HISA Accepts No-Action Recommendation in Lukas Classic

During its regularly scheduled Feb. 22 meeting, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority board of directors voted unanimously to accept its enforcement team's recommendation not to take further action related to a contested outcome in the Oct. 1 Lukas Classic (G2) at Churchill Downs. The enforcement team recommended that Kentucky "stewards had a reasonable basis to find that the horseshoes worn by Hot Rod Charlie  during the 2022 Lukas Classic (G2) did not violate" HISA rules. 

Soon after the Lukas Classic, the connections of runner-up Rich Strike contested the race, ultimately pointing to photos taken from four separate photographers that they believe showed Hot Rod Charlie shod with front "toe grabs," a raised rim on the toe area of a horseshoe meant to help the horse gain traction over the track and reduce slipping. Due to potential risk factors for injury, traction devices other than full rims two millimeters or less from the ground are prohibited under HISA regulations.

The 143-page recommendation, provided to BloodHorse by Hot Rod Charlie's trainer Doug O'Neill when he received it Feb. 8, were included in the board decision and have now been posted online on the HISA website.

O'Neill has long denied Hot Rod Charlie raced in toe grabs and commented Feb. 8 that his horse "ran the way he was supposed to."

According to Hot Rod Charlie's farrier, Dean Balut, in preparation for a start in the Lukas Classic, Hot Rod Charlie's shoes had been ground down to eliminate an existing toe grab to put them in compliance concerning traction devices as defined in HISA Rule 2276. At the time of the incident, supply chain issues delayed the widespread availability of HISA-compliant horseshoes.

Hot Rod Charlie, who raced for Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, Gainesway Stable, and Strauss Bros Racing before his winter retirement, earned $305,520 in winning the $498,000 Lukas Classic. Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Rich Strike, trained by Eric Reed, earned $99,200 in second for owner Rick Dawson's RED TR-Racing.

"As stated previously, we believe the evidence is obvious that the shoes worn by HRC were not in compliance with the rules as has been published and provided to owners and trainers," Dawson said in a statement issued Feb. 25. "Should we move forward it will be in (a) courtroom where we hope the jury will see what so many have seen in regards to the illegal shoes. 

"Everyone says we need to clean up our sport but there are still so many inconsistent rulings. If the rules aren't clear and precise, then rewrite them until they are. 

"I thought that was why HISA was formed. Disappointing."

The enforcement team further recommended that the HISA board directors "may determine that further clarification of Rule 2276 is necessary to prevent future uncertainty in the interpretation of the Rule."

Numerous HISA Racetrack Safety Program rules are in the midst of a rewrite before they are submitted to the Federal Trade Commission, which oversees HISA.