New York Horsemen's Group Backs Federal Legislation

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association issued a statement Sept. 14 that it now fully supported the proposed Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, which intends to create an independent, non-governmental regulatory body to oversee medication testing and enforcement in horse racing along with racetrack safety.

"For eight years, there have been various attempts to enact federal legislation aimed at standardizing equine medication policy across the country. Typically, horsemen's groups have opposed those efforts. On Friday, the board of directors of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association voted unanimously to support the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act that was recently introduced by Senator (Mitch) McConnell. Simultaneously adopted by the House of Representatives, the new HISA features significant changes that vastly improves upon previous proposals. As a result of these improvements, the HISA now deserves our support.

"Horse racing is at a crossroads," NYTHA's statement continued. "The 2019 breakdown crisis and this year's shocking indictments of veterinarians and trainers have exposed the industry's uneven commitment to both equine safety and competitive integrity. What's been obvious for years, to owners, trainers, bettors, and fans—is that our industry's institutions need structural change.

"Passing legislation is a mere first step and meaningful change will only come about with a) a truly diverse Authority Board and nominating committee, and b) a well-funded and independent Authority staff. NYTHA will advocate strongly for these priorities. Over the next few months, we look forward to working with Senators McConnell and Gillibrand as well as Representatives Tonko and Barr to produce a final piece of legislation ensuring an improved environment for equine welfare," the statement concluded.

On Sept. 9, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 1754, the House version of the HISA led by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Andy Barr (R-Ky.) that is now poised to advance to the House floor following a bipartisan vote of 46-5. The bill advanced with amendments that match legislation introduced the same day by Republican Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), and Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.).

The Senate legislation adopted many key reform measures established in H.R. 1754, while adding additional track safety measures and program establishing safety standards for training and racing, racetrack surfaces, injury-related data analysis, safety violation investigations, hearings, and sanctions.