Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) to establish the Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Control Authority as of Jan. 15 has 228 cosponsors, now garnering support from a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The bipartisan support we have garnered for this legislation demonstrates the urgency of needed reforms in the horseracing industry,” Rep. Barr said on Wednesday. “At the end of the day, my efforts are about ensuring the safety of our equine athletes and the integrity of the sport.”
Six new cosponsors across party lines this month signed on to the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2019, H.R. 1754, which Rep. Barr introduced in March 2019 as the lead original cosponsor with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) to authorize the creation of the non-governmental, anti-doping authority responsible for implementing a national medication program for the entire horseracing industry.
Currently, the U.S. horseracing industry has a patchwork of conflicting rules governing medication policies and practices across 38 different racing jurisdictions, according to Rep. Barr’s office, which said the inconsistency has impaired interstate commerce and undermined public confidence in the sport.
“Establishing a single, national approach to medication testing with strong independent oversight and enforcement will help ensure the long-term viability of this sport of kings,” said Rep. Tonko.
Staci Hancock, managing member of the Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA), said industry leaders are encouraged by growing support for H.R. 1754 and have “high hopes” the bill will be approved this year.
“The Horseracing Integrity Act puts U.S. horseracing on track to achieve international uniformity in drug and medication rules,” Hancock said. “The over 1,800 members of WHOA appreciate Congressmen Barr and Tonko for their ongoing efforts on our industry’s behalf.”
Rep. Barr said he “will continue to educate my colleagues on the need for transparency and standardization in horseracing and build on this momentum to fight for Kentucky’s signature industry.”
The same-named companion bill, S. 1820, has 24 cosponsors in the U.S. Senate, including original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ). Both bills remain under committee consideration in their respective chambers.