ARCI: HISA Has ‘Questionable Effect’ on Fatalities

The Association of Racing Commissioners International released a report and accompanying press release Oct. 6, claiming that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s first year of operations had a questionable effect on equine breakdowns. The report also noted that after six months of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program, no new drugs have been found.

At least several racing commissions have opposed HISA, either publicly or in court. 

The release from ARCI is as follows:

A staff report from the Association of Racing Commissioners International was issued, providing data and a programmatic analysis of HISA programs after its first year responsible for equine and racetrack safety in Thoroughbred racing and six months of responsibility for its ADMC Program.

The main takeaways are:

• HISA’s biggest success lies in common rules and drug testing.
• HISA/HIWU testing labs have not found any new drugs that had not been found under the previous state-based programs.
• Based on HIWU statements as to the extent of testing and HIWU website postings, it appears the rate of adverse analytical findings triggering regulatory review or action is roughly the same as the previous state-based programs.
• The equine fatality rate remains small and results are mixed as to whether HISA has had any effect, either way.
• HISA receives considerable help from state racing commissions who are expected to provide almost $18 million in funding or services in the coming year.
• HISA’s almost $81 million proposed budget for next year relies on the Thoroughbred racing industry paying almost $60 million in assessments.

The report was prepared for state racing commissions who anticipate being asked by state legislative oversight committees as to the performance of HISA in their state. It is considered preliminary and the first and only independent assessment of the new program. To date, there has been no congressional oversight or review by the Federal Trade Commission.

HISA issued a short response to the release and report from a spokesperson, stating: “HISA has just been made aware of the Association of Racing Commissioner International report released publicly today. The report is riddled with factual inaccuracies and mischaracterizations as evidenced by data and information that is publicly available on the HIWU website. HISA remains focused on enforcing and improving upon its Racetrack Safety and Anti-Doping and Medication Control Programs to advance safety and integrity in the sport.”

As described on the ARCI website: “Originally formed in 1934, the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) is composed of the governmental regulators of horse and greyhound racing in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Trinidad-Tobago, and the Jockey Club of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RCI members are legally charged with the responsibility to ensure the integrity of racing and pari-mutuel wagering. The association exists to assist in the coordination of the collective efforts of it members who are responsible for ensuring compliance with government laws and regulations designed to protect the general public and racing industry participants, including the equine and canine athletes.”

This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.