Supreme Court Upholds Constitutionality of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act
In a significant development for the horse racing industry, the Supreme Court has announced that it will not hear an appeal against the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) is constitutional.
The decision, which was previously reported by Thoroughbred Daily News, comes after a group of government and private entities, including several states and racing commissions, challenged the constitutionality of HISA. The Supreme Court’s terse response, denying the plaintiffs’ petition for certiorari, effectively upholds the Sixth Circuit’s unanimous ruling that HISA is within the bounds of the Constitution.
Milestone for HISA Implementation
This ruling marks a crucial milestone for the implementation of HISA, which aims to establish a unified set of safety and integrity standards for the Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse racing industries. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) president and CEO, Tom Rooney, hailed the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that it represents “a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing.”
Rooney’s statement highlighted the positive impact HISA’s regulations have already had, reporting a 38% reduction in racing-related equine fatalities during the first quarter of 2024 for racetracks operating under HISA. These promising results demonstrate the effectiveness of HISA’s centralized approach in enhancing the welfare of racehorses and promoting a safer racing environment.
Call for Industry Unity
With the Supreme Court’s decision, Rooney called for all parties in the industry to “stop their internal fighting and support HISA as the law of the land.” This sentiment underscores the importance of unity and collaboration within the horse racing community as they navigate the implementation of this landmark legislation.
As the industry continues to adapt to the new regulatory framework, this Supreme Court ruling provides much-needed clarity and paves the way for HISA to continue its work in ensuring the safety and integrity of the sport of Thoroughbred racing.
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