NYRA officials met with representatives of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association Saturday to discuss ways to potentially improve safety after two more fatal breakdowns occurred over Aqueduct's inner track Friday, bringing the total number of horse fatalities to 12 since racing began over that surface in early December.
The two-hour meeting included the NYRA management team of Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Martin Panza, Vice President of Facilities and Racing Surfaces Glen Kozak, Chief Examing Veterinarian Dr. Anthony Verderosa, Safety Steward Hugh Gallagher and Steward Braulio Baeza Jr; and NYTHA President Rick Violette Jr. as well as Board members Joe Appelbaum, Pat Kelly, Linda Rice, Rick Schosberg and Steve Zorn. Trainers in attendance included Bruce Brown, David Jacobson, Steve Klesaris and Rudy Rodriguez. New York's Equine Medical Director Dr. Scott Palmer participated by telephone.
“We had a good meeting [Saturday],” Violette said. “As a result of these discussions and in a proactive fashion, we will ask jockeys and trainers to be more vigilant in reporting any issues or sensitivities which they experience, or see arise. Additionally, stewards will be asked to continue closely monitoring track activities, and we will continue to confer with outside experts to review data, and ensure continued safety for our riders and horses.”
Violette added, “It was a very candid, no-holds barred meeting. We all understand that there is no easy answer out there, but everything is being reviewed. A number of trainers based at Aqueduct were present at the meeting, including myself, and we do not believe that the racetrack is the issue. That being said, the track will still be thoroughly re-examined.”
Dr. Michael Peterson, Executive Director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory and the Libra Foundation Professor for the College of Engineering at the University of Maine, provided an independent review of Aqueduct's inner track prior to the current meeting. He returned Jan. 5 and 6 to further evaluate the surface. With racing canceled due to the continued cold weather in the New York area Saturday, NYRA officials further examined the condition of the racetrack. No issues of concern were identified.
“New York has set the bar for the standard of care of racetrack surfaces. What stands out in New York is the record-keeping and the ability to compare measurements from year to year,” Dr. Peterson said. “Dr. Scott Palmer and I sat down and compared everything from last year to this year and asked, 'Has anything changed for the track?' With all the extensive measurements–not unlike that of an aircraft checklist– there is nothing that stands out [in terms of] material, maintenance or weather that would affect the consistency and safety of the surface. This approach reduces the likelihood you will make mistakes and also allows you to go back and make comparisons. We owe it to the fans, the riders, and horsemen to ensure this safety and accountability.”
Violette added, “We will also reach out to a new consultant, who has yet to be named, to use a fresh pair of eyes to see if there is anything that's being missed. NYRA has fully embraced all measures planned to address this situation.”
Another meeting between NYRA and NYTHA is scheduled in two weeks or sooner if necessary.
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