HISA Whistleblower Program Includes Racetrack Safety

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit and RealResponse announced May 22 the relaunch of its anonymous whistleblower platforms to enable Thoroughbred racing participants to submit tips regarding potential violations of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control and Racetrack Safety Programs.

This relaunch corresponds with the resumption of the ADMC. At the time of the original program's launch March 27, the platforms were only accepting tips related to ADMC program violations.

"Opening up HIWU's anonymous whistleblower platforms to those seeking to report potential Racetrack Safety Program violations in addition to ADMC violations strengthens HISA's uniform and efficient approach to safety and integrity in racing. It also simplifies the process for horsemen and industry participants seeking to ensure a safe and clean sport, which benefits everyone," said Ann McGovern, HISA's director of racetrack safety.

The text and email platforms are supported through a partnership with RealResponse, the market leader in anonymous two-way communication, providing safe and secure reporting platforms for athletes, teams, and organizations worldwide. The telephone platform is supported by Ansafone. Using the designated telephone line, text line, or email address, any industry participant can anonymously submit information for review by HIWU's Investigations Unit. Submissions are accepted 24/7, and whistleblowers have the option to volunteer their contact information if they are open to potential follow up from HIWU's investigators.

"Horse racing is at the most significant crossroads in its history, and today's announcement underscores how important it is to stay one step ahead of bad actors," said RealResponse founder and CEO David Chadwick. "Now more than ever, everyone in the industry—not just those who govern it—must be hypervigilant about the health, safety, and well-being of the jockeys and horses who power the sport. That is why we partnered with HIWU to create and implement the safest, fastest, and most confidential way to anonymously share information about the welfare of competitors and threats to the integrity of competition."

Individuals who would like to submit tips should utilize the following contact options:

Phone Line: (888) 714-HIWU (4498)

Text Line: (855) 901-TIPS (8477)

Email Address: hiwutips@hiwu.realresponse.com

Examples of violations of the ADMC and Racetrack Safety Programs that can be reported include, but are not limited to:

• Use/attempted use, administration/attempted administration, trafficking/attempted trafficking, or possession of a banned substance/method,
• Use of a controlled medication substance/method in a manner contrary to horse welfare,
• Evasion of sample collection,
• Tampering or attempted tampering with the ADMC Program,
• Falsified or improper veterinary records,
• Paper training,
• Use of buzzers, and
• Improper use of shockwave therapy.

Any activity negatively affecting horse welfare is a potential violation of the Racetrack Safety Program.

Examples of information that can be included in an anonymous tip include, but are not limited to:

• Names of covered horses.
• Names of specific trainers or other covered persons.
• Names of substances.
• Specific barns or other facilities.
• Other identifying information about covered persons or covered horses relevant to the potential violation.

Tips that are specific to HISA's Racetrack Safety Program will be investigated by HIWU's Investigations Unit, which will submit reports to HISA to be handled by HISA staff, as appropriate. ADMC Program violations will be investigated and prosecuted by HIWU.

"HIWU's anonymous whistleblower platforms were well-received when the ADMC Program first launched in March, and we're pleased to make them available again to help inform the work of our Investigations Unit," said Michelle Pujals, general counsel for HIWU. "Expanding HIWU's capabilities to accept tips regarding the Racetrack Safety Program will facilitate more effective investigatory operations to identify and catch those who compromise the integrity of the sport and the welfare of its athletes."

Industry participants should note that the HIWU Investigations Unit will not respond to violations or inquiries that fall outside the jurisdiction of HISA, and such information should be reported to the relevant regulatory authorities.