A reform of the American thoroughbred industry's anti-doping policies to introduce an overarching law 'would unleash an economic monster' that could benefit the entire global bloodstock industry, according to Arrowfield chairman John Messara.
Speaking at The Jockey Club’s 67th annual Round Table Conference in Saratoga Springs, New York, Messara was contributing to the debate surrounding the significant piece of legislation HR 1754, the Horseracing Integrity Act which is designed to establish a uniform national medication program, bringing the United States in line with international standards.
The Jockey Club’s vice chair William Lear, Jr., a Kentucky-based equine law attorney, had raised the prospect that significant investors in the American industry were willing to walk away should a national approach to anti-doping fail to materialise.
Messara then added that there was also a distinct commercial opportunity for the American industry should a uniform approach be adopted.
John Messara contributes to the debate surrounding the significant piece of legislation HR 1754
“I think one of the benefits is going to be that the likes of myself would look at America again as somewhat of a [marketplace] for horses,” Messara said.
“As it stands today, it’s difficult [for international buyers] to judge whether we should be buying a mare [because of whether or not she was] treated with Lasix [or other drugs]. So rather than get bitten by [not knowing what drugs might have been administered] we stay clear. The same is applied as far as stallions are concerned. America’s credibility as an international provider of bloodlines is low compared to what it could be.”
“Rather than get bitten by [not knowing what drugs might have been administered] we stay clear." - John Messara
Messara added a global perspective to discussions which focussed on many of the major issues facing the American thoroughbred industry.
Top of the agenda was confirmation that the 2020 North American foal crop projects to be the lowest since 1966 at 20,500, down from a high of 51,296 in 1986, while the recent spate of equine deaths at Santa Anita and the resulting public reaction were also discussed.
John Messara added a global perspective to the major issues facing the American thoroughbred industry
“(The industry needs to) recognize that we can’t market or spin our way back to the public perception of eight months ago,” David Fuscus, a crisis communications specialist who is the president and chief executive for Xenophon Strategies, told the Round Table audience in the light of the Santa Anita scandal. “That is gone forever.”
“This story is not going away. We can’t wait it out. We can’t muddy the waters. This is the most critical time that American horse racing has ever experienced. And without better unity and action, this sport will be diminished, and in places it will cease to exist.”
“This is the most critical time that American horse racing has ever experienced. And without better unity and action, this sport will be diminished, and in places it will cease to exist.” - David Fuscus
"If we come together as an industry, negative perception can be turned. There is hope we can come through these dark days. But to do so, the public needs to understand what we are doing and believe we are on a path to success.”
Other Round Table topics that were discussed included updates on racing surfaces research, the pros and cons of alternate forms of stewards’ officiating, sports betting integration at racetracks, and new media and television initiatives.
“Most of us will agree that there will be more changes in the next five years than we’ve seen in the last 50,” Stuart S. Janney III, The Jockey Club’s chairman said in summary remarks that closed the conference.
