Metrics Reports

2026 Q1 Metrics Report

Press Releases

May 12, 2026 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the publication of its 2026 First Quarter Metrics Report. This report provides a detailed analysis of key performance indicators related to the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing in the United States.
Racing-Related Fatalities
During the first quarter of 2026 (January 1–March 31), racetracks operating under HISA rules reported 0.95 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts, meaning that 99.91% of starts occurred without a fatality.
This quarter marked the inaugural safety impact of the HISA Equine Recovery Foundation (HERF), an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing critical assistance for Thoroughbred racehorses sustaining career-ending injuries during racing. Already this year, HERF has proven complementary to the benefits achieved under HISA rules. The foundation saved three horses (Candy, Cosmo and Quirky) from euthanasia who otherwise would have been racing-related fatalities. All three horses are thriving and will soon transition to second careers.
Of the racing-related fatalities recorded this quarter, 81% were attributable to musculoskeletal causes, 16% to sudden death and 3% to other causes.
Training-Related Fatalities
Racetracks operating under HISA rules (and training centers owned by them) reported 0.67 training-related deaths per 1,000 workouts in the first quarter of 2026. HERF similarly benefited training safety this quarter, saving two horses (Chrissy and Pie) who would otherwise have been training-related fatalities. Both horses are thriving and will soon transition to second careers. Of the training-related fatalities recorded this quarter, 82% were attributable to musculoskeletal causes and 18% to sudden death.
“HERF&#8217;s work is a powerful complement to the progress we already have seen from HISA&#8217;s racetrack safety and anti-doping rules,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Our rules are driving meaningful, measurable improvements in safety across the industry, and now when a horse suffers an on-track reparable injury despite those protections, HERF gives us a way to fight for that animal&#8217;s life so they can go onto a second career. Together, these efforts reflect what HISA was always meant to be: a comprehensive, unified approach to making this sport safer for horses and riders alike.”
HISA also determined that 26,513 unique Covered Horses either recorded a published workout or made a start in a Covered Horserace in the first quarter of 2026, meaning that the total racing- and training-related fatality rate for the Covered Horse population was 0.29%.
Other Key Data
During the first quarter of 2026, there were 2.84 crop rule violations per 1,000 starts—a 32% decrease year-over-year compared to 4.20 per 1,000 starts in the first quarter of 2025. This continues the meaningful downward trend observed throughout 2025, which saw a full-year rate of 3.31 per 1,000 starts, down 25% from 4.40 in 2024.
On average, HISA received approximately 6,000 veterinary treatment records each day during the first quarter of 2026. As of March 31, 2026, 7.1 million veterinary treatment records had been uploaded or digitally submitted to the HISA database through third-party integrators since the inception of the Racetrack Safety Program on July 1, 2022. This dataset continues to power HISA’s diagnostic tools, HISA CHECK√ and <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/hisaus.org/news/hisa-introduces-hisa-horse-in-sight___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm9mZmljZTM2NV9lbWFpbHNfYXR0YWNobWVudDphMGY0Y2E2MDMwNTljNmVjNTYxYjU0N2Q5MTk2Y2VlMjo3OmNiNGQ6N2VhYzMxZTcwMjJjNDkwYjJjMDQ4MjZlZDRhODgwM2FiZjA2ZmJhYjI1OWViN2ZlMmRlMTRhODliNTQ4ODY2ZTpwOkY6Rg">HISA Horse In-Sight</a>.
During the first quarter of 2026, HISA recorded an average of 11.7% scratches per entry at HISA tracks, compared to 11.6% in the same period last year—essentially flat year-over-year. HISA is continuing its comprehensive review aimed at updating the Veterinarians’ List and Stewards’ List categories across U.S. Thoroughbred racing, with changes targeted for later this year.
The full report can be accessed <a href="https://hisaus.org/news/2026-q1-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.

