FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Thursday, June 30, 2022)
Statement from National HBPA President Doug Daniels DVM
on Louisiana, others filing suit to halt HISA implementation

Doug Daniels DVM, National HBPA President and Chairman of the Board:

“Today we learned the State of Louisiana, the State of West Virginia, the Louisiana Racing Commission, the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the Jockeys’ Guild, owners, trainers and jockeys filed suit in the Western District of Louisiana. They are asking the Court to halt the implementation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s regulations.

“We agree integrity, safety and uniformity in horse racing are of great importance, but we also believe getting each of these addressed in a lawful and proper manner is of paramount importance. Horsemen and horsewomen from coast to coast as well as United States Senators Grassley, Manchin, Ernst and Kennedy are asking for this implementation to be delayed and thus far it has gone on deaf ears. 

“Now it has become necessary to request this court decide if HISA is ready for its roll-out. The participants are clearly saying the answer is 'no' -- the implementation and the regulations are not ready as they stand today. We applaud Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and the other plaintiffs who are demanding answers for everyone in the industry.”

 
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About the National HBPA
Founded in 1940, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is the world’s largest Thoroughbred horsemen’s organization, representing approximately 30,000 owners and trainers throughout the United States and Canada. The responsibilities of the NHBPA and its affiliates have greatly expanded as the racing industry has become more complex. In addition to its original general benevolence mission, the HBPA is the leading force for horsemen in negotiating contracts with tracks as well as the advancement of the sport through safety and integrity initiatives, promoting racing and assisting in the development of aftercare programs for retired racehorses.

Media contact

Eric Hamelback,
CEO, National HBPA
859.259.0451
ehamelback@hbpa.org