SAFE!

I have been to many racetracks over the course of my life, visiting Thoroughbred shrines like Churchill Downs and Belmont Park to harness tracks like Maywood Park and Pocono Downs. However, in all of those horse places I have seen, one stood out above the rest for me as far as beauty and atmosphere. That is Delaware Park. I went there for the first time last spring and honestly, I cannot wait to go back. It was just gorgeous in every way, shape, and form. I am planning a return journey there in October and am already excited about the prospect.

Why do I mention Delaware Park on this ordinary Thursday? Well, Delaware has become one of four racetracks in this country to receive full safety accreditation from the NTRA Safety And Integrity Alliance. Delaware joins the aforementioned Belmont Park and Churchill Downs, along with Keeneland Race Course on the NTRA safety list. According to a story on the Thoroughbred Times website, the things that the Alliance look for in the way of safety are injury reporting and prevention, creating a safer racing environment, aftercare and transition of retired racehorses, uniform medication (testing and penalties), and safety research. Delaware Park should be proud of joining that all-important list of track doing everything they can possibly do to the best of their ability for the safety of both the horses and the jockeys. Speaking of Delaware Park, don't forget that Barbaro's brother, Nicanor, was a turf winner again there on Wednesday afternoon. It could be soon when he starts to try some tougher stuff and take that turf ability to the next level.

Tracks next on the NTRA accreditation list include Arlington Park, Calder Race Course, Emerald Downs, and Monmouth Park.

Tune in for a look at this weekend's Queen's Plate at Woodbine on Friday from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone...GOODBYE!