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