Commission for taking this important step and we look forward to working with regulators, racetracks, and horsemen on this critical initiative." 

Accreditation standards cover six broad areas: injury reporting and prevention; creating a safer racing and training environment; uniform medication, testing, and penalties; safety and health of jockeys; aftercare transition of retired racehorses; and wagering security.