December 17, 2024 (Lexington, KY) – The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the publication of 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 United States.
The third quarter of 2024 (July 1 – September 30) 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 (ADMC) Program, which began on May 22, 2023. The Q3 fatality rate decreased approximately 21% year-over-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,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “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.”
Third Quarter 2024 Highlights
Racing-Related Equine Fatalities
Racetracks under HISA’s jurisdiction reported 0.93 racing-related fatalities per 1,000 starts in Q3 2024, approximately a 21% decrease as compared to the same period in 2023.
The aggregate year-to-date fatality rate for HISA racetracks (January 1 to September 30, 2024) was 0.85 per 1,000 starts, approximately a 36% decrease as compared to the same period in 2023.
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 September 30, 2024.
Racetrack Accreditation
HISA completed six accreditation visits in Q3 2024, bringing the total number of accreditation visits to 37 as of September 30, 2024. 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 Q3 2024, 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 Q3 Metrics Report, click here. The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit will separately release its Q3 report for the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.
