An Open Letter to the Horse Racing Industry: Supporting Excellence and Integrity in Officiating

To Our Valued Partners Across Horse Racing:

At a time when our sport faces some of the most intense scrutiny in history, one truth remains crystal clear: the credibility of horse racing depends on the consistency, professionalism, and integrity of its officiating.

Horse racing runs on stewards. Horseplayers demand consistency. The industry survives on integrity. Fans expect fairness. And stewards? They need ROAP.

From the starting gate to the stewards’ stand, every decision that affects the outcome of a race also affects the confidence of bettors, the safety of our athletes—both equine and human—and the long-term sustainability of this sport we all love. It is in this spirit that we reach out to you today.

The Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) is launching a vital campaign titled “Supporting Excellence and Integrity in Officiating”, with the goal of raising $100,000 in contributions from key stakeholders across North America. These funds will directly strengthen our efforts to train, accredit, and support racing officials who serve at the very heart of our sport’s integrity infrastructure.

Why Now? In an era when public trust is paramount, racing cannot afford inconsistency in its officiating. Whether you are a regulator, a racetrack executive, a horsemen’s representative, or a horseplayer, the reliability of race outcomes and the enforcement of rules directly impact your operations.

ROAP is the only industry-wide program in North America solely dedicated to the training, accreditation, and continuing education of racing officials—most notably, our stewards, who are the ultimate guardians of race-day integrity.  Please note that ROAP is a 501(c)(6) member organization; while contributions are not deductible as charitable donations, they may be deductible as a business expense.

Our stewards are tasked with making high-stakes decisions under tremendous pressure. Their calls determine race outcomes, protect participants, enforce rules, and uphold the integrity of betting markets. But they cannot do it alone—and they cannot do it without consistent, modern training that reflects the evolving realities of our sport.

Now more than ever, the industry must invest in our officials, just as we invest in horses, jockeys, infrastructure, and technology.

Myself, along with the ROAP Steering Committee are teeing up a fundraising initiative that is more than a campaign—it’s a commitment to quality. The money raised will go directly toward strengthening the systems that ensure our stewards and officials are the best they can be.

We will be reaching out directly—through letters, emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings—to stakeholders in the industry. ROAP board members are already scheduling conversations with racetracks, commissions, horsemen’s groups, and ADW leaders across North America.

We will follow up by launch by providing updates on the ROAP website, fundraising progress updates, and visibility through industry media outlets such as BloodHorse, Horsemen’s Journal, TDN, Harness Racing Update, and HoofBeats.

Everyone who touches the sport daily, should understand that integrity isn’t optional—it’s essential. This is your opportunity to directly contribute to the people and programs that safeguard that integrity every time the gates open.

ROAP supports the industry’s stewards, now we are asking that the industry support ROAP.

Let’s invest in excellence and integrity.

With respect and shared purpose,

Eddie Arroyo
Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP)
www.horseracingofficials.com