Graded, Listed Stakes Testing Requirements Under HISA

As per the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, the independent enforcement agency of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Program, maintains the authority to direct all testing in HISA-governed jurisdictions upon implementation of the ADMC Program, which began March 27.

For graded and listed stakes races in the United States to preserve their respective statuses each year, one of the requirements is that testing in relation to these races satisfies the American Graded Stakes Committee Drug Testing Protocol for TCO2 and post-race testing.

In recognition of the authority granted to HIWU by the Act, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, which founded and manages the American Graded Stakes Committee, will accept the testing protocols and criteria administered by HIWU for graded and listed stakes races conducted in HISA-governed jurisdictions. HIWU will assign TCO2 and post-race testing for these races at quantities and rates specific to each race.

Thus, a racetrack is not at risk of losing graded or listed status for its races if the HIWU testing protocols for these races differ from the American Graded Stakes Committee's requirements. 

Racetracks operating in states that are not under the jurisdiction of HISA will remain subject to the American Graded Stakes Committee Drug Testing Protocols in regard to maintaining graded and listed statuses of their races.