The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit announced Monday the launch of its anonymous whistleblower platforms that enable participants in the Thoroughbred industry to submit tips safely and anonymously regarding potential violations of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. The text and email platforms are supported through a partnership with RealResponse, the leading provider of safe and secure reporting platform for athletes, teams, and organizations, while the telephone platform is supported by Ansafone.
Using the designated telephone line, text line, or email address, any industry participant can anonymously submit information relating to Covered Horses, barns, trainers, or other Covered Persons for review by HIWU's Investigations Unit. Submissions are accepted 24/7. Whistleblowers can include their contact information if they are open to potential follow up from HIWU's investigators. However, this option is voluntary.
“Our anonymous whistleblower platforms will empower concerned individuals to safely and securely alert HIWU to potential violations of the AMDC Program, including situations where the welfare of the horse or integrity of the sport may be compromised,” said Michelle Pujals, HIWU's general counsel. “We look forward to working with RealResponse, which has a proven track record in administering this type of technology, to facilitate the success of this key component of the ADMC Program.”
“We are honored to work with the leadership of the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit,” said David Chadwick, RealResponse Founder and CEO. “We have seen significant interest from leading integrity agencies who seek a more efficient and effective platform to enhance their investigative process. Working with HIWU as it launches platforms to protect against efforts that compromise the integrity of horse racing, as well as to protect the wellbeing of the equine athletes, is important to us. Our service makes it simple and easy for those in the field to report concerning incidents they witness to ensure fairness and safety across the industry.”
Individuals who would like to submit tips should utilize the following contact options:
Phone Line: (888) 714-4498
Text Line: (855) 901-8477
Email Address: hiwutips@hiwu.realresponse.com
Industry participants should note that the HIWU Investigations Unit can only consider tips regarding the ADMC Program and will not respond to potential violations of HISA's Racetrack Safety Program or other violations or inquiries that fall outside the jurisdiction of the ADMC Program. Potential violations of the Racetrack Safety Program will be forwarded to HISA.
Those with information regarding potential violations of HISA's Racetrack Safety Program should call (877) 513-2919 or email feedback@hisaus.org. Submissions will be treated anonymously.
About RealResponse
Founded in 2015, RealResponse is a partner to more than 125 colleges and universities, as well as 12 NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, the NFLPA, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, USADA, the NWSL, the Premier Hockey Federation and many others. A growing number of national governing bodies including US Soccer, USA Track and Field, USA Swimming, and USA Gymnastics, also rely on RealResponse, allowing more than one million athletes and staff the ability to anonymously share feedback and concerns in a safe and secure manner. RealResponse is an online platform that allows for real-time reporting, surveys, and as a document repository. Organizations can also benchmark metrics to peer and national averages to identify areas of competitive advantage and vulnerability. Additional partnerships with international organizations, colleges and professional sports properties are expected in 2023. In 2021, RealResponse was recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal as one of the “Fifty Most Innovative Companies in the Region.” For more information about RealResponse, visit realresponse.com.
About the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit
The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) was established in 2022 by Drug Free Sport International to administer the rules and enforcement mechanisms of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. The ADMC Program establishes a centralized testing and results management process that applies uniform penalties for violations efficiently and consistently across all American Thoroughbred racing jurisdictions that HISA governs. HIWU oversees testing, educating stakeholders on the program, laboratory accreditation, investigation of potential violations, and prosecution of any such violations. For more information, please visit hiwu.org.
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