HISA pursues medication-violation conspiracy in Pennsylvania

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission, are pursuing cases against one veterinarian and 13 trainers in connection with an organized effort to evade HISA rules.

A coordinated investigation led by the PSHRC revealed that veterinarian Dr. Allen Post Bonnell allegedly conspired with the implicated trainers from May 2023 through November 2024 to administer intra-articular injections to the joints of HISA-covered horses within the prohibited stand-down periods, in direct violation of HISA’s anti-doping and medication control and racetrack safety programs, whose rules are in place to safeguard equine health and ensure fair competition.

Two of the trainers were identified in a PSHRC report as Kimberly Graci and Marlin Arthur “Joe” Miller, whose horses were found to have been treated by Bonnell in violation of HISA rules. The names of the other trainers were redacted from the report.

HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said in a Friday afternoon news conference that the PSHRC gathered “actual visual evidence from the investigators, as well as multiple admissions from both the veterinarian and most of the trainers that have been implicated as well.”

As a result of the alleged violations, HISA and HIWU will pursue sanctions against these persons as described in HISA’s rules, including the disqualification of more than 100 horses from previous race results and subsequent forfeiture of purses, periods of ineligibility for the people involved and fines.

“The fact that it was so intentional and there were so many violations over a protracted period of time,” could be a contributing factor in determining punishments for those involved, Lazarus said. “The HISA and HIWU teams, we prosecute the cases. Ultimately, the decisions are made by independent arbitrators, so that will ultimately, obviously be up to them. But I would imagine that this would be strong evidence of sort of aggravating conditions and serious conditions.”

Although all horses were allegedly injected at Penn National, they participated in races at 10 racetracks subject to HISA’s rules across six states.

Lazarus said the six states where the horses raced were Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and New York.

HISA has verified that of the more than 100 unique horses alleged to have breezed or raced in violation of HISA's intra-articular stand-down times, 30% never raced again, strongly suggesting these injections were used to mask pain. Approximately 10% were observed to be lame post-race by a regulatory veterinarian. Three horses were euthanized as a direct result of injuries sustained in those races.

Lazarus said the races included three stakes, all at Penn National. She expected there probably will be about 100 disqualifications.

“This egregious breach of integrity and intentional undermining of equine welfare is a stark reminder of why rigorous oversight and enforcement are critical to the future of horse racing,” Lazarus said in the release. “The health and safety of horses and jockeys are paramount, and those who deliberately put them at risk will be held accountable.”

“We are extremely disappointed regarding this morning’s announcement from HISA/HIWU regarding potential flagrant rule violations by multiple trainers based at, and competing at our track, as well as a long serving practicing veterinarian,” PENN Entertainment vice president of racing Christopher McErlean said in a statement Friday.

“We will cooperate in any way requested by HISA/HIWU and the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission regarding this matter and will take appropriate actions regarding these individuals once identified and further information is received. The actions of any individuals who attempt to circumvent rules intended to ensure the safety and welfare of the equine athlete will not be tolerated and will be dealt with quickly.”

From the inception of the ADMC program on May 22, 2023 through July 7, 2024, HIWU enforced intra-articular injection rule violations. As of July 8, 2024, HISA has been enforcing intra-articular injection protocols under its revised racetrack-safety program.

Further details, including disciplinary actions and sanctions against those involved, will be released in accordance with the disclosure requirements under the racetrack-safety program and ADMC program.