ARCI Questions HISA's Effectiveness in New Report; HISA Claims Report `Factually Inaccurate'

A staff report from the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) was issued today providing “data and a programmatic analysis HISA Programs after its first year,” with the conclusion that HISA has done little to deter the doping of racehorses or effect the catastrophic breakdown rate, according to a press release from the ARCI. HISA responded to the report, saying it was “riddled with factual inaccuracies and mischaracterizations.”

ARCI claims that after one year of being responsible for equine and racetrack safety in thoroughbred racing and six months responsibility for anti-doping and medication control, that HISA's “biggest success lies in common rules and drug testing.” Moreover, they claim, “HISA/HIWU Testing Labs have not found any new drugs that had not been found under the previous state based programs,” and “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 ARCI went so far as to say that, “the equine fatality rate remains small and results are mixed as to whether HISA has had any effect, either way.”

“HISA has just been made aware of the Association of Racing Commissioner International (ARCI) report released publicly today,” said a HISA spokesperson. “The report is riddled with factual inaccuracies and mischaracterizations as evidenced by data and information that is publicly available on the HIWU website. HISA remains focused on enforcing and improving upon its Racetrack Safety and Anti-Doping and Medication Control Programs to advance safety and integrity in the sport.”

ARCI said that the prepared the report in anticipation of being asked for it by state racing commissions. They also said that “HISA receives considerable help from State Racing Commissions who are expected to provide almost $18 million in funding or services in the coming year, and that “HISA's almost $81 million proposed budget for next year relies on the thoroughbred racing industry paying almost $60 million in assessments.”