Enhanced Security Protocols for JCGC

Officials at the New York State Gaming Commission and the New York Racing Association have announced enhanced security protocols for the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Sept. 27. All participants will be subject to out-of-competition testing and must be on the Belmont grounds no later than Sept. 24. Trainers are required to produce veterinary records for the three days leading up to the race and horses will be monitored at all times during the 72 hours prior to race time. 

Among the other measures taken: 

• Entry-exit logs will be maintained by additional security from NYRA and the Commission. All persons – including veterinarians, trainers, assistant trainers, farriers, owners or other connections – on entering the stall, or engaging in contact with the horse or performing any service for the horse, must have a valid Commission license on their person. Such persons will be logged in by security personnel with the reason for their visit. Routine stall and horse maintenance by identified grooms and staff will be monitored but will be exempt from logging. 

• Lasix administration will take place in the horses’ own stalls by a NYRA veterinarian. Syringes will be preserved by the Commission for possible testing. 

• On the day of the Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational, no treatment will be permitted (beyond Lasix for specifically designated horses) unless it is for an emergency or as approved by the Stewards. 

• On race day, horses participating in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational will be required to be in the Assembly barn between 45 minutes to 1 hour before post time for TC02 sampling. They will then be escorted with security to the paddock. 

“These measures underscore New York’s ongoing commitment to the safety and welfare of the race horse,” said New York Equine Medical Director Dr. Scott E. Palmer. “We will continue to advocate for these animals and implement measures and best practices that create a safe environment for equine athletes.” 

Speaking on behalf of NYRA, its CEO and President Christopher Kay said, “The New York Racing Association takes the health and safety of our equine athletes and their jockeys very seriously. In concert with the State of New York and over the course of the past two years, we have collectively implemented nationally-recognized reforms which are further preserving the integrity of our racing operations. The sensible steps announced today continue this important progress.”

The effort also has the full support of The Jockey Club and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. 
“The New York State Gaming Commission and the New York Racing Association, Inc. continue to set a high standard in the area of security protocols,” said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “We commend both organizations for their commitment and we strongly encourage other jurisdictions and racetrack operators to implement similar integrity safeguards.” 

Added NYTHA President Rick Violette Jr., “New York’s horsemen continue to offer their support and cooperation with the enhanced security measures to ensure a level playing field at the NYRA tracks and to boost the public’s confidence in the integrity of racing in New York.”