The HISA Newsletter

From the HISA Media Team:

This month, HISA was proud to release its 2024 Annual Metrics Report, highlighting key data from the Racetrack Safety Program, while HIWU recently published its 2024 Annual Report with insights on the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program.

Racetracks under HISA’s oversight recorded a racing-related fatality rate of 0.90 per 1,000 starts – significantly lower than the 1.76 per 1,000 starts at non-HISA tracks. This marks a 27% decline from 2023 (1.23), a 35% decline from 2021 (1.39), which was the last full year before HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program took effect, and a 55% dropsince the EID began reporting this data in 2009 (2.00). Additionally, for the first time, nationwide training-related fatality data has been published, offering new insights to help drive safety improvements.

The progress we’ve made together is a testament to what’s possible when our industry unites around a shared goal: ensuring the highest standards of safety and integrity. While these numbers reflect meaningful progress, we recognize there is still work to be done. To continue building on this momentum throughout 2025, HISA is focused on several key priorities:

(1)  Making Racing Safer for Human & Equine Athletes

Reducing equine fatalities in racing and training remains at the core of HISA’s mission. In 2025, we will continue analyzing trends in racing- and training-related fatalities to develop new, targeted safety rules aimed at further decreasing risk, particularly in training environments. Our Horsemen’s Advisory Group, Racetrack Safety Committee and Veterinary Advisory Committee will play instrumental roles in guiding this process, ensuring that any new measures are practical, effective and based on the latest and most comprehensive data and scientific information. Additionally, responsible and consistent stewarding translates to a safer sport, so we are working to harmonize stewarding across jurisdictions in officiating and race rulings while also maximizing opportunities within the Racing Officials Accreditation Program to enhance training for racing officials. We will expand our use of data analytics to answer key safety-related questions, helping to refine best practices and shape future rulemaking.

(2)  Enhancing Jockey Health & Safety

Jockeys are essential to our sport, and their physical and mental health must remain a top priority. In 2025, HISA plans to continue its strong relationship with Jockeys’ Guild, expand outreach and disseminate information through the Guild’s Regional Representatives. We are also working on an improved injury reporting system to better track incidents and recovery outcomes. We’ve received excellent feedback on Onrise, with whom we partnered to lead our mental health and wellness program, and we will continue promoting those resources. We also continue to work with Sports Medicine Concepts to ensure that tracks around the country are prepared to react efficiently in emergency medical situations.

(3)  Strengthening Industry Engagement & Resources

HISA’s success depends on strong relationships with all members of our industry, and, in 2025, we will work to improve the accessibility of our resources and increase engagement across all levels of racing. Our website will be enhanced to provide more educational content and user-friendly tools for stakeholders. We also are committed to increasing visibility at racetracks of all sizes across the country. Along with other members of the HISA team, I will be visiting racetracks across the country throughout the year, meeting with horsemen and other industry stakeholders to gather feedback, address concerns and ensure that HISA’s efforts align with the needs of those on the ground. Finally, maintaining a consistent presence at state racing commission meetings will ensure we remain actively engaged with state regulators and industry leaders, fostering continued collaboration in the pursuit of a safer and more sustainable future for Thoroughbred racing.

As we enter the spring racing season and head toward the excitement of the Triple Crown, we find ourselves in a particularly pivotal time in the Thoroughbred racing calendar. It’s a season that showcases the very best of our sport while also reinforcing the importance of our collective commitment to safety, integrity and excellence. I look forward to working alongside all of you to build on our momentum, tackle the challenges ahead and ensure the continued success of Thoroughbred racing.

Yours in racing,

Lisa

HISA Releases 2024 Annual Report on Racing Safety 

HISA’s 2024 Annual Metrics Report highlights continued progress in Thoroughbred racing safety. Racetracks subject to HISA’s rules recorded a racing-related fatality rate of 0.90 per 1,000 starts—almost half the rate of non-HISA tracks (1.76). Since 2021—the last full year prior to the launch of the Racetrack Safety Program—the overall fatality rate at racetracks subject to HISA rules has dropped by 35% (1.39) and it has dropped by 27% since last year (1.23). Additionally, HISA published nationwide training-related data for the first time in history, reporting a rate of 0.50 deaths per 1,000 workouts. This is a conservative ratio, as HISA’s training-related data includes fatalities that occur during all training activities, not just workouts. These metrics reflect the industry’s collective progress in equine welfare and data-driven safety initiatives. Read the full report here.

HISA Welcomes Back Jeff Novitzky to ADMC Committee

HISA has reappointed Jeff Novitzky, UFC’s Senior Vice President of Anti-Doping Compliance, to its Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Standing Committee. A former federal investigator with extensive experience in anti-doping enforcement, Novitzky has played a key role in shaping drug-testing policies across professional sports. His expertise will continue to strengthen HISA’s efforts to promote transparency and integrity in horse racing. HISA also thanks Dr. Jerry Yon, who is stepping down from the ADMC Standing Committee, for his years of dedicated service. To view a complete list of ADMC Standing Committee members, click here.

