The National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance will soon release its 2013 code of standards and expects to re-accredit 16 racetracks this year.
Among the code changes are a requirement that each racetrack have an Injury Review Committee to monitor all injuries and fatalities during racing and training, and a more detailed list of protocol for racing surface maintenance.
"A lot of the changes are based on recommendations made by the task force in New York last year," alliance executive director Mike Ziegler said April 6.
Ziegler said he expects Indiana Downs and Thistledown to apply for accreditation this year. In the case of Indiana Downs, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission made accreditation one of the requirements for new owner Centaur Holdings.
In Maryland, the re-accreditation of Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course is tied to the Maryland Racing Commission adopting several standards. An on-site inspection at Laurel took place earlier this year, while Pimlico will be inspected the week of April 7.