Report Reveals High Fatality Rates For Racehorses In Training And Racing

WASHINGTON—A new report from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) confirms that thoroughbred racehorses are dying both on race day and during training, highlighting significant safety risks within the industry. This marks the first time nationwide data on training fatalities has been publicly released in United States thoroughbred racing history.

Safety Protocols Show Impact

The report indicates that racing-related deaths are nearly twice as high at facilities that haven’t adopted safety protocols prescribed by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, which partially went into effect in 2020. Tracks operating outside HISA oversight report horse deaths at rates 80% higher than those regulated by HISA. Detailed data on horse fatalities by state and racetrack under HISA regulation can be found on pages 10 and 11 of the HISA report.

Advocates Call For Stronger Protections

Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund are urging the adoption of HISA protocols at all tracks and stronger protections for horses in both racing and training. Sara Amundson, president of Humane World Action Fund, stated that a two-tier system with varying safety standards is “unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for “uniform safety standards” across all racing operations. Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals, criticized tracks with high fatality rates, calling them a “hall of shame” and noting that “young horses are dying before they even reach the starting gate.”

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act provides a framework for reducing horse fatalities, and the report suggests that this framework is beginning to show positive results. HISA encourages all racing participants to integrate minimum safety and anti-doping standards to protect the horses.