George Bernard Shaw's witty remark that “England and America are two countries divided by a common language” aptly frames the recent collaborative venture by the Organization of Racing Investigators (ORI). This week, ORI board members were not only seen in the distinctive attire of the Royal Meeting at Ascot, but they also engaged in a significant exchange of investigative practices with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
The ORI representatives were in England to share their expertise with the BHA investigators, while also learning from the best practices employed by their British counterparts. This exchange, which commenced last week in Ireland and was sponsored by prominent organisations such as the Breeders' Cup and Keeneland, allowed participants to compare notes, discuss case studies, and gain an inside look at the operations safeguarding some of the world's finest racehorses.
Leading the American delegation was Jason Klouser, Director of Enforcement at the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission. He was joined by J.C. Jaramillo from New York, Juan C. Estrada from Arizona, Tyler Durand, Senior Manager of the Equine Drug Unit under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and David Duncan, Director of Operations for the Breeders' Cup.
“It has been an honour to participate in this inaugural program, which was designed to foster collaboration between investigators on a global level,” remarked Duncan. He emphasised the importance of such exchanges in implementing best practices worldwide to ensure the safety, integrity, and security of racing.
The exchange program's itinerary, crafted by John Burgess, Head of Integrity for the BHA, included visits to Newmarket, the British Racing School, and the National Stud. Burgess ensured the ORI members engaged in active searches and dialogues with his investigative teams, highlighting the shared challenges and opportunities for mutual learning.
“Hosting our first exchange has been an undeniable success,” said Burgess. “Our BHA integrity team gained valuable insights from the U.S. members. This was a two-way street, showcasing how all of us, despite geographical differences, can learn from one another.”
Racing investigators, whether from centralised authorities like the BHA or various jurisdictions like ORI, thrive on networking and collaboration. This exchange marked an important step in broadening the global perspective for investigators, providing them with tools and knowledge to enhance their day-to-day operations.
“Education for us is so important,” said Klouser, who proposed the exchange to the ORI board. “We want our members to have access to every possible avenue, making training like this essential for ORI membership.”
The exchange highlighted the differences and similarities between British and American racing environments, from BHA regulations to the logistics of training yards versus racetracks. The success of this first exchange has firmly planted the ORI's international flag of integrity, bridging the gap between investigative practices and fostering a common language of investigation across borders.