On June 13, the Texas Racing Commission issued a public notice in defiance of the Equestrian Integrity and Safety Authority, saying state law requires Texas meetings to be held only operate under the authorization of the committee and there will be consequences.
The memo, signed by chief executive Amy Cook, describes what it calls a policy change based on the committee’s perception of a conflict between the requirements and mandate of HISA, the Intergovernmental Horse Racing Act. State of 1978, the Texas Racing Act and the Texas Rules of Racing.
Where this leaves Texas and HISA is unknown at this time. Separate constitutional challenges to HISA filed in federal courts in Texas and Kentucky were denied in late March and early June. Both decisions are being appealed. HISA is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, although enforcement of the drug rules and enforcement will be delayed pending approval or rejection of the following rules by the Federal Trade Commission. a public comment period.
The Cook memo states that “pending requests” for pari-mutuel simulcast import and export approval will be reviewed and approved in writing by Owens on a case-by-case basis. The policy change, Owens writes, allows the commission to determine whether an export or import signal is relevant to HISA’s jurisdiction, and if so, the request will be denied.
According to Cook, who spoke with BloodHorse by phone Tuesday, the commission will allow bets on out-of-state racing signals at in-state simulcast locations even if the region of origin complies with the law. HISA player. However, according to her memo, the commission will not approve parimutuel spot bets at a HISA-compliant Texas race, nor will it allow the export of such signals to other states.
Betting through pre-deposit betting platforms is not legal in Texas and that matters outside of HISA specifications.
The committee’s position is summarized in a paragraph near the end of the memo.
Cook writes: “As the Texas Equestrian Commission regulates all aspects of Texas horse racing, including, in particular, pari-mutuel and simulcast betting in Texas,” the application of federal law under HISA in any what aspect of the racing regulations for a particular race or meeting would necessarily prevent the Texas Racing Commission from fully complying with the Texas Racing Act and would therefore require that no race be affected Any such person is allowed to place pari-mutuel bets in place or provide simulated output. Any such circumstances The request, if necessary, will be denied by the Texas Racing Commission. “
The commission’s aim in the policy change, according to a Twitter post made under its authority, was to “prevent regulatory chaos by maintaining jurisdiction under the Texas Racing Act. .”
BloodHorse has reached out to HISA executive director Lisa Lazarus for comment; She was traveling at the time of publication.
Lazarus and other employees from HISA met with Cook in Texas last week for a Texas Racing Commission meeting. Local horsemen and stake holders have expressed dissatisfaction with the way HISA is being implemented and with HISA itself.
Cook advocates that the full rollout of HISA, including the collection of rider fees, will be delayed by 18 to 24 months. The parties were unable to reach an agreement, and Cook’s June 13 memo was subsequently released.
