December 19, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the members of its Veterinary Advisory Committee. The committee will commence regular meetings in early 2025 to provide feedback to HISA’s executive team and standing committees on the implementation and evolution of HISA’s rules and protocols related to veterinary care, medication, racetrack safety, equine research and other relevant issues.
Following the announcement of the Veterinary Advisory Committee’s formation on September 30, HISA has appointed 16 regulatory and private practice veterinarians from across the country. Committee members will serve staggered terms of 18 to 30 months to ensure a dynamic, evolving group and maximize opportunities for future participation.
“I would like to express my gratitude to each of the highly qualified veterinarians who have generously agreed to contribute their time and expertise to the advancement of our sport,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Their collective knowledge of and commitment to matters relating to equine health and welfare will be instrumental in guiding our efforts to foster a safer and more sustainable future for horse racing.”
“I am honored to welcome to the committee such a talented and dedicated group of veterinarians,” added Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Equine Safety and Welfare, who will be chairing the committee. “Both clinical and regulatory veterinary knowledge and experience are essential to HISA’s mission of enhancing safety and integrity in the sport. We look forward to collaborating with our new committee members to advance horse welfare and drive scientific progress.”
Members of HISA’s Veterinary Advisory Committee are:
<ul>
<li>Dr. Kathleen Anderson</li>
<li>Dr. Ada Caruthers</li>
<li>Dr. Ashley Daniel</li>
<li>Dr. Horace (“Sam”) O. Ferguson</li>
<li>Dr. Peter Hannigan</li>
<li>Dr. Andrew Hirschy</li>
<li>Dr. Kathleen Kivi</li>
<li>Dr. Michael Manno</li>
<li>Dr. Justin McCormick</li>
<li>Dr. Martha Misheff</li>
<li>Dr. Amy Narotsky</li>
<li>Dr. Nolton Pattio</li>
<li>Dr. Kathy Picciano</li>
<li>Dr. Lindsey Porubovich</li>
<li>Dr. Lisa Santa-Emma</li>
<li>Dr. Nick Smith</li>
</ul>
To read the full biography for each member, please visit the Veterinary Advisory Committee page on HISA’s website, located <a href="https://hisaus.org/about-us?cat=veterinary-advisory-committee#our-team">here</a>.

Press Releases

HISA Announces Membership of Veterinary Advisory Committee

December 17, 2024 (Lexington, KY) - The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the publication of its 2024 Third 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.
The third quarter of 2024 (July 1 – September 30) marked the third consecutive quarter of year-over-year declines in the racing-related equine fatality rate since the launch of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which began on May 22, 2023. The Q3 fatality rate decreased approximately 21% year-over-year, with racetracks operating under HISA’s rules reporting 0.93 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts as compared to a rate of 1.18 in the third quarter of 2023.
“The consistent year-over-year declines in the racing-related equine fatality rate are a testament to the dedication and collaboration of all stakeholders in our industry,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “As safety and integrity continue to improve, we’re reminded that our mission to protect the well-being of horses and riders will preserve the sport for generations to come. There’s still more to achieve, but the progress so far is inspiring.”
Third Quarter 2024 Highlights
Racing-Related Equine Fatalities
<ul type="disc">
<li>Racetracks under HISA's jurisdiction reported 0.93 racing-related fatalities per 1,000 starts in Q3 2024, approximately a 21% decrease as compared to the same period in 2023.</li>
<li>The aggregate year-to-date fatality rate for HISA racetracks (January 1 to September 30, 2024) was 0.85 per 1,000 starts, approximately a 36% decrease as compared to the same period in 2023.</li>
<li>HISA submitted public disclosure requests for racing-related fatalities in Louisiana, Texas and West Virginia and received responses after releasing its own second-quarter results.
<ul type="circle">
<li>During the second quarter of 2024, fatalities at racetracks in these non-HISA states amounted to 2.38 racing-related fatalities per 1,000 starts, more than triple the fatality rate at racetracks operating under HISA’s rules during the same period, which was 0.76 racing-related fatalities per 1,000 starts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Racing Participant Registration
<ul type="disc">
<li>Registrations through the HISA Portal reached approximately 35,500 Covered Persons across the categories below and 75,000 Covered Horses as of September 30, 2024.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://hisaus.org/news/hisa-publishes-2024-third-quarter-metrics-report/2024-q3-covered-persons/" rel="attachment wp-att-5050"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5050 aligncenter" src="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Q3-Covered-Persons-300x285.png" alt="" width="300" height="285" /></a>
Racetrack Accreditation
<ul type="disc">
<li>HISA completed six accreditation visits in Q3 2024, bringing the total number of accreditation visits to 37 as of September 30, 2024. In Q3, HISA visited Downs at Albuquerque in New Mexico, Colonial Downs in Virginia, Ellis Park in Kentucky, Fresno California Racing Fair in California, Horseshoe Indianapolis in Indiana and Monmouth Park in New Jersey.</li>
</ul>
Veterinary Treatment Records
<ul type="disc">
<li>An average of 7,500 veterinary treatment records were uploaded daily during Q3 2024, bringing the total to 4 million records since the Racetrack Safety Program’s inception on July 1, 2022.</li>
</ul>
As the industry continues to collaborate to address challenges, HISA remains steadfast in its goal of creating a safer racing ecosystem. To view the full Q3 Metrics Report, click <a title="https://hisaus.org/news/2024-q3-metrics-report" href="https://hisaus.org/news/2024-q3-metrics-report" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">here</a>. The Horseracing Integrity &amp; Welfare Unit will separately release its Q3 report for the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.

