HISA says it has spent nearly 3 weeks probing deaths at Saratoga

A day after a horse died from what was termed cardiac failure in the middle of a race, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority said it has spent the past 19 days investigating the racetrack deaths that have happened at Saratoga since the beginning of the current season.

In a matter-of-fact, 108-word statement that was posted late Thursday afternoon, HISA said it started its investigation Aug. 5, the day Maple Leaf Mel broke down at the finish of the Grade 1 Test Stakes.

“HISA closely reviews every equine fatality that takes place under its jurisdiction,” the statement said. “On Aug. 5, HISA began conducting an expanded review of the circumstances surrounding recent equine fatalities at Saratoga Race Course. HISA officials are reviewing necropsy results, veterinary records, racing and training histories, surface maintenance logs and weather records gathered by local veterinarians and other officials.”

Since Maple Leaf Mel was euthanized, four more horses died racing and training at Saratoga, bringing the total to 10 since the current meet began July 13.

“HISA is collaborating with officials from the New York Racing Association and the New York State Gaming Commission in its review and sharing findings in real time as these reviews are ongoing,” the statement said. “The final findings of HISA’s review will be made public and be used to inform potential interventions moving forward.”

A HISA spokesperson had not yet responded to a texted question asking why the investigation had not been made public until Thursday.

In a written response Thursday night, NYRA spokesperson Pat McKenna said, “The health and safety of horses and jockeys competing at NYRA tracks is our highest priority and one that stands above all other considerations. NYRA, HISA and the New York State Gaming Commission are actively investigating the circumstances around these incidents to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment for racing and training at Saratoga Race Course. NYRA is strongly supportive of the work HISA is doing here in New York state and throughout the country to enhance safety and protect the integrity of the sport.”

According to the NYSGC’s public record of equine deaths and breakdowns, six horses died racing and four others training at Saratoga this summer. The first nine were euthanized. Burning Bright was reported by Equibase to have died of heart failure Wednesday, although the NYSGC said the cause of death still was unknown.