A National Database to Monitor Retired and Adopted Thoroughbreds!

Today the Jockey Club announced it would be developing a system to identify horses at risk for injury. http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2012/06/13/jockey-club-to-develop-system-to-identify-horses-at-risk-for-injury.aspx This system would notify track officials and regulatory veterinarians when a horse that has been entered in a race is facing a heightened risk of injury. This is a good idea and the Jockey Club should be commended for their efforts to try to protect horses from a catastrophic injury while they are racing, however, there is also another catastrophic issue that must be addressed and that is just as important, thoroughbreds at risk of going to slaughter

What thoroughbreds could be deemed to be at risk anymore then those at risk of going to slaughter? Our organization has advocated for a better tracking system of when horses leave the backside of a racetrack. There should be a national tracking system of when horses leave a racetrack, their destination documented in detail and a National Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoption Registry so thoroughbreds that are retired at a facility or  adopted can be kept track of more efficiently by an organization or a former owner. We must put better safety nets in place for the horses to ensure their safety and welfare after their racing careers have ended as much as when they are racing.

Horses are actually at more risk when they can no longer produce on the track. The recent Kelsey LeFever story of thoroughbreds sent to slaughter who were suppose to go to good homeshttp://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/report-kelsey-lefever-to-get-probation-be-restricted-in-horse-activities/  and the incident with trainer Mark Wedig, who was banned from Mountaineer Racetrack after two thoroughbreds Cactus Cafe and Canuki  came up missing after they were in Wedig's possession and then were produced by Wedig after a Canandian slaughter company returned the horses http://www.drf.com/news/trainer-wedig-banned-mountaineer  proves that a tracking system is crucial, imperative and overdue. 

With the technology that is available today in addition to thoroughbreds registered with the Jockey Club and having tattoo numbers and TRPB tattoo database, it should be a project that can be accomplished. Micro-chipping and scanning all thoroughbreds as well and creating a national microchip tracking database may also be a feasible way to go. It is too easy for thoroughbreds to fall through the cracks and end up in harms way and far too many are still ending up at slaughter. We must all work together to develop a system that will prevent thoroughbreds from ending up in harm's way. Will it be easy? No. Will it cost money? Yes. Will it be worth it? Yes.   We are hopeful that the thoroughbred racing industry will work with our organization and all that are interested in accomplishing this goal for the horses and the betterment of racing.