THA’s open letter acknowledges “serious concerns” at HISA
Costs, Lasix ban among rider problems
The Biz- February 11, 2026
In an open letter to the thoroughbred racing industry, the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations (THA) reaffirmed their commitment to equine safety and racing integrity while outlining ongoing efforts to reform the framework of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA).
The letter has a measured tone, emphasizing that riders support “reasonable, science-based regulations” but remain serious concerns about the structure, costs and day-to-day impact of HISA on trainers, veterinarians and racetrack operators. Rather than question the existence of the law, which the THA noted will ultimately be decided by federal courts, the organization said it has chosen to work with HISA leadership to implement practical reforms.
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A primary focus of the letter is the financial burden on HISA and its enforcement arm, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU). The programs, funded entirely by industry participants, will cost the thoroughbred industry more than $168 million in new regulatory assessments by the end of 2025, the THA said.
While welcoming HISA’s stated goal of reducing assessments by 50% by 2030 and eliminating them completely by 2035, the THA called for accelerated cost savings. “No track should have to shorten days, cut funding or close completely due to the financial burden of HISA and HIWU,” the organization wrote.
Revisions to the Anti-Doping Program
The letter details ongoing discussions with HISA to address what the THA described as “fundamental deficiencies” in the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program (ADMC). Concerns include the protection of due process, the classification of certain substances and penalties considered disproportionate to violations.
A particular point of contention is substances linked to drug abuse in humans that can enter a horse’s system through environmental contamination. The THA said it has pushed for a separate classification of such substances and the abolition of automatic provisional suspensions except in egregious cases that pose immediate risks.
According to the letter, HISA agreed to recommend several rule changes to the Federal Trade Commission, including:
- Eliminating provisional suspensions in most cases of banned substances.
- Limit penalties in contamination cases involving drug use to 60 days when contamination is more likely than not.
- Revising evaluation standards in such cases.
- Reducing horse suspensions and allowing owners to have hearings in potential horse suspension cases.
- Reclassification of certain previously prohibited substances.
- Establishment of a scientifically based screening limit for Metformin.
- Creating a “case circumstances” provision that gives the HIWU the freedom to adjust sanctions based on objective standards.
The THA said these changes are intended to ensure sanctions deter misconduct without “destroying careers.”
Lasix and 2026 decisions loom
Looking ahead, the THA called 2026 a “pivotal year,” noting that the three-year state exemptions from the Lasix ban granted in 2023 are set to expire in May. The HISA board must soon decide whether to continue or change that policy – a decision that the THA says could have “a huge impact” on riders, horses and racetracks. The organization has pledged full involvement on behalf of its members.
Veterinarians and trainers have also expressed concerns that certain HISA rules limit individualized care. The THA said it will continue to advocate for reforms that protect the welfare of horses while recognizing HISA’s regulatory mission.
Commitment over confrontation
In response to critics who advocate a more hostile approach, the THA defended its strategy of sustained involvement with HISA. Meaningful reforms, the letter states, require persistence, credibility and continued advocacy.
“Our goal has never been to defend the status quo,” the organization wrote, “but to implement reforms that make the system fairer, more practical and more effective – while protecting both our horses and the people who care for them.”
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