Jockey Club poised to release equine welfare recommendations

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

- The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Safety Committee, formed in May to seek ways to improve the health and safety of racehorses, will announce its latest recommendations Aug. 17 at the club's annual Round Table at Gideon Putnam Resort.

The standing committee, created after the death of Eight Belles at this year's Kentucky Derby, previously called for the elimination of anabolic steroids in racing and training, a ban on toe grabs and a series of whip-related reforms, all of which were endorsed by organizations throughout the industry.

The two-hour Round Table will focus almost entirely on equine health and safety, medication and Thoroughbred breeding, along with an update on the committee's activities since its initial recommendations.

Ten speakers representing several equine organizations will address the group, among them Stuart Janney III, chairman of the Thoroughbred Safety Committee; Dr. Rick Arthur, equine medical director of the California Horse Racing Board that recently instituted stricter regulations of anabolic steroids; Dr. Larry Bramlage, committee member and co-owner of Lexington's Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital; and Dr. Mary Scollay, Kentucky equine medical director.

A transcript of the conference will be on the Jockey Club's Web site, a few days after the event.