The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has been a topic of much discussion since its establishment. There have been various challenges and setbacks along the way, particularly in handling drug positives and provisional suspensions. Some trainers have faced unjust accusations, while others have clearly been playing by the rules. In October 2023, colleague T.D. Thornton wrote about the struggles of small-time trainer John Pimental with HISA and HIWU. One of his horses tested positive for methamphetamine, a banned substance, causing significant disruption.

HISA - Shaping the Future of Horseracing

Initial Challenges Faced by HISA

1: From the very beginning, HISA faced numerous difficulties. They didn't adequately consider how to handle drug positives and provisional suspensions. There was a lack of understanding regarding the possibility that positive tests might be due to environmental contamination rather than trainer cheating. This led to some trainers being wrongly targeted, with some cases being truly heartbreaking. 2: For instance, the case of John Pimental showed how HISA's actions could upend a trainer's world. His horse tested positive for methamphetamine, a street drug not supposed to be found in racing horses. This highlighted the need for a more refined approach in dealing with such situations.

Changes and Improvements by HISA

1: To its credit, HISA has come a long way. They have realized the importance of being more lenient with trainers who have had horse test positive for drugs used by humans or for other relatively minor offenses. Provisional suspensions are now reserved for much more serious cases, showing a more balanced approach. 2: Additionally, HISA's efforts in regulating tracks and ensuring safety measures have been significant. Horses are constantly being examined by veterinarians, and if there are any doubts about their soundness, they are not allowed to run or have a workout. This has led to a significant improvement in the safety of the sport.

The Fight for Survival of Horseracing

1: The safety of horses and jockeys is the top priority of the sport. HISA has played a crucial role in making the sport safer. Without its safeguards, we could be back to the days when the fatality rate was much higher. The numbers don't lie; HISA has made a real difference. 2: Many entities within the industry have also contributed to the safety efforts. But it's clear that since HISA got involved, the numbers have never been better. The sport is in a fight for its survival, and HISA is a key player in this battle.

Jose Ortiz's Success

1: Jose Ortiz's move from the NYRA circuit to Kentucky and Louisiana has been a success. He leads the Fair Grounds standings with 26 wins, 14 more than runner-up Jareth Loveberry. His winning rate of 38% is impressive, showing that he is not to be underestimated. 2: Even compared to his brother Irad Ortiz Jr. and favorite jockey Flavien Prat, Jose Ortiz is holding his own. His success at Fair Grounds is a reminder that there is more than one Ortiz with a gift for horseracing.

Unusual Incidents in Horseracing

1: A strange incident occurred at Aqueduct when Jockey Romero Ramsay Maragh's mount Mama's Gold was about to win. Suddenly, the horse propped and Maragh lost his balance. It was initially thought that the horse had won because it carried all of Maragh's weight across the finish line. But later, the chart was changed to say that the horse had jumped over a puddle of "debris" instead of urine. 2: This incident shows the unexpected nature of horseracing and the need for accurate reporting. Such incidents can have a significant impact on the outcome of a race and the reputation of the sport.