Equine Group Files a Lawsuit to Halt Horseracing Legislation

A Thoroughbred horse organization and affiliates in 11 states are suing to stop the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), calling its delegation of oversight to a private authority a violation of the United States Constitution.

The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and its affiliates in Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and West Virginia, want HISA declared unconstitutional, the implementation of the law halted and monetary damages. The sum amounts to $1 and refunds of any fees charged to owners and trainers by the new organization.

The lawsuit, which was filed by the Liberty Justice Center in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, alleges that the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is illegal because it delegates legislative authority to a private organization and private individuals. The Authority is responsible for implementing anti-doping and racetrack safety protocols, regulations and penalties. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), a private organization, is enforcing the drug control program. The law, which was passed as part of the Dec. 21, 2020, COVID-19 stimulus bill, was a response from federal lawmakers after a series of doping scandals and equine racetrack fatalities.

Hall of Fame Veterinarian Receives Grant for Laminitis Research

International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame member Dr. Andrew van Eps, an associate professor at the Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., is the recipient of a grant from the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation…