HISA Updates Guidance on Intra-Articular Injections

The Anti-Doping and Medication Control Standing Committee of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has reconsidered the intra-articular injection rule and has issued new guidance regarding its enforcement.

HISA ADMC Rule 4222 prohibits intra-articular injections on race day, within 14 days prior to post time and within seven days prior to any timed and reported workout. Effective July 16, 2023, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit will sanction the responsible person of any covered horse that violates the prohibition on intra-articular injections within seven days prior to a timed and reported workout as follows (within a 365-day rolling period):

• First violation: $3,000 fine;
• Second violation: $6,000 fine, 10-day suspension;
• Third violation: $10,000 fine, 30-day suspension;
• Fourth violation: $20,000 fine, 60-day suspension;
• Fifth violation: $25,000 fine, 120-day suspension.

Beginning July 16, 2023, covered horses will not be subject to a period of ineligibility for violations of the intra-articular injections workout rule or race day rule, unless multiple violations involving the same horse are incurred within the 365-day period.

Until this new guidance takes effect on July 16, and in accordance with guidance previously announced on June 26, the prohibition on intra-articular injections within seven days prior to any timed and reported workout will continue to be enforced only against the covered horse through the imposition of a period of ineligibility of 30 days. The sanctions associated with the prohibition on intra-articular injections within 14 days prior to post time have not been modified, other than the fact that the covered horse may not be suspended.

The full language of today’s issued guidance, which was approved by the HISA ADMC standing committee and the HISA board, can be found on HISA’s website.

Under Rule 4222, the day of administration is considered day one. A horse may breeze on day eight following administration and may enter to race at any time, provided the race is on day 15 or later.

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