Horse welfare concerns have seen a major American racing operation break ties with Puerto Rico’s main racetrack.
1/ST Racing, the racing arm of the Stronach Group, has cut signals from two of its venues, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park, into to Hipódromo Camarero in Puerto Rico amid mounting concerns about welfare and safety at that racetrack.
1/ST Racing president Aidan Butler said while the decision would cost million in turnover it was a necessary step “to ensure Puerto Rican racing stakeholders understand that we will not do business with individuals or companies that do not make horse safety, welfare and post-racing retirement a top priority”.
The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and the Thoroughbred Owners of California have backed the move.
“The ongoing welfare issues surrounding the treatment of thoroughbreds on the island are unacceptable, and meaningful change will only come when the industry demands accountability. We commend 1/ST for taking this principled stand,” Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association president Tom Cannell said.
It has also been confirmed that any license holder who ships or sells a horse to Puerto Rico will no longer be welcome to race or train at 1/ST facilities.
1/ST Racing has also donated $100,000 to the Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare.
“There is no place in our sport for neglect or inhumane treatment of horses,” Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) president Bill Nader said.
“The TOC fully supports this action by 1/ST Racing as a necessary step and its $100,000 donation to help drive home the message that the horse must come first.”