Miscellaneous

Steroids in the Spotlight

The Institute on Racing and Gaming Law held their eighth meeting at the Gideon Putnum Hotel this week to discuss the use of anabolic steroids and medications, and the role that the New York Racing Association will play in the horse racing industry in the future. With growing pressure from the public and other figures, steroids have been catapulted into the spotlight and have been the cause of heated debates. Some states and racing events, such as the upcoming Breeders’ Cup World Championships to be held on 24 and 25 October 2008, have taken a non-negotiable view and have banned steroid use.

Harness Racing Museum Boost for Education

The Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, located in Goshen, has been keeping the sport and its past heroes alive in the minds of the present generation. Following the history of harness racing and exhibiting some of its most memorable moments, the Harness Racing Museum is not only a popular attraction in Goshen, but it serves as an educator on horses, the racing industry and the importance of providing proper care to racehorses and horses in general. Through the educational programs run by the Harness Racing Museum, many lives have been touched and attention has been brought to the Standardbred horse. For these reasons, the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund, has donated $35 000 to the museum to be used in their programs.

The Woodlands Closure

In 1989, The Woodlands opened its doors for Thoroughbred horse racing, Quarter horse racing and greyhound racing events. By 1990 the establishment was bringing in $197 million in betting and wagering handle. Trouble started looming for The Woodlands in 1994, as riverboat casinos started luring punters, causing the wagering handle of the track to decline. The track is experiencing such as low at the moment that they have decided to close down The Woodlands, effective 24 August 2008.

Injury Database Launched

In 1894, the Jockey Club was founded with their main objectives and goals being to improve the Thoroughbred horse racing industry by becoming the registry for the breed, finding solutions to better breeding practices and to ensure that all racing establishments follow a set of rules and regulations to provide racehorses with improved health care and safer racing environments. By using the information gathered and discussed by the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, the Jockey Club has taken serious action in regard to racing related injuries and has just unveiled the Equine Injury Database System.

Future of Toe Grabs Cut Short

The main function of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit is to investigate pressing issues within the horse racing industry and to do the necessary research to provide solutions and guidelines that will alleviate problems and ensure the safety of racehorses. At their most recent meeting, the subject of banning steroids was not concluded, but decisions and recommendations in regard to toe grabs have been made.

Research into Fracture Prevention Advances

Horses are not much different to human athletes when it comes to exertion on their bodies and continuous strain on their bone structures. This makes the legs of horses the most vulnerable part of their bodies. Often fractures seem to appear from nowhere, causing horses an excessive amount of pain and discomfort, which leads to rest and layoffs from training and exercise routines. But a group of researchers are hoping that their hard work and dedication to the prevention of fractures will not only assist horses and the horse racing industry, but athletes, military personnel and other animals that run the same risks.

New Logo for a New Start

The closing of the Great Lakes Downs Racecourse last year sent shock waves throughout Michigan and was seen as a horrific loss by horse racing enthusiasts. Fortunately Jerry Campbell and his wife, owners of Post-It Stables, put forward the proposal of the Pinnacle Racecourse Project, to replace the old racecourse. The proposal was accepted and the track is now almost ready to host its first racing season. As the only horse racing facility in Michigan for thoroughbred racing, it carries a big responsibility and so far everything is looking great.

< 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 >