Racing officials' group releases preliminary analysis of HISA

A staff report from the Association of Racing Commissioners International was issued Friday providing data and a programmatic analysis of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority programs after its first year responsible for equine and racetrack safety in thoroughbred racing. It also covers its first six months of responsibility for anti-doping and medication control.

The main takeaways by ARCI in the staff report include:

HISA's biggest success lies in common rules and drug testing.

Testing labs through HISA and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit have not found any new drugs that had not been found under the previous state based programs.

Based on HIWU statements as to the extent of testing and HIWU website postings, it appears the rate of adverse analytical findings triggering regulatory review or action is roughly the same as the previous state based program.

The equine fatality rate remains small and results are mixed as to whether HISA has had any effect either way.

HISA receives considerable help from state racing commissions who are expected to provide almost $18 million in funding or services in the coming year.

HISA's almost $81 million proposed budget for next year relies on the thoroughbred racing industry paying almost $60 million in assessments.

The report was prepared for state racing commissions who anticipate being asked by state legislative oversight committees as to the performance of HISA in their state. It is considered preliminary and is the first and only independent assessment of the new program so far. To date there has been no congressional oversight or review by the Federal Trade Commission.