HISA Publishes 2024 Third Quarter Metrics Report

Metrics Reports

2024 Q3 Metrics Report

Newsletters

November 2024 Newsletter

December 5, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) will aggressively defend itself against a recent lawsuit by Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) filed in the companies’ attempt to avoid paying their fair share of HISA’s fees (Rule 8500 Series). CDI and NYRA have refused to comply with the Assessment Methodology Rule, as approved by the Federal Trade Commission. The rule was created to properly and equitably allocate the costs of HISA’s operations to state racing commissions and/or covered persons involved with covered horse races. CDI and NYRA are the only two racing organizations subject to this rule that have refused to remit their share of fees. HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus today issued the following statement in response to the meritless lawsuit:
“HISA was established with a clear mission: to create uniformity and consistency across Thoroughbred racing. Our rules, including the Assessment Methodology Rule, were developed after thorough consideration and many opportunities for input from racing participants, and have been approved by the Federal Trade Commission. Despite this, CDI and NYRA are refusing to comply with the assessment methodology, which is designed to ensure HISA is adequately funded and able to effectively oversee the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program and the Racetrack Safety Program, as required under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.
“CDI and NYRA have both benefited greatly from HISA’s uniform safety rules, expertise and oversight, particularly over the past two years. That uniformity must extend to cost assessments as well. To do otherwise would be unfair to other tracks and industry participants who are paying their fair share. HISA will continue to uphold the standards of the sport with integrity and fairness for all racing participants. Our mission is clear, and we will not allow any parties to pick and choose which rules they follow. Every racetrack, including CDI and NYRA, must operate under the same paradigm. No one is exempt.”

HISA Responds to Lawsuit Filed by Churchill Downs and The New York Racing Association

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

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

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

HISA Welcomes Three New Members to ADMC Standing Committee

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

HISA Seeking Applications to Join Horsemen’s Advisory Group

Cutting-edge digital tool designed for regulatory veterinarians
Combines a horse’s career and medical history into one easy-to-use platform, offering a unique, holistic view of health and performance
November 12, 2024 (Lexington, KY) - The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is proud to announce the launch of HISA Horse In-Sight, a cutting-edge digital tool designed for regulatory veterinarians. This innovative platform, integrated within the HISA Portal, combines a horse’s career and medical history to provide a unique and holistic view of its health and performance. HISA Horse In-Sight was developed to empower regulatory veterinarians to make informed, timely decisions with greater efficiency and accuracy, ultimately enhancing horse health and welfare across Thoroughbred racing.
“HISA Horse In-Sight represents a significant leap forward in how we approach equine care and safety in horseracing,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “By providing regulatory veterinarians with an intuitive and data-rich tool, we're empowering them to make more informed, timely decisions that directly impact the health and welfare of our horses. This is a clear demonstration of HISA’s ongoing commitment to leveraging innovation for the betterment of Thoroughbred racing and the protection of its athletes."
HISA Horse In-Sight features an intuitive graph that visually captures a horse’s racing career, represented by high-speed furlongs over time. With an extensive array of data points presented in a user-friendly visual format, regulatory veterinarians can now access key information through a simple statistics box or explore a horse's history in detail via the Horse History tab.
Key features of HISA Horse In-Sight include:
<ul type="disc">
<li class="x_MsoNormal">A comprehensive view of races, workouts, scratches and more, complete with result details and conditions</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Advanced filters enabling customized views by treatment type, injury outcome or veterinary list status</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">The ability to compare multiple horses through the Race Day tab, offering valuable insights into intra-articular injections and injuries</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Dynamic time controls allowing regulatory veterinarians to explore a horse’s history across any timeline, with rolling totals of high-speed furlongs for precision insights</li>
<li class="x_MsoNormal">Downloadable reports ideal for research, mortality reviews and other essential veterinary tasks</li>
</ul>
This platform builds on other recent innovations like HISA's partnership with Palantir to create a data-enabled tool that helps stakeholders identify horses at risk for injury before racing, and MedEnt, HISA’s mobile app for recording medical treatments. HISA is excited to continue advancing the horseracing industry by providing regulatory veterinarians and other stakeholders with the tools they need to make informed decisions for equine safety and integrity.

