Press Release:
The American Quarter Horse Association is committed to protecting the welfare of the American Quarter Horse. As part of this pursuit, AQHA is regularly teaming up with racetracks and racing commissions to deploy Racing Integrity Teams to racing events.
These teams are deployed to ensure integrity at racetracks. Their work might include assisting local racing commission and track staff; performing searches of barns, stalls or cars; sharing knowledge and intelligence with local enforcement teams; and other general security and deterrent actions.
Over a recent weekend, a team was deployed to Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, and provided additional security. Over 261 vehicles and 41 horse trailers were searched. The team had personal contact with 349 licensees and visitors.
The team members had hundreds of years of combined experience between them.
“Our efforts are to partner with both the commissions and the tracks to help enforce all rules of racing,” said AQHA Chief Racing Officer Janet VanBebber. “This can include monitoring proper licensing, checking for the presence of prohibited substances, searches for illegal equipment, and even keeping an eye out for possible human drug use. Assisting each jurisdiction in implementing its own Integrity Team will help serve as a valuable deterrent for improper and illegal activity at racetracks.”
The RITs are just one step in AQHA’s commitment to protecting the welfare of the American Quarter Horse and protecting the interest of the public.
