Pros And Cons Of Horse Racing

WASHINGTON — When American Pharoah, the colt with a thunderous gallop, became the first Triple Crown winner in nearly four decades, he couldn’t have had better timing.

His victory last month ignited a surge in popularity for the sport, which for years has been on the decline. It also put the horse racing industry in the spotlight just as it is trying, yet again, to change its antidoping and medication rules, which are different in each of the 38 racing jurisdictions in the United States and in some ways give cheaters yawning loopholes to step through.

And when loopholes turn into nooses — let’s say, for injured horses that run on so much pain medication that they break down on the track — it doesn’t exactly enhance the sport’s appeal.

So to try

Based on my colleagues’ reporting in 2012, an average of 24 horses die each week at racetracks across the United States.

Let’s see if lawmakers pay attention and lend their support. It helps that so many industry groups are on board this time.

After decades of failing to herd racing jurisdictions into using uniform drug rules, the Jockey Club, the most powerful horse racing organization in the United States, has decided to back this new push at cleaning up the sport. The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and the Breeders’ Cup are also behind this effort.

“We have a lot more momentum now because we have been more deliberate and thoughtful in building a coalition,” Barr said when asked why the bill might have a better chance to pass than previous ones.

One group that has been vocal in the effort that led to this new bill has been the Water Hay Oats Alliance, which has the growing support of many top owners, breeders and