HISA Introduces HISA Horse In-Sight

November 7, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has announced an extension to the submission deadline for its <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. Originally set for October 15, 2024, the deadline has now been extended to November 22, 2024. This adjustment reflects HISA’s commitment to ensuring that all interested parties have sufficient time to prepare and submit high-quality proposals addressing the complexities of furosemide's effects on horse health and racing performance.
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.
The <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Press-Release-RFP-on-Furosemide-Extension.pdf">application</a> is available on the HISA website and should be submitted via email to Dr. Jennifer Durenberger at jennifer.durenberger@hisaus.org and/or Sam Reinhardt at samuel.reinhardt@hisaus.org.

HISA Extends Submission Deadline for Furosemide RFP

NOVEMBER 4, 2024 - Following a resolution proposed by HISA’s Horsemen’s Advisory Group, which was also supported by the Thoroughbred Horsemen'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.

Operational Bulletins

HISA Announcement Regarding Provisional Suspensions

October 2024 Newsletter

Meeting Minutes

Other Announcements

October 10, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – At the conclusion of the first day of the International Jockey Concussion, Safety and Wellness Conference, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), in collaboration with Jockeys’ Guild, revealed that they are launching a major initiative to support jockey well-being. As announced by HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus and Jockeys’ Guild President Terry Meyocks, HISA and the Guild have established a groundbreaking partnership with Onrise, a leading athlete-specific mental health company, to provide jockeys with easily accessible mental health care in their primary language.
Partnership with Onrise
As part of HISA and the Guild's ongoing commitment to improving jockeys’ overall well-being, the partnership with Onrise will offer a confidential platform with access to mental health support through the insights and experiences of trained retired athletes, licensed therapists and psychiatrists. Jockeys can move between different levels of care or utilize multiple services simultaneously. Through this partnership, jockeys can access reliable mental health support and guidance, helping to reduce the stigma of seeking help and fostering a culture of openness and care within the sport.
Onrise currently partners with the MLS Players Association, Inter Miami CF, the US Women’s National Team Players Association, the Premier Lacrosse League, and all three women’s professional volleyball leagues in the United States, among others. These jockeys join more than 15,000 athletes who already have access to Onrise services. All qualified jockeys will be eligible for Onrise’s services at no cost.
"Jockeys face immense physical and mental demands—and their mental health is critical to their long-term success and well-being," said Lisa Lazarus, CEO of HISA. "Jockeys are highly skilled professional athletes who confront unique stressors. By partnering with Onrise, we are providing jockeys with a safe space to connect with professional athlete peers who understand their experiences, offering them valuable support as they navigate the pressures of this demanding career."
“We are proud to partner with HISA and Onrise to provide jockeys with a crucial resource for mental wellness. For decades, Jockeys' Guild has worked tirelessly to advocate for the safety, health, and well-being of our athletes, and this partnership marks another important step in that mission,” said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of Jockeys’ Guild. “Through this collaboration, we are offering our qualifying members the opportunity to connect with athletic peers who truly recognize what they're going through, helping them take care of their health in a way that has never been done before in our sport. The Guild greatly appreciates HISA’s commitment to the mental wellness of jockeys.”
“Onrise is privileged to partner with HISA and Jockeys’ Guild to support athlete mental health and overall wellness in this critical time for horse racing,” said Kimberly Quigley, MD, FABPN, Chief Executive Officer at Onrise. “We are thrilled that HISA and Jockeys’ Guild have entrusted Onrise to provide mental health care and support for these jockeys and appreciate both organizations’ commitment to ensuring that their athletes have the tools that enable them to succeed on and off the track.”
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
Subject to Federal Trade Commission oversight, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is charged with recommending and implementing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing. HISA is implementing, for the first time, a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility. HISA is comprised of two programs: the Racetrack Safety Program, which went into effect on July 1, 2022, and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which went into effect on May 22, 2023.
The Racetrack Safety Program includes operational safety rules and national racetrack accreditation standards that seek to enhance equine welfare and minimize equine and jockey injury. The Program expands veterinary oversight, imposes surface maintenance and testing requirements, enhances jockey safety, regulates riding crop use and implements voided claim rules, among other important measures.
The ADMC Program includes a centralized testing and results management process and applies uniform penalties for violations efficiently and consistently across the United States. These rules and enforcement mechanisms are administered by an independent agency, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), established by Drug Free Sport International (DFS). HIWU oversees testing, educates stakeholders on the Program, accredits laboratories, investigates potential ADMC violations and enforces the ADMC Program.
About 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>.
About Onrise 
Onrise provides mental health care and support that athletes trust and want to use. We provide a turnkey mental health solution for professional, collegiate and youth leagues, clubs, teams, players associations and other sports organizations. Onrise’s unique telehealth solution leverages untapped networks of retired athletes to offer mental health peer support, plus access to therapy and psychiatry. By utilizing retired athletes and clinicians, we understand the unique challenges and pressures that athletes face and provide athlete-specific mental health care and support that is accessible, relatable and affordable.
&nbsp;
MEDIA CONTACT
HISA 
Mandy Minger
<a href="mailto:mandy.minger@hisaus.org">mandy.minger@hisaus.org</a>
917-846-8804
Jockeys’ Guild 
Jennifer Ray
<a href="mailto:jray@jockeysguild.com">jray@jockeysguild.com</a>
859-523-5625

