The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority announced on December 23 the suspension of negotiations regarding the potential future role of the US Anti-Doping Agency as an independent enforcement agency. for HISA’s Anti-Doping and Drug Control program. The suspension comes about six months before the phased implementation of new federal rules on horse racing oversight begins July 1.
The Horseracing Safety and Integrity Act of 2020 calls for an independent enforcement agency. HISA has engaged in good faith negotiations with USADA to fill that role, but the two organizations have been unable to reach final terms. To date, USADA has led the process of drafting the rules for HISA’s ADMC program.
As set forth in the HISA regulation, the Agency is evaluating options to engage with other leading independent enforcement agencies.
Draft Track Safety regulations submitted to the Federal Trade Commission earlier this month are scheduled to be implemented by the FTC on July 1 after a public comment period. and education.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that we have not been able to reach an agreement with the Equestrian Safety and Integrity Authority for USADA to become the enforcement agency for the anti-doping and drug control program. for thoroughbred races under the Equestrian Safety and Integrity Act,” USADA CEO Travis Tygart said in a statement. “After months of negotiations, we have been unable to come to an agreement that is consistent with the requirements of the Act, and an agreement that would give us a reasonable opportunity to deliver a credible and effective program.” Although we are obviously saddened as a result at this stage, we have tried our best to find a way forward without success.
“While we desperately try to come to an agreement to run the program without compromising our values, we have always said that passing legislation and perfecting the rules uniformly, strictly close are huge victories for the horse and the horse industry.We are honored to have participated in these efforts to restore the integrity of thoroughbred horse racing.Although we are uncertain about the future. What happens to USADA — if any — in this effort, we have offered to assist the Agency and others in the industry to ensure that sport gets the programming it needs and the horses deserve it. enjoy.”
There will be a temporary delay in submitting the draft Anti-Doping and Drugs rules to the FTC until a new independent body is identified and the agreement is finalized. This will allow HISA and another independent enforcement agency to reach an agreement and build on the progress made so far with USADA. HISA anticipates this process will enable full implementation of the ADMC’s final rules by early 2023.
“We are deeply grateful for the hard work, expertise and leadership of USADA in working with the Anti-Doping and Drugs Committee of HISA,” said HISA Board Chairman Charles Scheeler in a statement from HISA. HISA to develop comprehensive draft rules in a remarkably short amount of time.” “HISA will continue to look for an independent enforcement agency to oversee Drug Control protocols. The agency will also work with the FTC to ensure the Race Safety Program progresses on schedule. operational, the program will provide important improvements to protect the health and safety of equestrians and people.”
Jim Gagliano, president and chief executive officer of The Jockey Club, a long-time supporter of the HISA implementation, said, “Obviously, we’re disappointed but will reserve any further comment at this point. this.
This story will be updated.