HISA Publishes 2026 First Quarter Metrics Report

May 8, 2026 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the release of a new Equine Health Advisory on the risk of fatal injury in Covered Horses previously placed on the Veterinarians’ List as Unsound. The advisory, which is based on data drawn from the HISA Veterinarians’ List, provides practical guidance, including on the use of wearable biometric sensors during training programs to provide additional insight into horses’ condition and performance.
“Decisions to place a horse on the Veterinarians’ List as Unsound are made with the utmost care and expertise by Regulatory Veterinarians, and it is crucial that they are supported in their work with as much data as possible, along with strong collaboration with Trainers and Attending Veterinarians,” said Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Policy and Industry Initiatives.
When horses are scratched, they may be placed on the Veterinarians’ List or Stewards’ List. In 2025, 3,297 unique horses were placed on the Veterinarians’ List as Unsound by Regulatory Veterinarians at Covered Racetracks. As of March 31, 2026, 1,904 of those horses (nearly 60%) have not made a subsequent start.
Crucially, through the end of Q1 2026, approximately 20% of racing- and training-related fatalities involving Covered Horses at Covered Racetracks have occurred in horses who were either still on the Veterinarians’ List as Unsound at the time of death, had been scratched by Regulatory Veterinarians prior to a recent race or removed from the Veterinarians’ List as Unsound within the six months preceding the fatal injury.
This is the fourth Equine Health Advisory that HISA has issued, following advisories on <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/hisaus.org/news/hisa-issues-equine-health-advisory-on-risk-factors-for-fatal-proximal-forelimb-fractures___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86YWNmNGI3ZTM5MWI2M2UzYmQ5NDYwOGEzYzFkNmI5ODU6NzphYTZhOmViMTBjZjNkNmYzNTZjYjgyYTlkY2E0MjMxY2MxZmJiNzhhODM2NGQzM2ZkZmY3MGJkNmRhY2Y4YTRjNzUyY2U6cDpGOkY">proximal forelimb fractures</a>, <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/hisaus.org/news/hisa-announces-new-findings-on-exercise-associated-sudden-death___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86YWNmNGI3ZTM5MWI2M2UzYmQ5NDYwOGEzYzFkNmI5ODU6NzplY2JmOjU2ZWI4NWFmMzVkNzE1YTZiOGUzZjc3NGRlMjkyMGYxYjAyMjA4MTllODdiNjE1ZjgxNGE3YmFmNmYwMWI5YTE6cDpGOkY">exercise-associated sudden death</a> and <a href="https://hisaus.org/news/hisa-issues-equine-health-advisory-on-risk-factors-for-fatal-proximal-hindlimb-fractures">proximal hindlimb fractures</a>. Sharing these insights from the HISA Portal supports better-informed care, promotion of best practices and reduction of the risk of equine injuries and fatalities.
Supplemental to the advisory, in December 2025, HISA <a href="https://hisaus.org/news/hisa-announces-comprehensive-review-to-update-veterinarians-and-stewards-list-categories">announced a comprehensive review</a> aimed at updating the Veterinarians’ List and Stewards’ List categories across U.S. Thoroughbred racing, with changes targeted for 2026. Through this initiative, HISA aims to modernize and harmonize these oversight tools, providing additional insights into national safety metrics.
The full advisory is available <a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/hisa-equine-health-advisory-risk-of-fatal-injury-in-horses-previously-placed-on-the-veterinarians-list-as-unsound">here</a>. It has been distributed to all Trainers and veterinarians registered in the HISA Portal and is also available on <a href="http://www.hisaus.org">www.hisaus.org</a> under the Resources section.

HISA Issues Equine Health Advisory on the Veterinarians’ List

May 5, 2026 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Board of Directors today announced the results of its vote regarding the prohibition and use of furosemide (commonly referred to as “Lasix”) in Covered Horses within the 48-hour period prior to a race.
Pursuant to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (the “Act”), HISA’s Board was required to consider whether modification of the existing prohibition on furosemide was warranted. In accordance with the statutory framework, the Board voted unanimously on April 24 to adopt findings required for a modification of the prohibition, which continues the existing regulatory status quo.
Under the Act, any modification required a unanimous board vote on the following four findings:
<ol>
<li>That the modification is warranted.</li>
<li>That the modification is in the best interest of horse racing.</li>
<li>That furosemide has no performance-enhancing effect on individual horses.</li>
<li>That public confidence in the integrity and safety of racing would not be adversely affected by the modification.</li>
</ol>
The Board unanimously adopted each of these findings and approved a modification to permit the use of furosemide within 48 hours prior to a race for Covered Horses, with the exception of:
<ul>
<li>2-year-old Covered Horses; and</li>
<li>Covered Horses competing in stakes races.</li>
</ul>
In reaching its decision, the Board considered the findings and recommendations of the Furosemide Advisory Committee (FAC), which included a finding that available scientific evidence does not support the assertion that furosemide is a performance-enhancing substance.
While the modification will take effect on May 23, 2026, it does not change the current regulatory treatment of furosemide that has been in place since the launch of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program on May 23, 2023. This means that furosemide administration in the 48 hours prior to a race will continue to be permitted for all Covered Horses except 2-year-old Covered Horses and Covered Horses competing in stakes races.
The HISA Board’s resolution and its findings, along with the FAC Report and scientific research reports, can be reviewed by clicking <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DETERMINATION-OF-THE-BOARD-OF-DIRECTORS-OF-THE-HORSERACING-INTEGRITY-AND-SAFETY-AUTHORITY-INC.-RELATING-TO-FUROSEMIDE.pdf">here</a>.

