HISA Seeking Input

Maryland horsemen are encouraged to participate in an industry-wide survey soliciting commends regarding ways to promote greater consistency in scratch procedures nationwide and to improve the quality of data used to understand and support equine welfare.

The survey is part of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s comprehensive review of Veterinarians’ List and Stewards’ List categories across Thoroughbred racing.

Responses will be accepted through September 11, 2026. The survey has been distributed via email to attending and regulatory veterinarians, trainers and owners registered in the HISA portal with a valid email address. Individual copies can be obtained by emailing comments@hisaus.org.

“We’re pleased to invite everyone in the industry to participate in this survey,” said Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Policy & Industry Initiatives. “Developing more consistent and transparent scratch procedures can simplify processes for trainers and help reduce race-day uncertainty. Stewards and veterinarians play an essential role in safeguarding the sport, and it is important that their decisions are aligned and clearly understood throughout the industry.”

Over the past six months, HISA has surveyed stewards and regulatory veterinarians at covered racetracks to better understand the list categories in use and the factors that determine how horses are placed on those lists.

The survey findings revealed significant variation in the classification and management of list placements across racetracks, resulting in different outcomes in similar circumstances. The review also found that, at some racetracks, field size can influence whether a scratch is recorded as a trainer scratch or veterinary scratch, potentially affecting the accuracy of data regarding the reason for the scratch.

At the conclusion of the review, HISA will publicly release its findings and outline a proposed framework for modernized scratch procedures and veterinarians’ list categories designed to support greater national consistency and transparency.

‍