In a special two-part video released June 3, just ahead of California Chrome's Triple Crown bid in the Belmont Stakes this weekend, New York Racing Association (NYRA) president and CEO Chris Kay and two industry experts discuss the steps being taken to enhance equine safety and ensure the integrity of racing in New York.

Moderated by NYRA racing analyst and champion jockey Richard Migliore, Part 1 of the 15-minute program focuses on the joint efforts of NYRA and the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) to develop a culture of safety at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course.

Kay and New York State Equine Medical Director Scott Palmer, VMD, Dipl. ABVP, who chaired the New York State Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety, cite the task force recommendations put into place by the NYSGC and NYRA, resulting in a significant reduction in racing fatalities over the past 16 months. In 2012, racing fatalities were 2.2 per 1,000 starts, and 2013, they fell to 1.3 per 1,000 starts. With the increased level of risk management and the standardization of pre-race exam and veterinary protocols, so far this year, says Palmer, the fatality rate is the lowest it has ever been.

Kay also credits a significant part of the injury rate decline to the Racing Committee and the Equine and Jockey Safety Committee of NYRA's new board of directors; NYRA's new executive talent, including Martin Panza, the senior vice-president of racing operations who works closely with Palmer and NYRA chief examining veterinarian Anthony Verderosa, DVM; and NYRA vice president of facilities and racing surfaces Glen Kozak, who ensures the association's three tracks are at the highest level of safety