Albany, NY - January 24, 2017 - As part of its ongoing commitment in driving attention to the issue of responsible aftercare of racehorses, the New York State Gaming Commission announced all horse racing owners, trainers and assistant trainers seeking to participate in New York State racing as of February 1 must view the Commission’s new video underscoring the importance of responsible horse aftercare and the many options for post-racing careers available in New York State. Attesting to viewing the video will be a requirement for licensure.

“Both on and off the track, the Commission continues to demonstrate a real focus and commitment on promoting the responsible care of racehorses,” said Commission Executive Director Robert Williams. “Our video highlights the many opportunities available for racehorses in New York State and helps instill a mindset among licensees of ensuring that horses have safe places to go after their racing careers conclude.”

The Commission’s video provides a brief overview of the lifecycle of the horse and discusses the many options for aftercare available in New York State for both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. The film underscores the importance that the Commission places on the issue and the expectation that licensees will commit to ensuring safe homes for horses after their racing days are complete.

The video, available to the public on the Commission’s YouTube page and Website, will also be sent to racing facilities across the state for airing before, during or after a racing program.

Additionally, the Commission’s ongoing study to locate New York-bred Thoroughbreds that have not raced since 2012 is being opened to the public to help establish the whereabouts and status of these horses.

In 2015, the Commission endeavored to locate all New York-bred Thoroughbreds that raced between 2010 and 2012 and haven’t raced anywhere since, with the ultimate goal of providing a snapshot of the size and scope of the issue of retired racehorses in New York State. The Jockey Club has graciously provided the Commission with a list of such horses, including the date and track of their last race of record. Of the more than 3,800 Thoroughbreds that fit the criteria, the Commission has been able to locate just over 1,700.

Therefore, the Commission is seeking help from the public. The Commission’s website includes a downloadable list of these horses and instructions on how the public can help. The Commission asks those in the industry to take a look at the list and if anyone knows the whereabouts or status of any of the listed horses, please let us know.

These initiatives follow the Commission’s 2015 and 2016 summits devoted to retired racehorses.

The aftercare video, the New York-bred Thoroughbred database and additional resources can be found on the Commission’s Responsible Aftercare page on its web site (www.gaming.ny.gov) > Horse Racing > Responsible Aftercare, or here).