Lamberth of Arkansas New RCI Chairman

Blood-Horse

Mark Lamberth, a member of the Arkansas Racing Commission, took over as chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International April 23, during the organization’s annual convention in Tampa, Fla.

Lamberth was selected chairman-elect last year. The chair serves a one-year term.

“He will be a good leader at a time when we need to have compromise, which I believe will be his major point,” said outgoing RCI chairman John Ward Jr., executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Lamberth, a Thoroughbred owner, is one of five members of the Arkansas Racing Commission, which regulates Thoroughbred and Greyhound racing in the state.

“We must always work to seek common ground,” Lamberth said. “But we must paddle our own canoe and continue to address industry issues. There are many inter-related issues that require cooperation.”

Lamberth said widespread adoption of the Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule and strict enforcement of penalties under the National Uniform Medication Program will remain priorities for RCI members.

“We finally have a workable solution on medication,” he said. “We’ve made great progress, but our work isn’t finished. We must continue until we are truly uniform and punish chronic offenders (of medication policies).”

Lamberth also said horse racing must be “profitable again” by growing pari-mutuel wagering and revenue. He listed an insufficient return to purses from some advance deposit wagering outlets, computer batch-betting, and a poor product at some racetracks, despite having gaming revenue for purses as issues for the industry.

“We must take care of our everyday fans,” Lamberth said. “And we need a quality product to survive and prosper.”

Lamberth also reiterated RCI’s focus on the equine health and welfare.

“I pledge to protect the athletes in our sport who have no voice,” he said.