NEWS RELEASE

 November 16, 2018

Contact: Hallie Roach Lewis (859) 759-4081

 

RMTC TO HOLD SECOND HALTER AUCTION FOR TACTICAL RESEARCH GRANT FUNDING

Beginning November 23 and ending November 30, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC), an industry 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will auction off halters of famous broodmares, racing and stallion stars on its eBay page: www.ebay.com/usr/rmtchalterauction

All proceeds from the auction will go toward the RMTC’s grant program to fund critical tactical research into the detection and identification of illicit substances.

In addition to a halter auction held in 2017, the RMTC has pursued contributions from other industry groups and individuals to match funds provided by the RMTC. So far, The Jockey Club, Jockeys’ Guild and American Quarter Horse Association have made donations toward studies funded through this program.

The RMTC’s Scientific Advisory Committee has received several research proposals and plans to review several more before a decision is made on which studies will ultimately be funded for 2019-2020. Areas of special interest include bisphosphonates in horses in racing and race training, performance-enhancing or performance-modifying substances, and emerging substances with potential health, welfare and/or integrity hazards.

“We are excited to get this grant program underway,” said RMTC Executive Director Dr. Dionne Benson. “This initiative will enable the industry to make significant advances in targeting emerging threats and developing new techniques to test for them – both of which are essential to effectively regulating our sport. The studies funded through these grants will be critical to protecting the integrity of horse racing and the welfare of our athletes.”

Racehorse halters offered in the auction include: Abel Tasman, Accelerate, Game Winner, Monomoy Girl, Wonder Gadot and Yoshida.

Halters of other racing standouts include: Havre de Grace, Lady Eli, Rachel Alexandra, Serena’s Song, Silverbulletday and Songbird.

Active and retired stallion halters offered include: American Pharoah, Animal Kingdom, A.P. Indy, California Chrome, Ghostzapper, Gio Ponti, Go For Gin, Grindstone, Gun Runner, Justify, Mastery, More Than Ready, Mucho Macho Man, One Famous Eagle (QH), Tapit and Wicked Strong.

A halter from broodmare Bubbler – dam of Arrogate – will also be included.

The RMTC would like to thank Adena Springs, Mr. Bob Baffert, Mr. Gary Barber, Bethlehem Stables, Mr. Mark Casse, Castleton Lyons, China Horse Club International, Claiborne Farm, Clearsky Farm, Coolmore America, Mr. Brad Cox, Darley, Denali Stud, M. Dubb, The Elkstone Group, The Four Sixes Ranch, Gainesway Farm, Heads of Plains Partners, Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms, Hronis Racing, Lane’s End, Monomoy Stables, Mr. Bill Mott, Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services, Mr. John Sadler, SF Racing, Spendthrift Farm, Starlight Racing, Stonestreet Farm, Taylor Made Farm, The Kentucky Horse Park Hall of Champions, Three Chimneys Farm, Timber Town Stables, Mr. and Mrs. Gary West, Whisper Hill Farm and WinStar Farm for their generous donations.

The RMTC consists of 23 racing industry stakeholders and organizations that represent Thoroughbred, Standardbred, American Quarter Horse and Arabian racing. The organization works to develop and promote uniform rules, policies and testing standards at the national level; coordinate research and educational programs that seek to ensure the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses and participants; and protect the interests of the racing public.

For additional information, visit the RMTC website at rmtcnet.com or contact Hallie Roach Lewis, RMTC communications and development consultant, at (859) 759-4081.

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