Installing a synthetic surface for the inner track at Aqueduct Racetrack, in Ozone Park, N.Y., for the 2013-14 winter season is among the changes to New York Racing Association (NYRA) policies and operations that will be considered by the board at its Jan. 25 meeting. The organization also announced the development of an equine veterinary medical director position.

"The NYRA board will have serious discussions next week to consider important issues that affect the health and safety of our jockeys and horses," said NYRA chair David Skorton in a release.

Other changes to NYRA policies and operations to be considered are as follows:

• Reduce the number of racing days in a week during the inner-track season at Aqueduct;
• Limit the number of races on a given day during the inner-track season;
• Bolster overall security measures related to pre-race security and racing integrity; and
• Curtail racing on the inner track at Aqueduct.

Skorton and Anthony Bonomo, chair of NYRA’s Equine Health and Safety Committee, also announced the immediate establishment of the position of equine veterinary medical director. The new director will establish the Mortality Review Board, as recommended in the New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety report issued Sept. 28, 2012, as well as make ongoing assessments to improve the health and safety of horses competing at NYRA racetracks