Columbus, OH – The U.S. Trotting Association has long opposed the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Act (HISA), citing several concerns, including the substantial financial burdens it imposes on the industry.
Last year, Emerald Downs, a Thoroughbred racetrack near Seattle, indicated that its 2026 racing meet was in jeopardy due to the costs associated with HISA compliance. Although the track ultimately committed to conducting a 51-day meet, Pat LePley, president of the Washington Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, cautioned that without financial relief—whether through additional revenue streams or support from state or local government—the economic strain created by HISA and its enforcement arm would continue to threaten the viability of racing operations.
“The costs that are imposed by HISA and HIWU, if we don’t get some help along the way, some type of relief, either additional revenue or some type of help from state government or local government, we’re going to continue to be in serious trouble and in more serious trouble than we have been,” LePley stated.
This week, the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority filed a formal complaint against Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI) for its refusal to pay its 2025 assessed fees, and indicated that it could suspend the export simulcast signal of CDI-owned tracks. Such action could potentially affect the export distribution of the Kentucky Derby signal in May. In late 2024, CDI filed suit challenging HISA’s Assessment Methodology Rule, which governs the funding structure for both the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program and the Racetrack Safety Program. That litigation remains pending.
To read more about the ongoing dispute between HISA and CDI in Thoroughbred Daily News, click here.