Educating trainers about the warning signs of catastrophic injury and having committees focus on racetrack safety are two ways safety can be improved at the racetrack. Presentations on continuing education programs for trainers and safety committees at racetracks rounded out a day of talks on equine safety Oct. 16 at the fourth Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.

Indiana, for example, has adopted a rule, based on an Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) model rule, calling for trainers to demonstrate they have attended a four-hour education course within the past two years before receiving a license. Joe Gorajec, executive director of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, said while regulators have received some backlash from horsemen, the rule is needed. He said Indiana will work with other states interested in adding such education requirements.

The Indiana seminars are conducted in the afternoons on dark racing days. Sessions are free, and presenters have offered information on veterinary topics, medication issues, testing issues, and topics involving workers and immigration issues. Gorajec said after some initial pushback, trainers have responded favorably.

"No group responds to voluntary educational opportunities," Gorajec said, noting that plenty of other professions require continuing education, including veterinarians. "This is the kind of material that really, all trainers need to see. Once they’re in front of the material, they’ll be engaged. We have to do our part and put them in front of the material