June 16, 2009

Delaware Park Achieves Prestigious National Accreditation

STANTON -- The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced that Delaware Park has been fully accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance following a complete review of all racing operations at the facility. Delaware Park is the fourth racing facility to be so designated by the Alliance. Churchill Downs and Keeneland were accredited in April; Belmont Park received accreditation in May; and Pimlico Race Course was granted provisional accreditation in May.

“Delaware Park has clearly demonstrated a commitment to excellence by employing best management practices with a clear focus on safety and integrity,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “The racing industry is very important to Delaware’s economy.  Delaware Park directly provides jobs for about 1,200 Delawareans throughout the year.”

The accreditation of Delaware Park was the culmination of a lengthy certification process that began with the track’s completion of a 48-page written application and continued as Delaware Park hosted several meetings with Alliance officials. The on-site review included inspections of all facets of the racing facility, and interviews with track executives, racetrack personnel, jockeys, owners, trainers, stewards and regulators. It was led by Jennifer Durenberger, DVM, racing official Richard Lewis; and Mike Ziegler, Executive Director of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance.

“We are delighted that the NTRA has recognized the commitment that Delaware Park has made to the safety and integrity of thoroughbred racing,” said William Fasy, Chief Operating Officer of Delaware Park. “In cooperation with the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, our horsemen and our jockeys, we have been on the forefront of industry efforts to get steroids out of racing and to make racing safer for all involved. Just as important, we also have implemented a racehorse retirement program, endorsed by our horsemen, that provides a way for former racehorses to move into second careers. All of these efforts allow us to present racing that is as safe, fair and humane as possible.”

The Alliance, formed last October with the goal of establishing national uniform standards in the areas of safety and integrity, includes 55 racetracks in North America and every major national horsemen’s organization. Alliance certification standards cover five broad areas: injury reporting and prevention; creating a safer racing environment; aftercare and transition of retired racehorses; uniform medication, testing and penalties; and safety research.

“I am happy to report that Delaware Park, one of the nation’s most picturesque racetracks and home to the $1 million Delaware Handicap this summer, has been accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA. “Delaware Park is to be commended for its commitment to the human and equine athletes who compete there.”