FAQ: Horse Questions
How are you going to ensure that this operation will be safe
and humane for the horses?
To ensure the safety and well-being of the horses, Bay State Racing is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of care, integrity, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Since the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) in 2022, thoroughbred racing has undergone significant reforms, and Bay State Racing will strictly adhere to these regulations. In partnership with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), the operation will implement comprehensive nationwide standards for racetrack safety, anti-doping measures, and medication control, ensuring a safe and humane environment for all horses.
Key measures include:
Racetrack Safety Program – Establishes national safety and welfare standards for horses and jockeys, mandates pre-race veterinary examinations, and requires track surface maintenance and injury reporting.
Anti-Doping & Medication Control Program – Enforces strict drug testing protocols, bans performance-enhancing substances, and includes out-of-competition testing to prevent doping outside of races.
Enforcement & Accountability – HISA and Bay State Racing have the authority to investigate violations, impose penalties, and suspend individuals who break the rules, working alongside the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ensure compliance.
24/7 Surveillance & Engineering Design – All stables and paddocks will have continuous video monitoring, along with additional undisclosed safety measures to uphold the highest standards of horse welfare.
Additionally, under the Host Community Agreement, Bay State Racing will establish a Racing Oversight Board, with a representative appointed by the City of Leominster to ensure proper oversight. The facility will be subject to annual compliance reporting and inspections by regulatory bodies, with findings shared with the City. Proper waste management is also required, ensuring responsible collection, storage, and disposal of horse manure.
With these rigorous protocols in place, Bay State Racing is committed to providing a safe, humane, and transparent environment for all horses in its care.
How will you handle animal waste?
We will follow all state and federal rules and regulations. Our project provides the opportunity to improve stormwater management and environmental concerns, such as manure management, stormwater runoff, and water treatment than current conditions allow.
All animal waste will be disposed of in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations. Horse manure will be collected in an enclosed dumpster and removed from the site.
The approval process for the site must go through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Leominster Conservation Committee. MassDEP does not issue the project a file number until the project meets all criteria outlined at the state level.
Will horses be living on site full time? If so, what will they be there for?
Yes, an average of six horses will reside on-site in the stables as part of the horse therapy program, providing ongoing therapeutic experiences for the community.
