Horse Racing's Medication Control Program Struggles

Horse racing's new anti-doping and medication control program has faced delays and legal challenges for nearly a year.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) came into effect on July 1, 2022, focusing on racetrack safety and anti-doping and medication control.

Despite safety rules, such as limits on jockey whippings, horse deaths continue, with four occurring in five days at Churchill Downs before the Kentucky Derby.

The Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) program was initially set to begin on January 1 but faced delays due to legal issues with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The FTC approved a March 27 start, but a federal judge later suspended it for 30 days. The FTC then delayed the program further until May 22.

The ADMC program includes drug testing, drug samples, out-of-competition testing, and penalties, aiming for consistent standards across all states.

HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus emphasized a greater focus on out-of-competition testing under the ADMC program.

Some trainers, like Tim Yakteen in Southern California, have already been following similar rules.

The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association opposes HISA, filing lawsuits against it and arguing it replaces state regulation with private entity rules.

HISA established a Horsemen's Advisory Group to address concerns about rule input.

The debate has shifted into a discussion of states' rights versus federal rights, posing challenges for the industry.

Small stable owners, like Ron Hillerich, fear increased costs and record-keeping requirements will hurt their businesses.

Mike Repole, a co-owner of an early Kentucky Derby favourite, believes HISA can be part of the solution but not the entire answer.

Trainer Todd Pletcher acknowledges that ADMC rules are labor-intensive, requiring additional record-keeping and data management.

Despite challenges, industry stakeholders hope the changes will ultimately benefit the sport.