RMTC

by Press Release

The New York Racing Association today announced that it would discontinue the temporary rule mandating 15 days between starts for horses competing at Aqueduct Racetrack, effective with the entries of March 5.

“Aqueduct operates under some unique circumstances, and equine welfare will always be the top of our concerns,” said Martin Panza, Senior Vice-President of Racing Operations for the New York Racing Association. “This rule served a purpose through a difficult period of time. We appreciate the understanding and support of our horsemen.”

Three other steps taken in January to further enhance Aqueduct’s already stringent safety protocols will remain in effect:

1) Horses will continue to be placed on a “poor performance list” after losing a race at Aqueduct by a margin of 25 lengths or greater. Once on the poor performance list, said horse must complete a half-mile workout in 53 seconds or less to be permitted to enter in a future race. This list is available to the public on NYRA.com.

2) Stringent workout requirements will continue mandating a minimum number of official, recorded workouts, as well as minimum distances.

3) The bottom level for maiden claimers will continue to be $16,000, raised from the previous bottom level of $12,500.

“New York horsemen recognize that aggressive measures were warranted at the time these steps were taken, and also that as the season progressed, the rules would be adjusted accordingly,” said Rick Violette, Jr., President of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “We will continue to work to ensure the scrutiny of all horses competing at Aqueduct will remain at the highest level.”