Effective immediately, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) have named Alan Foreman, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Associations, Inc. (THA), as ombudsman on behalf of HISA's rules, with a primary focus on the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, both organizations released in a joint statement Wednesday.
As the national ombudsman, which is modeled after the World Anti-Doping Agency's Ombuds Program, Foreman's responsibilities include:
Serving as an impartial and unbiased resource for Covered Persons and other Thoroughbred industry constituents to provide confidential advice and assistance at no cost to them in relation to the ADMC Program and the Racetrack Safety Program, including with respect to the rights and obligations of Covered Persons under both Programs.
Accepting feedback and comments from Covered Persons and other Thoroughbred industry constituents with respect to the rules comprising both Programs and communicating such feedback and comments to HISA and/or HIWU.
Providing advice to HISA and HIWU about the content and interpretation of the rules comprising both Programs.
In addition to Foreman's current position with the THA, which he is maintaining, Foreman is recognized as one of the leading racing law and equine attorneys in the United States, with expertise in medication, drug testing, equine safety, and welfare. His law practice encompasses all aspects of equine and horse racing law, and he is counsel to many horsemen's and racing industry organizations, including the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, National Steeplechase Association, and the United States Equestrian Federation Drugs and Medications Program. He is co-vice chair of the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium. He chairs the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities, co-authored the widely respected New York Task Force Report on Racehorse Health and Safety, and was recently named by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the newly created Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.
Foreman has informed HISA and HIWU that he will donate all compensation paid to him by both groups in connection with his duties as ombudsman to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
“HISA's commitment to fairness in racing includes ensuring every horseman is fully aware of our rules and processes,” said HISA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lazarus. “I am grateful that Alan is assisting HISA and HIWU to help educate racing participants and listen and learn from them as we work together to implement HISA's regulations as evenly and effectively as possible.”
“The new ombudsman position will assist horsemen and other Covered Persons with navigating the ADMC rules, thus enhancing understanding and facilitating compliance under the ADMC Program,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “Alan's extensive experience in horse racing law, combined with a thorough understanding of HISA's rules, make him the ideal industry representative to take on this role.”
“I applaud HISA and HIWU for creating this important position and am honored that they have asked me to serve. It is vital for all Covered Persons and organizations to have a trusted advocate and resource for them in this new system, and I will do my best to be fair, objective, effective and meaningful. I hope this position helps to smooth the transition to our new regulatory system,” said Foreman.
Industry participants interested in utilizing the ombudsman service should reach out to Foreman via email or by phone at (410) 336-0525.
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