The Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA) has issued a media release commending Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) for their leadership and commitment in the development and introduction of H.R. 2651, The Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017 today (May 25) in Washington, DC.

Both Congressmen have been engaged and attuned in learning about the issue of medication reform in horse racing and in working with a cross-section of industry representatives to create a solution that meets racing's needs as a whole.

H.R. 2651 mandates the development of an independent anti-doping program for horse racing through the establishment of the independent Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Control Authority, whose board will be controlled by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and will have strong industry input and participation. The legislation addresses the lack of uniformity in medication policies and practices in American racing and puts U.S. racing jurisdictions in alignment with international standards. National oversight is desperately needed to supersede the current patchwork of 38 racing jurisdictions in U.S. racing, bringing them all under one set of uniform rules for testing standards, protocols and penalties. Importantly, the anti-doping program will be funded by the industry and will not require any federal tax dollars.

Founded in 2012, The Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA) is a grassroots movement of like-minded individuals who support the passage of federal legislation to bring uniformity and integrity to horse racing by prohibiting the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the sport. WHOA represents a group of over 1,500 industry stakeholders: owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, equine practitioners, industry professionals, handicappers and racing fans. WHOA supports clean sport and recognizes the importance and necessity of a national anti-doping agency for horse racing, not only for clean competition, but for the welfare and safety of our human and equine athletes, for the soundness of the American breed, and for transparency of the bettor's gaming dollar.

(Water Hay Oats Alliance)