HISA Board Votes, Status Quo Remains for Lasix

Meeting Minutes

April 15, 2026: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

April 1, 2026: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Announcements

2025 Annual Performance Report

March 24, 2026 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today published its <a href="https://hisaus.org/news/2025-annual-metrics-report">2025 Annual Metrics Report</a>, furthering its continued commitment to providing the Thoroughbred racing industry with transparent, data‑driven metrics that promote equine safety. The report—which highlights 2025 fatality metrics, use of riding crop violations, scratch rates and more—shows that the sport continues to operate at significantly safer levels since HISA’s inception.
In 2025, racetracks operating under HISA rules recorded 1.04 racing‑related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts, a sustained reduction from pre‑HISA benchmarks and a nearly 50% decline since national reporting began in 2009 by The Jockey Club’s Equine Injury Database (EID). Crucially, nearly 99.90% of starts in the past 12 months were completed without a fatality.
“Our mission is clear: to make Thoroughbred racing safer for horses and riders while safeguarding the integrity and future of the sport,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “The data contained in this year’s report shows that uniform national safety standards are working. We are encouraged by the progress and remain deeply committed to building on these gains in collaboration with racetracks, regulatory partners and industry stakeholders.”
HISA’s racing fatality data and starts figures undergo a rigorous, multistep quality control process, including quarterly verification by each track’s Safety Director. <a href="https://www.jockeyclub.com/Default.asp?section=Resources&amp;area=10&amp;story=1578">Earlier today</a>, the EID reported a North American racing-related fatality rate of 1.07 fatalities per 1,000 starts. This includes a rate of 1.21 fatalities per 1,000 starts for Thoroughbred racetracks in the U.S. operating outside of HISA rules in 2025—e.g., racetracks in Louisiana, Texas and West Virginia that continue to welcome participants who have violated, or resist oversight under, our rules. The EID’s rate for HISA tracks aligns with HISA’s report at 1.04.
“This continued gap between HISA and non-HISA racetracks underscores what we have long believed: strong, consistent national standards make racing safer.” Lazarus continued. “At the same time, it is encouraging to see the fatality rate at non-HISA tracks decrease from 2024. We hope that the implementation of HISA rules, the industry-wide focus on safety they have helped catalyze and the movement of people and horses between tracks that are and are not under the HISA umbrella have contributed to a broader cultural shift.”
Fundamental to improvements in equine safety is reducing fatalities in training activities. HISA began releasing data on training-related equine fatalities in 2025 for the first time in Thoroughbred racing history in the U.S. (and, to HISA’s knowledge, internationally). During 2025, racetracks operating under HISA rules (and the training centers owned by them) reported 0.55 training-related deaths per 1,000 workouts (i.e., the official timed works of racehorses preparing for an official start, as recorded in Equibase). These data are subject to the same rigorous validation standards as racing fatalities.
HISA also determined that 71,443 unique Covered Horses either recorded a published workout or made a start in a Covered Horserace in 2025, meaning that the total racing- and training-related fatality rate for the Covered Horse population was 0.51%.
The report highlights two areas of ongoing research aimed at promoting equine safety. First, analysis of national data continues to show a recurring rise in racing-related fatalities near the end of seasonal meets. HISA is further evaluating potential contributing factors and urges industry stakeholders to remain vigilant through the racing calendar. The report also mentions a focused review of fatalities involving 2-year-old horses; HISA is examining whether an increase in the raw number of such cases in 2025 reflects any meaningful differences in horse backgrounds or management practices.
Additional key metrics released include a 24.8% year-over-year decrease in use of riding crop violations and 13.6% scratches per entry in 2025 compared to 13.4% in the prior year.
The full 2025 Annual Metrics Report is available at <a href="http://www.hisaus.org">www.hisaus.org</a>.

HISA Publishes 2025 Annual Metrics Report

2025 Annual Metrics Report

February 26, 2026 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the release of a new Equine Health Advisory identifying key risk factors associated with fatal proximal hindlimb fractures in Thoroughbreds. The advisory, which is based on data drawn from the HISA Portal, provides practical guidance for trainers and veterinarians on how to help prevent these catastrophic injuries.
In 2024 and 2025, Regulatory Veterinarians at Covered Racetracks reported 28 fatal tibial (12) and pelvic bone (16) fractures. Most (75%) fractures occurred during training; 25% occurred during racing.
Approximately 40% of horses with fatal proximal hindlimb fractures reported to HISA had 10 or fewer high-speed furlongs recorded within the 60 days prior to the fracture occurring.
Fatal Tibial Fractures
Approximately 40% of horses with fatal tibial fractures, specifically, had zero recorded lifetime high-speed furlongs; 50% had 10 or fewer high-speed furlongs recorded in the 60 days prior to fracture.
Four of these horses (roughly 15%) had been on the Veterinarians’ List as unsound at least once in the previous year, underscoring the need for careful attending veterinary evaluation once these horses are flagged by Regulatory Veterinarians. Two others were older, unraced horses: one was unraced at 4-years-old; one was unraced at 5-years-old. Both sustained fatal tibial fractures.
Fatal Pelvic Bone Fractures
Approximately 80% of fatal fractures of the pelvic bones occurred in fillies and mares, while fatal tibial fractures occurred more evenly across both sexes.
This data suggests that a lack of high-speed exercise, such as in horses just starting training or returning from an extended layoff, may pose a significant risk for fatal proximal hindlimb fractures—just as it does for proximal forelimb fractures.
This is the third Equine Health Advisory that HISA has issued, following advisories on <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/hisaus.org/news/hisa-issues-equine-health-advisory-on-risk-factors-for-fatal-proximal-forelimb-fractures___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86YWNmNGI3ZTM5MWI2M2UzYmQ5NDYwOGEzYzFkNmI5ODU6NzphYTZhOmViMTBjZjNkNmYzNTZjYjgyYTlkY2E0MjMxY2MxZmJiNzhhODM2NGQzM2ZkZmY3MGJkNmRhY2Y4YTRjNzUyY2U6cDpGOkY">proximal forelimb fractures</a> and <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/hisaus.org/news/hisa-announces-new-findings-on-exercise-associated-sudden-death___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86YWNmNGI3ZTM5MWI2M2UzYmQ5NDYwOGEzYzFkNmI5ODU6NzplY2JmOjU2ZWI4NWFmMzVkNzE1YTZiOGUzZjc3NGRlMjkyMGYxYjAyMjA4MTllODdiNjE1ZjgxNGE3YmFmNmYwMWI5YTE6cDpGOkY">exercise-associated sudden death</a>. Sharing these insights from the HISA Portal supports better-informed care, promotion of best practices and reduction of the risk of equine injuries and fatalities.
“It’s important that HISA utilizes the data we collect to draw insights and share learnings with the industry,” said Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Policy and Industry Initiatives. “This advisory, like the proximal forelimb fracture advisory, aligns with HISA’s commitment to data-driven safety and education among industry stakeholders.”
The full advisory is available <a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/hisa-equine-health-advisory-risk-factors-and-prevention-of-proximal-hindlimb-fractures-in-thoroughbreds">here</a>. It has been distributed to all trainers and veterinarians registered in the HISA Portal and is also available on <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/www.hisaus.org___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86YWNmNGI3ZTM5MWI2M2UzYmQ5NDYwOGEzYzFkNmI5ODU6NzoyNDgxOjE5MjU0YzM1M2VhNDQ5M2FmMmVhODczMTcwYjVhNDUzMzFiYjhjYjdlYjRlN2I5NDIwM2RlNThlZDExNmZmMzc6cDpGOkY">www.hisaus.org</a> under the Resources section.

