HISA Issues Notices for Registration Noncompliance
The Horseracing Safety and Integrity Authrotiy (HISA/The Authority) today released a change in their enforcement of Rule 2276 that is still scheduled to begin as previously announced on Monday, August 1, 2022.
Rule 2276 shall not be enforced for horses racing on dirt surfaces that are shod on the hindlimbs with traction devices in the form of either a full outer rim shoe (up to 4 mm in height) or a toe grab (up to 4 mm in height). All other provisions of Rule 2276 shall remain in full force and effect.
Statement on HISA Horseshoe Rule from Industry Leaders
On July 19, the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Board of Directors, joined by representatives of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and Thoroughbred Owners of California met in Saratoga with HISA leadership to discuss the implementation of HISA, issues that have arisen, and short-term and long-term plans. Among the issues discussed was the shoe rule, which has generated significant concern among horsemen for its potential to negatively affect the safety and welfare of our horses. We requested the opportunity to meet with the HISA Safety Committee to express our concerns and recommend a resolution prior to the rule’s implementation.
On July 27, a group comprised of John Kimmel VMD, Scott Palmer VMD, Ian McKinlay, Graham Motion, Linda Gaudet, Joe Appelbaum and Alan Foreman met with the HISA Safety Committee. The dialogue was invaluable, as it gave the Safety Committee the opportunity to explain its rationale for the rule and the THA group the opportunity to respond. We are pleased that this morning, HISA has announced that it is implementing the change we recommended that allows horses racing on dirt to have certain hindlimb traction devices
We are particularly appreciative of the contributions of John Kimmel, Scott Palmer and Ian McKinlay for providing critical evidence-based support for the need to change the rule.
HISA is the law, and it is in effect. Notwithstanding that there is ongoing litigation, we believe that it is our responsibility on behalf of our constituencies to engage with HISA as necessary to ensure that our horses are protected, our horsemen are treated fairly and responsibly, and that the integrity of racing is preserved.
The fact that horsemen are not represented on any HISA Committee is a missed opportunity that we believe needs to be corrected. In the meantime, we will continue to vigorously advocate for the best interests of the safety and welfare of the horse and the best interests of our horsemen. We continue to engage with HISA as the best way to serve our membership and the industry at large and this decision underscores their willingness to engage with us and make changes as necessary.
We thank the HISA Safety Committee for its willingness to consider and act on thoughtful input from those who can best provide it. HISA Announcement Concerning Enforcement of HISA Rule 2276
HISA Issues Notices for Registration Noncompliance
The Authority had recently began issuing notices to jockeys and trainers concerning violations of Rule 9000, which governs HISA registration. According to HISA, hearings will be scheduled for individuals who do not comply.
To do so The Authority had to file a HISA Enforcement Rule Modification with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which is published on the Federal Register. It was published on July 26, 2022, and the public comment period extends until August 9. It is stated that the date to go into effect is September 26, 2022.
Anyone who wishes to make a comment can click here.
To register click here.
For more information about HISA go to Past The Wire’s HISA page.
Edited Press Release UPDATED 7/29/2022 2:43 PM
Photo by NYRA/Coglianese
