The National Thoroughbred Horse Racing Association and many thoroughbred horse racing and breeding industry leaders have expressed their support for Congress’ strengthening of the Equestrian Integrity and Safety Act by introducing A clarifying amendment to the multiple bus allocation bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on December 23 and is now coming to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed.
“On behalf of NTRA members, which are broadly representative of all aspects of the Thoroughbred industry, we applaud the successful bipartisan efforts of Congress to reaffirm Congressional support for with HISA’s mission,” NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney said in a statement December 23. “HISA is very important to our sport and we look forward to partnering with HISA.” every constituency in the industry to continue to support the essential role of HISA going forward.”
Rooney gave special recognition to the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, along with the committee leader in House Energy and Commerce Chairman, Representative Frank Pallone, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chair, Senators Maria Cantwell, Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Paul Tonko, Andy Barr and Sens Dianne Feinstein and Kirsten Gillibrand.
“Finally, I would like to thank the many people from across the industry who supported this legislation along with their elected officials,” said Rooney.
Signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in December 2020, HISA has long enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress. The law recognized the Equestrian Integrity and Safety Authority, under the supervision and control of the Federal Trade Commission, to develop and implement drug control, anti-doping, and race safety programs. nationally unified.
NTRA, based in Lexington and Washington, DC, is a broad consortium of more than 100 horse racing interests and thousands of individual stakeholders including riders, racecourse operators representing nearly 80 % of U.S. pari-mutuel operators, more than 30,000 owners, breeders and trainers, and other affiliated horse racing associations, responsible for increasing popularity, welfare, and popularity Thoroughbred race integrity through consensus-based leadership, legislative advocacy, safety and integrity initiatives, fan engagement, and corporate partner development.
Key industry leaders and stakeholders made the following statements regarding the passage of the bill:
Craig Fravel, executive vice president, 1/ST
“The process of ensuring the integrity of our sport and the safety of our participants is ongoing and we are grateful to legislative leadership in the House and Senate for agreeing to clarify the Important to HISA Uniform rules, fair and efficient enforcement, and public confidence go hand in hand and we look forward to the full implementation of HISA’s drug and safety rules as well as the continuous improvement of our sport which will certainly follow.”
Drew Fleming, President and CEO, Breeders’ Cup Limited
“We greatly appreciate the successful efforts of the bipartisan Congress to support HISA. It is hoped that this will provide an opportunity for all industry participants to come together to continue to advance and develop the discipline. our sport through consistent, balanced and effective regulation and enforcement.”
Bill Carstanjen, CEO, Churchill Downs Inc.
“Churchill Downs Incorporated is grateful that Senator McConnell has continued his commitment to Thoroughbred racing success, and we appreciate the bipartisan support to pass the language of clarification to HISA. CDI believes that HISA is an important means of establishing a comprehensive and consistent regulatory framework that protects our sporting integrity and the safety and welfare of equine and human athletes. also believes that the ultimate success of HISA will depend on the Agency working in good faith with various industry groups to ensure that regulatory principles are widely accepted and effectively implemented.”
Josh Rubinstein, president and COO, Del Mar . Thoroughbred Club
“For many years, Del Mar and California Thoroughbred racing stakeholders have supported unified standards and reforms to ensure the integrity of our competition and improve safety and performance. welfare of both our human and equine athletes.We appreciate the bipartisan support of this measure and would like to thank especially the members of our California delegation for their support. continue to support HISA and our industry.”
Johnny Velazquez, Hall of Fame Equestrian, HISA Race Safety Committee member
“As a member of HISA’s Track Safety Committee, I want to thank Congress for reaffirming HISA as there is still a lot of work to be done to improve safety for horses and riders. HISA has committed itself. working closely with the Jockey Association to revise the Track Safety rules and I’m optimistic that we can make great progress working together.”