HISA Issues Equine Health Advisory on Risk Factors for Fatal Proximal Hindlimb Fractures

February 11, 2026: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

January 22, 2026 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is seeking public comment on proposed modifications to the Rule Series 5000 (Equine Testing and Investigation Standards) and 7000 (Arbitration Procedures) of its Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. The proposed modifications build on HISA’s ongoing review of the ADMC Program. In November, HISA distributed for public comment proposed modifications to other Rule Series comprising the ADMC Program (1000, 3000 and 4000). Comments received in response to that request are under review by the ADMC Committee.
The proposed updates to Rule Series 5000 and 7000 of the ADMC Program include:
<ul>
<li>Clarification regarding the sample collection process;</li>
<li>Introduction of voluntary, non-binding mediation in proceedings before the Arbitral Body; and</li>
<li>Expanded access for Owners to intervene in cases before the Internal Adjudication Panel.</li>
</ul>
A memorandum summarizing the proposed modifications is available <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1.22.2026-Proposed-ADMC-Program-Revision-Memo-5000-7000.pdf">here</a>. A full draft of the proposed revisions in PDF redline format is available <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rule-Series-5000-and-7000-Redline-2026.01.22.pdf">here</a>. The redline reflects proposed updates compared to the version currently in effect and approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
HISA invites all interested parties to review the proposed modifications and submit comments by Monday, February 23, 2026. Comments should be sent to HISA Assistant General Counsel Sam Reinhardt at <a href="mailto:Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org">Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org</a> with the subject line “Proposed Rule Modifications – Rule Series 5000 and 7000.” Alternatively, comments may be mailed to HISA at 201 East Main Street, Suite 340, Lexington, KY 40507.
Following the expiration of the public comment period, the ADMC Committee, in consultation with the Horseracing Integrity &amp; Welfare Unit, will review and consider all relevant feedback before recommending proposed modifications to the HISA Board. If approved by the HISA Board, the proposed modifications would then be submitted to the FTC.

HISA Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rule Modifications

Operational Bulletins

Newsletters

January 9, 2026 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is pleased to announce that the proposed changes to its Enforcement Rules (Rule Series 8000) have been officially approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These changes will take effect on January 19, 2026.
HISA’s updated Enforcement Rules are available in full <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rule-8000-Series_01.19.26.pdf">here</a> and include the following changes:
<ul>
<li>Clarification that it is a violation to enter a Covered Horse or cause a Covered Horse to compete in a Covered Horserace prior to registering the Covered Horse with HISA (note that it is a separate violation to fail to register a Covered Horse on the date of the horse&#8217;s first timed and reported workout at a Racetrack that participates in Covered Horseraces or at a training facility); and</li>
<li>Failure to pay a fine or repay a purse by the prescribed deadline will subject the Covered Person to an automatic suspension.</li>
</ul>
The FTC published a request for public comment on the proposed changes on <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/09/ftc-publishes-request-public-comment-proposed-modification-hisas-enforcement-rule___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86N2Q1MzkxMjNmMGI4ZGUwNTVmYjE0NjdiY2Y2NmU2OTM6Nzo1N2UwOmM0N2QwYWI1MmMwY2ZlYWY4MjEyYWFhMWYxOTJjM2U0MTUzYjk0ODg2NzhjM2RhMmEwZmU3ZDgxN2UwYWNkMjg6cDpGOkY">September 9, 2025</a> and issued an order approving the changes on <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/12/ftc-approves-modifications-horseracing-integrity-safety-authoritys-enforcement-rule___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86N2Q1MzkxMjNmMGI4ZGUwNTVmYjE0NjdiY2Y2NmU2OTM6NzphYTlmOjgyMTAyOTA2ZjJjMWI2YjEzZTI0MjBjOTQ2YjFhYjhjNjE4MjdjNGFkMWQ5YWEwZWZkZmI2MjUyYTBiZmM4ZDU6cDpGOkY">December 19, 2025</a>. HISA will work with racing industry participants to help prepare them for the changes.
All <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/hisaus.org/regulations___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86N2Q1MzkxMjNmMGI4ZGUwNTVmYjE0NjdiY2Y2NmU2OTM6Nzo5MDMxOmMxZDAyYjA5ZjE3ODM0OTY1ZmU5ODY3YTNhMzIwZDIwNGQ1N2NhMDllODgzZTJjNzZmMjY1YTY0NzI3OWVjMTU6cDpGOkY">HISA rules</a> are available at <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___http:/www.hisaus.org___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86N2Q1MzkxMjNmMGI4ZGUwNTVmYjE0NjdiY2Y2NmU2OTM6NzoxZmIyOjRjNWViOTM0NTA3NWVmMjY5MjJmYmJkNWQ1NjQwZjg3YmZiYWUwZjcwNmIwMDBiYThkNzQyOGRiZDhhOTkzMzA6cDpGOkY">www.hisaus.org</a>.

