horse racing regulation

It seems to be an annual query for the Thoroughbred racing industry as the current year wanes — what is the top priority for next year? In a recent poll at the Paulick Report, readers gave a fairly definitive answer: Integrity. The question is, what exactly does that mean? In this edition of The Friday […]

At Thoroughbred Racing Commentary, the former executive director of the Indiana Racing Commission, Joe Gorajec, lays out the “the good, the bad and the ugly” of horse racing regulation from the past year. Among the positive developments, according to Gorajec, are changes in IRS withholding rules that deserve a “standing ovation” from horseplayers around the […]

A plain brown package arrived at the doorstep of Dr. Mary Scollay, equine medical director for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. There was no return address label. No packing slip. According to what she had read online, the small vial inside containing a dark red liquid was “a proprietary formula that is an extremely potent […]

Imagine, for a minute, that the rules governing the National Football League were developed the same way as horse racing regulations. During an annual meeting, personnel from the NFL league office would discuss and approve “model rules” for the game, then team owners around the league would be encouraged – but not required – to adopt them. […]

When Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill into law last month creating a new racing commission to regulate both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, the existing commission was immediately dissolved. Wolf, other political leaders and horsemen’s organizations have 60 days from the Feb. 23 signing ceremony to fill the commission’s nine seats. After that is […]

The largest direct threat to horse racing is the recent rapid growth of sports betting, with easy-access legal “skill games” like Fan Duel and Draft Kings ceaselessly promoted during American football’s primetime television, and illegal sports betting growing at an even more alarming rate.  Overseas, officials are estimating that “Asia Pacific Operators alone are responsible for […]

The Minnesota Racing Commission is currently accepting applications for the position of staff attorney. This position will provide day-to-day legal advice and counsel to MRC commissioners, executive leadership and staff. The staff attorney will have a primary role in developing and drafting rules, orders, proposed legislation and other official agency documents, and providing industry specialized […]

The announcement last month that the Jockey Club and Breeders’ Cup would join forces with the Humane Society of the United States to back a federal anti-doping bill was a surprise to some in the Thoroughbred world. With the alphabet soup of animal rights and welfare organizations, it can be difficult to distinguish one group from […]

A New York budget bill awaiting approval by state lawmakers calls for the creation of a seven-member commission to oversee all betting operations, including horse racing. The Albany Times-Union says the New York Gaming Commission would be comprised of accountants, law enforcement and other professionals, who would regulate the lottery, casinos and pari-mutuel wagering. The […]

The British Horseracing Authority issued another set of revised guidelines Monday in the ongoing saga over whip use in Britain.  The crux of the changes – stewards will now be able to use discretion with jockeys who violate the rules rather than automatically suspending them.  The Racing Post says stewards may consider factors such as […]