Horse Racing Safety Act gains federal support

FILE – John Velazquez atop Medina Spirit competes during the 146th Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course, Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Baltimore. Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit collapsed and died after a workout Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Santa Anita. The 3-year-old colt trained by Bob Baffert had just completed five furlongs in his second workout since finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic a month ago at Del Mar, according to Craig Robertson, Baffert’s attorney. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

by: Jana Garrett

Posted: Apr 1, 2022 / 03:04 PM CDT

Updated: Apr 1, 2022 / 03:05 PM CDT

NATIONAL (WEHT) – A Texas federal court ruled in favor of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act.

Marty Irby, executive director at Animal Wellness Action, said, “It’s time for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to swiftly implement the new law as intended and secure a contract with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to oversee all testing and enforcement so the eradication of doping can begin. We congratulate the Authority on this tremendous victory leading up to the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby.”

Irby said he met with the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Commerce and Consumer Protection and issued a statement on the issue, citing concerns about equine health and drug abuse involving horses, just to name a few areas of concern.