Over the coming two weeks, members of the Organization of Racing Investigators (ORI) are embarking on an exciting new exchange initiative, delving into the rich racing heritage of Ireland and England through an immersive tour of iconic racing venues.
ORI's former chairman, Jason Klouser, expressed enthusiasm for the program, describing it as part of ORI's ongoing commitment to sharing expertise and evaluating integrity practices worldwide. Joining Klouser on this journey are Tyler Durand, J.C. Jaramillo, Juan Estrada, and David Duncan. Their itinerary includes visits to esteemed locations such as The Curragh, Leopardstown, and Coolmore, with Chris Gordon from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board acting as their knowledgeable host.
Continuing their exploration, the group will rendezvous with ORI's John Burgess, the Head of Integrity at the British Horseracing Authority. Burgess will provide them with exclusive insights into the operational strategies during the prestigious Royal Meeting at Ascot. Additionally, they will undertake a yard inspection and tour of the National Stud, rounding out their comprehensive experience.
Generous sponsorship from key industry players including the Breeders' Cup, the Keeneland Association, the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP), the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, and Hanover Shoe Farm has made this inaugural exchange possible. Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer for the Breeders' Cup, emphasised the importance of collaboration in upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and integrity within the industry.
Looking ahead, ORI plans to offer similar travel opportunities to its members, facilitating first hand exposure to international best practices. Russell Williams, President of Hanover Shoe Farm, highlighted the significance of forging international connections and exchanging ideas to enhance integrity and safety standards in the global horse racing community.