Objective

To determine the extent of implementation of the two recommendations included in our initial audit report Equine Health and Safety (2017-S-77).

About the Program

Our initial audit report, issued on November 13, 2018, examined whether the Gaming Commission (Commission) was monitoring and enforcing New York State rules and regulations designed to promote the health and safety of equines at New York State racetracks.

We found that the Commission had implemented measures to improve its practices to promote equine health and safety. However, we determined the Commission could better document its daily operating policies and procedures; improve how information is recorded in the Equine Breakdown, Death, Injury and Incident Database; and ensure adherence to drug testing requirements. The Commission did not provide our office with a required 90-day response indicating any steps it had taken to implement our recommendations.

Key Finding

Commission officials have made limited progress in correcting the problems we identified in the initial report, and additional action is still needed. Of the two prior audit recommendations, one recommendation was partially implemented and one was not implemented.

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up review to provide information on any actions that are planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this review.