Today, Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) announced the support of Frank Stronach for the Horseracing Integrity Act. Congressman Barr plans to reintroduce the legislation, to create uniform medication standards across the 38 different racing jurisdictions in the United States.
“Today, horseracing in America took a great step forward,” said Congressman Barr. “Frank Stronach, Founder and Honorary Chairman of North America's largest Thoroughbred racing company, The Stronach Group, announced his unqualified support for the Horseracing Integrity Act. This bipartisan legislation, which I sponsored with Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), will finally bring uniformity and independence to horseracing’s anti-doping program and no race day medication.”
“There are few people more committed to the future of horseracing in North America than Frank Stronach, a multiple Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Breeder and Outstanding Owner. To have someone of his stature endorse this legislation puts the Horseracing Integrity Act on a clear path toward success.”
The Horseracing Integrity Act would create an independent anti-doping program to ensure that all racing states are playing by the same anti-doping rules, and that all racing jurisdictions are in step with international standards. Regulation of horse racing in the United States is highly fragmented among the 38 racing states, which has led to a wide disparity in the effectiveness of medication testing and enforcement.
The bill designates US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), a non-profit, private and independent organization, to run a nationwide program to protect the integrity of American horseracing. Stronach emphasized that under the legislation, USADA should work together with state regulators and members of the horse racing industry to achieve the highest integrity at a reasonable cost. We would work together to form an independent anti-doping authority with exclusive jurisdiction over the sport, creating uniform lists of permitted and prohibited substances and methods, a program for in- and out-of-competition testing programs, and the establishment of uniform sanctions for violations. Importantly, the bill requires no federal funding.
The Stronach Group is one of the world's leading horse racetrack operators and suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering technology and owns racetracks including Santa Anita Park, "The Great Race Place", Pimlico Race Course, home of the legendary Preakness, and the spectacular Gulfstream Park, one of Florida's newest entertainment destinations. The Stronach Group is a leading producer and distributor of televised horse racing programming and one of the world’s leading thoroughbred race horse breeders, having produced numerous Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup champions.