Organization of Racing Investigators - Annual Meeting 2017

Organization of Racing InvestigatorsFebruary 27, 2017

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“The health and safety of our human and equine athletes and the integrity of our sport are horseracing’s top priorities”

• Industry self-regulation through bi-annual Accreditation

• Not unlike Joint Commissioner’s International (health care industry)

Establish and implement uniform safety and integrity standards

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Code of StandardsUpdated Annually:

Industry submissions (RCI Model Rules) Observed Best Practices

Advisory Board:

Today’s ‘Best Practices’ are tomorrow’s standards.

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Code of Standards1. Injury reporting and prevention2. Safer racing and training environment3. Uniform medication and testing4. Jockey health and welfare5. Retired racehorse aftercare6. Wagering security

www.NTRAalliance.com

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Full AccreditationSubstantially meets or exceeds all standards set forth in the Code.

Provisional AccreditationMeets most standards set forth in the Code with set period of time to resolve deficiencies.

Proven, effective tool to advocate regulatory change and/or adoption of “house” rules.

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Accreditation Report

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Safety & Integrity Alliance – Who?

Racetrack management typically assembles application with assistance of numerous local stakeholders.

Full Accreditation can only be achieved when everyone is pulling together:– Racetrack management– Horsemen, owners– Jockey colony– Veterinarians– Regulatory Authority, Racing Commission

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75% of North American wagering, 90% of Graded Stakes

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75% of North American wagering, 90% of Graded Stakes100% ?

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Accreditation – Why?

• Build trust, show commitment• Communication• Continuous improvement• Third-party verification• Defense • Conspicuous by absence

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Accreditation – Why?• Build trust with stakeholders, demonstrate commitment

– Government– Owners– Horsemen– Jockeys– Animal Welfare Advocates– Customers

• You practice safety and integrity, but:– how do you measure it, and – how do you package that message for

the customer?

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Accreditation – Why?

• Continuous Operations Improvement– introspection of application process– Widely traveled, experienced S&I team distributes Best Practices– Connect with experts and advocacy resources

• Third-Party Verification

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Keeping good company, or

CONSPICUOUS BY ABSENCE?

Accreditation – Why?

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Accreditation – Why?

“None of the Penn National Gaming tracks…have sought accreditation from the NTRA Safety Alliance.”

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• Advocacy

• Local accountability

• Achieve the Code of Standards

• Spread the message

www.NTRAalliance.com

The Alliance Needs Your Help…

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Test Barn Chain of Custody and Procedures: Considerations and Recommendations

A Best Practices document by the RMTC and the

NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance

www.RMTCnet.com

www.NTRAalliance.com

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Test Barn Chain of Custody and Procedures: Considerations and Recommendations

• Tool for regulators when reviewing test barn policies and practices

• Guide for racetracks to ensure thoughtful test barn set-up and maintenance

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Test Barn Chain of Custody and Procedures: Considerations and Recommendations

1. Horses Sampled2. Sample Selection3. General Test Barn Procedures4. Sample Collection5. Sample Processing6. Sample Management7. Special Testing8. Facility9. Personnel

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Riding Crop – Design Specifications

Enforce rules regarding crop specifications.

Common WMD violations:• lack correct padding within the poppers • poppers manufactured from hardened materials• embroidery or added stitching on popper• Broken or disrepair

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Buckle Up!

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In Today

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Racetrack Emergency Warning System

• Strobe light at each 1/16th pole

• Siren

• Wireless remote control – Outrider can trigger from saddle– Stewards, Clockers

• Solar powered – No wiring, easy and cheap to install

• Prevent future incidents such as – Head-on collision (Charles Town, Dec. 2014)– Starting gate not removed– Rider down in front-stretch

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Jockey Scales – Audit and Calibration

Annual Certification

Audit Data:• date • race #• horse #• weight-out• weight-in

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December 22, 2015

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• Advocacy• Best Practices Review• Connect with experts and resources

www.NTRAalliance.com

The Alliance Can Assist…

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www.NTRAalliance.comwww.slideshare.net/StephenKoch2