Contact: Hallie Roach Lewis (859) 759-4081

THIRD ANNUAL RMTC HALTER AUCTION RAISED OVER $25K FOR TACTICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

Running December 2 through December 9, a Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) eBay auction of halters from history-making racehorses, stallions and broodmares raised more than $25,000.00.

All proceeds from the auction go to the RMTC’s Tactical Research Program, which funds studies focused on the identification and detection of illicit substances impacting racing integrity and safety.

In addition to funds from halter auctions in 2017 and 2018, the RMTC has received matching funds from private individuals and industry stakeholder organizations for specific research initiatives. The Jockey Club, Jockeys’ Guild, American Quarter Horse Association, Keeneland Association, Breeders’ Cup, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, New York Racing Association and The Stronach Group have made significant contributions to studies funded through this program. In addition, earmarked funds have been committed by Churchill Downs Incorporated, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and The Stronach Group.

An upcoming study on bisphosphonates will be funded through the program. Other areas of special interest for research include performance-enhancing or performance-modifying substances and emerging substances with potential health, welfare and/or integrity hazards.

“Our Tactical Research Grant Program enables our sport to make significant advances in targeting emerging threats and developing new techniques to test for them,” said RMTC Executive Director and COO Dr. Mary Scollay. “These studies are critical to protecting the health and welfare of our horses and strengthening the integrity of racing competition.”

Halters offered in the 2019 auction included: Arrogate, Awesome Again, California Chrome, Code of Honor, Corona Cartel (QH), Get Stormy, Ghostzapper, Groupie Doll, Keen Ice, Lady Eli, Lava Man, Littleprincessemma, Malibu Moon, Maximum Security, McKinzie, Midnight Bisou, Mucho Macho Man, Omaha Beach, Orb, Rachel Alexandra, Silver Charm, Songbird, Speightstown, Tapit, Undrafted, War of Will, Wise Dan, Yoshida and Zenyatta.

The RMTC extends heartfelt thanks to Adena Springs, Steve Asmussen, Bob Baffert, Bill Mott Racing Stable, Michael Blowen, Larry Bramlage DVM, Calumet Farm, Mark Casse, Claiborne Farm, Crestwood Farm, Fox Hill Farms, Gainesway Farm, Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms, Ann Holbrook, Juddmonte Farms, Lane’s End, Lazy E Ranch, Richard Mandella, Shug and Allison McGaughey, James P. Morehead DVM, Jerry Moss, Doug O’Neill, Daisy Phipps Pulito, Jason Servis, Spendthrift Farm, Stonestreet Farm, Mary Sullivan, Summer Wind Farm, Taylor Made Farm, Timber Town Stables, Wesley Ward, Gary and Mary West, Whisper Hill Farm and WinStar Farm, for their generous support of this initiative.

The RMTC consists of 23 racing industry stakeholders and organizations that represent Thoroughbred, Standardbred, American Quarter Horse and Arabian racing. The organization’s efforts focus on research, education and advocacy for science-based initiatives that promote the health and safety of the racehorse and the integrity of competition.

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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