Sales Integrity Panel Plans to Release Position Paper

The Sales Integrity Task Force, formed this summer, plans to have a position paper ready for public review after its next meeting in November, chairman Cothran "Cot" Campbell said.

The task force met for the second time for about three hours the afternoon of Oct. 19 at Keeneland. Task force members referred all questions to Campbell, the Dogwood Stable president who has been active at Thoroughbred auctions for decades.

"It's a work in progress," Campbell said after the meeting adjourned. "We made good headway on three different subjects: veterinary practices, disclosure, and dual agency. We'll meet again Nov. 19 and hope to have a position paper. Then, maybe in a few days, we'll schedule a press conference.

"As for what went on today, I can say zero. It wouldn't be appropriate."

Keeneland president Nick Nicholson said the meeting went well. "It's a very good thing we're doing," he said.

Formation of the task force was sparked by Satish Sanan, who operates Padua Stables in Florida. Sanan, who has publicly expressed concerns over what he calls fraud in the auction business, formed the Alliance for Industry Reform early this summer. AIR has since given way to the task force, of which Sanan is a member.

Campbell has said the task force would continue to meet periodically, even after it takes positions, to address changes in the sales environment.