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Scott Serio / Eclipse Sportswire

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has published its 2024 third quarter metrics report. This report provides a detailed analysis of key performance indicators related to the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing in the U.S.

The third quarter of 2024 marked the third consecutive quarter of year-over-year declines in the racing-related equine fatality rate since the launch of HISA’s anti-doping and medication control program, which began on May 22, 2023. The Q3 fatality rate decreased approximately 21% year-to-year, with racetracks operating under HISA’s rules reporting 0.93 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts as compared to a rate of 1.18 in the third quarter of 2023.

“The consistent year-over-year declines in the racing-related equine fatality rate are a testament to the dedication and collaboration of all stakeholders in our industry,” HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said. “As safety and integrity continue to improve, we’re reminded that our mission to protect the well-being of horses and riders will preserve the sport for generations to come. There’s still more to achieve, but the progress so far is inspiring.”

Racing-related equine fatalities

Racetracks under HISA’s jurisdiction reported 0.93 racing-related fatalities per 1,000 starts in the third quarter, down about 21% from the same period in 2023.
The aggregate year-to-date fatality rate for HISA racetracks, Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, was 0.85 per 1,000 starts, down about 36% decrease from a year earlier.

HISA submitted public disclosure requests for racing-related fatalities in Louisiana, Texas and West Virginia and received responses after releasing its own second-quarter results.
During the second quarter of 2024, fatalities at racetracks in these non-HISA states amounted to 2.38 racing-related fatalities per 1,000 starts, more than triple the fatality rate at racetracks operating under HISA’s rules during the same period, which was 0.76 racing-related fatalities per 1,000 starts.

Racing participant registration

Registrations through the HISA Portal reached approximately 35,500 covered persons across the categories below and 75,000 covered horses as of Sept. 30.

HISA completed six accreditation visits in the third quarter, bringing the total number of accreditation visits to 37 as of Sept. 30. In Q3, HISA visited Downs at Albuquerque in New Mexico, Colonial Downs in Virginia, Ellis Park in Kentucky, Fresno California Racing Fair in California, Horseshoe Indianapolis in Indiana and Monmouth Park in New Jersey.

Veterinary treatment records

An average of 7,500 veterinary treatment records were uploaded daily during the third quarter, bringing the total to 4 million records since the racetrack safety program’s inception on July 1, 2022.

As the industry continues to collaborate to address challenges, HISA remains steadfast in its goal of creating a safer racing ecosystem. To view the full third-quarter metrics report, click here. The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit will separately release its third-quarter report for the anti-doping and medication control program.