New York Racing Association responds to horse safety concerns

With the 2024 Belmont Stakes coming to town later this week, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) addressed the increased scrutiny the horseracing industry is going under, regarding equine and track safety.

Patrick McKenna, Vice President for Communications at NYRA, said that they had invited researchers from the University of Kentucky to examine the composition of the racetracks over the past three weeks.

“We’re taking soil samples every single day. That’s before, during, and after racing, to ensure the main track and both turf courses are well within the parameters we’ve established,” McKenna said.

Following the death of Maple Leaf Mel last horseracing season, in Feb. 2024, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority released a report on the 14 thoroughbred deaths at Saratoga Race Course last summer, saying that the deluge of rainfall “could not be overlooked” as a factor.

MORE: Report on 14 thoroughbred deaths at Saratoga Race Course in 2023 released

One suggested remedy for track safety is implementing synthetic surfaces to build a consistent and all-weather racetrack. Data from the Equine Injury Database shows that the fatality rates on synthetic tracks are significantly lower.

When asked about NYRA’s interest in building synthetic tracks in Saratoga Springs, McKenna responded that the new Belmont Park had one under construction. “At Belmont, we will have a new dirt track, two turf courses, and for the first time in New York, a fully synthetic, all-weather surface,” he said.

While the weather forecast says Saratoga Springs will see more rainfalls this summer, McKenna said a modernized drainage system, as part of Belmont Park’s renovations, would be able to withstand the downpours they expected in the summer.