The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is a private self-regulatory organization that regulates the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing in the United States. It is empowered by the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 to propose and enforce regulations related to safety and anti-doping aspects of the sport.
History
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was enacted into law in 2020 as Title XII of the US's Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.[2][3] The authority's initial board of directors took office in May 2021.[4]
HISA's first racetrack safety regulations went into effect on July 1, 2022.[12][13] Its anti-doping rules and enforcement program began on May 22, 2023.[14]
HISA is charged with developing and enforcing rules for racetrack safety.[19] It regulates matters such as track surface maintenance, veterinary oversight, injury data reporting, jockey safety, horseshoe requirements, and use of riding crops.[20][21][22] A violation of the rules, such as a jockey striking a horse with a crop more than six times during a race, may be punished with a fine and suspension from racing.[23]
Anti-doping and medication control
HISA is responsible for developing anti-doping and medication rules to ensure fairness and protect equine health.[24][25] Administration of the rules, including collecting and testing of blood, urine, and hair samples, is delegated to the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, a subsidiary of Drug Free Sport International, a private drug-testing company.[26][27]
Opposition
Some states have not recognized the HISA, instead continuing to operate under safety and medication regulations on a state level. The Texas Racing Commission has refused to recognize the HISA on the grounds that it conflicts with its own state rules.[28] In addition to Texas, racing jurisdictions in Louisiana and West Virginia continue to operate under state rules as of the implementation of the HISA while awaiting the resolution of legal challenges.[29] The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) has also opposed the HISA.[28]
