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http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Equine-death-examination-to-shed-light-on-rash-of-3745177.php
Equine death examination to shed light on rash of breakdowns
James M. Odato July 29, 2012

… on March 15, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's deputy for racing issues, Ben Liebman, wrote a missive to NYRA Trustee Michael Del Giudice. Liebman wrote that he was "extremely troubled by the NYRA response for an independent review and investigation of the breakdowns at Aqueduct."

He noted that then-NYRA President Charles Hayward had suggested that the matter be probed by the Safety and Integrity Alliance of the National Thoroughbred Racing Alliance. "This cannot remotely be considered an independent review," Liebman said.

The Safety Alliance had already certified and accredited Aqueduct, Liebman wrote, and NYRA is a member of the NTRA. "It really takes some audacity," Liebman said about Hayward's pitch.

Racing & Wagering Board Chairman John Sabini wrote an official letter to Hayward on March 16 rejecting Hayward's plan to have the NTRA handle the equine death examination.

In the end, the New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety was appointed with retired jockey Jerry Bailey, Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association Chairman Alan Foreman and veterinarians Scott Palmer and Mary Scollay. Their report will look into track conditions and health of horses and will likely come with recommendations on things such as appropriate drugs, racing rules and ways NYRA can improve. …