Columbus, OH – According to bloodhorse.com, a federal appeals court denied a request by some states and racing commissions to have the court’s decision on the unconstitutionality of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act take effect on Monday (Dec. 19).

According to the story by Dick Downey, “The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which in November ruled the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act is unconstitutional, turned down a Dec. 15 request by the states and racing commissions of Louisiana and West Virginia to give the decision effect on Dec. 19. The upshot is enforcement of a lower court injunction against HISA could be delayed for months.

“The two-line order denying the request was entered Dec. 16 by the same three Fifth Circuit judges who reversed a Texas federal district court ruling in favor of HISA. The lower court injunction against HISA was entered by a federal district court in Louisiana, which is also in the Fifth Circuit.

“The Fifth Circuit’s anti-HISA decision cannot take effect unless and until a mandate issues.”

To read the complete story on bloodhorse.com, click here.