HISA and Jockeys' Guild Announce Groundbreaking Jockey Mental Health Initiative with Onrise

September 30, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has established a Veterinary Advisory Committee that will be made up of regulatory and private practice racetrack veterinarians from around the nation. The committee will provide feedback to HISA’s executive team and standing committees on the implementation and evolution of HISA’s regulations and protocols related to veterinary care, medication, racetrack safety, equine research and other relevant issues.
“I look forward to the essential perspectives the HISA Veterinary Advisory Committee will bring as we continue to evolve and fulfill our mandate,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “The veterinarians who care for equine athletes day in and day out are critical to our collective efforts to surround horses with an ecosystem of care, and their on-the-ground insights will make us smarter and more effective."
“By integrating the expertise of veterinarians across the country, we aim to continue developing and refining best practices that prioritize the health and well-being of equine athletes,” added Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Equine Safety and Welfare. “Our goal is to ensure that every decision we make is grounded in science and reflects the latest feedback from the veterinarians who work with these remarkable horses every day.”
HISA is currently seeking qualified veterinarians to serve on the Veterinary Advisory Committee. The committee will consist of both regulatory and attending veterinarians from diverse professional backgrounds and geographies, ensuring a broad representation of perspectives. The group will be expected to meet monthly to provide feedback to HISA’s leadership.
Interested candidates are invited to submit an application (available <a href="https://bphisaweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/HISA-Veterinary-Committee-Application.pdf">HERE</a>) to Dr. Shari Silverman at <a href="mailto:shari.silverman@hisaus.org">shari.silverman@hisaus.org</a> with the subject line “VAC Application” by October 25, 2024.
Veterinarians committed to equine welfare with an interest in shaping the future of safety and integrity in Thoroughbred racing are encouraged to apply.

HISA Establishes Veterinary Advisory Committee

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

August/September 2024 Newsletter

July 2024 Newsletter

May/June 2024 Newsletter

April 2024 Newsletter

March 2024 Newsletter

February 2024 Newsletter

January 2024 Newsletter

December 2023 Newsletter

2024 Q2 Metrics Report

2024 Q1 Metrics Report

2023 Annual Metrics Report

Oct 16, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Oct 2, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Sep 25, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Sep 18, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Sep 11, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Aug 28, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Aug 14, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Aug 7, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Jul 31, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

Jul 24, 2024: Racetrack Safety Committee Meeting Minutes

HISA 2024-2029 Final Strategic Plan

Last week, HISA and the Jockeys' Guild co-hosted the first Jockey Health and Wellness DC fly-in. We welcomed participants from across the United States to gather in the nation's Capital for conversations on the physical and mental well-being of jockeys at a critical time in horse racing. Participants had the opportunity to meet with their Congressional representatives to express both their love for racing and the unique circumstances they face as athletes and family members in a fast-paced industry.

Event Recap: Jockey Health and Wellness DC Fly-In

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

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

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>
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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)

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.

News

HISA Announces Membership of Veterinary Advisory Committee

HISA Publishes 2024 Third Quarter Metrics Report

2024 Q3 Metrics Report

November 2024 Newsletter

HISA Responds to Lawsuit Filed by Churchill Downs and The New York Racing Association

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

HISA Welcomes Three New Members to ADMC Standing Committee

HISA Seeking Applications to Join Horsemen’s Advisory Group

HISA Introduces HISA Horse In-Sight

HISA Extends Submission Deadline for Furosemide RFP

HISA Announcement Regarding Provisional Suspensions

October 2024 Newsletter

Media Resources

HISA Stewards Rulings

HIWU

Rule FAQs

Press Contact

HISA Data Disclosure Policy