HISA Announces FTC Approval of Modified Enforcement Rules

December 23, 2025 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is pleased to announce the addition of Conrad Bandoroff, Dr. Kristina Eisaman, Carly Schuerger, Sophie Shore and Whitney Verbal to its Next Generation Advisory Group. Formed in 2024, this body of racing industry participants provides HISA’s executive team and Standing Committees with formal feedback on the evolution of its Racetrack Safety Program and Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. The new members succeed outgoing Next Generation Advisory Group members Waqas Ahmed, Marc Broady, Jeff Matty, Katie Miranda and Tyler Peeples.
The Next Generation Advisory Group has 20 members with a wide variety of viewpoints from across the racing industry. Its membership includes trainers, owners, consignors, veterinarians and horsemen’s group representatives.
The full list of the Next Generation Advisory Group members can be found <a href="https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/hisaus.org/about-us?cat=next-generation-advisory-group___.YXAzOmhpc2F1czpjOm86MTVmMTFhNDU2YTgwMTU5MTkyNTg1YTdhYTU5MjM2ZjU6NzoxYWU0OjA0MmFkMGMxYzQ5NDc0OTg5ZDM4MjMwMTE1OWIwZTg2YTdkNTMyYjUzNGY0YTExZjQwZDVlNmI1NTJkOWJlYjI6cDpGOkY">here</a>, with more information about each of the new members available below.
<ul>
<li>Conrad Bandoroff is Vice President of Denali Stud, founded in 1990 by Craig and Holly Bandoroff and located on 800 acres of land in Kentucky’s Bourbon Country. Denali Stud is a perennial leading consignor and has produced or sold 38 Grade I winners since its founding, including Preakness Stakes winner Journalism and Kentucky Derby Winner Animal Kingdom. Bandoroff has worked for trainers John Ward and Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Bradley Thoroughbreds and Arrowfield Stud in Australia. He is a graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South and the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start Program.</li>
<li>Kristina Eisaman, DVM is a veterinarian at Equine Medical Associates in Lexington, Kentucky. She spends her time in Florida working at her family’s training center and in Lexington supporting horse sales and Thoroughbred farms through her practice. Her clinical interests include layup and lameness evaluations, particularly for off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Eisaman enjoys working with horses experiencing performance challenges and identifying pathways to help them reach their full potential.</li>
<li>Carly Schuerger assisted with management responsibilities in the rehabilitation division at Margaux Farm. She has several years of experience as a racehorse groom and exercise rider in California and Kentucky. Schuerger possesses a bachelor&#8217;s degree in kinesiology from California State University, San Marcos and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in exercise science at the University of Kentucky, with research experience related to both Thoroughbred and human performance. Alongside her time working with racehorses, she competed in the NCAA as a cross country and track &amp; field athlete.</li>
<li>Sophie Shore is a lifelong racing enthusiast and horseplayer who has worked in many areas of the industry, including for the New York Racing Association and trainer Graham Motion. Currently a New York attorney, she remains passionately committed to promoting safety and innovation within the sport.</li>
<li>Whitney Verbal is an Accredited Level II Steward with more than 13 years of experience in the horse racing industry. A graduate of North Carolina A&amp;T State University with a degree in animal science, she began her career at Lazy E Ranch in Guthrie, Oklahoma, before working across several major racing jurisdictions, including Maryland, Kentucky, New Mexico and Virginia. She now serves as a Steward, overseeing daily racing operations and ensuring compliance with HISA rules.</li>
</ul>

