Here’s a rewritten version of the content in my own words:
Despite widespread criticism of HISA (Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority) from the global Thoroughbred racing community, only one individual—David Rizzo—submitted a public comment to the Federal Trade Commission regarding HISA’s proposed budget for 2027. Rizzo bluntly described HISA as “a waste of taxpayer money” that has failed to clean up the sport and argued that the budget should be zero. While I disagree with his assessment of HISA’s effectiveness, I commend him for actually taking the time to participate in the official process, unlike many critics who vent online but never engage regulators directly.
Many horse racing insiders share their concerns about HISA and its enforcement body, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), with me privately. Some messages reflect a lack of understanding, yet others raise thoughtful questions. When I receive well-reasoned emails, I encourage those individuals to send their feedback directly to HISA, HIWU, or the FTC because that’s the way to influence change, not just complain to a journalist.
HISA released its draft budget for 2027 in July and invited public comments, with the first deadline on July 27. After reviewing feedback, HISA was to submit the budget to its board and then to the FTC. The organization emphasized efforts to reduce overall costs. In August, HISA filed the proposed budget with the FTC, which later confirmed it complies with federal law and opened a public comment period focused on whether the budget is prudent, cost-effective, and sufficient to cover expenses.
The FTC provided details on the budget development: after the initial board approval and public posting, minor adjustments were made, including reductions in veterinary salary and travel costs offset by increased professional services expenses, resulting in a modest $14,000 total increase. This final version was sent back to the board for approval with no further changes.
Although HISA’s 2027 budget request is smaller than in previous years, strong online criticism surfaced as soon as it was announced, and again after the “Grammgate” scandal. Yet none of the vocal skeptics have formally submitted questions or concerns to the FTC, which is the only official body that can act on the matters. The next deadline for public comments is approaching—now is the time to engage or stop complaining on social media.
Social media has the benefit of instantly sharing local horse racing stories nationally, but it also enables conspiracy theorists worldwide to amplify unverified suspicions about HISA and racing integrity. The flurry of online accusations sometimes feels like the chaotic villain teamwork in an old Batman film—much noise, but little substance or proof. Accusations that the Paulick Report is colluding with The Jockey Club or HISA are unfair to professional journalists like Ray Paulick and editor Chelsea Hackbarth, who have a long track record of independent reporting and conducted a straightforward interview with The Jockey Club last week. Their answers clarified The Jockey Club’s lack of involvement in HISA’s data systems and governance, but some still choose to interpret these facts as part of a baseless conspiracy rather than accept them at face value.
The real scandal is not in media coverage or The Jockey Club but rather the failure to catch Marshall Gramm’s misconduct sooner and how HISA and federal agencies will respond. Recently, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus publicly replied to Churchill Downs, Inc.’s (CDI) complaints to the FTC by outlining the steps taken after discovering the breach, including forensic investigation, law enforcement notification, public disclosure, and system upgrades. While this response may not satisfy all critics, especially the most vocal opponents of HISA, it demonstrates action and transparency.
Meanwhile, millionaire Thoroughbred owner Mike Repole has proposed funding a $10 million “independent” investigation into Grammgate, linking The Jockey Club to the issue. This offer is problematic since private investigations of federal regulators are inappropriate, HISA cannot accept donations, and the FTC will conduct its own inquiry with possible Justice Department involvement. Moreover, if this privately funded probe reveals no grand conspiracy, conspiracy theorists will likely accuse the FTC of covering it up.
Notably, Lazarus sent her letter to the FTC with copies to ten key members of Congress involved in creating HISA, including Senators Cruz, McConnell, and Cantwell, as well as various House representatives. This signals to lawmakers that the types of conflicts CDI highlighted are exactly the problems Congress intended HISA to address. A regulatory system that avoids upsetting big industry players wouldn’t really be effective oversight.
On another topic, efforts to investigate alleged horse slaughter linked to a Pennsylvania farm remain stalled due to a lack of response from Pennsylvania authorities and limited cooperation from New York law enforcement. I will continue pursuing answers.
Additionally, Repole’s claims of collusion between The Jockey Club and Keeneland are unfounded, but his concerns highlight a real issue: the lack of transparency in horse sale bidding practices. As both a buyer and breeder, I recognize this is an area in need of improvement.
Finally, credit should be given to Joe Faraldo, who, despite failures as head of the U.S. Trotting Association, has been a powerful advocate as president of the New York Standardbred Owners Association. His efforts helped secure a $550,000 contribution from MGM Resorts to promote harness racing in New York, a valuable boost for the sport.
Disclosure: The Jockey Club sponsors this column, along with other sponsors who have no editorial influence.
Fan Take:
This story reveals the critical importance of transparent, responsive governance in horse racing. Fans and insiders should grasp that meaningful reform requires participation through official channels, not just online outrage, and that the future integrity of the sport depends on holding institutions accountable while resisting distraction by baseless conspiracies.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
