Safety Runs First

Assessing the data amassed by the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority for the 2024 season, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Tom Rooney weighed in on the progress made in racing-related fatal injuries since HISA entered the picture. For the first time since the data has been tracked and recorded, the rate fell below 1.00 per 1000 starts for the 2024 calendar year. "HISA has been a clear game changer for Thoroughbred racing and its programs are working," said Tom Rooney, NTRA President and CEO. "It is important to not...

Horse racing has a PR problem. Tina Bond has a possible solution. "It's to create a new narrative and to help elevate the sport," said Bond, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), and the mastermind behind The Heart of Horse Racing, a new campaign--one undergoing something of a soft launch--to cultivate new followers to the game by sharing the stories of those already in it. In the campaign's own words, "our mission is to win over the hearts and minds of a new generation of fans while...

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has launched a national campaign, Safety Runs First, and a new corresponding website to promote the sport's commitment to safety, welfare and integrity. The campaign and website, safetyrunsfirst.com, are designed to be a continuing, long-term resource for the public as the racing industry furthers its investment in programs and resources to help reduce injury risk and enhance the safety of its athletes. The website highlights reforms being implemented in the sport and their results to date, including the impacts of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety...