The Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau has created a digital identification tattoo for racehorses and expects the system to be implemented by 2020 across North America, the organization announced Tuesday. With wireless technology, the tattoo will require two-factor authentication–scanning a microchip and uploading updated digital photos of horses of racing age–to provide a superior form of identification and further ensure integrity.
Starting Jan. 1, 2020, any Thoroughbred making a first lifetime start in a recognized parimutuel race that has not been previously tattooed will need to have the TPRB Digital Tattoo in order to be correctly identified in the paddock and permitted to race. The TRPB employs 56 technicians throughout the United States and Canada who will be responsible for applying the digital tattoo. Owners must ensure that their Thoroughbreds have been microchipped and registered with The Jockey Club. Microchips became a condition of foal registration starting with foals born in 2017. For more information about the introduction and rollout of the digital tattoo, visit the TRPB website or call Emma Smith at (410) 398-2261, ext. 248.
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