Among the recommendations are avoiding using bisphosphonates in manners inconsistent with indications of use on the label and, further, discontinuing bisphosphonates use in any horses in training regardless of age. | Photo: iStock

The recommendations call for:

• Avoiding using bisphosphonates in manners inconsistent with indications of use on the label and, further, discontinuing bisphosphonates use in any horses in training regardless of age;
• Every jurisdiction employing a full-time equine medical director;
• All racing associations and regulatory officials recording additional data or making such additional data sources available for analysis in the Equine Injury Database; and
• Creating crisis best practices tailored to the industry, including template materials and a list of crisis response resources.

The recommendations resulted from a Thoroughbred Safety Committee meeting held March 19, in Versailles, Kentucky. The full text of the recommendations can be found on The Jockey Club website at jockeyclub.com/default.asp?section=Advocacy&area=14.

“Recommendations from the Thoroughbred Safety Committee have always been in the best interest of our sport, its integrity, and the welfare and safety of its athletes,” said Craig Fravel, chairman of the Thoroughbred Safety Committee and president and chief executive officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “Because of the recent events in California and the response from the industry, we are announcing the recommendations early instead of waiting for The Jockey Club Round Table Conference, which is the traditional channel for our recommendations