In a release to the industry, the Standardbred Horse Owners Panel (SHOP) declared its support for initiatives such as that announced today by the Ontario Racing Commission to share intelligence and investigative findings with the State of Illinois Racing Board

in order to protect the integrity of racing. SHOP believes sharing of vital investigative files and records will help detect and reduce the distribution and use of illegal equine medications.

“Integrity in racing is a founding principle of our organization and therefore we welcome every effort on the part of regulators to work together to protect our industry,” stated SHOP President, Lou Liebenau. He went on to add, “We continue to press for strong enforcement of rules related to abuse of equine drugs in order to protect horses and to protect the interests of the betting public.”

(With files from SHOP)