Adam Bjorn on why legislation to change horse racing laws in the US is important for the industry

A legislative effort to make changes to the horse racing in the US is to be presented by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The move comes following a string of equine deaths and alleged doping, and is seen as a promising improvement for the fate of the industry. Adam Bjorn, a gambling industry executive and horse racing expert, supports the bill, and completely understands what it means to the betterment of the industry, as well as the horses.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), as the bill is called, will zero in on the strength of thoroughbred racehorses and jockeys by requiring public, uniform security principles that incorporate stricter anti-doping and medicine controls and course safety programs. Independent oversight will be provided through a self-regulatory body, which will be given the authority to develop and manage safety programs and standards.

According to data from The Jockey Club, an average of 8.5 horses die during active races each week.

This is exclusive of any deaths that occur during training, and there is growing support for more control to be provided to the industry. This bill looks to do that, and has already received substantial support from the Thoroughbred racing community.

“Improving the health and safety of racehorses has long been the top priority of The Jockey Club,” explains The Jockey Club chair Stuart S. Janney III in response to concerns over integrity. “The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act is vital to developing uniform and effective medication and safety regulations that will enhance the integrity and safety of American horse racing and improve the sport.”

If the bill is approved, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) will supervise the prescription control program. USADA deals with the anti-doping programs for America’s Olympic competitors, and the agency’s CEO, Travis T. Tygart, also supports the measure. He believes the bipartisan bill will help to protect the horses, offering better security and health, while providing an added layer of integrity protection to the industry.

Compassionate Society of the United States president and CEO Kitty Block said the association’s Legislative Fund group had, for quite some time, advocated for government intervention to reform the industry. While there are still a couple of hurdles that have to be crossed before the bill is approved, it continues to gain more support among legislators.