Based on comments from panelists who discussed prioritizing racehorse safety among owners, trainers, and veterinarians during the second day of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit July 9, it appears adoption of various common-sense practices hinges on a change of culture in the racing industry.

It mostly comes down to communication and transparency, though both often prove elusive in an industry not know for readily embracing change.

Trainer Gary Contessa, who is based in New York, said Wednesday at summit taking place at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, he sees progress on the transparency front but added that much more needs to be done. He used as an example of the lack of information available when a trainer claims a horse, particularly its veterinary records.

"As a trainer, communication is so difficult because everybody is scared," Contessa said. "I can claim a horse and have no idea what the previous trainer did (regarding treatment). We have got to become transparent for the protection of the horse