February 21, 2025 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity &amp; Welfare Unit (HIWU), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission (PSHRC), today announced that they are pursuing cases against one veterinarian and 13 trainers in connection with an organized effort to evade HISA rules designed to protect and enhance the health and safety of horses and riders.
A coordinated investigation led by the PSHRC revealed that veterinarian Dr. Allen Post Bonnell allegedly conspired with the implicated trainers from May 2023 through November 2024 to administer intra-articular injections to the joints of Covered Horses within the prohibited stand-down periods, in direct violation of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) and Racetrack Safety Programs—whose rules are in place to safeguard equine health and ensure fair competition.
As a result of the alleged violations, HISA and HIWU will pursue sanctions against these Covered Persons as described in HISA’s rules, including the disqualification of more than 100 horses from previous race results and subsequent forfeiture of purses, periods of Ineligibility for the Covered Persons and fines. While all horses were allegedly injected at Penn National Race Course, they participated in races at 10 different racetracks subject to HISA’s rules, across six different states.
HISA has verified that of the more than 100 unique horses alleged to have breezed or raced in violation of HISA's intra-articular stand down times, 30% never raced again, strongly suggesting these injections were used to mask pain. Approximately 10% were observed to be lame post-race by a regulatory veterinarian. Three horses were euthanized as a direct result of injuries sustained in those races.
“This egregious breach of integrity and intentional undermining of equine welfare is a stark reminder of why rigorous oversight and enforcement are critical to the future of horse racing,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “The health and safety of horses and jockeys are paramount, and those who deliberately put them at risk will be held accountable.”
From the inception of the ADMC Program on May 22, 2023 through July 7, 2024, HIWU enforced intra-articular injection rule violations. As of July 8, 2024, HISA has been enforcing intra-articular injection protocols under its revised Racetrack Safety Program.
Further details, including disciplinary actions and sanctions against those involved, will be released in accordance with the disclosure requirements under the Racetrack Safety Program and ADMC Program. HISA, HIWU and the PSHRC remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the integrity of the sport and the welfare of its equine and human athletes.