HISA: Thoroughbred racing fatalities show decrease from 2023

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The 2024 Triple Crown season has ended without any horse fatalities, in stark contrast to last year, when there had been 12 deaths from the end of April to the end of May.

According to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), the first quarter of 2024 saw a decrease in horse racing fatalities for thoroughbreds from 2023 by 38 percent.

“Racetracks operating under HISA’s rules and running races in the first quarter reported 0.84 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts, compared to 1.35 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts in the first quarter of 2023,” HISA said.

HISA said that with the exception of Rilito Park in Arizona, which was closed for racing this year, the same tracks had conducted racing in the first quarters of 2023 and 2024.

HISA said this quarterly fatality report is the first time they have released racetrack fatality information and that the association plans to provide routine updates “in recognition of the seasonal variabilities in racing conditions and numbers of equine fatalities, as well as the importance of ongoing transparency regarding safety concerns.”

According to HISA, as of March 31, approximately 2.5 million veterinary medical records have been uploaded to HISA since their Racetrack Safety Program was initiated in 2022, two years after HISA’s creation.

HISA also announced that alongside quarterly racetrack fatality reports, separate “Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program” reports will also be released.