Pursuant to 16 CFR Part 1 Subpart U § 1.153(d), set forth below is a draft version of HISA’s multiyear Strategic Plan. If you would like to submit comments to HISA on any aspect of the multiyear Strategic Plan, please email <a id="LPlnk559790" href="mailto:Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org" data-linkindex="0">Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org</a> no later than 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

Other Announcements

HISA 2024-2029 Proposed Strategic Plan

September 3, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is accepting applications for its Board of Directors, Racetrack Safety Standing Committee and Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Standing Committee. The Board and Standing Committees play a critical role in developing, implementing and enforcing HISA’s Racetrack Safety and ADMC Programs.
Qualified candidates interested in serving on the Board or Standing Committees are invited to complete and submit the <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NOMINEE-SCREENING-QUESTIONNAIRE.pdf">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>. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis at such time as vacancies arise. Currently, only the ADMC Standing Committee has vacancies. Selected applicants will be required to undergo a comprehensive screening process and must agree to abide by HISA’s Conflicts of Interest and Business Ethics Policy. HISA’s Nominating Committee, co-chaired by Dr. Nancy Cox and Bill Squadron, will recommend successful applicants to fill any vacancy on the Board or Standing Committees.
About HISA’s Board and Standing Committees
HISA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of five independent members selected from outside the equine industry and four industry members selected from among the various equine constituencies.
HISA’s ADMC Standing Committee advises and assists with establishing the rules and protocols for HISA’s ADMC Program, including laboratory testing standards and protocol, programs for in-competition and out-of-competition testing and ADMC research and education. Day-to-day operations of the ADMC Program are carried out by the Horseracing and Integrity Welfare Unit.
HISA’s Racetrack Safety Committee advises and assists with establishing and implementing HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program, which includes training and racing safety standards and protocols, racing surface quality maintenance systems and uniform safety standards for racetracks. Both the ADMC and Racetrack Safety Committees are comprised of four independent members and three industry members.

Press Releases

HISA Seeks Applications for Board, Standing Committees

Newsletters

July 2024 Newsletter

July 30, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – Today HISA released a <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HISA_PED_RFP_Final.pdf">request for proposals</a> (RFP) for research into whether furosemide is a performance enhancing drug in Thoroughbred racehorses. This research is required as part of HISA’s Congressional mandate. The conclusions of this research will be used to guide HISA’s Furosemide Advisory Committee in its recommendations to the HISA Board on next steps regarding the regulation of furosemide.
Responses to the RFP are due by October 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Questions about the RFP and the process for submitting a response can be sent to Dr. Jennifer Durenberger at jennifer.durenberger@hisaus.org and/or Sam Reinhardt at samuel.reinhardt@hisaus.org. Final proposals can also be submitted via email to Dr. Durenberger and Mr. Reinhardt once completed.

HISA Releases Request for Proposals on Furosemide

July 26, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is pleased to announce the publication of its 2024 Second Quarter Metrics Report. The report provides an in-depth analysis of key performance indicators related to the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing in the United States.
The second quarter of 2024 (April 1 – June 30) continued the downward trajectory of the rate of racing-related equine fatalities in the industry. Since the implementation of the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program on May 22, 2023, which represents the point in time when HISA became fully operational, the fatality rate has declined for four consecutive quarters, including an approximate 49% decrease year over year in the second quarter of 2024. Racetracks operating under HISA’s rules and running races in the second quarter reported 0.76 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts, compared to 1.48 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts in the second quarter of 2023.
“Thoroughbred racing is consistently getting safer with HISA’s involvement and the commitment of our racing stakeholders, especially the horsemen and veterinarians who work so diligently under HISA to keep horses safe,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Today’s metrics release shows tremendous progress towards preserving and improving a cherished sport, and all participating stakeholders should be proud of the progress we have made by working together. Collaboration is essential to maintaining this positive trend, and we continue to actively work with the horse racing community to elevate Thoroughbred racing to new, and safer, heights.”
Second Quarter 2024 Highlights:
<ul>
<li>Equine Fatalities: Racetracks operating under HISA’s rules that were open for racing reported 0.76 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts during the second quarter of 2024 as compared to 1.48 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts during the first quarter of 2023, a decrease of approximately 49% year over year. The report also sets forth the racing-related fatalities by state and individual racetrack, including racetracks outside of HISA’s purview in Louisiana, Texas and West Virginia.</li>
</ul>
Beginning with HISA’s 2024 Annual Metrics Report, to be published during the first quarter of 2025, HISA will provide training-related fatalities for the full year and each quarter of 2024 on an aggregate and per-track basis.
<ul>
<li>Racetrack Accreditation: As of June 30, 2024, HISA has completed accreditation visits at 31 tracks, seven of which occurred during the second quarter of this year: Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing and Hawthorne in Illinois, Pimlico in Maryland, Canterbury Park in Minnesota and Aqueduct and Saratoga Race Course in New York.</li>
<li>Racing Participant Registration: As of June 30, 2024, approximately 35,000 Covered Persons, 65,000 Covered Horses and 1,000 veterinarians were registered with HISA.</li>
<li>Veterinary Treatment Records: On average, HISA received approximately 6,500 veterinary treatment records each day during the second quarter of 2024, and, as of June 30, 2024, approximately 3.2 million veterinary treatment records had been uploaded to the HISA Portal since the inception of the Racetrack Safety Program on July 1, 2022.</li>
</ul>
You may access the full report by clicking <a href="https://hisaus.org/news/2024-q2-metrics-report">here</a>. The Horseracing Integrity &amp; Welfare Unit will also release a separate quarterly report detailing metrics from the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.
&nbsp;
###
&nbsp;
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 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 prosecutes any such violations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mandy Minger
<a href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804

HISA Publishes 2024 Second Quarter Metrics Report

Metrics Reports

2024 Q2 Metrics Report

Set forth below is HISA’s proposed 2025 budget. If you would like to submit comments to HISA on any aspect of the planned 2025 budget, please email <a id="LPlnk974409" href="mailto:Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org" data-linkindex="0">Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org</a> no later than 12:00 p.m. ET on Monday, July 22, 2024. HISA will post any pertinent comments it receives on its website. Comments will be posted <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pertinent-Comments-Received-Regarding-HISA-2025-Proposed-Budget.pdf">here</a>.

