Harrisburg, PA — The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday (May 31) tabled action on a “voluntary agreement” sent by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to state racing regulatory agencies in the United States.

The voluntary agreements are tied to enforcement of various rules and regulations included in the HISA Racetrack Safety Program that takes effect July 1. The HISA Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program does not take effect until Jan. 1, 2023. Draft rules and regulations for medication and drug testing are expected to be made public by the end of the week.

Tom Chuckas, director of the PHRC Thoroughbred Bureau, said the Racetrack Safety Program includes hiring a safety director, enforcement of HISA rules by stewards, regulatory veterinarians enforcing guidelines, a trainers’ test and a concussion management program for riders. The voluntary agreement is only for the final six months of 2022; the 2023 agreement will include all HISA rules and regulations.

“We continue to have ongoing conversations (with HISA),” said Chuckas, who noted the PHRC earlier said it supports the HISA program, which is limited to Thoroughbred racing. “To say there are operational, legal and personnel issues would be an understatement, but we will work toward the goals.”

As part of its overall equine safety and integrity action plan adopted earlier this year, the PHRC launched a hotline for reporting suspected illegal or unethical behavior at its three Thoroughbred and three Standardbred tracks. From March 1 through the end of May, Chuckas said there were 36 complaints, with 26 resolved and 10 still open for investigation.

Chuckas said some of the tips have resulted in full necropsies and blood work, with the results reviewed by a third-party veterinarian. He noted there has been “significant duplication,” meaning the tips have involved the same people and similar circumstances.

“This commission takes the tips seriously,” Chuckas said.