Congressman Asks HISA to Make Fatality Reports Public

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Photo: Coady Photography
Racing at Churchill Downs

Congressman Earl Blumenauer, an Oregon Democrat, published a letter sent May 18 to Lisa Lazarus, CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, requesting the transparent disclosure of its investigation into eight horse deaths during racing or training at Churchill Downs since April 27.

Blumenauer, founder and co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, specifically requested the results of necropsies and a comprehensive report "be made public to provide transparency and exemplify your commitment to the integrity of the sport. We also urge careful review of each horse's medical records to ascertain whether any preexisting conditions contributed to any of the injuries." 

Fifteen other members of Congress, mostly Democrats in the House of Representatives, signed the letter, which listed leadership at Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission as being CCed. None of the elected officials signing the letter were from Kentucky, where Churchill is located.

The letter also called for answers to what steps HISA is considering taking to prevent future equine deaths, and if HISA is planning to expand its investigation to consider a holistic perspective that examines breeding techniques, equine medicine, and training practices.

Blumenauer requested an update in 60 days.

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Lazarus wrote in a May 12 press release from HISA that its investigation, in addition to the KHRC's Equine Catastrophic Injury Review, would be followed by a release of its findings, "including the determination of whether any rule violations occurred to refer for potential enforcement proceedings."