HISA closely reviews every equine fatality that takes place under its jurisdiction. On August 5, HISA began conducting an expanded review of the circumstances surrounding recent equine fatalities at Saratoga Race Course. HISA officials are reviewing necropsy results, veterinary records, racing and training histories, surface maintenance logs and weather records gathered by local veterinarians and other officials. HISA is collaborating with officials from the New York Racing Association and the New York State Gaming Commission in its review, and sharing findings in real time as these reviews are ongoing. The final findings of HISA’s review will be made public and be used to inform potential interventions moving forward.

 

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About HISA:

When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HISA is implementing, for the first time, a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility. HISA is comprised of two programs: the Racetrack Safety Program, which went into effect on July 1, 2022, and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which went into effect on May 22, 2023.

The Racetrack Safety Program includes operational safety rules and national racetrack accreditation standards that seek to enhance equine welfare and minimize equine and jockey injury. The Program expands veterinary oversight, imposes surface maintenance and testing requirements, enhances jockey safety, regulates riding crop use and implements voided claim rules, among other important measures.

The ADMC Program includes a centralized testing and results management process and applies uniform penalties for violations efficiently and consistently across the United States. These rules and enforcement mechanisms are administered by an independent agency, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), established by Drug Free Sport International (DFS). HIWU oversees testing, educates stakeholders on the Program, accredits laboratories, investigates potential ADMC violations and prosecutes any such violations.