The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) conference highlighted ongoing efforts to support off-track Thoroughbreds by strengthening bonds between horses and humans and improving traceability throughout a Thoroughbred’s life. Initiatives include The Jockey Club’s digital certificate program, traceability surveys, and the ID My Thoroughbred app, which help track horses after their racing careers and enhance transparency and welfare. The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) promotes second careers for Thoroughbreds through education, events, and placement services, while programs like Oaklawn Park’s Ring the Bell encourage horsemen to donate a portion of their winnings to aftercare efforts, raising significant funds and awareness.

The conference also addressed concerns about water contamination at racetracks, with a study revealing pharmaceuticals, including the banned substance metformin, in water samples from many tracks. While new regulations under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) aim to standardize testing and thresholds for substances like metformin, trainers are advised to use water filtration methods such as carbon or reverse osmosis filters to reduce contamination risks before races. These combined efforts reflect the industry’s growing commitment to horse welfare, transparency, and integrity both on and off the track.