Unsanctioned Racing, Shadow Track Showdown
Delve into the shadowy world of unsanctioned “bush track” racing and the significant risks it poses to horse welfare, jockey safety, and the broader U.S. equine industry. Julie Broadway is joined by AHC Legislative Affairs specialist Amanda Kadilak and intern Aditri Singh to discuss their multi-year investigation into these illicit operations. Additionally, this month’s legislative report explores how current trade policies and tariffs are directly impacting the economic landscape for horse owners and businesses.
HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3963 –Show Notes and Links:
- Your Hosts: Julie Broadway (President) and Emily Stearns (Health, Welfare, and Regulatory Affairs Liaison) of the American Horse Council
- Sponsors: Populous and SmartEquine
- Subscribe to the American Horse Council Podcast – Search American Horse Council Podcast on your podcast player.
- Guest: Amanda Kadilak, Government Affairs Liaison for the AHC
- Guest: Aditri Singh, Intern for AHC
- Follow Horses In The Morning on Facebook
- Follow the American Horse Council on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)
Time Stamps:
- 01:06 – Bush tracks explained
- 03:00 – Guest introductions
- 06:00 – Scale of bush tracks
- 08:24 – Research and legal gaps
- 12:16 – Disease spread and EIA
- 16:00 – Impact on sanctioned racing
- 19:01 – Agencies and strategy
- 22:19 – Enforcement examples
- 24:35 – Cultural and community angle
- 25:30 – What listeners can do
- 27:54 – Smart Equine sponsor + tariffs topic
- 31:36 – Hay and live horse trade
- 38:50 – Tariffs, prices, and wrap-up
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