HISA & HIWU Host Congressional Breakfast to Highlight Industry Progress

On March 4, 2025, HISA and HIWU hosted a breakfast to brief congressional staff on the organizations’ achievements over the past year. The event opened with remarks from Representatives Andy Barr (KY-6) and Paul Tonko (NY-20), who underscored the importance of HISA’s creation and emphasized its critical role in enhancing the safety of horses within their districts. HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus provided an overview of the progress made over the past year, including a notable 27% decline in the equine racing-related fatality rate. HIWU Executive Director Ben Mosier followed with an in-depth presentation on HIWU’s testing procedures, detailing how sample collection personnel collect blood, urine and/or hair samples that are analyzed by ADMC Program laboratories for the presence of Prohibited Substances.

HISA Discusses Safety Initiatives at Racing Conferences

Earlier this month, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium hosted its 8th Annual Regulatory Veterinarian Continuing Education Conference at Turfway Park. Over 70 Regulatory Veterinarians from four different continents attended the two-day conference. The material covered included a deep dive into diagnostics of equine musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, race day responsibilities and best practices, discussions of integrity and welfare-related issues, insights from global practices and wearable technology updates.

Additionally, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus and National Medical Director Dr. Peter Hester attended the Organization of Racing Investigators Training Conference at Keeneland, where they detailed HISA’s ongoing efforts to protect the medical safety and wellness of jockeys, as well as the continued collaboration with stakeholders on safety and integrity efforts on behalf of Thoroughbred horses.

HISA Kicks Off Listening Tour at Sunland Park

On Wednesday, March 26, HISA’s Director of Racetrack Safety Ann McGovern, Director of Stewarding Marc Guilfoil, Director of Communications Mandy Minger and Assistant General Counsel Sam Reinhardt joined CEO Lisa Lazarus at Sunland Park for the first stop on HISA’s 2025 Listening Tour. This tour gives the HISA leadership team an opportunity to hear from horsemen directly regarding their concerns, suggestions and feedback. During a meeting that lasted nearly three hours, horsemen made many excellent suggestions and flagged specific topics they would like to better understand such as requests for expanded testing options for claimed horses and additional education on the use of supplements. The day continued with track management and racing commission meetings to help HISA better understand the unique needs of Sunland Park and the challenges their horsemen face in the region.

HISA extends a special thank you to Sunland Park’s Dustin Dix, Director of Race Operations, for his warm welcome and hospitality. Please stay tuned for upcoming visits at a track near you.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Mackenzie Kirker-Head, HISA’s Communications Manager!

Mackenzie joined HISA in August 2023 to facilitate daily communication efforts for HISA. Her goal is to inform various stakeholders about new rules, enhance transparency in HISA’s operations and provide valuable resources for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of HISA and its mission.

Read more about Mackenzie’s career and her advice for those entering the industry here.

HISA Hosts Post-Layoff Reports Webinar April 1

Please join us on April 1 at 5 p.m. EDT / 2 p.m. PDT for a Post-Layoff Report webinar, including a demonstration and Q&A. To register for the webinar, please click here.

This webinar will help attendees understand:

  • How to create and submit a Post-Layoff Report in the HISA Portal
  • How the report will be processed by a Regulatory Veterinarian
  • What to expect throughout the review process

Don’t miss this opportunity to have your questions answered and ensure a smooth transition for horses returning to racing from a layoff.

HIWU Update

From the desk of Ben Mosier, Executive Director, Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit:

Last week, HIWU was pleased to share its 2024 Annual Report, which highlights our efforts on behalf of the Thoroughbred industry last year. The report covers key statistics on testing, results management, case adjudication, investigations and our educational efforts. None of this would have been possible without the incredible teamwork within HIWU and the collaboration of the entire Thoroughbred racing industry. Here are a few highlights from our 2024 Annual Report:

  • Expanded Testing Statistics: HIWU-accredited sample collection personnel conducted more than 76,000 sample collection sessions to test more than 26,500 unique Covered Horses in 2024. This year’s Annual Report includes detailed statistics on testing and results by state, racetrack and sample type.
  • Improved Efficiency: Average time from sample collection to test reporting decreased across all test types compared to 2023 thanks to enhanced data integration between HIWU and ADMC Program Laboratories.
  • Effective Educational Outreach: In response to industry feedback, HIWU worked to simplify and expand distribution of our educational materials. Our success was demonstrated by consistently low levels of Adverse Analytical Findings for Controlled Medications throughout 2024, a reflection of strong compliance with the ADMC Program Rules.
  • Pro Bono Counsel Program: Fourteen Responsible Persons utilized HISA’s Pro Bono Counsel Program, which is designed to match those who are financially unable to secure legal representation with volunteer attorneys who have agreed to provide legal services without any expectation of compensation.

The full report can be viewed here.

Further refining the ADMC Program remains a top priority in 2025, with industry collaboration at the heart of our efforts. This month, we had several opportunities to connect with partners and stakeholders nationwide to share updates and gain valuable insights:

  • I joined HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus in Washington, D.C., to update members of Congress and their staff on the progress HISA and HIWU have made.
  • Members of HIWU’s Investigations Unit and I attended the Organization of Racing Investigators conference.
  • The HIWU team and I presented to various industry groups, including the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Inc., Thoroughbred Racing Associations, the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau and members of the Godolphin Flying Start program. We also participated in the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium’s RegVet CE conference.

The feedback we received from these discussions is invaluable as we work to strengthen the ADMC Program. Data from the HISA and HIWU Annual Reports reflect the significant progress we’ve already made, and we remain committed to listening, learning and evolving – always with the goal of making the sport safer and held to the highest standards of integrity.

Thank you again for all you do to ensure that we’re moving forward together. 

Lisa Lazarus
CEO
HISA