Eight Belles Bill

Petition for THE EIGHT BELLES BILL
  
 1. We request the development of a national regulatory body with power to oversee the sport, enforce rules nationwide, and levy heavy penalties on those who don't comply. The head commissioner should be someone of high profile, impeccable integrity, and with a wealth of racing knowledge. This should be an individual from within the industry who is familiar with all aspects of horse racing.

 2. We request the removal of all performance enhancing drugs (and other drugs potentially harmful to the animal) in training and on race day. Sophisticated drug testing needs to be adopted to yield accurate results and keep up with those trying to mask their drug use.  An appropriate % of revenue coming from simulcasting could be used to fund these stations throughout the different areas of the country.

3. We request that all owners, trainers, veterinarians, and breeders be held responsible for the proper handling, treatment and care of their horses. No use of illegal drugs or improper usage/dosage of medications should be tolerated. All injuries, treatments, and operations should be under mandatory obligations to be recorded and reported to the authorities. Any violation of these obligations, improper handling and/or care of the animal or masking of problems and/or injuries may result in stiff fines, loss of stall privileges, and in some cases loss of job and/or banishment from horse racing.  Jockeys, grooms, starting gate attendants, anyone selling products (i.e. food, equipment, etc.) and any other individual that has direct contact with the horse should also be held responsible for the equine's health, proper handling and/or care.  These individuals should be subject to the same appropriate sanctions and fines as other violators when they do not comply.
  
4. We request that the owners have the rightful power to make decisions, especially when it comes to track purses, publicity of races, and any other important matters that are involved on race day. After all, they own the horses and have the most at stake! Owners should begin looking for and demanding horses with sturdiness as well as speed from the breeders.

5. We request that an appropriate % of revenue from simulcasting be used to help in the treatment and care of retired racehorses. Mandatory contact should be made with owners (former and present day) before sending a retired racehorse to auction. Whenever possible, owners should find a good home for their retired horses.  

 6. We request that the rules and regulations of horse racing be the same for every state. These rules need to be nationwide and uniform in order to effectively and thoroughly improve the sport. Simulcasting could be taken away from any track or tracks that do not comply with the rules and regulations of the commission.

 7. We request the establishment of a three strikes and you're out policy for any person caught violating the commission's drug policies. People found guilty three times of illegal drug use on a race horse or horses should be banished from the sport.

8. We request that breeders who are not in compliance with the commission's rules and regulations suffer stiff fines and in some cases lose their breeding privileges. These would include: reckless and/or improper inbreeding, not making a concerted effort to breed sturdiness and durability into their foals, using illegal drugs, concealing problems and operations, pumping up their horses with steroids for yearling sales, and in any way not keeping up proper treatment and care of their horses.

9. We request the development of programs at all tracks, like Phila. Park's "Turning for Home," to offer horsemen the opportunity to retire their thoroughbreds to a farm like Cabin Creek Farm. This could be funded by local horsemen's groups, track management, and/or a $250 retirement fee.  This would enable these horses to eventually be placed into the best retirement options-such as trail horses, show horses or equestrian competitors. Horses found headed to such places as New Holland for auction should result in trainer sanctions and loss of stall privileges.

10. We request that tracks make every effort to maintain their track surfaces and keep them in good and safe racing conditions. They should not intentionally be made faster for race day. Horses and jockeys should not be made to race in unsafe or inhumane conditions. Violation of these policies should result in stiff fines, and in some cases, loss of simulcasting rights.
  
11. We strongly recommend that there be a cut off point for racehorses who continue to drop down the claiming ranks to compete.  After a certain point (to be determined by the commission), it becomes obvious that the horse is on a major decline and serious injury or even death becomes more likely. Before they reach this level, these horses should be retired--hopefully to a program like "Turning for Home" or sold to an individual or group who will take care of the equine and/or prepare him/her for a new career.

12. We request that anyone found guilty of sabotage, or in any other way knowingly compromises a horse's performance and/or health, should be levied stiff sanctions, charged with a criminal offense and be banished from all tracks.

13. We request that the commission conduct a study as to the use of crops and their effectiveness.  If crops are to be used, the commission should advise on what type and under what conditions use is acceptable.

14. We request that all tracks make a concerted effort to tighten up security around the barns to assure the safety of the horses housed there.
  
15. We strongly recommend that a comprehensive, long-range investigation and study into the effectiveness of different track surfaces be launched (or continued) to determine the safest type of surface/surfaces, including consistency and depth of track.  The surface/surfaces found to have the fewest injuries and fatalities should be implemented at all tracks and training facilities.  Tracks and facilities will be allowed a specified amount of time to install (if necessary) such surfaces.  The length of time given to comply and the penalty for not adhering to the order would be determined by the commission.  The commission will notify the track of the specified length of time and the appropriate sanctions should the track fail to comply in the required time-frame. 

We believe that the above steps should be taken, and be in place, when the commission takes office. This will enable them to do their job effectively, efficiently and with the power to enforce rules and regulations nationwide.

Thank you for your understanding and support. This request comes from fans of Eight Belles, loyal supporters of horse racing, and lovers of all animals.