"Regulation is a thankless job"
On Wednesday February 24, students in the Race Track Industry Program met over Zoom with Ed Martin, Secretary for Harness Horsemen’s International and Executive Director of the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association.
Martin talked about the ARCI and their role as an umbrella group of government regulators who are legally bound to ensure the integrity of racing and wagering. They have a complete database of regulatory records that they provide to racing commissions for their use in investigations. The ARCI licenses participants, racetracks, ADWs and tote companies and develops model rules and standards for racing.
“The model rules and standards are a living and breathing document,” Martin explained. “Anyone can suggest a model rule or modify a current one by filling out a form online. The ARCI posts proposed rules on their website for review and comment before the committee meets and decides whether to make it a model rule or not.”
Mr. Martin also discussed HISA and admitted that ARCI was not in favor of the Bill, as passed, but said his “members do not make law and now their task is to make the transition as smooth as possible.” He further expressed concern that some states will just hand over all the drug testing to HISA.
“I’m very appreciative of Ed’s participation in the Hirsch Speakers’ Forum; he treated our students to discussions on a wide variety of issues from a regulatory viewpoint,” said Phil O’Hara.