HISA 2025 Proposed Budget

July 2, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – In preparation for the revised rules under the Racetrack Safety Program taking effect on July 8, 2024, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has released a comprehensive set of educational materials. These resources are designed to help stakeholders familiarize themselves with the updated rules, promoting smooth compliance and enhanced safety within the horseracing industry.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Racetrack-Safety-Rules-6.14.2024.pdf">Revised Racetrack Safety Program</a>
Educational Resources
Handbooks
<ul>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/attending-veterinarian-handbook-effective-july-8-2024">Attending Veterinarian Handbook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/handbook-for-veterinarians-practicing-off-the-racetrack-effective-july-8-2024">Handbook for Veterinarians Practicing off the Racetrack</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/regulatory-veterinarian-handbook-effective-july-8-2024">Regulatory Veterinarian Handbook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/stewards-handbook-effective-july-8-2024">Stewards Handbook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/trainer-handbook-effective-july-8-2024">Trainer Handbook</a></li>
</ul>
Infographics
<ul>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/aqi-protocol">Air Quality Index Protocol Infographic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/intra-articular-injections">Intra-Articular Injections Infographic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/medical-therapeutic-devices">Medical Therapeutic Devices Infographic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/prohibited-practices">Prohibited Practices Infographic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/shockwave-treatment-guidelines">Shock Wave Treatment Guidelines Infographic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/void-claim">Void Claim Infographic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/vets-list">When a Horse is Placed on the Veterinarians' List Infographic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/welfare-and-deprivation-of-care">Welfare and Deprivation of Care Infographic</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/9000-Series-7.1.2024.pdf">Registration Rule</a>
Educational Resources
Infographics
<ul>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/registration-flyer-2">Registration Rules for Any Veterinarian Treating a Covered Horse Infographic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/registration-flyer-3">Registration Rules for Entities Owning a Covered Horse Infographic</a></li>
</ul>
These materials are designed to provide clear, accessible information to support all those involved in Thoroughbred racing, from veterinarians and trainers to racetrack staff and regulatory officials.
Webinars and Upcoming Town Hall
In recent weeks, HISA has conducted several webinars specifically tailored to stewards, trainers and veterinarians. Recordings of the <a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/hisa-revised-racetrack-safety-and-registration-rules-webinar-for-trainers">Trainer Webinar</a> and <a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/hisa-racetrack-safety-rules-update-webinar-for-veterinarians">Veterinary Webinar</a> are available on the HISA website.
Additionally, HISA will host a town hall webinar on July 8, open to members of the media and the general public. This event will provide an overview of the new rules and offer a platform for questions and discussions. More information about the town hall webinar can be found <a href="https://hisaus.org/news/hisa-to-host-town-hall-on-racetrack-safety-rule-updates-on-july-8">here</a>.
&nbsp;
###
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 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 prosecutes any such violations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mandy Minger
<a href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804

HISA Publishes Educational Materials for Updated Racetrack Safety Program

Meeting Minutes

Jun 26, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Operational Bulletins

June 20, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) will host the next virtual webinar in its Town Hall series on July 8 at 2:00 p.m. EDT to discuss the updated Racetrack Safety Rules recently approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which will take effect that day.
The one-hour, live webinar will include an overview of some of the major rule changes, along with a Q&amp;A session, and will be open to racing participants and the general public. HISA will also be hosting veterinary and trainer specific webinars on June 27 and July 1, respectively, in addition to having hosted a webinar tailored to stewards on June 17.
“We look forward to having an insightful session on the updates to the Racetrack Safety Rules,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Protecting the health and wellbeing of every horse and jockey is paramount to our mission at HISA, and these updates continue our collective journey towards a safer sport. We thank the many stakeholders whose constructive feedback helped us develop these rule modifications and greatly appreciate the industry’s continued support and collaboration.”
In addition to Lazarus, speakers include:
<ul>
<li>Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Equine Safety &amp; Welfare</li>
<li>Marc A. Guilfoil, HISA Director of Stewarding &amp; State Racing Commission Relations</li>
<li>Ann McGovern, HISA Director of Racetrack Safety</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://hisaus.org/news/the-horseracing-integrity-and-safety-authority-hisa-announces-approval-of-modified-racetrack-safety-and-registration-rules">As previously announced</a>, the changes include:
<ul>
<li>Updated void claim rule</li>
<li>A second waiver claiming option</li>
<li>Changes to certain intra-articular injection standdown times</li>
<li>Updates to prohibited practices</li>
<li>Updates to qualifications for placement on and removal from the vets’ list</li>
<li>Enhanced safety protocols required at race meets</li>
</ul>
The recently approved updates to the Racetrack Safety Rules are available in full <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-08/pdf/2024-06911.pdf">here</a>.
To register for the July 8 town hall, please <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3617187395716/WN_joSYqhmEQPuPqY5H2742eQ">click here</a> or copy and paste the link below in your browser:
<a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3617187395716/WN_joSYqhmEQPuPqY5H2742eQ">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3617187395716/WN_joSYqhmEQPuPqY5H2742eQ</a>
For those unable to attend the live session, a recording of the town hall will be available on <a href="http://www.hisaus.org">www.hisaus.org</a> shortly after the event's conclusion.
&nbsp;
###
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 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 prosecutes any such violations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mandy Minger
<a href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804

HISA to Host Town Hall on Racetrack Safety Rule Updates on July 8

June 12, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – On the heels of a successful Triple Crown season that concluded without any fatalities, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the release of its 2024 First Quarter Metrics Report. In keeping with a firm commitment towards transparency and accountability, HISA’s quarterly reports provide stakeholders with key data that reflect the continual progress towards ensuring the safety of U.S. Thoroughbred racing’s equine and human athletes.
The first quarter of 2024 (January 1 – March 31) witnessed an approximate 38% decrease in racing-related fatalities year over year. Racetracks operating under HISA’s rules and running races in the first quarter reported 0.84 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts, compared to 1.35 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts in the first quarter of 2023. Excluding Rillito Park in Arizona, which is closed for racing this year, the same tracks conducted racing during the first quarters of both 2023 and 2024.
“Reducing equine fatalities is the central focus of HISA’s work,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “While even one fatality is too many, we are pleased to see the progress we are making. I am incredibly proud of HISA's hard work and dedication in cooperation with our industry partners to prioritize horse welfare above all else.  We continue to actively seek feedback from the horse racing community on improving our rules and making Thoroughbred racing safer and fairer, and the achievement of a Triple Crown with no equine fatalities is a testament to our collective efforts. The industry can and should celebrate its commitment to evolve and prioritize the safety and welfare of its athletes – human and equine – above all else.”
This is the first time in U.S. Thoroughbred racing history that fatality metrics have been published on a quarterly basis—a reporting cadence that HISA will maintain going forward, in recognition of the seasonal variabilities in racing conditions and numbers of equine fatalities, as well as the importance of ongoing transparency regarding safety concerns. Highlights of HISA’s Quarterly Metrics Report include:
<ul>
<li>Equine Fatalities: Racetracks operating under HISA’s rules that were open for racing reported 0.84 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts during the first quarter of 2024 as compared to 1.35 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts during the first quarter of 2023, a decrease of approximately 38% year over year. The report also sets forth the racing-related fatalities by individual racetrack.</li>
</ul>
Beginning with HISA’s 2024 Annual Metrics Report, to be published during the first quarter of 2025, HISA will provide training-related fatalities for the full year and each quarter of 2024 on an aggregate and per-track basis. HISA also will release training-related fatalities with each quarterly report published in 2025.
<ul>
<li>Racetrack Accreditation: As of March 31, 2024, HISA has completed accreditation visits at 24 tracks, three of which occurred during the first quarter of this year: Turfway Park in Kentucky, Laurel Park in Maryland and Sunland Park in New Mexico.</li>
<li>Racing Participant Registration: As of March 31, 2024, approximately 33,000 Covered Persons, 58,000 Covered Horses and 1,000 veterinarians were registered with HISA.</li>
<li>Use of Riding Crop Violations: During the first quarter of 2024, HISA reported 4.74 crop rule violations per 1,000 starts, compared to 4.46 crop rule violations per 1,000 starts in the first quarter of 2023.</li>
<li>Veterinary Treatment Records: On average, HISA received approximately 5,900 veterinary treatment records each day during the first quarter of 2024, and, as of March 31, 2024, approximately 2.5 million veterinary treatment records had been uploaded to the HISA Portal since the inception of the Racetrack Safety Program on July 1, 2022.</li>
</ul>
The Horseracing Integrity &amp; Welfare Unit will also release a separate quarterly report detailing metrics from the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.
&nbsp;
###
&nbsp;
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 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 prosecutes any such violations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mandy Minger
mandy.minger@hisaus.org
917-846-8804
&nbsp;

