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1/ST Racing is severing its simulcast signal to Puerto Rico, effective immediately, citing concerns over horse welfare and safety standards. The decision impacts wagering on races conducted at Hipódromo Camarero in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, and was announced Thursday by 1/ST racing CEO Aidan Butler.
Butler stated the move followed a comprehensive review of racing operations in Puerto Rico, revealing deficiencies in veterinary oversight, medication protocols, and track maintenance. Specifically, 1/ST Racing pointed to a lack of consistent enforcement of existing regulations and a perceived inability to adequately address safety issues, leading to a higher incidence of equine injuries.
The decision affects wagering at 1/ST Racing-owned tracks,including Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach,Florida,and Santa Anita Park in Arcadia,California,as well as through their ADW (Advance Deposit Wagering) platforms,Xpressbet and 1/ST BET. this action effectively restricts a significant portion of US-based wagering revenue from reaching Puerto Rican racing.
Bill Nader, President and CEO of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, expressed support for 1/ST RacingS decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing horse welfare across all jurisdictions. He noted that the TOC has been advocating for stricter safety standards and increased transparency in racing for several years.
Hipódromo Camarero has faced ongoing financial challenges in recent years, and the loss of the 1/ST Racing signal is expected to exacerbate these difficulties. The track, wich has been a fixture of Puerto Rican racing since 1937, currently operates on a limited racing schedule. The Puerto Rican racing industry contributes approximately $35 million annually to the island’s economy and employs over 1,800 people, according to a 2022 economic impact study commissioned by the Puerto Rico Horse Racing Authority.
This action by 1/ST Racing follows a broader trend within the industry towards heightened scrutiny of safety and welfare practices. Recent years have seen increased pressure from animal welfare organizations and regulators to implement stricter rules and improve oversight of racing operations. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), established in 2022, is tasked with developing and enforcing uniform safety standards across the United States, but its jurisdiction does not currently extend to Puerto Rico, which operates under its own regulatory framework.
The situation raises questions about the future of racing in Puerto Rico and the potential for further consolidation within the industry. Discussions are underway regarding potential solutions, including increased investment in track infrastructure and veterinary services, as well as enhanced regulatory oversight. The Puerto Rico Horse Racing Authority is currently led by Executive Director, Francisco Diaz.
This story was posted in Top News and tagged 1/ST Racing, Aidan Butler, bill Nader, Gulfstream Park, Horse Welfare,
