Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, and the Thoroughbred Owners of California reached an historic agreement on March 16 aimed at protecting the safety and welfare of horses and riders in the state. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

Belinda Stronach, president and chairman of The Stronach Group (TSG)—which owns both Santa Anita, in Arcadia, and Golden Gate Fields, in Berkeley—outlined these ground-breaking rules last week in an open letter. Working with horsemen and internationally renowned veterinarians, TSG and TOC have discussed the best measures to put the horse first and appropriately enact these changes.

“This is a complete revision of the current medication policy for Thoroughbred racing. We have worked through the implementation of this groundbreaking model with our stakeholders and the California Horse Racing Board,” said Stronach. “TSG is committed to the principles of safe horse racing for both equine and human athletes and to making California racing the best in the world. It is my hope the other tracks in California will follow suit. TSG will begin consultation with our stakeholders in other states to put these standards into effect in those jurisdictions, in the best interest of horse racing.”

Greg Avioli, president and CEO of TOC, said, “We appreciate the willingness of Belinda Stronach of TSG and Jim Cassidy (president of California Thoroughbred Trainers ) to negotiate in good faith and reach today’s agreement. I am confident we all share the same goal of making California racing safer and doing everything we can to provide additional safety and protection for our horses