Anti-doping enforcement group releases annual report
The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit released its 2024 annual report Friday.
The Annual Report details HIWU’s organization-wide activities as the independent enforcement agency of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s anti-doping and medication control program. Among the highlights are statistics on testing, results management, the adjudication of cases, investigations, and educational efforts.
The 2024 annual report introduces expanded testing statistics by state and racetrack, including the number of samples collected for each test type. It revealed a shorter average turnaround time for results reporting. Post-race testing results took an average of 6.8 business days, down from 8.8 in 2023. Vets' list testing results took an average of 4.6 business days, down from 5.0 in 2023. B sample test results were reported in an average oof 14.1 business days, down from 20.0 in 2023.
The report also showcases the impact of HIWU’s investigative efforts, and reports a consistently low rate of adverse analytical findings for controlled medications, demonstrating that the vast majority of covered persons are complying with the ADMC program rules.
“HIWU’s successes in 2024 reflect the dedication of our team and the entire Thoroughbred industry,” said Ben Mosier, executive director for HIWU. “The collaboration between HIWU and industry stakeholders enabled us to build on the ADMC program’s strong foundation that was established in 2023. HISA’s reported record-low fatality numbers last year indicate that we are fulfilling our mandates to enhance equine safety and welfare and promote the integrity of racing.”
All annual reports and quarterly statistics are archived in the about us section of the HIWU website.