Barr’s horseracing reform bill approved by Congress

Legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) to bring national safety standards to horseracing was approved by Congress this week as part of a year-end government funding bill and now heads to the president’s desk to become law.

The bipartisan Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), H.R. 1754, was introduced by U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Rep. Barr last year in the U.S. House, while U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) sponsored the same-named version of the bill, S. 4547, in the U.S. Senate in September.

Rep. Barr said on Dec. 22 that passage of HISA would lead to “the most transformational and consequential reform of the thoroughbred horseracing industry since enactment of the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978.”

Under the legislation, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority will develop and implement a horseracing anti-doping and medication control program and a horseracing safety program, according to the text of the bill.

“For almost a decade, I have worked with industry stakeholders and my congressional colleagues to build consensus around reforms that will protect equine athletes and strengthen confidence and international competitiveness in the sport,” Rep. Barr said.

HISA will be an independent regulatory authority, similar to those in place for other professional sports, to enforce medication use and safety protocols. The Federal Trade Commission will have oversight over the authority.

“With the leadership of Congressman Andy Barr and the partnership of sport leaders, horse advocates, and fans, we’re one step closer to promoting fairness and safety across Thoroughbred racing,” Sen. McConnell said.

The legislation received broad support from trainers, breeders, jockeys, and other leaders of the Thoroughbred racing industry.

“This marks the single most significant safety and integrity development in the history of Thoroughbred racing,” said Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders’ Cup. “This moment also demonstrates that great progress can be accomplished when the industry works together.”