HISA Publishes 2024 First Quarter Metrics Report

June 10, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) welcomes four new members to its Horsemen’s Advisory Group: Consignor Craig Bandoroff, owner Jon Green, owner Michael Levinson, and trainer Todd Pletcher. The Horsemen’s Advisory Group is the body of racing industry participants formed in 2022 to provide formal feedback to HISA’s executive team and Standing Committees. The new members will replace outgoing Horsemen’s Advisory Group members Mark Casse, Tom Drury, Jr., Linda Gaudet, Fred Hertrich III, David Ingordo, and Tom Robbins.
“I want to thank all of the members of the Horsemen’s Advisory Group who are rotating off their roles. Their dedication and insightful feedback have been instrumental in tangible changes that have made HISA’s rules better,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “As we welcome a new group of horsemen, I look forward to continuing our collaboration and further improving HISA’s programs. Their guidance and input will be invaluable as we work together to uphold the integrity and safety of Thoroughbred racing."
More information about each of the new members is below:
Craig Bandoroff owns and operates Denali Stud with his son Conrad. Denali Stud, an 800-acre nursery located in Paris, Kentucky, is annually a leading consignor in Thoroughbred auctions in Kentucky and Saratoga. Prior to establishing Denali in 1990, Bandoroff worked at Fasig-Tipton auction house and Barry Weisbord’s Executive Bloodstock. Bandoroff was also an apprentice jockey in New Jersey before a serious injury sidelined that career.
Jonathan Green lives in New Jersey and manages D.J. Stable, LLC, one of the largest racing and breeding operations in the country. Under his leadership, D.J. Stable has achieved international success with two Sovereign Awards, two Eclipse Awards (Jaywalk and Wonder Wheel), 14 Leading Owner Titles, over 150 stakes race victories, and 2,500 overall wins. In addition, D.J. Stable has sold over $100 million of horses at public auction. Green serves on the Executive Board of OBS and is a Breeders’ Cup Member. Green was recently elected as the Vice President of the Florida Horsemen’s Board of Directors, where he chairs the finance subcommittee.   
Michael Levinson is the racing manager and part-owner of L&amp;N Racing, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. L&amp;N Racing was formed in 2014 and has 30 Thoroughbreds in ownership or part ownership groups. In partnership with Winchell Thoroughbreds, Levinson’s L&amp;N Racing campaigned Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner and Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Echo Zulu.
Todd Pletcher is a Hall of Fame trainer based out of New York. Pletcher began his training career in 1996 and has trained over 5,700 winners with amassed earnings of over $480 million. Pletcher has won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer eight times. He has trained 15 Breeders’ Cup winners and 6 winners of Triple Crown races.
The Horsemen’s Advisory Group has been instrumental in recommending several meaningful changes to HISA rules that have been submitted to the Federal Trade Commission, including:
<ul>
<li>Delaying any provisional suspension of a trainer until the B sample has confirmed the presence of a Banned Substance.</li>
<li>Creating a new rule on the treatment of human drugs of abuse, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, THC, and oxycodone, which caps sanctions at 60 days, with the possibility to reduce the sanction even further.</li>
<li>Re-classifying Altrenogest from a Banned Substance to a Controlled Medication.</li>
<li>Allowing unsupplemented isotonic electrolyte solutions by oral or intravenous administration up to 24 hours before post time.</li>
<li>Eliminating suspensions for violations related to working a horse within seven days of an intraarticular injection.</li>
<li>Treating the first positive vets' list sample for a Controlled Medication as a warning and reducing the penalty for ulcer medication in vets’ list samples from a sanction to a warning.</li>
<li>Allowing a four-millimeter hind leg traction for horses racing on dirt.</li>
</ul>
In addition to program changes, the Horsemen’s Advisory Group has been instrumental in helping foster an industry-wide focus on advancing equine and human safety. For example, the Horsemen’s Advisory Group prompted HISA to reach out to sales companies to involve them in strengthening anti-doping and medication control policies for horses at the major auctions. They also played a role in the appointment of an ombudsman to help horsemen navigate the ADMC Program.
The Horsemen’s Advisory Group has 18 members with a wide variety of viewpoints from across racing. Its membership includes trainers, owners, veterinarians, backstretch employees, and representatives of racing offices and aftercare initiatives. The full list of the Horsemen’s Advisory Group members can be found <a href="https://hisaus.org/about-us?cat=horsemens-advisory-group">here</a>.
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 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 prosecutes any such violations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mandy Minger
<a href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804

