HISA On Track For July 1 Start

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act’s Racetrack Safety Program remains on track to begin July 1, 2022, as required by federal law. HISA was discussed during a March 31 meeting of racing stakeholders in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

Alan Foreman, Chairman of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, told participants much of the Racetrack Safety Program proposed by HISA already has been in place through the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance Code of Standards. He said it’s “not a heavy lift at all” for the Mid-Atlantic region.

Enforcement regulations for the Racetrack Safety Program were recently adopted by the Federal Trade Commission. The Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program under HISA has been delayed until January 2023. The THA and other groups continue to offer feedback on those proposed rules and regulations.

The HISA budget for 2022 was expected to be released in early April. The New Jersey Racing Commission already announced it will not serve as a fee collector for HISA, meaning that would fall to racetracks in the state. The Maryland Racing Commission has that issue on the agenda for its April 5 meeting.

Ed Martin, President of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, said many regulatory agencies will have to work with legislatures and other agencies to ensure funding and payment procedures are in line with state law.