The Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has announced the appointment of Conrad Vandroff, Dr. Christina Eissaman, Carly Schulger, Sophie Shore, and Whitney Verbal to its Next Generation Advisory Group. Formed in 2024, this group provides official feedback to HISA leadership and the Standing Committee regarding the development of racetrack safety measures and the anti-doping and drug control (ADMC) programs. The new appointees will succeed outgoing members Waqas Ahmed, Mark Brody, Jeff Matti, Katie Miranda, and Tyler Peoples.
The Next Generation Advisory Group consists of 20 members who bring varied insights from across the horse racing industry, including trainers, owners, consignors, veterinarians, and jockey organization representatives.
For a full list of members, click here. Below are details about the new members:
– Conrad Vandroff serves as Vice President of Denali Stud in Kentucky, a prominent consignor established by his family in 1990. Denali Stud has been connected with many Grade 1 winners, such as Journalism and Animal Kingdom. Vandroff has experience with notable trainers and stud farms and holds credentials from Sewanee University and the Godolphin Flying Start program.
– Dr. Christina Eissaman is a veterinarian based in Lexington, Kentucky at Equine Medical Associates and has involvement in family training operations in Florida. She focuses on thoroughbred rehabilitation and lameness evaluations and is dedicated to helping horses overcome performance challenges.
– Carly Schulger has experience in horse rehabilitation administration at Margaux Farms and a background as a racehorse trainer and exercise rider in California and Kentucky. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and is pursuing a Master’s in Exercise Science, combining her research with her experience in both thoroughbred and human performance. She also competed in NCAA cross country and track and field.
– Sophie Shore is an attorney from New York with a lifelong passion for horses and racing. She has worked in various industry roles including with the New York Horse Racing Association and trainer Graham Motion, and she advocates for safety and innovation in the sport.
– Whitney Verbal is a Certified Level II Steward with over 13 years of industry experience. A graduate in animal science from North Carolina A&T State University, she has worked at the Lazy E Ranch and in multiple racing states, currently overseeing race operations and enforcement of HISA regulations.
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on December 23, 2025, and appeared in their News section.
Fan Take: The addition of these diverse and experienced professionals to HISA’s advisory group signals a strong commitment to improving horse racing’s safety and integrity. For fans, this means a future where the sport is not only more secure for horses and riders but also more trusted and respected by the public.
