Know Your Rights

Handbook: Attending Veterinarian

Handbook: Trainer

Handbook: Stewards

November 19, 2024 (Lexington, KY) - The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)’s Exercise-Associated Sudden Death (EASD) Working Group, formed in October of 2023 to advance research initiatives and collaborate with industry leaders on the critical issue of EASD, today announced the funding of two groundbreaking research studies.
The Working Group is made up of distinguished veterinarians and equine researchers focused on the scientific understanding and prevention of sudden, unexpected fatalities occurring during or closely following exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses.
“The EASD Working Group is working diligently to address the incidence of sudden deaths, which continue to account for a significant portion of racing fatalities. This ongoing challenge requires increased attention, which is exactly why HISA exists. We are optimistic that this group’s research will enhance our understanding and help inform policy changes that will reduce sudden fatalities and safeguard our horses,” said HISA CEO, Lisa Lazarus.
The Group is sponsoring two groundbreaking studies, one of which seeks to identify biomarkers that could be used to identify horses at high risk of EASD, while the other focuses on a comprehensive monitoring program using wearable technology. Both are aimed at developing practical screening tools and reducing EASD occurrences.
University of Minnesota Biomarker Research
Dr. Sian Durward-Akhurst of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, is working on a multi-omics approach to prediction of EASD in Thoroughbred racehorses by identifying biomarker differences between healthy Thoroughbred racehorses and those that succumb to EASD.
The lab’s long-term goal is to develop a non-invasive screening test to identify horses at increased risk of EASD. These horses can then be monitored closely, and recommendations can be made for when they are safe to train and race with the goal of reducing the frequency of EASD. Additionally, if there are horses that are considered at high risk of EASD but never have issues, it will be possible to look for protective measures to which those horses may be exposed.
Racing authorities and racetracks are currently being recruited to collect samples from horses that have succumbed to EASD and healthy controls.
University of Pennsylvania and University of Minnesota Wearable Device Monitoring Program
Dr. Cris Navas of New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Durward-Akhurst of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, have begun an Exercise-Associated Sudden Death monitoring pilot program. 
Collaborating trainers are asked to place the Arioneo Equimetre wearable devices on each horse during training weekly for 4-6 months. For each of the training sessions, ECG, heart rate, stride characteristics (rate, length, symmetry [for trot] and regularity), speed, distance, duration and the relationships and progression of these variables are measured. Enrollment is free and the data is kept confidential between researchers, trainers and the veterinary team of each trainer.
In the first eight weeks of the study, they have recruited 193 Thoroughbred racehorses across racetracks in Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland and Minnesota, and 493 training sessions have been recorded so far. They are planning to record 250 horses for the initial phase of the study, giving approximately 4,000 training sessions for analysis. 
These research projects are ongoing. The initial pilot studies are expected to be completed by December 2025. If data collection and analysis are proven to be feasible in the North American racetrack setting, the goal is to enroll a large enough number of racehorses to allow the identification of risk factors for EASD. If accurate risk factors are identified, these will used to implement prevention programs to reduce the frequency of EASD.
About the EASD Working Group
The EASD Working Group is comprised of renowned experts in veterinary medicine and pathology:
<ul type="disc">
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Sian Durward-Akhurst, BVMS, PhD, DACVIM</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Craig Goldblatt, DVM</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Julie Engiles, VMD, DACVP</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Lynn Hovda, DVM, PhD, ACVIM</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Laura Kennedy, DVM, DACVP</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Molly McCue, DVM, PhD, DACVIM</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Cris Navas, LV, PhD, DACVIM</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Allen Page, DVM, PhD</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Mary Robinson, DVM, PhD</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Francisco Uzal, DVM, PhD, DACVP</li>
</ul>
These veterinarians are focused on EASD monitoring, on-track emergency response plans, uniform heart sampling, advanced postmortem testing and necropsy protocols. Together, they aim to develop and implement practical strategies to understand better, monitor and reduce the risk of EASD.
 
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
Subject to Federal Trade Commission oversight, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is charged with recommending and implementing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing. HISA is implementing, for the first time, a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility. HISA is comprised of two programs: the Racetrack Safety Program, which went into effect on July 1, 2022, and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which went into effect on May 22, 2023.
The Racetrack Safety Program includes operational safety rules and national racetrack accreditation standards that seek to enhance equine welfare and minimize equine and jockey injury. The Program expands veterinary oversight, imposes surface maintenance and testing requirements, enhances jockey safety, regulates riding crop use and implements voided claim rules, among other important measures.
The ADMC Program includes a centralized testing and results management process and applies uniform penalties for violations efficiently and consistently across the United States. These rules and enforcement mechanisms are administered by an independent agency, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), established by Drug Free Sport International (DFS). HIWU oversees testing, educates stakeholders on the Program, accredits laboratories, investigates potential ADMC violations and enforces the ADMC Program.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mandy Minger
<a id="LPlnk233618" title="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org" href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org" data-linkindex="0">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804

HISA Exercise-Associated Sudden Death Working Group Announces Funding of Groundbreaking Research Studies

