By: Blood-Horse Staff

The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) will hold the second in a series of “Town Hall” meetings Monday, Feb. 22 at Gulfstream Park.

The meeting’s purpose is to gather input and hold a frank conversation with racing industry stakeholders, participants, and fans in an attempt to find common ground and workable solutions to the problems the industry faces.

Individual regulatory agencies have relied upon this approach to create policies in their jurisdictions.   The RCI effort is the first time this approach will be done on a national basis in regions across the country. Throughout the year, input is being sought from racetracks, breeders, horsemen, stakeholder entities, legislators, and fans.

Those unable to participate in person will be able to provide input through an online survey currently being developed.

Those interested in attending the Feb. 22 meeting at Gulfstream are requested to register. There is no charge to do so.

The first meeting took place Jan. 21 at Santa Anita Park. RCI President Ed Martin indicated that the discussion was “very productive” and was a working session that explored options to strengthen integrity efforts. Participating in that meeting included representatives and members of the California Association of Racing Fans, the California Horse Racing Board, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the Stronach Group, the Thoroughbred Owners of California, and the Thoroughbred Trainers of California, and others.

Results of the RCI effort to gather input will be presented to a meeting of national racing industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholder groups at the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry Program Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming in December in Tucson, AZ.