According to information from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) website, about 7% of its annual budget is currently in jeopardy due to a $5.8 million dispute with both the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI). The two major racetrack organizations recently initiated a lawsuit, asserting that HISA lacked the authority to alter how fees were calculated. HISA indicated that NYRA owes approximately $3.9 million, while CDI's debt amounts to around $1.9 million.
Reports by Daily Racing Form stated that this $5.8 million obligation had been partially alleviated, given that HISA is $3 million under its anticipated $80 million budget for 2024. HISA emphasized that timely fee payments are essential for ensuring proper funding, which is crucial for fulfilling its federally mandated responsibilities in regulating horse medication and enhancing racetrack safety.
Within their suit filed in federal court in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs and NYRA argued against changes to the fee structure that pivoted solely on the number of races hosted, instead of balancing it with purse amounts. Although Churchill has recently depicted a softened stance toward HISA, NYRA affirmed its ongoing support for the authority while challenging the legality of the financial assessments imposed.
A court date of March 4 has been set, where both sides are expected to update federal judge Rebecca Grady Jennings on the situation, though preliminary motions may arise before that date.