Horse Racing News Update: Federal Judge Denies Temporary Restraining Order Against HISA in Oklahoma
In a significant development for the horse racing industry, a federal judge has refused to grant a temporary restraining order that would have blocked the implementation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) in Oklahoma. The request was made by a group of eight Oklahoma horsemen, including prominent trainer Joe Offolter and Danny Caldwell, the president of the Oklahoma Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
Federal Judge’s Ruling
According to the Thoroughbred Daily News report, Chief Judge Timothy DeGiusti of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma stated that the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating “immediate and irreparable injury, loss or damage” that would occur before HISA has a chance to present its response. A hearing on the application is scheduled for next Wednesday, during which the judge could potentially issue an injunction against the HISA rules.
Lawsuit Against HISA
The lawsuit, filed on July 24th, alleges that “Congress has impermissibly delegated executive power to a private entity,” referring to HISA. This challenge to the constitutionality of the Act has been a common argument made by opponents of the new regulatory framework. The courts are currently divided on the issue, with a circuit split existing on whether HISA violates this constitutional provision.
Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, which was signed into law in December 2020, aims to establish uniform national standards for drug testing, track safety, and other critical aspects of the sport. Its implementation has been a topic of ongoing debate and litigation within the horse racing industry.
This latest ruling in Oklahoma is a significant development, as it suggests that the federal judiciary is not immediately inclined to halt the rollout of HISA, at least in this particular case. Horse racing enthusiasts and industry stakeholders will be closely following the upcoming hearing and any further legal developments surrounding the Act.
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