Gulfstream will be first to use Out-of-Competition Testing
Grant Fund
The Jockey Club and The Stronach Group jointly announced on Tuesday that
Gulfstream Park will become the first racetrack to use the “Graded Stakes
Out-of-Competition Testing Grant Fund,” which was announced at the
2013 Round
Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing last August.
The fund provides for financial assistance from The Jockey Club to help
defray qualifying expenses associated with out-of-competition testing programs.
In both 2014 and 2015, The Jockey Club is making available up to $250,000 in
funding.
“We owe it to our horsemen and our fans to provide fair competition,” said
Tim Ritvo, president, COO and general manager of Gulfstream Park, a property of
The Stronach Group. “Out-of-competition testing is a way for Gulfstream Park to
achieve that and the Florida Derby will be the first race in our program.”
“The Jockey Club strongly believes that out-of-competition testing promotes
the integrity of Thoroughbred racing and over time will better the breed,” said
James L. Gagliano, president and COO of The Jockey Club. “We are extremely
pleased that Gulfstream Park has stepped forward to become the first to
participate in this program and we look forward to working with other interested
tracks that wish to take advantage of it.”
A Thoroughbred racetrack’s participation in the Graded Stakes
Out-of-Competition Testing Grant Fund is voluntary. Thoroughbred racetracks that
elect to participate in the fund may receive reimbursement to defray some of the
costs associated with out-of-competition testing subject to certain criteria.
Racetracks interested in participating in the Graded Stakes
Out-of-Competition Testing Grant Fund and obtaining the eligibility criteria
should contact The Jockey Club for more information.
The Graded Stakes Out-of-Competition Testing Grant Fund is also available to
state regulatory authorities seeking to enhance their existing testing programs
by applying directly to the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) for
funds.
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