Thoroughbred industry in Congressional hot seat

WASHINGTON – The thoroughbred racing industry faced Congressional scrutiny today about the health of the animals and the lack of a centralized governing authority, more than a month after the post-race death of filly Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby.

Critics want a body that would regulate the industry, rather than leaving the ability to enforce rules and penalties to each of the 38 states where thoroughbred racing is permitted.

“They are like fiefdoms, and they each have their Nero-like CEOs,” Arthur Hancock, a longtime thoroughbred owner and breeder, told the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. “We are too fragmented and too diverse… . Only a federal racing commission or commissioner can save us from ourselves.”

The meeting, called by subcommittee Chairman Bobby L. Rush, an Illinois Democrat, and Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), also examined breeding practices, the safety of various track surfaces and the use of steroids.

Former racehorse owners and veterinarians joined other industry critics to call for oversight of the sport, which has weathered increasing scrutiny since the death by euthanasia of Eight Belles after the 3-year-old filly snapped both front legs shortly after finishing second in the race.

Industry leaders, including the Jockey Club, the breed registry for thoroughbred horses in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada, indicated they will resist at least some aspects of outside regulation.

Alan Marzelli, president and chief executive of the Jockey Club, said the “medication dilemma” is the industry’s most pressing concern. But to deal with it and overall issues of horse health and safety, he wrote in a letter to the committee, the club will “harness the appropriate support from within the industry” to implement future recommendations.

On Tuesday, a separate committee created by horse racing organizations shortly after Eight Belles’ death in May recommended the elimination of steroids. Whitfield said the industry has frequently stated it would police itself, but doesn’t follow through.

He criticized racing groups for resisting federal calls for a uniform drug rule in 1980. “The industry said ‘It’s not necessary, we can do it ourselves,’ ” Whitfield said. “It still hasn’t been done.”

 vimal.patel@latimes.com