Four New Members Join HISA Horsemen’s Advisory Group

June 7, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is pleased to announce that the proposed rule changes to its Racetrack Safety Program have been officially approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These changes will take effect on July 8, 2024, allowing for a 30-day window during which HISA will provide an educational campaign for industry participants.
HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said, "The approval of these rule changes marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred horse racing. We are committed to working closely with all industry participants during this transition period and beyond to ensure these new standards are fully understood and effectively implemented."
HISA’s updated Racetrack Safety rules include revisions developed after extensive dialogue and feedback from industry participants, including the Horsemen’s Advisory Group. The changes, shaped by hundreds of comments from racing stakeholders, aim to enhance the safety and integrity of horse racing nationwide.
Highlights include:
<ul>
<li>Updated void claim rule</li>
<li>A second waiver claiming option</li>
<li>Changes to certain intra-articular injection standdown times</li>
<li>Updates to prohibited practices</li>
<li>Updates to qualifications for placement on and removal from the vets’ list</li>
<li>Enhanced safety protocols required at race meets</li>
</ul>
The newly approved rules are available in full <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-08/pdf/2024-06911.pdf">here</a>.
In anticipation of the new rules taking effect, HISA will launch a 30-day educational campaign to help prepare racing industry participants for the changes. This educational campaign will include handbooks, webinars, posters, HISA Portal messaging and social media outreach.
In addition to the Racetrack Safety rules, the Federal Trade Commission has approved the changes HISA proposed to the <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-20/pdf/2024-03301.pdf">Registration Rules</a>, which will take effect on July 1, 2024 and include the following updates:
<ul>
<li>Any entity that owns a Covered Horse must register with HISA;</li>
<li>Any veterinarian who provides veterinary services to Covered Horses must register with HISA; and</li>
<li>Responsible Persons must update a Covered Horse’s location within 24 hours and report equine fatalities within 72 hours.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 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 prosecutes any such violations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mandy Minger
<a href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

HISA Announces Approval of Modified Racetrack Safety and Registration Rules

May 28, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Jockeys' Guild are proud to announce that they will co-host the International Jockey Concussion, Safety, and Wellness Conference, from October 9-11, 2024, in Lexington, KY. The groundbreaking event will serve as a forum for exploring ways to address critical mental wellness, concussion, and medical issues affecting Thoroughbred jockeys and participants in other equestrian sports.
“Ensuring that our athletes have access to the best resources and protocols for concussion management and overall wellness is not just a priority for HISA, but a fundamental responsibility,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “We owe it to these athletes, who dedicate so much to racing, to do everything we can to support them.”   
“The Jockeys’ Guild has long advocated for programs to support jockeys' stress and challenges, and we're pleased to be partnering with HISA this year, as we continue to build on our 15-year involvement in the International Conference on the Health, Safety, and Welfare of the jockeys,” said Terry Meyocks, Jockeys’ Guild President &amp; CEO. “We firmly believe insights from this year’s scheduled speakers will aid our collective efforts to further enhance jockey wellness and resources, with a long-term goal to expand mental health programs beyond jockeys to benefit all in our industry.”
The conference’s comprehensive program will feature two days of engaging sessions, including roundtable discussions, presentations and lectures, on topics related to jockey safety and wellbeing, such as The Landscape Around Athlete Health and Concussions and the Crucial Connection Between Brain Health and Nutrition. The information shared, including best practices and potential industry solutions, will be highly relevant to a broad range of attendees, including medical professionals, racetrack safety directors, EMTs and first responders, racetrack management, jockeys and their families, academics, and other racing industry stakeholders.
Among the scheduled speakers are Dr. Margot Putukian, Chief Medical Officer of Major League Soccer, and Dr. Steven Broglio, Director of the University of Michigan Concussion Center and Neurotrauma Research Laboratory, Dr. Shae Datta, Vice Chair of the American Academy of Neurology’s Sports Neurotrauma Section, and Dr. Mark Hart, Cardiologist and FEI Medical Committee Chairman, amongst others. For a full list of speakers, please see the schedule on the conference webpage.
The conference will take place at Fasig-Tipton’s Sales Pavilion in Lexington.
Racing industry participants who are required to meet certain annual continuing education requirements under HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program will be eligible to receive credit for conference attendance. For more details and to register to attend, please visit the <a href="https://hisaus.org/hisa-conference">conference information page</a> or contact Niki Robb at <a href="mailto:niki.robb@hisaus.org">niki.robb@hisaus.org</a>.
&nbsp;
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 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 prosecutes any such violations.
&nbsp;
About the Jockeys’ Guild
Jockeys’ Guild, Inc. is the organization representing professional jockeys in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the United States. It was founded in May 1940 and has approximately 1,050 members, including active, retired and disabled jockeys. The purpose is to protect jockeys, strive to achieve a safer racing environment, obtain improved insurance and other benefits for members and to monitor developments in local, state and federal laws affecting the racing industry, and in particular, the jockeys. For more information about the Guild, visit <a href="http://www.jockeysguild.com">www.jockeysguild.com</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jockeysguild">www.facebook.com/jockeysguild</a>.
&nbsp;
MEDIA CONTACT
HISA
Mandy Minger
<a href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804
&nbsp;
Jockeys’ Guild
Jennifer Ray
<a href="mailto:jray@jockeysguild.com">jray@jockeysguild.com</a>
859-523-5625
&nbsp;

HISA and Jockeys’ Guild to Host International Jockey Wellness Conference October 9-11, 2024

