NYRA and HISA reach settlement agreement

by Pat McKenna

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced a settlement of their dispute regarding HISA’s fee assessment methodology.

As a result of the settlement, NYRA will withdraw from the litigation pending in the Western District of Kentucky and HISA will withdraw the enforcement action initiated against NYRA on November 13, 2024.

“HISA’s ongoing work and overall mission are critically important to the future of thoroughbred horse racing,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “NYRA is pleased to have reached this agreement, which resolves a narrow financial dispute and allows both parties to move forward in the best interests of the sport.”

“From the start, NYRA has been an excellent partner to HISA and it is regretful that this financial issue caused a momentary hiccup in the relationship,” said Lisa Lazarus, HISA Chief Executive Officer. “However, we are delighted to move forward and to resume our strong partnership grounded in the principles of horse welfare and sporting integrity.”

About the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority

Subject to Federal Trade Commission oversight, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is charged with recommending and implementing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing. HISA is implementing, for the first time, a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility. HISA is comprised of two programs: the Racetrack Safety Program, which went into effect on July 1, 2022, and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which went into effect on May 22, 2023.

The Racetrack Safety Program includes operational safety rules and national racetrack accreditation standards that seek to enhance equine welfare and minimize equine and jockey injury. The Program expands veterinary oversight, imposes surface maintenance and testing requirements, enhances jockey safety, regulates riding crop use and implements voided claim rules, among other important measures.

The ADMC Program includes a centralized testing and results management process and applies uniform penalties for violations efficiently and consistently across the United States. These rules and enforcement mechanisms are administered by an independent agency, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), established by Drug Free Sport International (DFS). HIWU oversees testing, educates stakeholders on the Program, accredits laboratories, investigates potential ADMC violations and enforces the ADMC Program.

About the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)

NYRA is a not-for-profit corporation franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide economic impact.

NYRA is the parent company of NYRA Bets, LLC, the national advanced deposit wagering platform launched in 2016 and currently available to customers in 36 states. NYRA Bets provides bettors the opportunity to wager on tracks worldwide from anywhere at any time. The NYRA Bets app is available for download on iOS and Android at NYRABets.com.