The HISA Newsletter

May 30, 2025

Dear Thoroughbred racing participants,

As we turn the corner into summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on an encouraging start to the 2025 racing season. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes were not only thrilling displays of athleticism and tradition—but also affirmations of our industry’s shared commitment to safety, integrity and progress.

Our recently released Q1 Metrics Report shows continued improvement in key safety indicators, with racing-related fatality rates holding steady at historically low levels—a clear reflection of the hard work being done by so many across the country. At the same time, our 2025 Listening Tour is well underway, offering our team valuable opportunities to hear directly from horsemen and racetrack personnel about their challenges, questions and ideas. These conversations are essential to building stronger, more effective safety programs and a more collaborative industry overall.

We’re also investing in the future of horse racing. This summer, HISA is proud to welcome a cohort of interns from across the U.S. and beyond. These young professionals will gain hands-on experience in areas ranging from legal and public affairs to racetrack accreditation and communications. Their energy, curiosity and passion for racing are inspiring, and I look forward to the fresh perspectives they’ll bring.

Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to a safer and stronger future for our sport.

Yours in racing,

Lisa

HISA Publishes First Quarter Metrics

HISA’s 2025 First Quarter Metrics Report highlights the continued progress in equine safety, with racing-related fatalities holding steady at 0.85 per 1,000 starts—a 37% decrease from the same period in 2023, the first year HISA collected such data. HISA racetracks reported 0.73 training-related fatalities per 1,000 workouts over the same period. Additionally, and for the first time, HISA published subclassifications of fatalities, with 94% of racing-related equine fatalities and 76% of training-related fatalities linked to musculoskeletal injuries.

In total, 23,167 unique horses either recorded a published workout or made a start in a Covered Race in Q1, with an overall fatality rate of 0.35%. 

More information about HISA’s 2025 Q1 Metrics Report is available here. 

As HISA continues to expand its use of veterinary treatment records to identify injury risk patterns, and further reduce equine fatality rates, HISA also released its first equine health advisory on proximal forelimb fracture risks in April, available for download here. 

HISA and HIWU Continue Listening Tour at Finger Lakes

On May 21st, representatives from HISA and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) visited Finger Lakes in upstate New York; this was the second stop on HISA’s 2025 Listening Tour.

The group met with local horsemen, track management, stewards and veterinarians. They engaged in productive conversations focused on the region’s unique challenges and opportunities and gathered feedback on a variety of safety- and ADMC-related topics.

HISA extends a special thank you to Finger Lakes Gaming President and General Manager Chris Riegel and Assistant General Manager Vieden Zahariev and Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Austin Reed for their warm welcome and support. Stay tuned for more Listening Tour stops throughout the year!

HISA’s Big Event Protocol: Prioritizing Safety for Triple Crown Races

Before major race days like the Triple Crown events, HISA’s big event protocol addresses a variety of details to protect horses and riders. The Racetrack Surfaces Testing Laboratory measures moisture content, cushion and track surface depth, comparing it to historical data to confirm track consistency. Emergency response plans and ambulance protocols are reviewed to ensure a quick and effective response in any scenario. This proactive touchpoint brings all teams together to verify that safety mechanisms are in place should they be necessary to deploy. Stakeholders from across the racing grounds come together to keep the focus where it belongs: on the safety and integrity of the sport.

HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus Participates in Agri-Pulse Communications Webinar

On May 19th, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus presented at a virtual webinar hosted by Agri-Pulse Communications, entitled Economic Stakes: How Thoroughbred Racing Fuels Rural Economies. Sponsored by HISA and the Breeders Cup, the one-hour webinar sought to educate Agri-Pulse subscribers and other attendees on the benefits of horse racing to rural economies. Participants heard from Lazarus, U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-6), Breeders’ Cup CEO Drew Fleming and the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Executive Vice President Joby Young.

Highlighting improved safety measures and the reduction in the racing-related equine fatality rate since HISA’s implementation, Lazarus discussed the benefits of horse racing and its positive impact on state economies, focusing specifically on the economies of Florida and Pennsylvania. To watch a replay of the webinar, please click here.

HISA Welcomes 2025 Summer Interns

HISA is excited to kick off its 2025 Internship Program, welcoming a talented group of students and early-career professionals across departments including Communications, Legal, Public Affairs, Accreditation and Technology. The program offers hands-on experience, mentorship and meaningful opportunities to contribute to HISA’s mission of promoting safety and integrity in Thoroughbred racing. Interns will engage in project-based work, department-specific training and racetrack visits throughout the summer.

Lifetime Bans in Intra-articular Injection Stand-Down Period Violation Cases

In February, HISA and HIWU, in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission (PSHRC), announced that they would be pursuing enforcement actions against one veterinarian and multiple trainers involved in the intentional administration of intra-articular injections during prohibited stand-down periods—clear violations of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control and Racetrack Safety Programs. As of this month, all cases initiated by HISA have been resolved, with three individuals receiving lifetime bans from participation in or involvement with Covered Horseraces or Covered Horses. These outcomes reinforce HISA’s unwavering commitment to protecting equine and human health and ensuring the integrity of competition. HISA extends its sincere thanks to the PSHRC for its leadership in this investigation. 

Employee Spotlight

 

Meet Greg Stiles, HISA Accreditation Manager!

Since joining HISA in 2022, Greg has traveled across the country to work with racetrack management on compliance with HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program. Greg joined HISA’s accreditation team in 2022. He is focused on leaving a racetrack knowing that management understands HISA’s rules and is conducting their business in as safe a manner as possible, from morning training to live racing.

Read more about Greg’s career and his advice for those entering the industry here.

HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus Presents at American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum

On June 23rd, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus will attend the American Horse Council’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. The theme of this year’s conference is “Harness the Power of Collaboration for Greater Achievement.” Lazarus’ presentation will focus on HISA’s data-driven partnerships that have advanced equine welfare.

HISA CEO, Lisa Lazarus and HIWU Executive Director, Ben Mosier to Present to the New York State Assembly

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (NY 113th District), Chair of the Racing and Wagering Committee, has invited HISA and HIWU to present to her committee on June 9th, during their monthly “lunch and learn” meeting. Lazarus and Mosier will give an overview of their organizations and answer questions from committee members and staff.

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