April 15, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the members of its Next Generation Advisory Group, who were selected from a diverse pool of almost 200 applications. Starting in April, the Advisory Group will convene monthly to provide feedback to HISA’s executive team and Standing Committees on the implementation and evolution of HISA’s Racetrack Safety and Anti-Doping and Medication Control regulations.
After announcing the Advisory Group’s formation in January 2024, HISA selected 16 members who represent a broad range of views and experience from across the American horse racing community. Included among them are horsemen, veterinarians, jockeys, and horseplayers, as well as representatives from horsemen’s groups, racing offices, and racing syndicates. Members will serve 18-36-month terms to stagger changes in the composition of the group.
“Thank you to everyone who applied for the Next Generation Advisory Group,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “HISA remains dedicated to preserving our sport for generations to come, and the sheer number of applicants alone has been an incredible sign of support for a successful future. We are thrilled to have such diverse perspectives, vast experience and impressive qualifications across our industry advisory groups.”
The following individuals have been selected to serve as members of the inaugural Next Generation Advisory Group:
Waqas Ahmed is Deputy Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC). He transitioned into the horse racing sector after earning an MBA from the University of Kentucky. His journey at the KHRC from Operations Analyst to Director of Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Compliance enabled him to lead operational and technological improvements across Kentucky racetracks and wagering services before taking on his current role.
Keith Asmussen is a graded stake-winning jockey competing in the Midwestern racing circuit. He is the eldest son of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.
Joe Bianca is an ownership advisor for West Point Thoroughbreds and co-hosts the Rail Talk podcast with Jon Green of DJ Stables. Before joining West Point, Bianca spent seven years as a writer, editor, and podcast host at Thoroughbred Daily News.
Marc Broady is the Executive Director of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority. An attorney born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he previously served as Policy Advisor and Senior Counsel to the late Congressman Elijah Cummings and his Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Eric DeCoster is the Assistant Racing Secretary at Prairie Meadows and a Racing Official at Oaklawn Park. A December 2023 graduate of the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program, he has spent time in multiple sectors of the Thoroughbred racing industry, having interned with the New York Racing Association, Inc., Wanamaker's, and Handal Racing.
Devon Dougherty is an assistant trainer for Christophe Clement. Raised in Philadelphia, she began her career at Parx Racing. Dougherty completed the Godolphin Flying Start Program before joining Clement’s team.
Dr. Tatiana Fraguela is a racetrack veterinarian based at Churchill Downs and Oaklawn Park. She previously interned at Rood &amp; Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga after graduating from veterinary school.
Tyler Gaffalione is a jockey hailing from Florida who has won almost 2,300 races. Named the Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Apprentice in 2015, he has more than 100 graded stakes wins, including the Kentucky Oaks, Preakness Stakes, and two Breeders’ Cup races.
Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr. is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association at Parx Racetrack. A native of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, he is also a Thoroughbred owner of a Mid-Atlantic-based racing stable.
Katie Miranda is the co-owner of HorseOlogy and owner of the White Lilac 2-year-old consignment in Ocala, Florida. With an M.S. in Animal Science, she has a diverse equine background, including time spent as a trainer, exercise rider, and veterinary technician.
Tyler Peeples is a lifelong Thoroughbred racing enthusiast who previously worked for D. Wayne Lukas and Steve Asmussen Racing Stables. He stays active in the sport as a handicapper and through ownership partnerships. Peeples currently works as a Sales Executive for Aetna, a CVS Health Company.
Courtney Reid is the Senior Director of Racing and Industry Relations for Breeders’ Cup Limited. Based in California, her journey to Breeders’ Cup Limited in 2019 was shaped by invaluable experiences at the National Steeplechase Association, the New York Racing Association, and the Virginia Racing Commission. Courtney is dedicated to upholding integrity, safety, and innovation within the sport of horse racing.
Lindsay Schultz is a trainer based at Oaklawn Park, Keeneland, and Monmouth Park. A graduate of the University of Louisville and Godolphin Flying Start, she worked for Tom Proctor and Shug McGaughey before launching her training career.
Brianne Sharp is the Marketing and Research Coordinator for Godolphin, a role she has served for the past 12 years. Originally from Arkansas, she is a graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start Program and Kentucky Equine Management Internship. Sharp is a member of the board of directors for Horse Country, Inc.
Nick Tammaro is the track announcer and handicapper at Sam Houston Race Park, a morning line oddsmaker, and has been a racing analyst for TwinSpires, as well as a content creator for In the Money Media. He is an accomplished handicapping contest player who has twice finished in the top 15 of the Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge. He is a horseplayer, a fan, and an advocate for the sport.
Najja Thompson is the Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. Thompson also serves as President of the Turf Publicists of America and is on the board of directors of NYRA, New York’s Backstretch Employee Service Team, The New York Racetrack Chaplaincy, and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
&nbsp;
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 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 prosecutes any such violations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mandy Minger
<a href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804

HISA Announces Membership of Next Generation Advisory Group

Attention Attending Veterinarians,
HISA has introduced a new treatment record type: Mandatory Attending Veterinarian Inspection.
<ol>
<li>A ‘Cleared to Work’ Result indicates that a horse has been inspected by an Attending Veterinarian and has been found fit to work.</li>
<li>A ‘Cleared to Race’ Result indicates that a horse has been inspected by an Attending Veterinarian and has been found fit to race,</li>
</ol>
You also have the option to not clear the horse, which will affect the Can-Work and Can-Race status of the horse.
Resources
An educational video demonstrating how to enter this new type of treatment record is available <a href="https://hisausregs.org/reg-document-video/958504508">here</a>.
If you have any questions, please contact our Help Desk at 1-877-513-2919, and we will be happy to help you.

New Treatment Record Type: Mandatory Attending Veterinarian Inspection

Attention:
We are excited to that announce a new “Windows-Like” experience will now be available for managing Track Files. This feature offers a familiar Windows File Explorer interface where documents are organized into folders and subfolders. Depending on your role at the track, you may have:
<ul>
<li>Full access to track documentation</li>
<li>Limited access based on document type and your permissions</li>
</ul>
We have created an <a href="https://hisausregs.org/reg-document-video/962288082">educational video</a> to help navigate these new features.
For further questions, please reach out to the HISA Help Desk at 1-877-513-2919, and we will be happy to assist you.

New File Storage System in Track Details

Attention Owners and Trainers,
HISA is introducing new functionality in the portal that allows you to register an entity. If you own or train a horse as part of an LLC, syndicate or other entity ownership, you can now register that entity. Once registered, you can add horses to the entity, either at the time of registration or by transferring ownership from an individual to the entity.
Each ownership entity must list the default designated owner, who will serve as the primary contact. Additionally, there is an option to add an “Entity Administrator,” who will manage the acceptance of registered Individuals into and out of the entity.
Resources
To help you navigate this new feature, we have created some educational videos to guide you:
<a href="https://hisausregs.org/reg-document-video/966754818">How to Register an Entity through the HISA portal</a>
<a href="https://hisausregs.org/reg-document-video/966755052">How to Register a Horse with an Entity as the Designated Owner</a>
<a href="https://hisausregs.org/reg-document-video/962262487">How to transfer a Horse to an Ownership Entity</a>
<a href="https://hisausregs.org/reg-document-video/962287675">Overview of Roles within an Ownership Entity</a>
If you have any questions, please contact our Help Desk at 1-877-513-2919, and we will be happy to assist you.

Introducing Ownership Entities in the HISA Portal

Attention Portal Users,
We are updating the display of the CAN-RACE shield next to a horse in the portal. Beginning June 24, 2024, the Can-Work/Can-Race shield will now display in red, green or two-toned. For example, a shield that is green on top and red on the bottom signifies that the horse is cleared to work but cannot race.
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4162" src="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CanRaceCanWorkShields-300x278.png" alt="" width="300" height="278" />
Hover your mouse over the shield to learn more about the meaning of the colors and their placement on the shield icon.
Watch this <a href="https://hisausregs.org/reg-document-video/960391312">short video</a> for more information related to the Can-Work/Can-Race shield.
If you have any questions, please call our Help Desk at 1-877-513-2919, and we will be happy to assist you.
&nbsp;
The HISA Team
&nbsp;

