WASHINGTON - Following an in-depth report by The New York Times on the state of horseracing in the United States, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) issued the following statement:
"The findings uncovered in The New York Times investigation about horseracing in the United States, and New Mexico in particular, paint a very disturbing picture of the industry.
"The sport of horseracing which, at its best, showcases the majestic beauty of this animal and the athleticism of jockeys, has reached an alarming level of corruption and exploitation. The consequence of inconsistent state-level regulation is an epidemic of animal doping that has lead to countless euthanizations of helpless horses and the injury and death of their riders.
"The Times exposé has shined a glaring light on the need for national standards in a sport that reaps gambling profits, but has lacked proper oversight for decades.
"I urge our leaders in Congress to advance the bipartisan legislation Congressman Ed Whitfield and I have introduced in both chambers to renew the sport of horseracing and set minimum, nationwide standards for medication and doping.
The Interstate Horseracing Improvement Act
would kick cheaters out of the sport. The horseracing industry has promised voluntary reforms for decades, but as we've painfully observed, our legislation is the only viable way to address doping problems plaguing the sport.
"Now is the time to end the unscrupulous practices of those trainers and track veterinarians in horseracing who abuse these magnificent animals and endanger jockeys for gambling profits."
