TurfPublicists: CORNELL AND NYRA LAUNCH SEARCH FOR NEW YORK EQUINE VETERINARY MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Contact: John Carberry (Cornell)

Ashley Herriman (NYRA)

CORNELL AND NYRA LAUNCH SEARCH FOR NEW YORK

EQUINE VETERINARY MEDICAL DIRECTOR

ITHACA, N.Y. – The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced today the formation of a search committee for Equine Veterinary Medical Director (EVMD), a position that will be established outside of NYRA reporting to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

In keeping with a key recommendation of the New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety, the NYRA Reorganization Board established the new position as a major element in its efforts to renew and reform horse racing in New York, an economic engine in the state that employs thousands, generates millions of dollars for the state and local communities, and continues a tradition that began more than 150 years ago.

The EVMD will oversee equine medication and health issues at NYRA tracks and recommend strategies to the NYRA Reorganization Board to enhance the health and safety of horses and jockeys and ensure the highest ethical standards in New York racing. The new position will chair the newly established Equine Safety Review Board and work hand in hand with the Equine Safety Committee of the NYRA Reorganization Board to ensure that all safety issues are addressed.

The members of the search committee, who will conduct an international search for the EVMD, are:

Michael Kotlikoff – Dean, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Chair

Anthony Bonomo - NYRA board member

C. Steven Duncker - NYRA board member

Mary Scollay Ward - Kentucky Equine Medical Director

Lisa Fortier – Associate Professor, Cornell University

Thomas Divers - Professor, Cornell University

Terry Finley - West Point Thoroughbreds

Ken McPeek - McPeek Racing

Jerry Bilinski - Waldorf Farms

Appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, the NYRA Reorganization Board is a three-year, publicly-controlled governing body charged with transforming the management of thoroughbred racing in New York State. Upon completion of its work, the 17-member Reorganization Board will return control of the revitalized NYRA to the private sector.

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