HISA Welcomes New Members to Next Generation Advisory Group

December 10, 2025 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the upcoming launch of the HISA Equine Recovery Foundation (HERF), an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing critical assistance for Thoroughbred racehorses sustaining a career-ending injury during racing. Set to begin operations in early 2026, HERF’s mission is two-fold:
<ol>
<li>Support racehorses —with injuries sustained during races that historically have a positive prognosis for recovery—by ensuring immediate access to quality veterinary treatment and rehabilitation in order to facilitate a successful aftercare placement.</li>
<li>Enhance access to diagnostic imaging services and tools by expanding racetrack resources to prevent injuries.</li>
</ol>
HISA recognizes that timely intervention can save lives and improve outcomes for injured horses. HERF is designed to fill a specific gap by funding veterinary care—including surgeries with historically high success rates—and comprehensive rehabilitation for qualifying horses, with each case accompanied by a long-term care plan to ensure ongoing well-being. The voluntary program, entered into at the sole discretion of the owner, will also play a vital role in expanding knowledge around injury prevention to further protect the welfare of racehorses. HERF is also designed to remove some burden from the aftercare system by rehabilitating the horse and ensuring it is recovered before it enters aftercare.
“We are thrilled that this foundation has been formed to provide horses with the chance to recover from career-ending injuries. There are situations where costs and other considerations make it difficult for owners to pursue surgical interventions that can prevent unnecessary euthanasia,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “HERF will help fill that gap and will explore diagnostic tools and advanced testing to help horsemen identify at-risk horses sooner.”
A critical part of HERF&#8217;s mission will be to fund the retirement of horses whose lives are saved through medical intervention provided by HERF. HERF is looking forward to working closely with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), which has made tremendous strides in advancing the welfare of retired racehorses, and other vetted solutions on this effort.
“HERF&#8217;s primary objectives are logical extensions of HISA&#8217;s core mission to improve and enhance equine health, safety and welfare,“ said HISA Board member and HERF Chair Joe De Francis. “In order to maintain its social contract and continue business operations, the racing industry must take all reasonable steps to minimize racing-related equine fatalities, and the creation of HERF is a positive step towards that objective.”
A pilot program will launch in early 2026 in the Mid-Atlantic, supported by an initial donation of $100,000 generously gifted by Joe De Francis and Katherine Wilkins De Francis. Additional funds will be raised by HERF’s independent Board of Directors and distributed on a defined, case-by-case basis. All funds allocated to HERF will be raised exclusively from sources external to HISA and will be entirely separate from HISA’s operating budget. Additional racetracks will be onboarded in the second quarter of 2026.
HERF’s Board of Directors will consist of:
<ul>
<li>Joe De Francis (HISA Board member and HERF Chair)</li>
<li>Craig Bandoroff (owner of Denali Stud)</li>
<li>Andrew Beyer (Founder, Beyer Speed Figures)</li>
<li>Katherine Wilkins De Francis (Animal welfare activist and former racing executive)</li>
<li>Terry Finley (Founder, West Point Thoroughbreds)</li>
<li>David Ingordo (Bloodstock agent and manager Belladonna Racing)</li>
<li>Griffin Johnson (Influencer and racehorse owner)</li>
<li>Ron Moquett (Thoroughbred trainer)</li>
<li>David O’Rourke (CEO, New York Racing Association)</li>
<li>Sue Stover (Veterinarian, University of California, Davis; Chair of HISA’s Racetrack Safety Committee)</li>
</ul>
In addition to the Board of Directors, HERF will have an Advisory Council that will advise HERF on its protocols. The Advisory Council will consist of individuals with specific expertise in veterinary medicine and aftercare. Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Medical Officer of 1/ST Racing, will serve as Chair and Mike Rogers, Executive Vice President of 1/ST Racing, will serve as Vice Chair—bringing invaluable expertise from the successful programs established by 1/ST Racing in California, Florida and Maryland. HISA Communications Director Mandy Minger has been named Executive Director of HERF. For more information about HERF, or to inquire about supporting the foundation, please contact <a href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>.
About the HISA Equine Recovery Foundation
The HISA Equine Recovery Foundation (HERF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting the welfare of Thoroughbred racehorses injured during racing. HERF provides critical financial and logistical assistance to reduce fatalities resulting from racing-related injuries and offers subsidies for advanced diagnostic testing to help prevent future injuries.

HISA Announces Equine Recovery Foundation

December 8, 2025 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the launch of a comprehensive review aimed at updating the Veterinarians’ List and Stewards’ List categories across U.S. Thoroughbred racing, with changes targeted for 2026. Through this initiative, HISA aims to modernize and harmonize these oversight tools, providing additional insights into national safety metrics.
Beginning in 2026, HISA will conduct a detailed audit of existing Veterinarians’ List and relevant Stewards’ List categories across racetracks, state racing commissions and HISA’s rules. As part of this process, HISA will distribute a comprehensive survey in early 2026 to Regulatory Veterinarians and stewards, and will conduct in-person interviews with those groups to gather information on current practices. The collected responses will be used to document the range of Veterinarians’ List practices and identify areas where differences exist across jurisdictions.
Once the information-gathering phase is complete, HISA will conduct an internal analysis of the findings to identify patterns, gaps and areas where updates may be needed. Following this review, HISA will work with its advisory groups to evaluate potential approaches for future Veterinarians’ List and Stewards’ List categories. The process will include consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, including owners, trainers, racing offices, Attending Veterinarians and other industry participants. Input from these groups will inform the development of a system that is practical, fair and aligned with the industry’s commitment to equine welfare.
“The current structure of the Veterinarians’ List and relevant Stewards’ Lists, which are based on legacy categories created decades ago, varies widely across states and racetracks and, in some cases, is no longer fit for purpose in a modern, national racing environment,” said Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, Director of Equine Safety and Welfare at HISA. “We&#8217;re thrilled to be launching this initiative, which will provide clarity, consistency and fairness in a system that affects horses, veterinarians, trainers and owners alike. As with any HISA initiative, our goal is to promote equity among all stakeholders and ensure more transparency into national safety metrics, while providing appropriate protections for horses identified as being at increased risk for injury.”
At the conclusion of this project, HISA will release its findings publicly and outline a set of modernized Veterinarians’ List and Stewards’ List categories.

