Equine veterinarian Dr. Dionne Benson has been appointed as the Chief Veterinary Officer for The Stronach Group, it was announced Tuesday evening. For the past seven years, Dr. Benson has been the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) in Lexington, Ky.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Benson join our team,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman and President of The Stronach Group. “Dr. Benson has a proven track-record of advocating for the health and safety of racehorses and she is at the forefront of guiding the implementation of racing standards that are grounded in medical science. In this extremely important time of reform and modernization in the Thoroughbred racing industry, Dr. Benson brings both unique expertise and an unparalleled reputation.”
The creation of the position of Chief Veterinary Officer, originally titled Director of Equine Welfare, was part of the initial enhanced protocols and procedures plan put forth by The Stronach Group in March. The position will include directing safety and welfare, as well as veterinary research initiatives for all of The Stronach Group facilities across the country including, California's Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park in South Florida, and Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park in Maryland.
“I am excited to join The Stronach Group in this new role at this important moment in time for the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing in the United States,” said Dr. Dionne Benson. “The organization has demonstrated a clear commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of horses that race at their tracks, and I look forward to continuing to implement world-class practices that reflect medical science while supporting their efforts to drive systemic change throughout the sport nationally.”
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