BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

Equine Medication Focus of Senate Hearing

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has scheduled a hearing next week on "Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing."

Industry Members Give Testimony to Congress

Members of Congress April 30 heard of problems in the Thoroughbred racing industry--most of them related to equine medication--but stopped short of a full endorsement of federal intervention.

Trio of Owners Lobbying for Federal Drug Ban

A trio of owners are lobbying for a federal ban of race-day drug use.

It's Time to Draw the Line

U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) discuss medication.

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Commentary: A Matter of Integrity

By Rep. Ed Whitfield - Three years ago, Congress examined the explosion of steroid use plaguing Major League Baseball. The integrity of the game was called into question and a dark cloud was cast over America's favorite pastime.

Commentary: A Reasonable Approach

By Alex Waldrop - On Feb. 27, I appeared before a Congressional Subcommittee for a hearing entitled, "Drugs in Sports: Compromising the Health of Athletes and Undermining the Integrity of Competition."

Waldrop Defends Testing Policies

A congressional subcommittee was told Feb. 27 that while testing for drugs in horse racing isn't perfect, the current model is both effective and ever-improving.

Congressman Criticizes Drug Policy

U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky opened a Feb. 27 congressional hearing on the use of steroids in sports by claiming leaders of horse racing have repeatedly failed on promises to self-regulate medication issues.

Federal Legislation Introduced on Insurance for Jockeys, Trainers, Backside Workers

U.S. Reps. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and Bart Stupak (D-MI) on Thursday introduced the Jockeys' Insurance Fairness Act, a bill to provide injury insurance for jockeys, trainers, and backside workers in the horse racing industry.

Clerical Error Sends Wrong Slaughter Bill To Senate

Because of a clerical error, the wrong version of a bill to end horse slaughter was delivered to the U.S. Senate. The error was discovered the week of Sept. 10, and the House of Representatives requested the bill be returned so the correct version can be sent.

House Subcommittee Explores Jockey Insurance/Welfare

A day after a 16-year-old apprentice jockey died in a racing accident at an Ohio track, racing officials and representatives from horsemen's groups met Thursday before a Congressional subcommittee to report on their ongoing efforts in addressing safety, health and welfare issues for jockeys and their perspectives on on-track injury insurance.

Written Testimony, Video Archive of Congressional Hearing on Jockeys

Bloodhorse.com has posted the written materials submitted by 12 of the 13 individuals who testified under oath before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation on the subject of "Thoroughbred Horse Racing Jockeys and Workers: Examining On-Track Injury Insurance and Other Health and Welfare Issues."

Guild's Gertmenian Called 'Absolute Disgrace' in House Hearing

A U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee looking at jockey health and welfare issues was sharply critical of current Jockeys' Guild management during a hearing on Tuesday that began with testimony from paralyzed rider Gary Birzer and ended with a comment calling Wayne Gertmenian's actions as Guild president and CEO an "absolute disgrace."

Congressional Hearing Set for Jockey's Guild Investigation

A Congressional hearing has been set for Oct. 18 as part of an ongoing investigation into the Jockey's Guild regarding management practices and finances.

Congress Subpoenas Jockeys' Guild President

U.S. Congress issued two subpoenas Tuesday for Jockeys' Guild president Wayne Gertmenian as part of an ongoing investigation into the organization headed up by U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield.

Congressional Subcommittee Finds Guild Documents Inadequate

A U.S Congressional subcommittee has deemed the Jockeys' Guild efforts to fulfill a subcommittee request for information and documents related to the Guild's management and fiscal activities inadequate.

Congress to Vote on Horse Slaughter Measure

Congress will vote Wednesday on an amendment to prevent the slaughter of horses for human consumption in foreign markets.

Jockeys' Guild Responds to Congressional Request

The Jockeys' Guild has provided documentation requested by a United States Congressional subcommittee regarding Guild management, finances, and actions related to health insurance policies for its members.

Congressional Subcommittee Requests Guild Documents

A. U.S. Congressional subcommittee has asked the Jockeys' Guild to provide documents related to the Guild's management, accounting, and oversight of funds as well as information regarding Guild action relating to health insurance policies for on-track accident coverage.

Ferdinand Family Line to Continue Through Purchase of Mares

The Ferdinand family line will live on thanks to U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky) who has purchased three daughters of the late Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner and champion. Ferdinand died sometime in 2002, most likely in a slaughterhouse in Japan, following an unsuccessful career at stud.

Ferdinand Family Line to Continue Through Purchase of Mares

The Ferdinand family line will live on thanks to U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky) who has purchased three daughters of the late Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner and champion. Ferdinand died sometime in 2002, most likely in a slaughterhouse in Japan, following an unsuccessful career at stud.

Zito Named Spokesperson for Anti-Horse Slaughter Group

A newly formed organization that hopes to garner public support for an eventual ban on horse slaughter in the United States, announced on Oct. 28 two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Nick Zito (Strike the Gold 1991, Go for Gin '94) would be the group's national spokesperson.

Kentucky Legislators Ask USDA for Assistance With Horse Industry 'Disaster'

Kentucky's entire delegation of U.S. Senators and Congressmen has written a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman alerting her of the foal/fetal loss syndrome in Kentucky and asking for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.