Racing Inspectors
Racing Inspectors supervise the operation of the Commission's field offices located at Suffolk Downs, Plainridge Racecourse, Raynham Park, Wonderland Park, and a temporary office at the Northampton Fair. These individuals must possess a thorough knowledge and ability to interpret the rules and regulations of the racing industry. Additionally, they maintain a close liaison with the Stewards, Judges, Racing Officials, Track Security, State Police, and the Racing Commission to ensure the operations at each track are efficient and effective.
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE APPLICATIONS
Occupational licenses expire annually on December 31st. Inspectors review and process license applications. In 2007, the Inspectors processed 5,200 applications and were responsible for collecting over $102,000 in license and badge fees. They also collected $12,000 in fines. As a result of the Inspector’s efforts approximately $115,000 dollars were deposited in the general fund of the Commonwealth.
COMPLAINTS
The Commission Inspector is the most accessible and visible Commission representative at the track. Complaints and disputes are usually initiated with the Inspectors. The complaints and disputes that cannot be resolved at the field level are then reported to the Commission Office for further action. In 2007, the Commission received only one complaint.
SUPERVISE TEST AREA
A State Inspector supervises testing areas at each track in order to ensure proper collection and continuity of evidence for blood and urine samples obtained from racing animals. Testing Assistants who are employed for each program are trained, scheduled and supervised in their activities by the Inspectors in compliance with established procedures. In 2007, Commission veterinarians collected 753 blood samples and Commission testing assistants, under supervision of the Racing Inspectors collected 6,941 urine samples from both horses and dogs that participated at Massachusetts racetracks. The samples were tested at the Racing Commission Laboratory for prohibited drugs and medications that could affect the performance of a racing animal. 0.077 percent of the samples tested positive for prohibited drugs.
This content provided by the State Racing Commission.