The fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness racing facility that claimed the lives of 17 horses is a tragedy that must trigger reforms in horse care and housing. We mourn the loss of Arlanda, Conquest As, Crazy Jet, Five Star Lou, Free Willy Hanover, Gimlet Hanover, Influencer, Lyons Dukey, Muscle Dynasty, Our Father Lindy, … Read more
MONTICELLO, N.Y. — On July 7, 2025, Frederick Bourgault, a 27-year-old Canadian harness racing trainer, was sentenced to two to six years in state prison for the unconscionable beating and killing of a horse under his care. Bourgault was convicted in April of two felony counts — second-degree criminal mischief and interference with or injury to … Read more
Split between two federal courts has created uncertainty, but for now, supporters are hopeful for future of law protecting Thoroughbred horses from racing-related abuses. Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action expressed optimism now that the U.S. Supreme Court has reactivated enforcement of the Horseracing Safety and Integrity Act in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas — a … Read more
As federal law fights to improve legal races, covert activities like those near Lubbock cannot be tolerated Hockley County, TX — Animal welfare groups applauded action by the Texas Racing Commission (TXRC) and local and state law enforcement to combat illegal horseracing, animal abuse, and gambling in Hockley County, near Lubbock. The initiative included collaboration … Read more
Fifth Circuit strikes down HISA, countermanding Sixth Circuit conclusions and creating a legal tangle that may require U.S. Supreme Court review. Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy reacted with dismay after a federal court struck down a key provision of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), contradicting … Read more
Federal law promoting safety of horses and jockeys has driven down on-track deaths, even as some outliers in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing networks seek to dismantle law Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy reacted favorably to news that the Supreme Court of the United States declined to hear … Read more
Dramatic decline of Thoroughbreds in competition probably due to national track-safety rules, and the harness-racing industry has opted out of observing these HISA rules Washington, D.C. — Reacting to a recent spate of horse deaths tied to harness racing, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy are calling for harness-racing leaders to … Read more
Updates include prohibited practices and safety protocols, and go into effect July 8 Washington, D.C. — Animal wellness groups reacted to a new set of rules approved by the Federal Trade Commission for a Racetrack Safety Program, which was created under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). “We welcome these new standards as a major step … Read more
Louisiana still remains an outlier in refusing to join Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority program Washington, D.C. — Animal wellness groups support efforts by Churchill Downs Inc. to cancel the Louisiana Derby if the Louisiana Racing Commission does not fully rescind recent changes to its medication rules for race horses in that state. After … Read more
Louisiana remains an outlier in refusing to operate under Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority medication program; new rule shows that key horse racing stakeholders are addicted to doping horses Washington, D.C. — Animal wellness groups are condemning the Louisiana State Racing Commission for passing an “emergency rule” going into effect June 8 to reinforce … Read more
Press Release Given the staggering number of violations, the state racing board should ‘immediately ban’ trainer Dan Blacker. The Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action called on the California Horse Racing Board to immediately ban trainer Dan Blacker after the Los Angeles Times reported he has been cited 527 times for violating … Read more
No Healthy Young Horses Should Die on the Racetrack, HISA has the Power to make that Happen, Groups say Louisville, KY — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy applauded the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority today for its report on the rash of horse deaths at Churchill Downs earlier this year. … Read more
Organization says it is time for Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to punish trainers whose actions may lead to deaths of their horses. Washington D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action and a partner organization issued a statement in the wake of the latest deaths associated with Triple Crown racing venues. Yesterday, two horses died in competition at … Read more
If horses cannot compete in races and walk off the track under their own power, their trainers should be suspended from entering horses into races Washington, D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action called on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to adopt rules to suspend trainers whose horses die in competition. “When young, healthy horses die … Read more
Louisville, KY – Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, reacted to the news that Churchill Downs is going to suspend racing for two or three days next week but then continue its June calendar of racing at Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky. Said Pacelle: If the track … Read more
The publicly traded company can continue with simulcasting to maintain a revenue stream while it pauses and probes why so many horses are dying at its track Louisville, KY — Today, declaring that the “show must not go on with so many of athletes dying on the field of play,” Animal Wellness Action and the … Read more
Suspended from Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, Baffert Being Allowed to Run at Pimlico Highlights Precisely Why HISA Rules Must Be Applied Nationwide. Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today expressed sadness and dissatisfaction with the death of Havnameltdown and the injury of jockey Luis Saez at the Chick Lang Stakes at Pimlico on Saturday. The … Read more
