Leaders from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) recently convened a joint town hall meeting to address key findings from their 2024 annual reports. The session focused on the methodologies used in data collection, validation processes, and upcoming strategies aimed at enhancing these efforts.

The event featured insights into significant statistics outlined in both HISA's and HIWU's 2024 annual reports. HISA executive director Lisa Lazarus initiated discussions by emphasizing standardized methods for gathering equine fatality data. She highlighted that HISA aligns its definition of race-related fatalities with those adopted by The Jockey Club and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Specifically, any horse dying or euthanized within 72 hours post-race due to injuries sustained during the race is classified as a fatality. Lazarus further noted HISA’s cautious approach, counting any death within this timeframe unless there's clear evidence otherwise. Veterinarian Jennifer Durenberger added that using published workout numbers as a baseline results in conservative fatality rates since only a portion of training fatalities occur during such workouts. Additional layers of verification include cross-referencing with HIWU data, reviews by veterinary teams, and alignment with The Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database.

Looking ahead, Anjali Salooja, HISA’s director of operations and compliance, announced plans to release more detailed analyses of fatality types, focusing on musculoskeletal injuries, sudden deaths, and other causes. This initiative aims to provide deeper insights into how different factors like track conditions contribute to fatalities, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions. Another focus area involves studying scratches—withdrawals from races—and understanding their underlying reasons. While current data suggests minimal changes in scratch rates pre- and post-HISA, further exploration will examine state-specific trends. Additionally, HIWU executive director Ben Mosier addressed ongoing research into metformin use, noting a decline in detection following an educational campaign targeting environmental contamination risks. Future initiatives also include investigating proximal forelimb fractures, which account for approximately 15% of fatalities, aiming to identify vulnerable horse profiles and offer guidance to mitigate these injuries.

Data-driven approaches are reshaping horseracing safety standards, fostering transparency and accountability across the industry. By prioritizing comprehensive data collection and analysis, HISA and HIWU are paving the way for meaningful improvements in equine welfare. Their collaborative efforts underscore the importance of scientific rigor and proactive measures in ensuring safer environments for horses and participants alike. Through innovative strategies and meticulous research, the horseracing community continues to strive toward a future defined by integrity, safety, and progress.