Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Reports Significant Decline in Equine Fatalities in 2024 Q1
In a major stride towards improving the safety and welfare of horses and jockeys in Thoroughbred racing, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has released its first-quarter metrics report for 2024. The data showcases a remarkable 38% decrease in racing-related equine fatalities compared to the same period in the previous year.
During the first quarter of 2024 (January 1 to March 31), racetracks operating under HISA’s regulations reported 0.84 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts, a significant improvement from the 1.35 fatalities per 1,000 starts recorded in the first quarter of 2023. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the successful completion of the 2023 Triple Crown season without any equine fatalities.
“Reducing equine fatalities is the central focus of HISA’s work,” stated HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “While even one fatality is too many, we are pleased to see the progress we are making. I am incredibly proud of HISA’s hard work and dedication in cooperation with our industry partners to prioritize horse welfare above all else.”
The quarterly reporting of these critical safety metrics represents a historic milestone for the U.S. Thoroughbred racing industry. This transparency allows stakeholders to closely monitor the ongoing efforts to enhance the sport’s safety and fairness for both equine and human athletes.
Other highlights from the HISA Q1 2024 report include:
- Accreditation visits completed at 24 racetracks, including Turfway Park, Laurel Park, and Sunland Park
- Registration of approximately 33,000 covered persons, 58,000 covered horses, and 1,000 veterinarians
- A slight increase in use of riding crop violations, from 4.46 per 1,000 starts in 2023 Q1 to 4.74 per 1,000 starts in 2024 Q1
- Over 2.5 million veterinary treatment records uploaded to the HISA portal since the inception of the racetrack safety program on July 1, 2022
The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit will also release a separate quarterly report detailing metrics from the anti-doping and medication control program.
HISA’s dedication to transparency and its collaborative efforts with the racing community are paving the way for a safer and more accountable Thoroughbred industry. As the sport continues to evolve, these quarterly updates will be instrumental in tracking progress and identifying areas for further improvement.
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