The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is pleased to announce that the proposed rule changes to the Racetrack Safety Program have been formally approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These changes will take effect on July 8, 2024, allowing a 30-day period for HISA to provide an educational campaign to industry participants.
“The approval of these rule changes marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and integrity of thoroughbred horse racing,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. We are committed to working closely with all industry participants during this transition period and beyond to ensure these new standards are fully understood and effectively implemented.”
HISA’s updated Track Safety rules include revisions developed following extensive dialogue and feedback from industry participants, including the Horseman Advisory Group. The changes, shaped by hundreds of comments from racing stakeholders, aim to improve the safety and integrity of horse racing nationwide.
Highlights include:
- Updated the invalid claims rule
- Second exemption request option
- Changes in waiting times for certain intra-articular injections
- Update prohibited behaviors
- Update professional qualifications to be included and removed from the list of veterinarians
- Enhanced safety protocols are required at the race
The newly approved rules are available in full This.
In anticipation of the new regulations coming into effect, HISA will launch a 30-day education campaign to help prepare racing industry participants for the changes. This educational campaign will include handbooks, webinars, posters, HISA Portal messaging and social media outreach.
In addition to the Track Safety rules, the Federal Trade Commission approved HISA’s proposed changes to Registration ruleswill take effect on July 1, 2024 and include the following updates:
- Any entity that owns Covered Horses must be registered with HISA;
- Any veterinarian providing veterinary services to Covered Horses must be registered with HISA; And
- The responsible person must update the location of the Insured Horse within 24 hours and report the death of the Horse within 72 hours.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If you have any questions, please contact the organization that produced the release.