Changes to the Can-Race Shield in the HISA Portal

Hello. We are reaching out to inform you of a change to the claiming process in the HISA Portal. This change will be effective on Monday, June 24, 2024.
The new process will ensure that all claims and voided claims are recorded in accordance with HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program.
It is crucial that claims are processed in a timely manner so that all information associated with a Covered Horse is accurate and up to date.
In the event that a claim is deemed an automatic void (horse is euthanized, vanned off the racetrack, or critically injured), the claim must still be processed through the HISA Portal and then subsequently voided to ensure the horse’s claiming history is complete.
Benefits of the changes:
<ul>
<li>Claiming Clerks will be able to:
<ul>
<li>Process multiple claims in one session. It’s way more efficient than the previous method.</li>
<li>Void a claim within the same session. It’s no longer a separate step you have to take.</li>
<li>Process claims faster.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>New Designated Owners and Responsible Persons will have an easier time entering the claimed horse into a race if all the information is correct in the HISA Portal.</li>
</ul>
Resources:
We have produced educational materials (<a href="https://hisausregs.org/reg-document-video/957194073">Video</a> &amp; <a href="https://hisa-resources-public.s3.amazonaws.com/the-claiming-process-visual-guide.pdf">Visual Guide</a>) to help you learn about this new process. If you require additional assistance, please contact the Help Desk at 1-877-513-2919 and we will be happy to help you.
We are also hosting a virtual training session on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 12 pm Eastern Standard Time:
Topic: New Claiming Process
Time: Jun 25, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
&nbsp;
Join Zoom Meeting
<a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84966750752?pwd=uwzftfisSsdWmpBv9ht01p7naVZIQF.1">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84966750752?pwd=uwzftfisSsdWmpBv9ht01p7naVZIQF.1</a>
&nbsp;
Meeting ID: 849 6675 0752
Passcode: 612532
&nbsp;
---
&nbsp;
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,84966750752#,,,,*612532# US
+19292056099,,84966750752#,,,,*612532# US (New York)
&nbsp;
Thank you for your continued support,
The HISA Team

Changes to HISA Portal Claiming Process

This afternoon, the Louisiana State Racing Commission held an Emergency Public Meeting at which the Commission voted to rescind in full the emergency updates to Louisiana’s controlled medication schedule for thoroughbred racing, which reportedly were set to take effect tomorrow in Louisiana (the “Emergency Rule”).  With the complete rescission of the Emergency Rule, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Inc. (“HISA”) will not require Covered Horses shipping from Louisiana to a HISA jurisdiction to be placed on the HISA Veterinarians’ List as medically compromised and unfit to race as announced in the June 5, 2024 Memorandum.  HISA appreciates the Commission’s willingness to reconsider this important matter.

Update to HISA's June 5th Memorandum

Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
401 W Main Street, Suite 222
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
&nbsp;
MEMORANDUM
To:                       Owners/Trainers
Racing Secretaries
Regulatory Veterinarians
Track Management
From:                 The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Inc. (“HISA”)
Date:                  June 5, 2024
Re:                      Covered Horses Shipping to Your Track from Louisiana
                             Must be Placed on the HISA Veterinarians’ List
                                                                                                                                  
The Louisiana State Racing Commission recently approved an emergency update to their controlled medication schedule for thoroughbred racing by adding additional medications and changing allowable dosage and/or withdrawal times (the “Emergency Rule”).  The Emergency Rule, which was modified in part during an emergency public meeting held on June 4, 2024, will reportedly take effect in Louisiana on Saturday, June 8, 2024. 
HISA has reviewed the Emergency Rule (as modified during the public meeting on June 4, 2024) and HISA’s Veterinary Team has determined that it poses significant risks to both equine welfare and the integrity of thoroughbred racing.  Some of the changes contemplated in the Emergency Rule contradict the weight of scientific evidence and long-established industry standards for medication controls.  For example, the 50 ng/ml threshold (24 hours) for Flunixin is permissive of administration at less than 24 hours prior to a race, which can produce a systemic effect that would mask unsoundness and jeopardize the safety and welfare of the horse.<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a> Moreover, the Emergency Rule’s dosage specification for Betamethasone deviates significantly from existing ARCI Guidelines developed based on studies funded by the Racing Medication &amp; Testing Consortium and others.<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a>  These are only two of the serious concerns presented by the Emergency Rule.
Accordingly, effective June 9, 2024 and pursuant to HISA Rule 2240, all Covered Horses shipping to your racetrack from Louisiana must be placed on the HISA Veterinarians’ List as medically compromised and unfit to race.  This includes, but is not limited to, Covered Horses that:
<ul>
<li>Shipped in directly from Louisiana;</li>
<li>Since June 8, 2024, have performed a workout at a training facility or racetrack located in Louisiana; and/or</li>
<li>Since June 8, 2024, have competed in a race at a racetrack located in Louisiana.</li>
</ul>
Covered Horses placed on the HISA Veterinarians’ List in accordance with this memorandum shall remain on the Veterinarians’ List until: (1) the Covered Horse performs a workout under the supervision of the Regulatory Veterinarian and demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Regulatory Veterinarian that the Covered Horse is sound to race; and (2) a blood sample is collected from the Covered Horse (at the Owner’s expense)<a href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3">[3]</a> following the workout and the sample has been reported as negative.<a href="#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4">[4]</a>  
HISA understands some of the horses covered by this memorandum will not be flagged until they have entered a race in your jurisdiction.  These horses must be scratched unless they have already completed the requirements set forth in the preceding paragraph. 
Upon leaving Louisiana, trainers may immediately initiate the Vets’ List protocol set forth in this memorandum by notifying the Regulatory Veterinarian in the applicable jurisdiction who will then place the Covered Horse on the Vets’ List.
We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to protecting the health and safety of horses and enhancing the integrity of our sport.
&nbsp;
<a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> See, e.g., Knych, H. K., et al., Pharmacokinetics and Effects of Thromboxane B2 Production Following Intravenous Administration of Flunixin Meglumine to Exercised Thoroughbred Horses, (2015). J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 38(4):313-320.  See also, Knych, H.K., et al., Pharmacokinetics and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Flunixin Meglumine as a Sole Agent and in Combination with Phenylbutazone in Exercised Thoroughbred Horses, (2020), Equine vet J. doi:10.1111.evj.13260.
<a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a> See ARCI Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule for Horses – Version 4.2.1 (December, 2020) (establishing a dosage specification of intra-articular administration of 9 milligrams of Betamethasone compared to a 60 mg dosage specification in the Emergency Rule); see also, Knych, H.K., et al., Pharmacokinetics of Betamethasone in Plasma, Urine, and Synovial Fluid Following Intra-Articular Administration to Exercised Thoroughbred Horses, (2017), Drug Test. Analysis 2017, 9, 1385-1391.
<a href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3">[3]</a> The Regulatory Veterinarian should note: ‘Covered Horse shipping from Louisiana – Medically Compromised’ in the Additional Information or Comments of the <a href="https://www.cognitoforms.com/HIWU2/VetsListClearanceTestRequestForm">HIWU Vets’ List Request Form</a>.
<a href="#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4">[4]</a> A Covered Horse should only be subject to this protocol once after leaving Louisiana.  If, however, the Covered Horse returns to Louisiana, the horse would again be subject to this protocol before the horse could compete in a jurisdiction covered by HISA.