HISA Announces Comprehensive Review to Update Veterinarians’ and Stewards’ List Categories

As a reminder, any Veterinarian who treats or examines a Covered Horse must timely submit treatment information to the Authority’s database. For treatments, procedures and surgeries performed at a location that is not a Training Facility or is not licensed by a State Racing Commission, the Veterinarian must submit to the Authority the information contained in HISA Rule 2251(c), including:
<ol>
<li>Name and HISA ID of the Covered Horse or, if unnamed, the registered name of the dam and year of foaling*;</li>
<li>Name and HISA ID of the Responsible Person for the Covered Horse*;</li>
<li>Name and HISA ID of the Veterinarian*;</li>
<li>Contact information for the Veterinarian (phone number, email address)*;</li>
<li>Any information concerning the presence of unsoundness;</li>
<li>Summary of all diagnostic tests and test results;</li>
<li>Any intra-articular diagnostic and therapeutic medications administered or prescribed, including the date and time of the treatment;</li>
<li>Administration of Shock Wave Therapy, including the date and time of the Shock Wave Therapy; and</li>
<li>Any surgical procedure performed, including the date and time of the procedure.</li>
</ol>
* These first four fields will populate automatically for any horse and Veterinarian registered with HISA.
This reporting is essential for identifying high-risk practices that may lead to injury or illness. Understanding the use of medications, treatments, examinations and surgical procedures helps correlate specific practices with health outcomes. By collecting and analyzing this information alongside injury and illness data, we can develop targeted strategies to prevent harm and improve equine welfare.
Treatment information must be reported to the Authority in electronic format, either directly through the HISA Portal, HISA’s MedEnt app (available in the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hisa-medent-app/id6468080597">Apple Store here</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hisausapps.medent">Google Play here</a>) or any other veterinary software provider integrated with HISA’s database.
For more information on HISA’s requirements for Veterinarians treating Covered Horses at locations other than a Covered Racetrack, please see HISA’s <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> (updated in July, 2024).
The above is a summary of a Veterinarian’s reporting obligations and is not exhaustive of the requirements established under HISA Rule 2251(c). To understand the full requirements under HISA Rule 2251, please review the full text of HISA Rule 2251(c), available <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Rule-2000-Series_05.02.25.pdf">here</a>.
If you have any questions, please call our Help Desk at 1-877-513-2919, and we will be happy to assist you.

Veterinary Advisory: Reporting of Covered Horse Treatment Information for Veterinarians Practicing at Locations Other Than Covered Racetracks

As a reminder, any Veterinarian who treats or examines a Covered Horse must timely submit treatment information to the Authority’s database. For treatments, procedures and surgeries performed at a location licensed by a State Racing Commission or a Training Facility, the Veterinarian must submit to the Authority the information contained in HISA Rule 2251(b), including:
<ol>
<li>The identity of the Covered Horse treated*;</li>
<li>The name of the Responsible Person of the Covered Horse*;</li>
<li>The name of the Veterinarian*;</li>
<li>Contact information for the Veterinarian (phone, email address)*;</li>
<li>Any information concerning the presence of unsoundness and responses to diagnostic tests;</li>
<li>Diagnosis;</li>
<li>Condition treated;</li>
<li>Any medication, drug, substance or procedure administered or prescribed, including date and time of dose, route of administration (including structure treated if local administration), frequency and duration (where applicable) of treatment;</li>
<li>Any non-surgical procedure performed (including but not limited to diagnostic tests, imaging and Shock Wave Therapy) including the structures examined/treated and the date and time of the procedure;</li>
<li>Any surgical procedure performed including the date and time of the procedure; and</li>
<li>Any other information necessary to maintain and improve the health and welfare of the Covered Horse.</li>
</ol>
* These first four fields will populate automatically for any horse and Veterinarian registered with HISA.
This reporting is essential for identifying high-risk practices that may lead to injury or illness. Understanding the use of medications, treatments, examinations and surgical procedures helps correlate specific practices with health outcomes. By collecting and analyzing this information alongside injury and illness data, we can develop targeted strategies to prevent harm and improve equine welfare. Treatment information must be reported to the Authority in electronic format, either directly through the HISA Portal, HISA’s MedEnt app (available in the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hisa-medent-app/id6468080597">Apple Store here</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hisausapps.medent">Google Play here</a>) or any other veterinary software provider integrated with HISA’s database.
For more information on HISA’s requirements for Veterinarians treating Covered Horses on the Racetrack, please see HISA’s <a href="https://hisaus.org/resources/attending-veterinarian-handbook-effective-july-8-2024">Attending Veterinarian Handbook</a> (updated in July, 2024).
The above is a summary of a Veterinarian’s reporting obligations and is not exhaustive of the requirements established under HISA Rule 2251(b). To understand the full requirements under HISA Rule 2251, please review the full text of HISA Rule 2251(b), available <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Rule-2000-Series_05.02.25.pdf">here</a>.
If you have any questions, please call our Help Desk at 1-877-513-2919, and we will be happy to assist you.

