NYTHA Calls Meeting Over Equine Fatalities
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The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association will meet Jan. 10 with management of the New York Racing Association to discuss an increase in equine fatalities at Aqueduct Racetrack that has occurred during the current winter meet.
NYTHA president Rick Violette Jr. issued a statement Jan. 9 in which he called for a thorough re-examination of every procedure and protocol in place at the New York oval. Since the meet opened Dec. 3, there have been 11 equine fatalities during afternoon racing.
"The horsemen are obviously deeply concerned about the significant increase in equine fatalities at Aqueduct this winter," Violette said. "Tomorrow morning, a group of trainers, including myself and NYTHA board members Linda Rice and Rick Schosberg, will meet with a NYRA management team including senior vice president of racing operations Martin Panza, vice president of facilities and racing surfaces Glen Kozak, and chief examining veterinarian Dr. Anthony Verderosa.
"There may not be one right answer, but we will use every avenue possible and examine every angle to address this situation. Everything will be on the table, from finding an independent track surface expert to come in and examine the inner track to a thorough re-examination of every procedure and protocol in place before a horse leaves the starting gate."