Proposed changes the racetrack safety program of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has submitted to the Federal Trade Commission for review address many of the safety issues the sport experienced this year.
The proposals offer new specifics on when HISA can suspend a track from racing. The issue received some attention this year when after a rash of equine deaths at the Churchill Downs spring meet, racing was halted at the Louisville, Ky., track and moved to Ellis Park. Churchill officials said the move was made “in an abundance of caution, and in alignment with a recommendation from HISA.”
In its proposed rule changes on safety, HISA would add a new section titled, “Provisional Suspension of Racetrack Accreditation.” It outlines the process HISA would take to suspend racing at a track.
“If the Authority has reasonable grounds to believe that the conditions or operations of a racetrack present an imminent danger to the health, safety, or welfare of covered horses or riders arising from specific violations by the racetrack of the Authority’s racetrack safety or accreditation rules, the Authority may issue to such racetrack a written notice to show cause concerning a potential provisional suspension of the racetrack’s accreditation,” reads the proposed rule.
The proposal then goes on to outline the process HISA would follow, which would include a listing of any safety concerns or violations, suggested corrective actions, and a request for written response to the findings. The rule also provides tracks that have received a show-cause notice an opportunity for a provisional hearing.
Other Changes
In the spring and summer a number of tracks saw smoke from forest fires in Canada negatively impact their air quality index. HISA has proposed updates to rules regarding racing and training relative to air quality.
“All racetracks shall develop and implement a written protocol pertaining to training and racing activities when the Air Quality Index approaches unhealthy levels,” the proposal reads, followed by a number of specific requirements in this area.
In updating rules for jockeys, exercise riders, and other workers, HISA also has proposed changes on the requirements of ambulances at tracks. The proposal reads, “A racetrack shall ensure that no fewer than two properly staffed and equipped Advanced Life Support ambulances, or ALS-adapted vehicles, are present at the racetrack during training and racing hours.” There also are a number of proposals related to that rule.
The proposals also would prohibit any horse within the 2023 foal crop or later that has received pin-firing or freeze-firing of the shins from participating in racing or training. That rule reads, “Horses within the foal crop of 2023 or later shall not be allowed to participate in a covered horse race or a timed and reported workout if their shins have been pin-fired or freeze-fired.”
The recommended changes also call for a number of updates on necropsy requirements.
Red-lined document of the proposed rules
The FTC will subsequently post the proposed rules to the public register for public comment.
The Process
Until changes to the rules are approved by the FTC, the previously approved version of HISA’s Racetrack Safety rules, which took effect July 1, 2022, will remain in place. Those rules are available in full on HISA’s Regulations Page.
In a release, HISA said its proposed changes to the racetrack safety rules were developed after months of dialogue with, and feedback from racing participants across the country, including HISA’s Horsemen’s Advisory Group. It said that during this time the proposed rules were shared with industry members for two rounds of informal comments and published on HISA’s website for additional industry input.
HISA’s Racetrack Safety Committee received, reviewed and considered more than 600 comments from racing participants. The proposed changes submitted to the FTC Sept. 21 were reviewed and approved by HISA’s Racetrack Safety Committee and full Board of Directors.
When and if these rule changes are approved by the FTC, HISA said it will undertake robust educational efforts to ensure horsemen nationwide are fully aware of these changes and well-equipped to comply with them before they go into effect.
