New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

With the upcoming HISA vote set to determine the fate of Lasix in the U.S., the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association conducted a survey of its membership seeking input on how the expiration of the Lasix exemption, and the possibility of a complete ban on the drug on race day, could impact their operations and the industry at large. The results of the survey were published in the organization's 2026 Winter newsletter. Among the respondents, 123, or 80.9%, reported they would be likely to race less if a total ban...

Trainer Kevin Bond, whose Facebook page sported an antisemitic comment regarding Rob Reiner, has been charged with conduct detrimental to the best interests of racing and to the New York Racing Association's Business Operations, as well as a breach of his stall application, NYRA revealed Friday. NYRA has issued a notice of hearing and Statement of Charges to Bond. The hearing has been set for Friday, March 6. Bond, who has made 75 starts in his career, but just one in 2026, will be allowed to continue training pending final...

The New York Racing Association, Inc.'s annual Toys for Tots donation drive will be held at Aqueduct Racetrack from Thursday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 7. Founded in 1947, Toys for Tots collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to local children in need each holiday season. This year's donation drive marks the 35th year that NYRA has partnered with the Marine Corps Reserve. "The annual Toys for Tots Drive at Aqueduct has become more than a day of giving. It's a cherished tradition that unites the racing community in support of...

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) has established the D. Wayne Lukas Award, to be given annually to a New York-based assistant trainer who demonstrates the qualities that the late Hall of Fame trainer himself exemplified-- dedication, a strong work ethic, and a high commitment to excellence--the organization said in a press release on Wednesday. Owners and trainers will be invited to nominate an assistant trainer for the $10,000 award, which will be presented each year on Sept. 2, D. Wayne Lukas's birthday. "'The Coach' mentored countless young people,...

The Association of Racing Commissioners International's (ARCI) annual Animal Welfare and Integrity Conference, which was hosted at Churchill Downs during the afternoon of Thursday, May 8, heard from a pair of panels that specifically delved into how social media can impact the industry, according to a Friday press release from the organization. The 'Thoroughbred Racing Roundtable' included West Point Thoroughbreds own Terry Finley along with Churchill Downs's Vice President and General Manager Mike Ziegler and Tina Bond, an owner-breeder who is president of both the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association...

The Racing Medication & Testing Consortium (RMTC) has awarded 25 veterinary students externships which will provide experience working alongside racetrack practitioners and regulatory veterinarians. "The success of the racing industry is dependent on the recruitment, availability, and retention of motivated attending and regulatory veterinary professionals to oversee the safety and welfare of its participants," said RMTC Executive Director Dr. Michael Hardy. "The RMTC will join other equine industry organizations taking an active role in promoting careers in equine veterinary medicine." The RMTC created the Racing Industry Veterinary Student Externship Program...

Ten Thoroughbred industry and charitable organizations have pledged funding for the American Association of Equine Practitioners' wearable biometric sensor research project. Six sensor manufacturers have been selected to participate in the year-long study. Wearable biometric sensors, which have shown promise as an early warning system for identifying racehorses at increased risk of musculoskeletal injury, are designed to capture data on a horse's movement patterns during high-speed events. The following organizations have contributed a total of $785,000 to fund the research project, which will run Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025:...

Horse racing has a PR problem. Tina Bond has a possible solution. "It's to create a new narrative and to help elevate the sport," said Bond, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), and the mastermind behind The Heart of Horse Racing, a new campaign--one undergoing something of a soft launch--to cultivate new followers to the game by sharing the stories of those already in it. In the campaign's own words, "our mission is to win over the hearts and minds of a new generation of fans while...

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association is hosting a webinar for THA trainers Sept. 6, featuring representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor - Wage & Hour Division, as well as the New York State Department of Labor. Topics will include employer requirements for the H-2B visa program, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and investigative processes, along with labor law specifics for New York State employers. Speakers will include: Sarah Decker, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist - DOL/Wage & Hour Division; Cynthia Spahl, Regional Enforcement Coordinator for the...

The fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day, hosted by the New York Racing Association, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, and New York Thoroughbred Breeders will be held Aug. 15 at Saratoga Race Course. New York Aftercare Day showcases retired racehorses demonstrating the skills they've learned in second careers, and interviews with members of New York's aftercare community. The $125,000 Rick Violette Stakes, named for the late trainer and NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, will anchor...

Tina Marie Bond, recently elected president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), added the office of president of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (THA) to her duties after the THA's annual meeting and election Mar. 19-20 in Florida. "It's an honor to be elected president of such an esteemed collective," said Bond, who is the first woman ever to helm the organization. "THA is at the forefront of collaborative decision-making and policy implementation on issues such as racehorse aftercare, equine safety and welfare, and protecting the integrity of our...

Andy Belfiore will be returning as the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association's executive director, effective Jan. 7, the organization announced Tuesday. "Andy has a wealth of experience in all facets of the racing industry," said newly elected NYTHA President Tina Bond. "In addition to her knowledge base, Andy's devotion to equine welfare and aftercare are especially crucial in this period of our sport. We are very pleased that she will be rejoining the NYTHA team." Belfiore started her career in racing on the backstretch at Belmont Park, working as a...