Water Hay Oats Alliance

Barry K. Schwartz is an American businessman and Thoroughbred racehorse owner and breeder. He and his wife Sheryl share a love of the horse and thoroughbred racing. In 1968 Schwartz partnered with his childhood friend and fashion designer Calvin Klein to establish the clothing brand, Calvin Klein Inc. He became the Chairman and CEO of […]

Amanda Elliott hails from a family with a long history in thoroughbred racing, breeding and administration in Australia. She is a passionate racehorse owner and breeder, actively involved in the sport, both in Australia and Europe. On February, 24 2017, Mrs Elliott was elected the first female Chairman of the Victoria Racing Club in its […]

Delegates who attended the 52nd International Conference of Horseracing Authorities in Paris, France, Oct. 8 heard presentations relating to the health, welfare, and safety of jockeys, the harmonization of rules, and the stimulation of betting handle. In the days leading up to the conference, several of them took the opportunity to share their respective thoughts […]

On April 25, Travis Tygart, the CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), was invited by the Coalition of Horse Racing Integrity (CHRI) to Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky., to speak to a group of trainers interested in learning about USADA and its prospective involvement with anti-doping efforts in Thoroughbred racing. During the meeting, […]

Charlsie Cantey has been actively involved in several aspects of Thoroughbred racing for more than 35 years and is best known as a racing personality for her on-air television commentary, including the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup. She has a valuable perspective on the sport by virtue of that wide-ranging experience, having seen our […]

Thoroughbred industry leader Tracy W. Farmer and his wife Carol have joined the Water Hay Oats Alliance. A member of The Jockey Club and former member and trustee of the Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors, Tracy Farmer has long been active in the reform movement as a regulator serving as vice chairman of the Kentucky […]

Dr. A. Gary Lavin, a legend in equine veterinary medicine and a respected leader in the horse industry, has joined the Water Hay Oats Alliance.  Lavin, the son of well-known racing secretary Allan Lavin, grew up in the sport. He worked for many years on the racetrack as an esteemed equine practitioner and surgeon. As […]

Southern California based Bruce Headley has trained for nearly sixty years during which time he has cultivated a well-earned reputation for being a “clean trainer”, largely shunning modern veterinary practices which emphasize a reliance on drugs to keep a horse sound and fit. Instead, his philosophy is a simple, natural one: when in doubt, give […]

As the WHOA membership roster continues to grow, it is particularly encouraging to see young trainers joining the initiative and getting involved in the conversation, as the future of our sport is ultimately in their hands.  California conditioner Dan Blacker is the latest to support the Water Hay Oats Alliance.    In a statement to […]

The Water Hay Oats Alliance has released a letter – signed by 64 current and retired trainers – endorsing the Horseracing Integrity Act (H.R. 2651) introduced in the U.S. Congress last year by Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY). The bill would establish a non-governmental, non-profit agency to oversee medication policy and enforcement […]