Dr. Scot Waterman has been hired as the first animal medication and welfare adviser for the Arizona Department of Racing.
Waterman, who most recently served as executive director of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, will be introduced at the Sept. 14 meeting of the Arizona Racing Commission, ADOR director Lonny Powell said Sept. 12.
Waterman worked nine years at the RMTC, where he built a reputation as a facilitator and consensus-builder in the areas of therapeutic and prohibited medications, laboratory procedures, and related national and international regulations. He worked extensively with racing regulators and industry stakeholder groups, including horsemen and tracks throughout the country, to assist in the development and adoption of model medication rules, policies, and best practices.
“We’re excited to have Scot join our team,” Powell said in a statement. “His expertise in these complex and critical areas combined with his extensive experience and thorough knowledge of the racing industry makes him a valuable asset to the Arizona industry and ADOR.
“Having worked closely with Scot during my tenure as (Association of Racing Commissioners International) president as well as a founding member, officer, and adviser of the RMTC, I had a chance to witness first-hand his knowledge of, dedication to, and passion for the racing industry.”
Waterman’s duties as a consultant will include providing assistance to ADOR personnel including state veterinarians, stewards, and investigators with special emphasis on the areas of racing animal facilities, adoption, safety and welfare, monitoring test results and laboratory agreements, and assisting in efforts to develop, enhance, and implement medication-related rules, policies, and best practices.
The ADOR is a cabinet-level agency that regulates all pari-mutuel horse and Greyhound racing in the state.
“I am excited to bring my years of experience working on these vital issues to my adopted home state,” said Waterman, who lives in Tucson. “I hope that I can provide value to the ADOR team as they seek to protect the integrity of racing in Arizona and the welfare of all of its participants.”