In recent years, horse racing in the United States has faced increased scrutiny regarding the safety of its equine and human participants. A series of high-profile horse breakdowns and medication scandals (including a Kentucky Derby disqualification in 2019 and widely publicized incidents at Santa Anita in 2019) raised concerns among fans, regulators, and the general public. In response, the industry has implemented a wave of new safety regulations and reforms aimed at making the sport safer and more transparent. One of the most significant developments was the creation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), a federally mandated body established by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020. HISA, which began implementing rules in 2022, marks the first time the U.S. has had national oversight in a sport long governed on a state-by-state basis. Here are some key safety regulations and changes that have been introduced, and what they mean for horse racing:
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Uniform Anti-Doping and Medication Rules: Under HISA, a uniform set of anti-doping regulations now applies across all U.S. Thoroughbred racing jurisdictions. This replaces the old patchwork of state-by-state rules with one national standard. Certain medications that were once commonly used on race day (like the diuretic furosemide, known as Lasix, which prevents bleeding in the lungs) have been restricted or phased out in major stakes races. Horses are subject to more frequent and sophisticated drug testing, both in-competition and out-of-competition. The aim is to detect and deter the use of illegal performance enhancers or pain-masking drugs that could put horses at risk. For horsemen, this has meant adjusting training and veterinary practices to comply with tighter medication timelines and restrictions. For the sport’s integrity, it means a more level playing field and fewer headline-making violations.
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Enhanced Pre-Race Veterinary Screening: Tracks have implemented stricter protocols for veterinary examinations before races. Regulatory veterinarians now examine every horse multiple times in the days leading up to a race and on race day itself. They look for any signs of lameness, discomfort, or health issues. If a horse shows even mild signs of a potential problem, it can be scratched (prevented from racing) as a precaution. Additionally, many jurisdictions now require trainers to report any changes in a horse’s health or medication well in advance of race day (for example, if a horse has a minor injury or was treated for something). The goal is to catch potential problems early and avoid running a horse that could be at higher risk of injury. This is a significant change; trainers and owners might be frustrated by late scratches, but it prioritizes the horse’s welfare and safety.
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Riding Crop (Whip) Restrictions: New rules limit how jockeys can use the riding crop during a race. Historically, jockeys used whips not only to encourage horses but also as a safety tool for steering. However, public perception and welfare concerns have led to strict limits. Many states (and now HISA’s guidelines) have rules such as a jockey can only use the crop a certain number of times in a race (often around 6 or 7 strikes, and not in consecutive strides), and only in an underhanded position with limited force. Whips are now cushioned and designed to make more noise than sting. Jockeys who violate the rules face fines or suspension. This change means jockeys have had to adjust their style, focusing more on hands and body to urge horses. For the horses, it’s a push towards kinder, gentler encouragement. The hope is to maintain the jockey’s ability to encourage and ensure safety (a tap can keep a horse running straight), while eliminating excessive or punitive use.
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Track Surface and Facility Safety Measures: Race tracks themselves are under pressure to provide the safest possible racing surface and environment. We’ve seen increased investment in track maintenance equipment and protocols — for example, more frequent grading and watering of dirt tracks to keep them consistent, and improved drainage systems for turf courses. Some tracks have installed advanced monitoring systems that measure the impact and consistency of the racing surface in real-time. If any anomalies are detected (say a section of track getting too hard or uneven), maintenance can be done immediately. There’s also been a focus on equine sports medicine technology: things like high-speed cameras to analyze how horses move during morning workouts, or the use of MRI and PET scans at equine hospitals to detect issues that x-rays might miss. Many tracks now also enforce stricter rules on training hours, requiring veterinary oversight during morning workouts and even mandating rest days where no high-speed works occur. The presence of on-site veterinarians and state-of-the-art equine ambulances at every race has become standard. All these measures mean fewer accidents and quicker response when something does happen, ultimately aiming to reduce fatal injuries.
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Jockey and Worker Safety: The safety push isn’t just for horses — jockeys and backstretch workers are getting attention too. Improved helmets and safety vests for jockeys have been mandated, and there are ongoing efforts to research and develop even better gear. Some states have introduced concussion protocols similar to other sports: if a jockey falls, they must be evaluated and cleared by medical professionals before riding again. Tracks have also looked at the placement of rails, padding on starting gates, and other infrastructure to reduce impact in the event of a fall. For stable area workers (grooms, exercise riders, etc.), safety initiatives include requiring helmets and vests during training hours and providing better training on handling horses safely. Organizations have also started to offer more wellness and substance abuse support for jockeys and workers, recognizing the mental and physical toll of the sport. These changes make the racing environment safer for the humans involved, which in turn contributes to overall welfare (a jockey or rider who feels safe and supported is better equipped to take care of the horse, too).
Implications for the Sport: These new safety regulations signify a cultural shift in horse racing — a move towards a “safety first” and “horse first” mentality. In the short term, the adjustments have sometimes been bumpy. There were instances of confusion or pushback (for example, some trainers arguing that the Lasix ban could lead to more horses bleeding in races, or jockeys initially struggling with the new crop rules). Some bettors and fans complained about more late scratches disrupting the betting cards. However, early results are encouraging. Tracks that adopted comprehensive safety overhauls (like Santa Anita after 2019) reported significant drops in catastrophic injuries. The uniformity brought by HISA means that a trainer shipping horses from one state to another doesn’t have to juggle different medication rules, which simplifies compliance.
In the long run, these changes aim to sustain the sport by making it safer and more palatable to the public. Horse racing’s social license to operate hinges on its treatment of the animals; visible commitment to safety helps assure fans and regulators that racing is doing right by its horses and riders. It’s likely that these regulations will continue to evolve as new technology and research become available. The hope is that the grim headlines of the past become far less frequent, and that the focus can return to the beauty and excitement of the sport itself. In a very real sense, these safety measures are about preserving the future of horse racing — ensuring that this centuries-old sport can continue in a way that aligns with modern standards of animal welfare and athletic integrity.