Letter To The Editor: Jockey Club Chairman Dobson In Support Of SAFE Act

[Wandering Eyes]

As I begin my tenure as chair of The Jockey Club, I look to the future with optimism and gratitude for the work already done by so many in our sport. Together, we have elevated safety, strengthened aftercare, and built partnerships that once seemed unlikely. Now, we have the opportunity to take the next step: ending horse slaughter, so that the pipeline that undermines public trust and jeopardizes our horses is finally closed.

Long before this conversation reached industry headlines, The Jockey Club was working with animal-welfare experts to raise standards. The creation of the National Horse Racing Advisory Council in 2016 with Humane World for Animals (then the Humane Society of the United States) provided a bridge between racing professionals and advocates. That collaboration sent a clear signal: We are prepared to lead, to evolve, and to ensure our practices reflect the dignity of the horse. It was a forward-looking effort then, and that spirit of leadership and collaboration continues to guide us today.

Yet the challenge of the slaughter pipeline has persisted. While we have made significant progress in caring for Thoroughbreds during and after their racing careers, the existence of this pipeline puts horses at unnecessary risk, undermines our progress, and clouds perceptions of our commitment to the animals at the very heart of our sport.

The Jockey Club has long supported the SAFE Act (see Chris Heyde's op-ed in the TDN), legislation that would permanently ban horse slaughter in the United States and end the export of horses for slaughter abroad. With our guidance, many leaders across racing have joined in this call from racetracks, breeders, jockeys, owners and beyond demonstrating that this is not a divisive issue but a unifying one, rooted in our respect for the Thoroughbred.

As chair of The Jockey Club, I will continue and deepen this commitment. Our industry can thrive only when it reflects the values of care, integrity, and accountability. By ending slaughter, we will remove a shadow that has lingered for too long and allow our investments in aftercare and second careers to reach their full potential.

This is a moment to celebrate how far we have come and to finish the work together. Passing the SAFE Act will honor the horses who define our sport and strengthen the foundation for racing's future.

–Everett Dobson became The Jockey Club of America's 11th chairman this summer.

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