Organization says industry must aspire to keep horses under its care alive and create a culture of ‘zero tolerance’ for death of horses in training and on the track Washington, D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy called on Thoroughbred racing industry leaders to embrace the goal of “no young, … Read more
With Two of His Horses Dropping Dead, Churchill Downs is Right to Not Allow Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. to Run Lord Miles and Any Other Horses in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby Louisville, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action this morning had urged the management at Churchill Downs to deny a Kentucky Derby racing slot to Saffie Joseph Jr. because two of his … Read more
STATEMENT FOR PRESS With Two of His Horses Dropping Dead, Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Should Not Be Allowed to Run Lord Miles in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today urged the management at Churchill Downs to deny a racing slot to Saffie Joseph Jr. because two of his horses — Parents Pride and Chasing Artie — died for unexplained … Read more
We secured the most important reforms ever against animal testing, while ending legal animal fighting and commercial cub-petting throughout U.S. The year 2022 turned out to be a remarkable one for the Center for a Humane Economy, Animal Wellness Action, and the Animal Wellness Foundation. We secured many tangible gains. We put a punctuation mark … Read more
Working with the Jockey Club, Animal Wellness Action helped secure statutory repair to the 2020 Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, after a federal appellate court questioned one key provision WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Animal Wellness Action applauded lawmakers in Congress for approving provisions in the year-end federal spending bill to benefit horses in Thoroughbred racing, in … Read more
When Congress enacted the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act in December 2020, I could not have been more elated. Seeing the signing of that legislation into law was the most rewarding experience of my professional career as a lobbyist and lifelong horseman. Objectively, it was a big moment in our nation’s relationship with horses, since … Read more
by Joe Gorajec The new Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), despite repeated pledges of transparency, has failed to disclose even the most basic information about its own manner of governance. This failure is well below the standards and practices of state racing commissions. Background On July 5, 2022, Marty Irby, executive director of the … Read more
Rash of more deaths occurred Friday and Saturday at Quarter Horse racetrack Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico – Today, Animal Wellness Action (AWA) executive director Marty Irby issued the following statement regarding the injury and probable death of eight more racehorses that occurred this weekend at Ruidoso Downs. These eight likely deaths come on the heels of … Read more
Nonprofit animal welfare groups launch watchdog microsite to track implementation of federal anti-doping law, expressing concerns that U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has no role in oversight WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Animal Wellness Action, the Animal Wellness Foundation, and the Center for a Humane Economy (the groups) launched a new website designed to serve as a key … Read more
As Saturday marks the running of the 154th Belmont Stakes in Queens, the oldest and longest of all three Triple Crown races in Thoroughbred horse racing, we continue to work to end doping in the sport and the use of the whip. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, for which Animal Wellness Action lobbied, addresses … Read more
In 2016, Animal Wellness Action president Wayne Pacelle and I committed to making federal legislation that would end doping in American horseracing one of our top priorities. For me, it was the top priority, and it has been ever since. At the time the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was first introduced, we felt it … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Animal Wellness Action and its affiliates reacted with skepticism after learning that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, established by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act to implement and help enforce the legislation, said it will contract with Drug Free Sport International to execute drug testing in the sport. Animal advocates had … Read more
Animal Groups Call on Kentucky State Veterinarian and Board of Veterinary Examiners to Investigate Incident After News of Expired Medication Administered to Laoban Louisville, Ky. – Today, Animal Wellness Action, the Washington, D.C.-based non-profit that led the charge to enact the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act signed into law in December 2020, in a letter today called on … Read more
Penalties Come in Response to Animal Groups’ Letter Friday Calling for Action Against Notorious Trainer Towson, Maryland – Today, the Maryland Racing Commission responded to calls from the Center for a Humane Economy, Animal Wellness Action, and the Animal Wellness Foundation by suspending embattled horse trainer Bob Baffert in Maryland. The move bars Baffert from running horses in … Read more
Advocates Want Maryland and Preakness Stakes to Follow Lead of Kentucky, California, and New York BETHESDA, MD – Today, the Maryland-based Center for a Humane Economy, Animal Wellness Action, and the Animal Wellness Foundation, in a letter, called on the Maryland Racing Commission to issue a formal suspension of trainer Bob Baffert. Baffert was recently suspended for 90 … Read more
FRANKFORT , KENTUCKY – As the news of Kentucky Appellate Court Judge Allison Jones’ ruling denying notorious trainer Bob Baffert an emergency stay is breaking, Animal Wellness Action Action executive director Marty Irby issued the following statement: “We applaud Judge Allison Jones for upholding the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s suspension of notorious trainer Bob Baffert that … Read more
