Racing and breeding, already facing serious challenges going into the recession, now face an even larger and more daunting list of crises. The time to act is now, before Thoroughbred racing retreats to county fair status or goes away altogether.

Even though the Kentucky Derby is a month away, the spotlight is shining brightly on safety issues relating to Thoroughbred racing. Recent media accounts provide ample evidence that over the next two months, and perhaps for a much longer period, we are going to be under the microscope like in no other time as we near the one-year anniversary of Eight Belles' tragic accident.

The health and safety of our human and equine athletes, and the integrity of our sport are our highest priorities. These fundamental principles will guide the newly formed National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance.

After viewing a study conducted for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the organization's senior vice president of communications and industry relations, Keith Chamblin, had this to say: "Our core fans are pissed."