New Mexico governor calls for changes to horse racing rules after horse death
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) is tired of constant reports of horses dying at racetracks.
The second-term governor was excited recently when it was announced that seven more horses had died at Ruidoso Downs, one of the state's six racetracks. The seven horses were euthanized at the racecourse between August 11 and 13.
Lujan Grisham sent a letter to the New Mexico Racing Commission last week urging them to make immediate policy changes to better protect the health and safety of animals.
Horse racing in New Mexico has a long and illustrious history. "I am sad to say that this legacy appears to have been completely and irreparably damaged by the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs," Lujan Grisham said in a letter to state horse racing regulators.
“While this commission may not have caused these problems, it has completely failed to take proactive steps to correct or address them in a meaningful way,” the governor continued.
Lujan Grisham said 642 racehorses have been euthanized in New Mexico since 2014, the highest number in the country. Kentucky ranks second with about 440 horses euthanized.
Despite the scandal, Ruidoso Downs will host the annual All-American Futurity, the largest annual race for two-year-old American Quarter Horses in North America, this Labor Day weekend.
Governor’s Call to Action
In a letter to the New Mexico Racing Commission, Lujan Grisham said the agency must take immediate corrective action to stem the animal deaths.
She recommended that all horses be examined before a race, a complete blood cell count blood test be performed on each horse before a race, and better monitoring of horses and their trainers before and after races. Lujan Grisham also suggested that horses stay longer in their designated stalls before a race to get a better look.
The governor said her advice was "not a request," but "I direct you to take immediate action."
“By establishing uniform regulations that prioritize the health and safety of horses, we can set a precedent that ensures the long-term viability and sustainability of New Mexico’s horse racing industry,” the governor said.
Commission Return
Euthanized horses are certainly not unique to New Mexico, but they make unwelcome headlines for riders across the country. In recent years, Congress has also considered passing federal regulations to regulate pari-mutuel betting.
In June, Churchill Downs temporarily closed its famed namesake racetrack in Kentucky after more than a dozen horses were killed. The closure allows the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the Bureau of Racing Integrity and Safety to complete their investigation into the death. The survey did not reveal any specific reasons for the increase in euthanized horses. Churchill Downs resumes live games next month.
The New Mexico Racing Commission took note of the governor's request during a special meeting this week. Commissioners voted to require that all horses competing in state-sanctioned races must be evaluated by an outside veterinarian before competing. The state plans to hire a team of veterinarians to adapt to the new regulations.
Commissioner Billy Smith said it was a good start, but added that many known fraudsters in the racing world were difficult to catch due to financial reasons.
"They have more advanced chemists than we do," Smith said.“They are so far ahead of us that every lab I spoke to said the chances of catching them are very slim.”
Smith suggested the state develop a program that could result in trainers and horse owners often suspected of using PEDs facing state bans.
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