Racing continued at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 27 after pre-race meetings between key stakeholders produced a consensus of opinion that the dirt and turf surfaces are safe and constant communication and extensive data collection are vital to combat a spate of seven catastrophic breakdowns and one fatal cardiac episode through 33 of the meet's 40 days.
"We had a productive meeting," said New York Racing Association president and CEO Dave O'Rourke after a meeting with jockeys that also included NYRA racing and track management officials, veterinarians, safety stewards, and a Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority representative. Earlier in the morning there was a meeting with horsemen. "There are no new protocols. It was more about reassessing communications with the jockeys specifically. Any issue among them about their feelings on the tracks would have come up and there was nothing.
"The jocks are on the backs of the horse, so I need them to understand that they need to be absolutely comfortable expressing anything, anytime, anywhere. Period."
Terry Meyocks, president and CEO of the Jockey's Guild who was at the meeting, agreed that the jockeys were united in their stand that the surfaces are safe.
"It was a very frank and open discussion and the riders feel comfortable with the racetracks. They have some suggestions and management listened. It was constructive," Meyocks said. "They feel safe on turf and dirt. It's a big picture and we need to be working together as an industry from A to Z."
Joe Appelbaum, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, said his group agreed that the tracks are safe.
"We want the horses to be safe and we want to work with NYRA, HISA, and (the New York State Gaming Commission). (Horsemen) feel the surfaces are safe. I think everyone appreciates how hard (NYRA executive vice president of operations and capital projects Glen Kozak) and his team works. We know he's conscientious."
