Via TD Thornton
As Breeders’ Cup is on track to run two-day championships for the first time under HISA Safety and Integrity Program regulations and with HISA’s Anti-Doping Implementation and Drug Control rules are expected to be implemented in less than two months, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus detailed the timetable to stakeholders in a press conference. in Keeneland on Wednesday morning.
“January 1st is not only the start of the year, but also the beginning of a new era in racing,” Lazarus said. “For the first time we will have all 28 jurisdictions running Purebred races operating under a unified set of anti-doping rules.
“The most important points to note [are that] every single sample will be analyzed for exactly the same substances in all jurisdictions. We are working with laboratories to ensure that all labs report positive results to the same extent. So, you know, there must be uniform rules. But consistent implementation is really important to ensure that you have a unified system in common.
“This is what everyone has been waiting for. And we’ll be able to deliver that on January 1. There are 14 states jockeying for January 1, and the Welfare and Integrity Unit (HIWU) is deeply preparing to deliver that program. ,” Lazarus said.
HIWU is the unit that will operate HISA’s anti-doping program. Lazarus explains that HISA creates the rules that HIWU will enforce, and those rules must first be approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Lazarus said she expects that to happen “shortly.”
According to the FTC, public comment time for those new rules will end on November 14.
“What’s great about [this regulatory framework] Lazarus said. “You have consistent enforcement, consistent adjudication. You will find that cases will be decided quickly. It will be a lot faster than you usually do. They will be decided through the arbitration system and the appeal system through the FTC process, not in the state courts. And the importance of that identity, we really believe it will be a game changer for horse racing.
“Obviously what’s important as we enter this era is that we have cooperation from the states, from the racetracks,” Lazarus continued. “And I will say that since we started with the Track Safety Program, that partnership has gotten better and better every day. In a word, anything completely new and transformative takes time and requires a bit of trial and error. “
HIWU CEO Ben Mosier noted that “HIWU will maintain its own investigative team, and we hope to also work with state racing commissions and others who may be able to help us.” launch on the ground’ and investigate in the live environment. We will also be setting up a whistleblower tip line, starting January 1, and will be great information to share with us about possible anti-doping concerns and controlled drugs.
