The Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity commends the ownership group of 2017 Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming for its support of the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017, a bill that will create a national, uniform anti-doping and medication control program for horse racing.

The announcement of support was made during the Equestricon fan festival in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Tuesday afternoon.

A statement from Vinnie Viola, the managing principal of the Always Dreaming ownership group, read as follows:

“To help ensure the safety of the horses and the jockeys and to enable racing fans to take comfort in the integrity of the sport, it is vital that the industry adopt a uniform set of rules across the 38 jurisdictions regarding testing and penalties administered by an independent body. We have an opportunity now to improve significantly the safety and fairness of this beautiful and proud sport that has brought joy to millions of fans. It is important that all of us act on it with a sense of urgency. The owners of Always Dreaming are proud to support passage of the Horseracing Integrity Act.”
The Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017, or H.R. 2651, was introduced on May 25, 2017, by Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY). The bill currently has almost 60 co-sponsors, with the total expected to rise above 100 by next month.

“We applaud the owners of Always Dreaming for pledging their support to H.R. 2651,” said Shawn Smeallie, the executive director of the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity. “We continue to be encouraged by the growing support from all facets of the horse racing industry. These people and organizations clearly recognize the importance of uniform rules, testing and penalties throughout the country.”

Always Dreaming is owned by a syndicate consisting of Teresa Viola Racing Stables, St. Elias Stables, MEB Stables, Brooklyn Boyz, Siena Farm, and West Point Thoroughbreds.
The Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity represents a diverse group of horse racing and animal welfare organizations, including Breeders’ Cup Ltd., the Consignors and Breeders Association, The Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, The Jockey Club, the Jockey Club of Canada, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the Water Hay Oats Alliance. Other members include Arapahoe Park, Centaur Gaming, Keeneland Association Inc., Meadowlands Racetrack, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. Learn more at horseracingintegrity.com.