Mr. Tom Ludt, Chairman of the Breeders’ Cup said ‘Given the high level of international participation in our Championships and the increasing support for our nominations programs throughout the global Thoroughbred breeding and racing community, Breeders’ Cup feels strongly that the time has come to modify our medication policies to be consistent with international practices.’ Mr. Jim Gagliano, President and COO of The Jockey Club said ‘The Jockey Club applauds the exemplary leadership that Breeders’ Cup Limited has displayed with its plan. I hope that other industry stakeholders, and particularly state racing commissions, will see the wisdom of the Breeders’ Cup decision and will reconsider many of the medication policies, drug classifications and penalty structures we currently have in place.’

Mr. Louis Romanet, Chairman of the IFHA said ‘I would like to express my sincere congratulations on the courageous decision made by the Breeders’ Cup to eliminate race-day medication. It is a big step forward and I hope other North American racing and breeding leaders follow the Breeders’ Cup and adopt policies to phase-in the elimination of race-day medication.’

Aki AKITANI
Deputy Secretary General