Change is never easy, especially one made by the federal government adopting national uniform reforms in an industry that has long been governed at the state level.
I served in the House of Representatives for 10 years, representing 750,000 people from South Florida. I hear day in and day out from my constituents about how we in government can make things better. This response has fueled the work I’ve done in Congress.
Since I started working at NTRA, I have been meeting with my new Purebred racing constituency to hear about the key issues they face and how the NTRA can help. One of the most common concerns revolves around the bipartisan bill signed into law by President Trump in 2020, called the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.
The fact of the matter is that Thoroughbred racing has been in need of change for quite some time. We all know that. The path we went down was unsustainable, and after a number of challenging years, we were unable to continue our business as usual. Accordingly, since HISA was adopted and implemented, I am optimistic that we can work together to preserve horse racing so that future generations can enjoy it too. The best way to do that is to create fairness and safety across the country for the people and horses that make up the sport we love.
HISA officials are doing all they can to educate and communicate with industry stakeholders as required by law. I think it is important to separate fact from myth so that misinformation does not interfere with the work of the Authorities. So let me try to set the record straight.
Legendary: HISA has extensive search and seizure powers under the law, which violates the Fourth Amendment.
Reality: The HISA regulations are very similar to those long used by state equestrian governing bodies, and the courts often confirm those rights.
State equestrian regulators have long exercised investigative and enforcement powers over licensed organizations similar to those offered in HISA. More broadly, the courts have rejected objections raised by critics because participants in highly regulated industries have lowered expectations for privacy.
While individuals have a constitutional right to privacy, there is no constitutional right to own, race, and train horses. Licensed individuals may participate only under the terms of their license, and if the rules are violated, that license may be revoked. However, HISA has made it clear that its governing body is only open to racing-related matters. So any argument that HISA extends beyond racing-related issues is false.
Legendary: Many states do not have a void claim rule, and HISA is currently regulating all claims against owners and trainers.
Reality: HISA provides a long-needed, nationwide void claim rule that will standardize the process for all claims, eliminate confusion, and protect owners and trainers.
For years, void claims schemes have been confusing and challenging, even for regulators. In many states, voiding claims rules do not exist at all. HISA aims to standardize this process. It would require claims to be rescinded in five specific cases (dead, dying, bleeding, injured off the track or testing positive for banned substances), making the rules clearer and sanctioned. by playground. Basically, this rule is intended to protect the rights and safety of horses. In addition, the rule is intended to protect those selling horses through a claim business but also to ensure that horse buyers are buying fairly.
Legendary: HISA committees are not representative of the racing industry.
HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus
Reality: The advisory committees include veterinarians, chemists, a jockey, former race track owners and operators, breeders, former directors of equine companies and a host of other stakeholders. Highly regarded independent director with expertise both inside and outside of horse racing.
HISA has worked with stakeholders from all aspects of the industry to make advisory committees as representative and inclusive as possible. HISA also sought and received public comment on any proposed rules and regulations so that any party not directly represented on the committee could share their input. . While it is not possible for everyone to have a seat at the table, HISA has done its best to have the widest range of representation and input possible.
Legendary: HISA will cost too much, and small companies and small owners will no longer be able to enter the industry.
Reality: While not all racecourses and state regulators have perfected the funding mechanism for HISA fees, the best way to reduce the cost per insured individual is for every part of the industry to participate. family.
The cost concern is a very valid concern that I don’t want to minimize. The model evaluates the cost based on 50% of the start and 50% of the amount, which aims to help smaller distances. HISA will also be looking for additional funding models as they move forward. The best way to reduce costs is for all industry participants to pay their share, which will reduce the cost per insured individual. Ultimately, if it leads to a safer sport with a greater degree of transparency and integrity, it will be money well spent. That, after all, is what we want and what people expect.
To summarize is: When I first got this job, I met a famous coach and asked him what he wanted for racing. He said one word: fair. With minimum fair standards across the country, purebred races and betting will be more competitive and more enjoyable. We must continue to work together as an industry to improve our sport, so that the dreams of future generations of horse racing can come true.
