The US Thoroughbred Horse Racing Anti-Doping Act of 2015 will be introduced by Congressman Paul Tonko of New York and has the support of The Jockey Club, Breeders' Cup Ltd and the US Humane Society and other industry organisations.
The legislation will grant an independent entity authority over rule-making, testing and enforcement regarding drugs and medication. The entity will be created by the non-profit, non-governmental USADA.“The racing industry has taken significant steps toward medication reform in the past several years, and this legislation will build on that progress by providing a uniform, national solution that sets the highest standards of independence, fairness and integrity ensuring the future health of the sport and protecting thousands of jobs across the country,” Tonko said.
“There is much at stake, with the thoroughbred industry contributing $25 billion to the U.S. economy annually and nearly 400,000 jobs.“I plan to introduce this legislation in the coming weeks, and encourage all members of the House who care about horse racing’s future as well as the importance of clean competition, to join me as co-sponsors of this critically important legislation.”
USADA CEO Travis Tygart has commended the initiative.“The US Anti-Doping Agency applauds Congressman Paul Tonko for committing his time and energy to help create a uniform, independent, and meaningful anti-doping program for thoroughbred horse racing," said Tygart.
"Along with The Jockey Club, the Breeders' Cup, the Humane Society and others in the industry, USADA supports this piece of legislation.“It is our hope that the model of independence and enforcement of robust anti-doping programs envisioned through this legislation can be realized to finally protect the health of the athletes and the integrity of the competition.”
Tonko said the funds to establish and administer the anti-doping program would be entirely paid for by the industry, not by taxpayers.Tonko represents an area of upstate New York which includes Saratoga Springs and is the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Horse Caucus.
