Amanda English of Oklahoma has been named chair of the Association of Racing Commissioners International’s Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee, according to ARCI chair Domenic DiCera on October 2. Although English is relatively new to racing regulation, she has rapidly advanced due to her 20 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles as an Oklahoma Police Chief and an investigator for the U.S. Department of Defense. She also brings a strong background in professional education, having served as Director of Oklahoma’s Basic Peace Officer Certification Academy.
DiCera praised English’s diverse career, highlighting her work in military support, policing, regulatory leadership, and public service innovation with a consistent focus on integrity, modernization, and community impact. He emphasized that she offers fresh perspectives to the regulatory and enforcement community. Among her initiatives, English introduced Equine Protective Orders, which temporarily bar horses from racing if their trainer has a documented pattern of incidents such as breakdowns, distress at finish, or needing to be transported away due to injury. Horses can return to competition only after the trainer demonstrates their suitability through enhanced and independent evaluations.
Additionally, ARCI President Ed Martin pointed out that English is a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) with the International Association of Chiefs of Police. DREs are trained to identify drug use, and applying this expertise to racing’s anti-doping programs represents a novel and forward-thinking approach that will prompt important regulatory discussions moving forward.
The ARCI Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee will hold its next meeting on October 16, 2026. Details can be found under the meeting tab on the ARCI website.
_Fan Take:_ Amanda English’s blend of law enforcement expertise and innovative regulatory ideas could mark a turning point for integrity and safety in horse racing. For fans, this means a stronger commitment to fairness and equine welfare, which are essential to preserving the sport’s reputation and excitement.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
