Racing needs to change now. We need a new association led by the owners and trainers of this game that we all love and are passionate about. We need to turn selfish into selfless and each do our part for the future of this great sport that is in poor health.

The goal of this association will be to make all facets of racing better. We need to make it better and safer for horses, fans, gamblers, jockeys, trainers, owners, breeders, backstretch, tracks, etc.

This association will not just be focused on the top 10 percent, the goal is to make positive change for everyone involved in the game. This seismic change doesn’t happen overnight but it has to start now if it is ever going to happen.

The plan is to unite and work together with the tracks, HISA, other racing associations, and the sales companies. We all want a better sport and it’s about time we unite and leave the competition inside the racetrack not outside.

Non-cooperative tracks remember the owners and trainers control the entry box.

I’m asking all owners and trainers to help lead this mission! I’m asking you all to stop talking and let’s unite for progress. Walk the talk!

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the focus items we will address:

Working with HISA to improve horse safety with an advisory committee of the most experienced thoroughbred vets with the no. 1 goal to protect these amazing and loving equine athletes.

Working with tracks on having three surfaces if possible, turf, dirt, and synthetic. If not possible push for a synthetic training track.

Stand up and back 99 percent of the trainers who devote their lives and work extremely hard. There are cheaters, and crooks, in every industry and facet of life, they make up a small percentage.

Significantly increase the purses for older horses. Having it makes sense for owners and trainers to bring back these older horses. In the long term, this will lead to the breeding of older and more durable horses that will strengthen the breed.

Have every consignment owner, bloodstock agent, jockey agent, veterinarian, etc. licensed with rules and regulations, fines, suspensions, and penalties for everyone involved?

Fix 2-year-old sales. Horses will be tested when entered, weeks before the breeze, and tested post-breeze. We will also ban the stupidity of a one-furlong, 9.3 (second) breeze. I would suggest they work three furlongs or just gallop only before the auction.

Promote ownership through reputable racing syndicates to get more owners in the game and at the same time educate them on horse ownership.

Work with both Gen Z and millennials with national programs focusing on the future of racing, including future trainers, fans, grooms, gamblers, owners, media, etc. We need the next generation involved if racing has a future.

Educate, upgrade, and innovate the gambling of this sport. Be creative, let’s think out of the box.

Openly share your thoughts, comments, and ideas with the industry and me. Do not hide or be afraid to speak up and share your true opinion to make the game better. If you get fired I will hire you for the new association. (Unless your name is Joe Drape.)

Are you willing to unite for progress?

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Thoroughbred Daily News reported Repole's proposal Monday morning after the owner discussed it on Sunday's Spinster broadcast on NBC.

Host Nick Luck pointed out that Repole had spent $14 million on yearlings at the Keeneland September sale a few weeks ago.

“Because I'm a big idiot, just like every owner in this game,” said Repole to Luck on the broadcast. “We take this. We take this from Churchill. We take this from other tracks. We take this from other associations. It can't happen anymore.”

Mike Repole