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HISA Names Anjali Salooja As New Director Of Operations And Compliance

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has named Anjali Salooja Director of Operations and Compliance, the organization said in a release Thursday.

Salooja will oversee all compliance systems and procedures for the organization, ensuring HISA remains compliant with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act at all times. She will also provide daily operational and long-term planning support for new initiatives designed to promote equine and jockey health and safety.

“We couldn't be more pleased to welcome someone of Anjali's talent and experience to HISA,” said CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Her expertise in leading organizational operations and implementing national safety protocols make her an excellent fit to help us further HISA's goals.”

In her most recent role, Salooja served as the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s Vice President and Assistant General Counsel. She oversaw the NBA's Anti-Drug Program and player health and safety efforts for its affiliate leagues, leading coordination with players, medical advisors, coaches, trainers and league staff. Prior to that, Salooja practiced law at Debevoise & Plimpton and worked as an analyst at Goldman Sachs.

“I look forward to helping further HISA's mission by ensuring operational excellence across the growing organization,” said Salooja. “With continued coordination and partnership between the HISA team and racing participants, we can make integrity and safety the top priority in Thoroughbred racing across the country.”

Salooja is an admitted attorney to the New York State Bar Association and a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

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HISA And HIWU Name Alan Foreman As Ombudsman

Effective immediately, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) have named Alan Foreman, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Associations, Inc. (THA), as ombudsman on behalf of HISA's rules, with a primary focus on the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, both organizations released in a joint statement Wednesday.

As the national ombudsman, which is modeled after the World Anti-Doping Agency's Ombuds Program, Foreman's responsibilities include:

Serving as an impartial and unbiased resource for Covered Persons and other Thoroughbred industry constituents to provide confidential advice and assistance at no cost to them in relation to the ADMC Program and the Racetrack Safety Program, including with respect to the rights and obligations of Covered Persons under both Programs.

Accepting feedback and comments from Covered Persons and other Thoroughbred industry constituents with respect to the rules comprising both Programs and communicating such feedback and comments to HISA and/or HIWU.

Providing advice to HISA and HIWU about the content and interpretation of the rules comprising both Programs.

In addition to Foreman's current position with the THA, which he is maintaining, Foreman is recognized as one of the leading racing law and equine attorneys in the United States, with expertise in medication, drug testing, equine safety, and welfare. His law practice encompasses all aspects of equine and horse racing law, and he is counsel to many horsemen's and racing industry organizations, including the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, National Steeplechase Association, and the United States Equestrian Federation Drugs and Medications Program. He is co-vice chair of the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium. He chairs the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities, co-authored the widely respected New York Task Force Report on Racehorse Health and Safety, and was recently named by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the newly created Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.

Foreman has informed HISA and HIWU that he will donate all compensation paid to him by both groups in connection with his duties as ombudsman to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

“HISA's commitment to fairness in racing includes ensuring every horseman is fully aware of our rules and processes,” said HISA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lazarus. “I am grateful that Alan is assisting HISA and HIWU to help educate racing participants and listen and learn from them as we work together to implement HISA's regulations as evenly and effectively as possible.”

“The new ombudsman position will assist horsemen and other Covered Persons with navigating the ADMC rules, thus enhancing understanding and facilitating compliance under the ADMC Program,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “Alan's extensive experience in horse racing law, combined with a thorough understanding of HISA's rules, make him the ideal industry representative to take on this role.”

“I applaud HISA and HIWU for creating this important position and am honored that they have asked me to serve. It is vital for all Covered Persons and organizations to have a trusted advocate and resource for them in this new system, and I will do my best to be fair, objective, effective and meaningful. I hope this position helps to smooth the transition to our new regulatory system,” said Foreman.

Industry participants interested in utilizing the ombudsman service should reach out to Foreman via email or by phone at (410) 336-0525.

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Horse Racing Women’s Summit Topics, Speakers Announced

The second annual Horse Racing Women's Summit, to be held Sept. 27-29 at Santa Anita, will include three panel discussions, morning and luncheon keynotes and a Friday morning workshop.

Zoe Cadman, XBTV and 1/ST RACING Host and Analyst, will serve as the emcee for the event, which will kick off with a keynote from Reagan Cannon, an international leadership speaker and coach. Following the morning keynote, leaders at the front line of industry change will gather for a discussion on the State of the Industry, moderated by Millie Ball, XBTV and 1/ST RACING simulcast host.

State of the Industry featured speakers are: Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin; horse racing reporter Britney Eurton; HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus; and equine veterinarian Casille Batten.

The second panel, titled Running the Show, will feature a conversation among industry professionals in various facets of management from racetracks across the county. Moderator Michelle Yu will guide the panelists through a discussion focused on their careers, the ins-and-outs of racetrack management, current events, and their outlook on the future.

