Before the holidays, The Paulick Report asked its readers a straightforward question: “What is one realistic goal for the Thoroughbred industry in 2026?” The governance of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) was a prominent topic among the responses, along with the use of computer-assisted gambling. Readers are encouraged to review the final 2025 Breeders’ Cup forum, with light editing by Paulick Report publisher Ray Paulick. It is important to note that such reader surveys often reflect the views of the most frustrated individuals. Nonetheless, the feedback, especially the critical views toward HISA, deserves a thoughtful response.
First, it is essential to remind the U.S. horse racing community that comparisons of this new regulator to a heavy-handed government agency stem largely from a campaign by conservative legal advocacy groups and jockey associations. A trainer who faced license suspension after due hearings is hardly comparable to someone forcibly taken by federal agents from the street. Unfortunately, this anti-HISA narrative has misled many within the industry about what the law actually entails. Greater education about the federal horse racing regulatory system will deepen and improve the discussions on how to enhance HISA.
Second, HISA’s involvement in horse racing is not unprecedented. Government oversight has existed since the early days of the sport, primarily through state horse racing commissions, which often failed in various ways. This poor track record pushed the industry to seek a better approach through Congress, leading to HISA’s creation. Discussions with critics reveal that their complaints mainly target regulation itself, either opposing it outright or desiring control over how it is implemented. While understandable, rejecting regulation is unrealistic and jeopardizes the sport’s future. Regulation is necessary to protect horses, bettors, owners, jockeys, trainers, and veterinarians. Viewing all regulations as tyranny will only fuel ongoing resistance to reforms designed to safeguard the sport’s integrity. Particularly misguided is the Racehorse Health and Safety Act, which perpetuates failing policies under the guise of a national solution.
Contrast this frustration with the constructive efforts by industry groups like the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, California Thoroughbred Owners, and Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. Shortly before Christmas, these groups issued a press release summarizing their constructive engagement with HISA and their views on proposed 2025 changes. Their approach emphasizes collaboration over confrontation, and HISA and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) have welcomed this involvement. This release provides a more informative and balanced perspective than the often politically charged rhetoric from jockey associations or other groups.
The press release also clarifies the regulatory hierarchy, underscored by a recent unanimous ruling by the Sixth Circuit Court supporting HISA. Stakeholders can advocate for changes, but these can only be enacted if the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approves them. Industry groups have communicated concerns about delays in implementing reforms, expressing optimism that the FTC will act swiftly to finalize proposed amendments.
Those seeking a better and fairer HISA should support the quiet but real progress being made. The THA release underscores the value of working with HISA and HIWU to ensure fair treatment of jockeys, respect for due process, and reasonable handling of violations, while honoring the regulators’ core mission.
In tribute to Diane Crump, a pioneering female jockey who broke barriers in the 1960s and 70s, the New York Times highlighted the sexism she endured. Crump was the first woman to compete in a professional U.S. horse race in 1969 and later rode in the 1970 Kentucky Derby. Despite harsh criticism and skepticism, she remained undeterred, paving the way for future generations of female jockeys. Crump passed away from brain cancer on New Year’s Day 2026, but her legacy endures.
In a broader industry context, ongoing discussions address topics like attracting new owners, expanding fixed-odds betting, and increasing foal crop sizes—all essential to sustaining horse racing’s future. Yet, the anti-HISA faction remains resistant to these realities as HISA continues engaging industry stakeholders, exemplified by the recent expansion of its Next Generation Advisory Group, featuring young professionals across the sport.
A reader raised concerns about trainers acting as unlicensed veterinarians, a practice illegal in every state, pointing to the case of Rudy Rodriguez. This highlights another regulatory challenge intensifying debates within horse racing circles.
Meanwhile, Illinois’s Hawthorn Racecourse faces scrutiny for failing to pay owners and trainers on multiple occasions, suggesting potential financial mismanagement that calls for investigation.
Lastly, a tribute honors Sergeant York, a Standardbred horse turned U.S. Army caisson horse who served military funerals for 25 years, including President Reagan’s in 2004. Sergeant York passed away recently at a New York sanctuary and is remembered for his unique post-racing role.
This article originally appeared in the Paulick Report on January 5, 2026.
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Fan Take: This coverage matters to horse racing fans because it highlights the ongoing struggle between tradition and modernization, with HISA at the center of efforts to protect the sport’s integrity and safety. Embracing collaboration over conflict is crucial for horse racing’s future, ensuring the welfare of horses and fairness for all participants while preserving the sport’s rich heritage.
