HISA announces Provisional Suspension policy change

Lexington, KY – On Monday (Nov. 4), HISA announced a policy change regarding Provisional Suspensions of Covered Persons requesting that the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) limit the circumstances of imposing those suspensions starting immediately.

Following is the complete announcement posted on the HISA website Monday.

“Following a resolution proposed by HISA’s Horsemen’s Advisory Group, which was also supported by the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, HISA’s Board of Directors announces the following policy change effective immediately regarding the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program and the imposition of Provisional Suspensions of Covered Persons. Commencing immediately, the HISA Board has requested that the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) limit the circumstances under which they exercise their discretion to impose a Provisional Suspension on Covered Persons.

“The HISA Board has determined that further analysis and review on the issue of Provisional Suspensions is necessary to determine whether any modifications to the current rules are appropriate. While this review takes place, the HISA Board requests that HIWU impose Provisional Suspensions only under circumstances where (i) a Covered Person has more than one horse test positive for the same Banned Substance; (ii) a barn search leads to the discovery of the same Banned Substance for which the Covered Person is being charged under the ADMC program; and/or (iii) the alleged violation presents a substantial risk to the integrity of racing and/or the welfare of horses. Consequently, all Provisional Suspensions that do not fall within any of these defined categories will be lifted today, November 4, 2024.

“The lifting of the Provisional Suspension is not a stay of the Equine Anti-Doping Notice or Charge or the ADMC Program proceedings with respect to the matter, with the exception of Presence cases for Metformin. HIWU will be moving forward with these matters under the applicable ADMC Program Rules.”

For the official HISA announcement, click here.

From the USTA