ARCI inaugural Caribbean Racing & Regulatory Conference concludes

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) just concluded its inaugural Caribbean Racing & Regulatory Conference, hosted by the Camarero Race Track, Inc. and the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission. The harness racing conference took place on November 2 and 3, 2023 at the racetrack in Canovanas, Puerto Rico.  

A cross section of over 50 industry leaders from across the region participated including veterinarians, after care organizations, owners, breeders, racetrack officials and government racing regulators, transportation companies and officials from the US Food and Drug Administration as well as Legislators from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.   

“The idea for the Conference originated with members of the horse racing industry in the Caribbean region, who sought a need for a unified regional approach to industry issues,” said Ed Martin, RCI President who noted the efforts of Jay Watson, the past Chair of the Virgin Island Racing Commission and Eduardo Maldonado, a prominent thoroughbred breeder and owner based in Puerto Rico.

“I would like to particularly thank Dr. Gavin Peters, the CEO of the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency for his participation as well as Kelley Stobie, Executive Director of Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, and Dr. Sophia Ramlal for their impassioned presentations on how to address racing’s premier moral issue, the care of horses post retirement.  

The Conference also addressed pressing regional issues affecting the import and export of horses, regulatory uniformity, and economic development needs to ensure a successful racing industry going forward.    

A best practice integrity panel was conducted by Jason Klouser, the Chair or the Organization of Racing Investigators and past ORI Chair Tom Sage, the Executive Director of the Racing and Gaming Commission in Nebraska.

Representatives of the USDA, transportation companies, aftercare organizations, and racing stakeholders from the various Caribbean jurisdictions participated in panels and open dialogue with attendees.  

RCI Vice President/Racing, Wendy Culberson, said “The hope and expectation is that the momentum started at the Conference will continue and result in the overall improvement in competition and racing conditions in the region.”

RCI Chair Tom Sage of Nebraska said there will be a special committee formed to continue the work started at the conference that will involve regulators and industry leaders going forward.

by Ed Martin, for the Association of Racing Commissioners International