Covered Horses Shipping to Your Track from Louisiana Must be Placed on the HISA Veterinarians’ List

JUNE 4, 2024 - Following the recommendation of the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (“ADMC”) Standing Committee, the Board of Directors of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (“HISA”) announces the following policy change effective immediately regarding the ADMC Program with respect to the Banned Substance metformin. Commencing immediately, the HISA Board has requested that HIWU defer active Provisional Suspensions for metformin positives. 
“In line with HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control requirements, metformin is included in the Prohibited Substances List because there is no recognized therapeutic use for the substance in horses involved in Thoroughbred racing. In addition, HIWU has intelligence that some horsemen may be using metformin to try and gain a performance advantage. However, there is limited scientific information available regarding the substance’s use in horses.  The HISA Board feels that further expert analysis on the topic is necessary to determine if any refinement of HISA’s rules is appropriate,” said Charles Scheeler, Chairman of the HISA Board.   
Consequently, HISA and HIWU have asked the Racing Medication &amp; Testing Consortium’s (RMTC) Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to conduct a review of the available science relating to metformin. Following RMTC’s Board of Director’s approval, any conclusions drawn, and guidance produced regarding the SAC’s review will be shared with HISA’s ADMC Committee. Once the RMTC Scientific Advisory Committee completes its work, which we expect will take a few months, the ADMC Committee and the HISA Board will determine whether any policy changes regarding metformin should be submitted to the Federal Trade Commission for approval. 
In this interim period, metformin remains on the Prohibited Substances List and, as such, regardless of the source and/or the existence of any mitigating circumstances, any ADMC Program violation resulting from an Adverse Analytical Finding for metformin will result in the automatic disqualification of race results of the relevant Covered Horse. The deferral of Provisional Suspensions is only applicable to the Responsible Person; Covered Horses that test positive for metformin are still subject to a Provisional Suspension.  
HISA is grateful for the feedback from all industry constituents, especially the Horsemen’s Advisory Group, as we continue to refine our regulatory program to make horse racing safer and fairer for all.

HISA Announcement Regarding Metformin

Background:  Current ADMC rules include a rule adopted from the World Anti-Doping Code requiring that any Responsible Person (i.e., trainer) whose Covered Horse tests positive for a Banned (doping) Substance be Provisionally Suspended while his/her case is being processed.  A Provisional Suspension does not in any way change the presumption of innocence and is not an early determination of guilt.  Instead, it is intended as a precaution to safeguard the integrity of the sport, horse welfare, and the rights of rule-abiding trainers.  Provisional Suspensions have been instrumental in protecting the integrity of other sports and were introduced into horseracing for that reason.
Discussion: Last Friday, HIWU was informed that a split (B) sample did not confirm the original   Laboratory finding, and, accordingly, pursuant to the ADMC regulations, HIWU dismissed the violation against a trainer who had been Provisionally Suspended 20 days earlier.  This raised concerns regarding the imposition of Provisional Suspensions at this early stage of the ADMC Program’s rollout. Consequently, HISA’s ADMC Committee, which has oversight of the HISA ADMC rules, held a meeting and decided to make various policy decisions regarding the imposition of Provisional Suspensions under the ADMC Program.  Various proposals received from horsemen’s groups were considered during the course of these discussions.
Policy Change:  The following policy changes will be effective immediately and shall apply
to any Responsible Person Provisionally Suspended following a positive test for a Banned
Substance:
<ol>
<li>Any Responsible Person who requests that the B Sample be analyzed following a positive test for a Banned Substance shall be eligible for postponement of the effective date of the Provisional Suspension until such time as the B Sample result is returned. If the B Sample confirms the A Sample, the Responsible Person shall be Provisionally Suspended upon Notification of the B Sample confirmation, except that the Responsible Person shall not be required to scratch any Covered Horses entered to race prior to Notification of the B Sample confirmation. However, the Responsible Person shall not be entitled to enter any Covered Horses to race subsequent to Notification;</li>
<li>Any Responsible Person who does not request the B Sample analysis shall be Provisionally Suspended upon such election, except he/she shall not be required to scratch any Covered Horses entered to race prior to Notification of the A Sample positive finding. However, the Responsible Person shall not be entitled to enter any Covered Horses to race subsequent to Notification;</li>
<li>Any Responsible Person with more than one horse that tests positive for the same Banned Substance within a six (6) month-period or who has received notice of another potential violation relating to a Banned Substance (e.g., possession, use) shall not be eligible for delayed imposition of a Provisional Suspension as set forth in paragraph 1 above;</li>
<li>Covered/Responsible Persons will continue to be Provisionally Suspended upon the notice of the A Sample result if the result involves the detection of the following Banned Substances:</li>
</ol>
3,4- methylenedioxypyprovalerone                                Methylphenidate;
  (MDPV, Bath Salts);                                                            Mitragynine;
Alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone                                     Myo-inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP);
  (Alpha PVP);                                                                          Nikethamide;
Amphetamines (e.g., Methamphetamine,                    Opioids (natural and synthetic) and
  Cathinone, Mephentermine, Methcathinone);           opioid agonists (e.g., apomorphine,
Benzylpiperazine (BZP);                                                         hydrocodone, hydromorphone,
Chlorpromazine;                                                                      oxycodone);
Erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO mimetics;                       Pentylenetetrazol;
Ethylphenidate;                                                                     Phencyclidine (PCP);
Etorphine;                                                                                Phendimetrazine;
Fentanyl and Fentanyl analogs;                                        Phenmetrazine;
Mazindol;                                                                                 Strychnine;
Meldonium;                                                                            Synthetic cannabinoids;
Metaraminol;                                                                         Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); and
Methaqualone;                                                                      Venoms and toxins (e.g., alpha
Methylhexanamine;                                                               cobratoxin, ziconotide, botulinum
                                                                                                       toxin) 
<ol start="5">
<li>During a Provisional Suspension, which is not a Final Suspension, Covered/Responsible Persons may engage in caring for and exercising their Covered Horses, except they cannot breeze or race Covered Horses registered to them. Should they want any Covered Horses to breeze or race, they must transfer those horses to another Responsible Person (i.e., trainer) in a bona fide transfer approved by the stewards. If the Responsible/Covered Person is an Owner, ownership of the Covered Horse must be transferred in order for it to be eligible to breeze or race.   In addition, Covered/Responsible Persons: (i) must take down or cover any personal signage bearing their name or related to their operations where the Covered Horses are located at the racetrack; (ii) cannot claim Covered Horses or bring new Covered Horses into their barn; and (iii) cannot be employed in any capacity involving Covered Horses (including, but not limited to, acting as an agent for an Owner of Covered Horses or working as an exercise rider for Covered Horses.)</li>
</ol>
Additional Notes:
<ul>
<li>The Policy Change shall also be applied to any currently suspended Responsible Persons. HIWU will be in contact with all those currently Provisionally Suspended to explain next steps.</li>
<li>The Responsible/Covered Person must pay for the B Sample analysis within seven (7) calendar days of requesting it. In cases of financial hardship, and upon the demonstration of such hardship, the Covered Person may be entitled to a payment plan to cover the cost of B Sample analysis.</li>
<li>This new Policy will remain in effect for so long as the ADMC Committee deems appropriate. Should the ADMC Committee decide at some future date to abandon or modify it, the industry will receive at least thirty (30) days’ advance notice.</li>
</ul>
Public Reporting under the ADMC rules will continue to occur at the time of the EAD Notice of the A Sample positive test.

