HISA: Second-Quarter Fatalities Drop Under ADMC Program

A 2024 Second Quarter Metrics Report released by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, covering racing from April 1-June 30, exhibits a continued downward trajectory of the rate of racing-related equine fatalities in the industry since the HISA became fully operational with implementation of the HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program May 22, 2023. According to HISA, the fatality rate has declined for four consecutive quarters, including an approximate 49% decrease year over year in the second quarter of 2024.

Racetracks operating under HISA's rules and running races in the second quarter reported 0.76 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts, compared to 1.48 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts in the second quarter of 2023.

"Thoroughbred racing is consistently getting safer with HISA's involvement and the commitment of our racing stakeholders, especially the horsemen and veterinarians who work so diligently under HISA to keep horses safe," HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said. "Today's metrics release shows tremendous progress towards preserving and improving a cherished sport, and all participating stakeholders should be proud of the progress we have made by working together. Collaboration is essential to maintaining this positive trend, and we continue to actively work with the horse racing community to elevate Thoroughbred racing to new, and safer, heights."

Not all states with Thoroughbred racing are operating under HISA authority. Louisiana and West Virginia were granted a preliminary injunction that allows them to race under state regulation as cases contesting the constitutionality of HISA work their way through the United States court system. The U.S. Supreme Court may ultimately weigh in on the matter.

In Texas, officials from its Texas Racing Commission argue that only the TRC is authorized to regulate racing in that state and oppose HISA oversight of Thoroughbred racing in Texas. Texas tracks running Thoroughbred meets have been unable to send their domestic simulcast signal out of state amid the dispute.

Second Quarter Highlights

• Equine Fatalities: Racetracks operating under HISA's rules that were open for racing reported 0.76 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts during the second quarter of 2024 as compared to 1.48 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts during the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of approximately 49% year over year. The report also sets forth the racing-related fatalities by state and individual racetracks, including racetracks outside of HISA's purview in Louisiana, Texas, and West Virginia.
• Beginning with HISA's 2024 Annual Metrics Report, to be published during the first quarter of 2025, HISA will provide training-related fatalities for the full year and each quarter of 2024 on an aggregate and per-track basis.
• Racetrack Accreditation: As of June 30, HISA has completed accreditation visits at 31 tracks, seven of which occurred during the second quarter of this year: Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing and Hawthorne Race Course in Illinois, Pimlico Race Course in Maryland, Canterbury Park in Minnesota, and Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course in New York.
• Racing Participant Registration: As of June 30, approximately 35,000 covered persons, 65,000 covered horses and 1,000 veterinarians were registered with HISA.
• Veterinary Treatment Records: On average, HISA received approximately 6,500 veterinary treatment records each day during the second quarter of 2024, and, as of June 30, approximately 3.2 million veterinary treatment records had been uploaded to the HISA Portal since the inception of the Racetrack Safety Program July 1, 2022.

The full report is available online. The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, which is tasked with enforcing HISA medication rules, will also release a separate quarterly report detailing metrics from the ADMC Program.