“I am a firm believer in the philosophy that 'a rising tide raises all ships' and this sport is so much better when we are able to come together, elevate and support each other,” said Jessica Paquette, Parx Racing announcer and Running the Show panelist. “I am honored to join so many women I respect in the industry for an event that is sure to be educational and empowering.”

Other Running the Show featured speakers are: SVP and General Counsel, Sports and Entertainment at New York Racing Association Joi Garner; SVP, Operations and Administration DMTC Ann Hall; and SVP and Executive Producer for Santa Anita Amy Zimmerman.

The third panel discussion, led by FanDuel TV's Christina Blacker and titled Looking Forward, will delve into a variety of topics including diversity, mental health, the backstretch community, and how the industry can improve.

Karen Chavez, General Manager of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, who will join the Looking Forward panel said, “Attending the HRWS Meet Up in Saratoga was an inspiring experience that showcased the power of connection and empowerment within the horse racing industry, leaving a positive and lasting impact on the women of the backstretch community. I am excited to be on a panel at the second Horse Racing Women's Summit at Santa Anita Park, and continuing to build on the momentum that began one year ago.”

Looking Forward speakers also include: trainer and equestrian Chanel Minnifield; Los Angeles Chargers CAO Catherine Iste; and Amplify Horse Racing executive director Annise Montplaisir.

Friday's hands-on workshop is designed to identify areas of focus and specific action items for the Horse Racing Women's Summit Committee in 2024.

Tickets for the Horse Racing Women's Summit can be purchased here.

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HISA In Depth: The Procedures Surrounding A Provisional Suspension

Editor's note: This is the latest in a series in the TDN to help industry members better understand the procedures under the new HISA and HIWU regulations.

TDN: Please explain the rules on what happens during a Provisional Suspension. Are my employees still allowed to care for my horses? Can my assistant trainer be in charge? Or do I have to have them moved to an entirely new barn with new help?

HISA:It is true that there have been some changes in the procedures surrounding a Provisional Suspension, along with a lot of misinformation. Here is what happens when your horse tests positive for a Banned (not Controlled) Substance.

First, when you receive notification of a positive test, you can decide if you want to have the split, or B sample, tested.

If you do want to have it tested:

Your Provisional Suspension will not start until your B sample result comes back. During this time, you may continue to train and race your horses without interruption.
You must pay the B sample analysis fee ($2,000) within seven calendar days of requesting it. In cases of financial hardship, a payment plan may be available.
If your B sample result does not confirm the A sample finding, the case against you is dismissed and you are refunded the $2,000 for the B sample analysis.
If your B sample result confirms the A, you will be allowed to race any horses that you had already entered prior to notification of the B sample confirmation. In all other respects, your Provisional Suspension goes into effect when you are notified of the B sample results.

If you do not want to have the B sample tested:

You may race any horses entered to race prior to Notification of the positive test.
However, in all other respects, your Provisional Suspension goes into effect when you either waive your right to have the B sample tested or do not notify HIWU of your decision within five days of being notified of the A sample result.

It should be noted that there are exceptions to the opportunity to postpone the implementation of a Provisional Suspension:

There is a subset of Banned Substances that will trigger an immediate Provisional Suspension upon notice of the A sample result.
If a trainer has more than one horse test positive for the same Banned Substance within a six-month period or has received notices for potential violations related to a Banned Substance in addition to a positive test result (e.g., possession or use), they are not eligible for the delayed imposition of a Provisional Suspension.

TDN: What happens when your Provisional Suspension goes into effect?

HISA: You and your staff can continue looking after the horses under your care, however, these horses cannot breeze or be entered to race unless they are transferred to another responsible person (a trainer, for example) in a bona fide transfer approved by the stewards and registered in the HISA Portal.

You also:
a) must take down or cover any personal signage bearing your name or related to your operations where horses are located at the racetrack
b) cannot claim horses or bring new horses into your barn
c) cannot be employed within the Thoroughbred horseracing industry in any other capacity where you come into contact with covered horses (including, but not limited to acting as an agent for an owner or working as an exercise rider.
d) After the imposition of the Provisional Suspension, you can request a Provisional Suspension Hearing (limited to the issue of whether to lift the suspension) or a final hearing to conclude your case as soon as possible. A Provisional Suspension Hearing may be convened as soon as 48 hours after it is requested.

TDN: How long is my suspension for a banned substance?

HISA: A first offense for the presence (positive test result) or possession of a Banned Substance may result in a suspension of up to two years. The suspension may be shortened based on the specific circumstances of the case.

For example, the arbitrator hearing a case may issue a shorter suspension in their Final Decision based on the Covered Person's degree of fault for the positive test result or possession.

Suspensions may also be shortened if, the Covered Person:
1) agrees to an admission and acceptance of Consequences, or
2) provides Substantial Assistance to HIWU.

Time served under a Provisional Suspension is counted toward any final suspension (period of Ineligibility).

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