Veterinary Advisory: Reporting of Covered Horse Treatment Information for Veterinarians Practicing on Covered Racetracks

NOVEMBER 4, 2024 &#8211; Following a resolution proposed by HISA’s Horsemen’s Advisory Group, which was also supported by the Thoroughbred Horsemen&#8217;s Association, HISA’s Board of Directors announces the following policy change effective immediately regarding the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program and the imposition of Provisional Suspensions of Covered Persons. Commencing immediately, the HISA Board has requested that the Horseracing Integrity &amp; Welfare Unit (HIWU) limit the circumstances under which they exercise their discretion to impose a Provisional Suspension on Covered Persons.
The HISA Board has determined that further analysis and review on the issue of Provisional Suspensions is necessary to determine whether any modifications to the current rules are appropriate. While this review takes place, the HISA Board requests that HIWU impose Provisional Suspensions only under circumstances where (i) a Covered Person has more than one horse test positive for the same Banned Substance; (ii) a barn search leads to the discovery of the same Banned Substance for which the Covered Person is being charged under the ADMC program; and/or (iii) the alleged violation presents a substantial risk to the integrity of racing and/or the welfare of horses. Consequently, all Provisional Suspensions that do not fall within any of these defined categories will be lifted today, November 4, 2024.
The lifting of the Provisional Suspension is not a stay of the Equine Anti-Doping Notice or Charge or the ADMC Program proceedings with respect to the matter, with the exception of Presence cases for Metformin. HIWU will be moving forward with these matters under the applicable ADMC Program Rules.

HISA Announcement Regarding Provisional Suspensions

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 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 loading="lazy" decoding="async" 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" srcset="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CanRaceCanWorkShields-300x278.png 300w, https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CanRaceCanWorkShields.png 483w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
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;
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&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

JUNE 4, 2024 &#8211; 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

November 2025 Newsletter

September 2025 Newsletter

July 2025 Newsletter

June 2025 Newsletter

May 2025 Newsletter

April 2025 Newsletter

March 2025 Newsletter

February 2025 Newsletter

January 2025 Newsletter

December 2024 Newsletter

2025 Q3 Metrics Report

2025 Q2 Metrics Report

2025 Q1 Metrics Report

2024 Annual Metrics Report

2024 Q3 Metrics Report

2023 Annual Metrics Report

2024 Q2 Metrics Report

2024 Q1 Metrics Report

January 21, 2026: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

December 17, 2025: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

December 3, 2025: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

November 19, 2025: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

November 12, 2025: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

November 5, 2025: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

October 21, 2025: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

2024 Annual Performance Report

HISA 2024-2029 Final Strategic Plan

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is seeking informal public comment on proposed modifications to the Assessment Methodology Rule (Rule 8500 Series). A draft revised Assessment Methodology Rule in pdf redline compare format is available <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Redline-Proposed-Modifications-to-Assessment-Methodology-Rule-9.18.2024_V3.pdf">here</a>. The redline compares the new version to the version submitted to and approved by the FTC on January 9, 2023. We are seeking input on the proposed modifications. Please send your feedback directly to Sam Reinhardt at <a href="mailto:Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org" data-linkindex="0">Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org</a> no later than Monday, September 30, 2024. If possible, please provide your comments in a single Word document.

Proposed Modifications to the Assessment Methodology Rule

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is seeking informal public comment on a proposed new set of supplemental rules relating to topics such as cleanliness and security of receiving barns, the number and location of restrooms on the backside, disclosure of consumption of Prohibited Substances, and entering a horse on the Veterinarians’ List while awaiting the results of a blood sample collection. A clean version of the supplemental rules is available <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Draft-Supplemental-Rules-9.18.2024.pdf">here</a>. Please send your feedback directly to Sam Reinhardt at <a href="mailto:Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org" data-linkindex="0">Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org</a> no later than Monday, September 30, 2024. If possible, please provide your comments in a single Word document.

Proposed Supplemental Rule Series

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 &#8211; General Provisions</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/3000.-Protocol-September-21-2023.pdf">Clean 3000 &#8211; Protocol</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4000.-Prohibited-List-incl-TD-September-21-2023.pdf">Clean 4000 &#8211; 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 &#8211; 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 &#8211; Laboratory Standards</a>
<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/7000.-Arbitration-Rules-September-21-2023.pdf">Clean 7000 &#8211; Arbitration Rules</a>
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<a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Redline-1000.-General-Provisions-9.21.23-v-current.pdf">Redline 1000 &#8211; 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 &#8211; 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 &#8211; 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 &#8211; 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 &#8211; 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 &#8211; Arbitration Rules</a>
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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)

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.

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