Addressing the Pennsylvania State Equestrian Commission on July 26, Tom Chuckas, director of the Thoroughbred Horse Racing Commission, reported a reduction in horse deaths since the commission began its Safety and Welfare Plan. horses in March.
He described the sharp drop in the second quarter of this year, outlined in data distributed by the PSHRC earlier this month, which recorded 17 deaths between April 1 and June 30, compared with 30. people compared to the same period last year. Ten of those deaths occurred in Racing Parxfive times Penn Nationaland two times Presque Isle Downsunder a commission release.
As part of the plan, Chuckas said a third-party analysis of each track was completed and found no problems with the surfaces. In addition, he said, increased regulatory oversight has expanded veterinarians’ lists of horses ineligible for the race due to unwell or repeated poor performance, proving later. lost 5 races in a row with 12 or more lengths.
“This committee is concerned with the integrity, health and welfare of horses and safety, and has taken steps and will continue to take steps to address the issue,” Chuckas said. “But we can see improvement continuing to happen.”
Also during the committee meeting, the committee heard a summary of the Pennsylvania Jockey Association report from marketing director Ashley Eisenbeil to assist the state industry in attracting different audiences. Among the groups targeted are Hispanic customers, gamblers, families and young adults in their 20s.