Disagreement Between Key Parties Threatens Effective Enforcement of Anti-Doping Law WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Animal Wellness Action leaders addressed the recent breakdown in discussions between the new Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in letters delivered to the leaders of both organizations. “USADA’s involvement is the very bedrock and foundation … Read more
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Animal Wellness Action (AWA) executive director Marty Irby said this week that key leaders within the Thoroughbred racing industry are the leading voices within the horse racing industry for animal welfare issues, including ending race-day doping to enhancing performance on the track to halting horse slaughter for human consumption. Last week, … Read more
In most years, the running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico is a high-profile, high-stakes follow-up in the Thoroughbred racing world to the running of the Kentucky Derby. Not this year, though. After racing authorities flagged Derby winner Medina Spirit with a banned substance in his bloodstream, it threw the outcome of the race into … Read more
CHARLES TOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – Animal Wellness Action (AWA), the Animal Wellness Foundation (AWF), and the Center for a Humane Economy (CHE) are calling on Penn National Gaming to investigate the rash of horse deaths that have occurred at its Hollywood Casino Charles Town Race Course in West Virginia in 2021. This year, there have been … Read more
West Virginia, New York, and California Lead in Body Count New York, N.Y. – Racehorses continue to die on American tracks with alarming frequency, reminding the industry and the American public that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) enacted on December 27, 2020, has not taken effect and that rampant doping still menaces horses and … Read more
Campaign to end race-day doping in Thoroughbred racing sees tremendous success Washington, D.C. – In the biggest gain for animal welfare in 2020, and in the $900 billion year-end spending bill, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Horseracing Integrity and Safety (HISA) Safety Act, H.R. 1754/S. 4547, last night, concluding an eight-year campaign … Read more
AWA Helps Lead Efforts to Secure Ban Doping in Thoroughbred Horseracing, but Landmark Deal Blocked to Establish Felony Offense for “Horse Soring” Washington, D.C. — In the biggest gain for animal welfare in the $900 billion just-released, year-end spending bill expected to be signed into law within days, the Congress added a rider to ban … Read more
Washington, D.C. — In the biggest gain for animal welfare in 2020 and in the $900 billion year-end spending bill just-released, that’s expected to be signed into law within days, Congress added a rider to ban race-day doping of Thoroughbreds: the Horseracing Integrity and Safety (HISA) Safety Act. H.R. 1754/S. 4547, concluding an eight-year campaign … Read more
Legislation Mirrors McConnell Introduced Bill in the U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. — Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1754, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, led by U.S. Reps. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., and Andy Barr, R-Ky. by a voice vote. H.R. 1754 mirrors legislation recently introduced by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., … Read more
“For centuries, humans have said to horses, ‘You do what I tell you or I’ll hurt you.’ Humans still say that to each other — still threaten, force and intimidate. I’m convinced that my discoveries with horses have value in the workplace, in the educational and penal systems, and in the raising of children. At … Read more
Anti-Doping Measure Mirrors McConnell Introduced Bill in the U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. — Last night leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives announced a scheduled a vote on H.R. 1754, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, led by U.S. Reps. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., and Andy Barr, R-Ky. The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the … Read more
Meanwhile, McConnell Introduces Identical Measure in the U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 1754, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act led by U.S. Reps. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., and Andy Barr, R-Ky., that is now poised to advance to the House Floor following a bipartisan vote of … Read more
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce has officially scheduled a markup hearing for H.R. 1754, the Horseracing Integrity Act, led by U.S. Reps. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., and Andy Barr, R-Ky., for Wednesday, September 9 at 11:00 AM EST. The markup announcement — that is expected to result in the Committee … Read more
Thirty years ago, I wrote a magazine cover story about horse racing, arguing the pageantry and pomp that viewers glimpsed at the Kentucky Derby and other Triple Crown races was a veneer barely concealing a set of hazards for horses. There was widespread doping of horses on race day to enhance performance, frequent breakdowns that … Read more
Lexington, Kentucky — U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell today announced his intent to introduce the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, compromise legislation that would end the doping of Thoroughbred racehorses in the United States. The doping of American racehorses has been a controversial issue over the past five years with hundreds of horses dying … Read more
Around 1800 B.C., a gradual shift began from a hunter-gatherer way of life to agriculturalism, and around 900 B.C., a Mississippian culture took root in what is now known as western and central Kentucky, a vast part of the Bluegrass State. Towns with a population of around 2,000 inhabitants began to develop around the area, … Read more
Tomorrow Marks the Running of the 152nd Belmont Stakes In 1900, New York City broke ground on America’s first subway, an innovation that came at the dusk of the Gilded Age and the dawn of a new century. Two decades before automobiles became a must-have, New York’s subway system provided speed, reliability, and more reliable transportation … Read more