Announcement by HISA & HIWU Regarding Provisional Suspensions

DO YOU WANT TO HAVE THE B SAMPLE ANALYZED?
1. YES. • This means that your Provisional Suspension will not start until your B Sample result comes back. During this time, you may continue to train and race your horses without interruption. • You must pay the B Sample analysis fee ($2,000) within 7 calendar days of requesting it. (In cases of financial hardship, a payment plan may be available.) • If your B Sample result does not confirm the A Sample finding(s), the case against you is dismissed and you are refunded the $2,000 for the B Sample analysis. • If your B Sample result confirms the A, you will be allowed to race any horses entered prior to Notification of the B sample confirmation. However, in all other respects, your Provisional Suspension goes into effect when you are notified of the B sample results.
2. NO. You may race any horses entered to race prior to Notification of the positive test. However, in all other respects, your Provisional Suspension goes into effect when you either waive your right to have the B sample tested or do not notify HIWU of your decision within 5 days of being notified of the A sample result.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR PROVISIONAL SUSPENSION GOES INTO EFFECT?
You and your staff can continue looking after the horses under your care; however, these horses cannot breeze or be entered to race unless they are transferred to another Responsible Person (i.e., trainer) in a bona fide transfer approved by the stewards. If you are also an Owner, the ownership of your horse (no matter how small) must be transferred in order for the horse to be eligible to breeze or race. You are also subject to the following: (i) you must take down or cover any personal signage bearing your name or related to your operations where horses are located at the racetrack; (ii) you cannot claim horses or bring new horses into your barn; and (iii) you cannot be employed within the Thoroughbred horseracing industry in any other capacity where you come into contact with Covered Horses (including, but not limited to, acting as an agent for an Owner or working as an exercise rider.) After the imposition of the Provisional Suspension, you can request a Provisional Suspension hearing (limited to the issue of whether to lift the suspension) or a Final Hearing to conclude your case as soon as possible.

What Are Your Options if Your Horse Tests Positive for a Banned Substance?

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Jun 5, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

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HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus Addresses 2023 Global Symposium on Racing

Linked below are proposed revisions to Rule Series 1000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program in clean and red-lined format. If you would like to submit feedback or propose changes, please email <a id="LPlnk588394" href="mailto:feedback@hisaus.org" data-linkindex="0">feedback@hisaus.org</a> no later than 12:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
Any proposed rules changes will ultimately require Federal Trade Commission (FTC) review and approval before being implemented. Until this time, the current version of the Anti-Doping and Medication Control rules, implemented May 22, 2023, remain in full effect.
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1000.-General-Provisions-September-21-2023.pdf">Clean 1000 - General Provisions</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3000.-Protocol-September-21-2023.pdf">Clean 3000 - Protocol</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4000.-Prohibited-List-incl-TD-September-21-2023.pdf">Clean 4000 - Prohibited List</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/5000.-Testing-and-Investigations-Standards-September-21-2023.pdf">Clean 5000 - Testing and Investigation Standards</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/6000.-Laboratory-Standards-September-21-2023.pdf">Clean 6000 - Laboratory Standards</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/7000.-Arbitration-Rules-September-21-2023.pdf">Clean 7000 - Arbitration Rules</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Redline-1000.-General-Provisions-9.21.23-v-current.pdf">Redline 1000 - General Provisions</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Redline-3000.-Protocol-9.21.23-v-current.pdf">Redline 3000 - Protocol</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Redline-4000.-Prohibited-List-incl-TD-9.21.23-v-current.pdf">Redline 4000 - Prohibited List</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Redline-5000.-Testing-and-Investigations-Standards-9.21.23-v-current.pdf">Redline 5000 - Testing and Investigation Standards</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Redline-6000.-Laboratory-Standards-9.21.23-v-current.pdf">Redline 6000 - Laboratory Standards</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Redline-7000.-Arbitration-Rules-9.21.23-v-current.pdf">Redline 7000 - Arbitration Rules</a>
&nbsp;

Proposed Changes to the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program

Below are proposed revisions to the Rule 9000 Series (Registration) in a red- lined format showing proposed changes. If you would like to submit feedback or propose changes, please email <a href="mailto:feedback@hisaus.org" data-linkindex="0">feedback@hisaus.org</a> no later than noon ET on Friday, September 15, 2023.  Any proposed rules changes will ultimately require Federal Trade Commission review and approval before being implemented. Until this time, the current version of the Registration Rules remains in full effect.

Proposed Redline Changes to the Rule 9000 Series (Registration)

Below are proposed revisions to the Rule 80000 Series (Enforcement) in a red- lined format showing proposed changes. If you would like to submit feedback or propose changes, please email feedback@hisaus.org no later than noon ET on Tuesday September 5, 2023.
Any proposed rules changes will ultimately require Federal Trade Commission review and approval before being implemented. Until this time, the current version of the Enforcement Rules remain in full effect.

Proposed Redline Changes to Rule 8000 Series (Enforcement)

Set forth below is the Authority’s proposed 2024 budget. If you would like to submit comments to the Authority on any aspect of the planned 2024 budget, please email <a href="mailto:feedback@hisaus.org">feedback@hisaus.org</a> no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
The Authority’s proposed budget takes effect only if approved by the Federal Trade Commission.

HISA 2024 Proposed Budget

Below are proposed revisions to the Rule 2200 Series of the Racetrack Safety Program in a red- lined format. If you would like to submit feedback or propose changes, please email <a href="mailto:feedback@hisaus.org">feedback@hisaus.org</a> no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, August 11, 2023.
Any proposed rules changes will ultimately require Federal Trade Commission (FTC) review and approval before being implemented. Until this time, the current version of the Racetrack Safety rules, implemented July 1, 2022, remain in full effect.

Proposed Redline Changes to Racetrack Safety 2200 Series

Below are proposed revisions to the Rule 2100 Series of the Racetrack Safety Program in a red- lined format. If you would like to submit feedback or propose changes, please email <a href="mailto:feedback@hisaus.org">feedback@hisaus.org</a> no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, August 11, 2023.
Any proposed rules changes will ultimately require Federal Trade Commission (FTC) review and approval before being implemented. Until this time, the current version of the Racetrack Safety rules, implemented July 1, 2022, remain in full effect.

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