The upcoming high-profile Breeders’ Cup meeting stands as the pivotal moment for the US horse racing industry. It is the first significant event following the implementation of new regulations focused on drug testing and track safety.
The state of horse racing in the United States, historically the world’s largest industry of its kind, can be encapsulated in the remarks made earlier this year by Jena Antonucci, a prominent trainer. Antonucci, who achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first woman to saddle a Belmont Stakes winner, did not mince words when asked about the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (Hisa). Hisa is a federal-level body established to oversee racecourse safety and anti-doping protocols.
Antonucci candidly pointed out the existing disparities in drug availability at various levels within the industry. She highlighted the influence of pharmaceuticals and adept chemists seeking an edge. The implementation of Hisa, she noted, altered the landscape and allowed trainers to compete on a level playing field, eliminating the need for illicit advantages.
For years, the US horse racing scene had been grappling with a system of state-level regulation for anti-doping measures and track safety. This decentralized approach had made it challenging to address endemic issues related to drug usage and equine welfare. The cutthroat competition among different jurisdictions for horse participation, with financial penalties for failing to fill their racing cards, only aggravated the problem. Stricter rules, especially against illicit drugs, were viewed as the primary way to incentivize change.
Hisa’s introduction as a top-down regulatory authority has shifted the dynamics, marking a significant step forward for US racing. It came at a time when the industry faced severe challenges, including the doping scandal in 2020 that exposed trainers Jason Servis and Jorge Navarro as systematic cheats, and the traumatic 2019 season at Santa Anita when 21 horses died while racing or training.
Approximately five months have passed since Hisa’s anti-doping measures took effect, but Lisa Lazarus, the CEO of Hisa, believes it has already made a substantial impact. She notes two significant developments: charging about 150 individuals with anti-doping violations, and creating a profound shift in the industry’s mindset. The comprehensive anti-doping program, extensive substance testing, and stringent penalties for cheating have collectively served as a deterrent.
Lazarus acknowledges that some trainers may continue to cheat, but the majority are now disinclined to do so. The “everyone-else-is-doing-it” mentality is losing ground, and the extraordinary win rates of some trainers, which had raised eyebrows in the past, are stabilizing. Lazarus sees this as a positive change and anticipates more transformation in the coming year.
European trainers sending runners to the Breeders’ Cup had long grappled with the decision of whether to use the race-day anti-bleeding medication, Lasix. The Breeders’ Cup took an assertive stance in support of Hisa both before and after its launch, banning raceday Lasix in its races. Post-Hisa, the use of Lasix is prohibited in all US stakes races and events for two-year-olds, with the goal of eliminating its use across the board.
Shaun Richards, a senior FBI officer involved in the Servis/Navarro case, now heads Hisa’s investigations team. The team’s work is expected to be as critical, if not more so, than the testing program as time goes on.
Despite the positive changes, there are individuals in the industry who resist Hisa’s new approach. Some tracks express concerns about the associated costs of maintaining racing and training facilities at the required standard.
Recently, a Louisiana congressman, Clay Higgins, introduced legislation endorsed by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA) to shift most of Hisa’s responsibilities back to individual states. The NHBPA also initiated a separate action claiming that Hisa’s regime is unconstitutional.
Lazarus remains confident that such legislative efforts will not succeed. She emphasizes the importance of moving forward and maintaining progress in the horse racing industry. The Breeders’ Cup serves as an opportunity to showcase the strides made, demonstrating a level playing field and a commitment to clean sport and integrity, which align with global standards.
