HISA was created to implement, for the first time, a national, uniform set of integrity and safety rules that are applied consistently to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility.
The rules and regulations drafted by HISA’s Racetrack Safety and Anti-Doping and Medication Control Standing Committees are designed to enhance the safety and wellbeing of both horse and rider while ensuring the integrity of the sport for the benefit of the industry, fans and bettors. A safer, fairer sport will also be a more popular sport for generations to come.
Congress passed a bill authorizing the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (“Authority”) as a private self-regulatory organization. The Authority must develop rules related to horseracing, including anti-doping, medication control and racetrack safety.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is given broad oversight over the Authority. The FTC, after providing an opportunity for public comment, must approve or disapprove any rule proposed by HISA. Civil sanctions imposed by the Authority for violations of its rules or standards may be appealed to the Commission for review by an Administrative Law Judge and by the Commission.
The Authority must also submit guidance it develops to the Commission. In addition, certain practices involving drugs are made unfair or deceptive practices under Section 5(a) of the FTC Act.