November 18, 2024 (Lexington, KY) - The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Standing Committee: David Ingordo, David Sykes and Jonathan Coyles. These distinguished professionals bring expertise from the fields of horseracing, veterinary medicine and professional sports, enhancing HISA’s mission to uphold the highest standards of integrity, safety and welfare within the industry.
Led by Chairman Charles Scheeler, an independent director on HISA's Board, the ADMC Standing Committee is required by federal law to be composed of four independent members and three industry representatives. The committee plays a key role in advising and assisting HISA with the establishment of comprehensive rules and protocols for its ADMC Program, including the Prohibited Substances List, laboratory testing standards, in-competition and out-of-competition testing programs, and ADMC research and educational initiatives. The daily operations of the ADMC Program are managed by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), a subsidiary of Drug Free Sport International, which works to ensure horseracing is conducted in accordance with the ADMC Program and that the welfare of horses is always prioritized when it comes to the implementation of medication rules. 
New Appointees:
David Ingordo (Industry) is a racehorse owner and bloodstock agent. Ingordo previously worked for Robert Frankel Inc., Walmac International and Juddmonte Farms USA. Currently, he is part of Lane’s End Farm with the bloodstock division Ingordo Bloodstock, LLC and helps to manage Belladonna Racing, LLC. Ingordo brings deep industry insight from his years of managing racehorses and working hands-on at the racetrack. He has previously served on HISA’s Horsemen’s Advisory Group. 
David Sykes (Industry) is an Australian-based veterinarian who is a respected veterinary consultant with extensive international experience in horseracing. Currently, he serves as Head of Anti-doping on the Technical Committee for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and consults for Racing Victoria on the Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Carnival equine welfare initiatives. Previously, he held senior roles in equine health and welfare at the British Horseracing Authority and the Emirates Racing Authority, where he was instrumental in advancing safety and integrity standards across global racing jurisdictions. 
Jonathan Coyles (Independent) is Vice President of Drug, Health and Safety Programs at Major League Baseball (MLB), overseeing the league’s drug prevention and treatment programs. He manages scientific and medical experts, supports collective bargaining with the Players Association on health and safety issues and advises MLB clubs on legal, wellness and anti-doping matters.
“These new members bring vital expertise and perspectives to the ADMC Standing Committee, strengthening our efforts to promote transparency, safety and fair competition within horseracing,” said Charles Scheeler, Chair of the ADMC Standing Committee.
As HISA welcomes these new members, the organization also expresses gratitude to Dr. Lynn Hovda, Barry Irwin and Kathleen Stroia, who are stepping down from the committee at the end of their terms and after years of dedicated service.
“We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Lynn Hovda, Barry Irwin and Kathleen Stroia for their contributions to the ADMC Standing Committee,” said Lisa Lazarus, CEO of HISA. “Their commitment and insights have been instrumental in shaping the early years of the ADMC Program, and their legacy will have a lasting impact on the integrity and welfare of our sport.”
The full list of ADMC Standing Committee members can be viewed online <a title="https://hisaus.org/about-us?cat=admc-committee" href="https://hisaus.org/about-us?cat=admc-committee" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">here</a>.
 
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
Subject to Federal Trade Commission oversight, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is charged with recommending and implementing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing. HISA is implementing, for the first time, a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility. HISA is comprised of two programs: the Racetrack Safety Program, which went into effect on July 1, 2022, and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which went into effect on May 22, 2023.
The Racetrack Safety Program includes operational safety rules and national racetrack accreditation standards that seek to enhance equine welfare and minimize equine and jockey injury. The Program expands veterinary oversight, imposes surface maintenance and testing requirements, enhances jockey safety, regulates riding crop use and implements voided claim rules, among other important measures.
The ADMC Program includes a centralized testing and results management process and applies uniform penalties for violations efficiently and consistently across the United States. These rules and enforcement mechanisms are administered by an independent agency, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), established by Drug Free Sport International (DFS). HIWU oversees testing, educates stakeholders on the Program, accredits laboratories, investigates potential ADMC violations and enforces the ADMC Program.
MEDIA CONTACT
 
Mandy Minger
<a title="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org" href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org" data-linkindex="1">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804

HISA Welcomes Three New Members to ADMC Standing Committee

November 14, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is accepting new applications for experienced industry experts to join HISA’s Horsemen’s Advisory Group to replace several members whose terms are up at the end of the year. The Advisory Group was formed by HISA in 2022 to provide formal feedback to HISA’s executive team and standing committees on the implementation and evolution of its Racetrack Safety Program and Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. The Advisory Group has been responsible for recommending a number of rule modifications that were ultimately advanced to HISA’s Standing Committees and Board of Directors.
HISA is inviting all racing participants who wish to be considered for membership in the Advisory Group to email <a title="mailto:horsemensadvisory@hisaus.org" href="mailto:horsemensadvisory@hisaus.org" data-linkindex="0">horsemensadvisory@hisaus.org</a> indicating their interest and qualifications by Thursday, December 12, 2024. Applicants who have applied in the past and received an email indicating their application was retained will not need to reapply. 
The Advisory Group’s membership, available in full <a title="https://hisaus.org/about-us?cat=horsemens-advisory-group" href="https://hisaus.org/about-us?cat=horsemens-advisory-group" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">here</a>, includes trainers, owners, veterinarians, backstretch employees and representatives of racing offices and aftercare initiatives who collectively represent a wide variety of viewpoints across racing. Advisory Group members are expected to join monthly virtual (and occasionally in-person) meetings with HISA leadership to provide feedback on HISA’s rules and processes, as well as be available to weigh in on time-sensitive issues affecting horsemen as needed.

HISA Seeking Applications to Join Horsemen’s Advisory Group

Interested in working at HISA? Qualified applicants may email their resume and a cover letter to Niki Robb at <a href="mailto:niki.robb@hisaus.org">niki.robb@hisaus.org</a>.
&nbsp;
Interested in serving on the HISA Board of Directors, the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Committee or the Racetrack Safety Committee? Complete and submit the <a href="https://hisadev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NOMINEE-SCREENING-QUESTIONNAIRE.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nominee Screening Questionnaire</a>, along with a statement of interest and resume to Anjali Salooja at <a href="mailto:anjali.salooja@hisaus.org">anjali.salooja@hisaus.org</a>.

Overseeing national, uniform integrity and safety rules for Thoroughbred racing in the U.S.

QUICK LINKS

Let us help you find the information you are looking for:

Resources