Shannon Arvin, President & CEO, Keeneland Association
“Keeneland has always done what’s best for our horses, riders and sport, which is why we’ve supported the Equestrian Integrity and Safety Act from day one. We appreciate Congress reaffirming its support for a cleaner, safer sport through unified rules and enforcement mechanisms set by the Safety and Integrity Authority of Horseracing launched.”
Chauncey Morris, executive director, Kentucky Thoroughbred Society
“Kentucky has more than 60,000 people engaged in horse racing and horse racing. Meaningful and accountable reform in the face of scrutiny from Americans, who are largely out of horse racing, is the best way to protect the industry. Thoroughbred in Kentucky. HISA must fulfill its mission.”
Chris Larmey, chair, National Equestrian Championship Players Committee representing 5,500 NHC Tour members
“We thank Congress for its continued support of the Equestrian Integrity and Safety Act, which we believe will lead to higher levels of safety and well-being for equestrian athletes and riders. us, while creating a more level and unified playing field to bet on a product we can trust.”
David O’Rourke, President and CEO, New York Racing Association
“HISA will deliver on reforms long supported and promoted by the NYRA, including a national approach to drug control and the strongest anti-doping agency the sport has ever seen. Horse racing is the engine. creates economic opportunity that creates and maintains good jobs in every corner of New York State, and the successful implementation of HISA will secure its future in New York and across the country.”
James L. Gagliano, President and COO, The Jockey Club
“The Jockey Club is extremely appreciative of the efforts that Congress is making to support the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act. The Jockey Club has supported uniform rules and regulations across the board. Thoroughbred racing for decades across many initiatives HISA is the best solution for Thoroughbred racing dramatically improving the regulation of the sport and helping to keep our sport clean and the safety of our athletes—horses and men.”
Dan Metzger, President, Purebred Breeders and Owners Association
“TOBA is grateful to see Congress reiterate their support for HISA in the multiple appropriations bill. HISA is important to Thoroughbred owners and breeders to ensure fairness and standards are consistent across the country. We still expect the industry to work together to further improve Purebred racing and work with HISA for future success.”
Joint statement by coaches Mark Casse, Christophe Clement, Shug McGaughey, Kenny McPeek, Graham Motion, Todd Pletcher, Eric Reed, Dale Romans, John Sadler, Jonathan Thomas and Nick Zito
“As coaches who work and compete across our country, we applaud Congress for their bipartisan affirmation of HISA and the importance of unified national rules. Consistency, fairness and effectiveness of uniform rules and enforcement are essential, and we call on our fellow coaches to come together to support a safer, fairer sport. more equal.”
Dr. Jeff Berk, equine veterinarian and former president of the American Equestrian Association
“I want to thank the efforts of Congress for their continued support of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act. Thoroughbred racing needs unified rules and a national safety program to ensure As a veterinarian, I am acutely aware that Thoroughbreds—and human athletes—depend on us to keep them safe and that HISA shares the mission. that destiny.”
Dr. Larry R. Bramlage DVM MS, equine surgeon, former president of AAEP and ACVS
“I practice every day looking after the stars of Thoroughbred racing. I want to thank Congress for reaffirming HISA and recognizing its importance in protecting the safety and welfare of racehorses. Thoroughbred. For years we have argued with each other trying to figure out how to ensure integrity in horse racing for our own good and for the benefit of our fans, with little effect. Failing to complete this real effort for integrity and unity will once again get us back to where we started! identity, is resisting this effort. It’s time for all of us to start singing from the same hymn and get this done!”
Dr. Sara Langsam VMD, owner/veterinarian of Teigland, Franklin and Brokken, Belmont/Aqueduct Division
“As a daily racecourse vet caring for Thoroughbreds, I would like to thank Congress for reaffirming its commitment to HISA so that we can continue the important work of strengthening industry integrity and safety procedures. We have long needed unity and unification of national regulatory authority to harmonize anti-doping testing and drug control. I have followed races all my life. as a fan and now as a Veterinarian and I believe HISA gives us the best opportunity to bring horse racing to its full potential and secure its future.”
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
