West Virginia to Require Safety Alliance Accreditation

The state’s two Thoroughbred tracks must submit applications for Safety and Integrity Alliance accreditation by Nov. 4.
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The West Virginia Racing Commission approved a rule on Sept. 20 requiring that the state’s two Thoroughbred racetracks—Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort and Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races—seek accreditation from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Safety and Integrity Alliance. The new rule calls for tracks to submit their initial applications for accreditation within 45 days, by Nov. 4.

“Alliance accreditation is an important and tangible way of demonstrating to the public that horse racing is being conducted at a level consistent with national safety and integrity standards,” said Steve Koch, executive director of the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. “We applaud the West Virginia Racing Commission for taking this important step and we look forward to working with regulators, racetracks and horsemen on this critical initiative.”

Alliance certification standards address an extensive list of safety and integrity concerns within six broad areas: injury reporting and prevention; creating a safer racing environment; uniform medication and testing; jockey health and welfare; aftercare and transition of retired racehorses; and wagering security.

The accreditation process includes completion of an extensive written application, followed by an on-site review including inspections of all facets of the racing operations. Interviews are conducted with track executives, racetrack personnel, jockeys, owners, trainers, veterinarians, stewards and regulators

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