The Racing Medication & Testing Consortium announced Oct. 4 that Dr. Michael Hardy has been hired as its next executive director.
Hardy will be responsible for the management of the RMTC's laboratory accreditation and external quality assurance program in conjunction with the new Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit. He will also be charged with the administration of the RMTC's scientific advisory committee process, the monitoring of emerging threats to the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses, administrative oversight of RMTC-funded research projects, and coordinating RegVet CE programs. He fills the position previously held by Dr. Mary Scollay, who has been named chief of science for the HIWU, which was established by Drug Free Sport International to administer HISA's new Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.
In the near term, Hardy will lead the efforts of the RMTC to educate Thoroughbred racing participants concerning the significant changes in the regulation of anti-doping and medication control to begin Jan. 1 with the implementation of the new HISA program.
The RMTC selected Hardy based on his experience in developing regulatory safety initiative(s) for racehorses, management of pre- and post-race drug testing, research into emerging threats to the integrity of horse racing, and the regulation of horse racing in general.
"We are very pleased to have Dr. Hardy on board," said RMTC chair Alex Waldrop. "He has been working with the RMTC for years now, and that will enable him to hit the ground running in this new capacity at a pivotal time for the RMTC and the entire horse racing industry."
Hardy also continues in his position as chief association veterinarian, and newly appointed safety director for Horseshoe Indianapolis (previously Indiana Grand Racing & Casino), and as a member of the Breeders' Cup veterinary panel.
Hardy started his career as a racing regulatory veterinarian in 2008, first for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and subsequently since 2013 for Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Hardy has served on the RMTC horseracing testing laboratory committee since 2019, where he has assisted in the implementation of the laboratory accreditation program. The HTLC serves as a consultant to the RMTC board of directors and executive committee on matters related to the laboratory accreditation program and RMTC-accredited laboratories.
In addition, he has presented at veterinary and industry-related conferences, including RMTC's RegVet CE, on topics of pre-race examinations, injury prevention, emergency response, race-day injury management, and horse racing testing laboratory accreditation.
The RMTC is a 501(c) 3 organization comprised of 23 industry stakeholder organizations with a shared commitment to engage in research, education, and advocacy for science-based initiatives that promote the health and safety of the racehorse and the integrity of competition.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
