Legal News Archives - Horse Racing News & Events

A group of men at a long table for a hearing on horse deaths at Santa Anita, which led to the federal regulation now known as HISA

Controversy, Confusion, Care Surround Horse Racing’s New HISA Rules

Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act rules mean bettors can take note of scratches, feel more confident about a national drug test standard.

Posted on: July 7, 2022 | | Paul Bergeron

Baffert Legal Team Dealt A Significant Blow In Medina Spirit DQ Case

The Kentucky stewards upheld their suspension of trainer Bob Baffert for use of illegal steroids on Medina Spirit in the 2021 Kentucky Derby.

Posted on: February 28, 2022 | | Paul Bergeron

Fourteen Defendants Including Trainers Jason Servis And Jorge Navarro Back In Court On New Indictment

Fourteen defendants entered not guilty pleas Nov. 17 in an ongoing drug scheme involving racehorses. That includes trainers Jason Servis and Jorge Navarro.

Posted on: November 18, 2020 | | Fairway Jay

Voided Claim Rules Aid Equine Safety Measures

Jurisdictions that have added voided claim rules are providing better protection for racehorses, according to the Jockey Club Equine Injury Database.

Posted on: July 9, 2020 | | Kimberly French

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Rules on the Use of Riding Crops

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission changed its rules on how riding crops are used, after two differing proposals were introduced by the Jockeys’ Guild and the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition.

Posted on: June 16, 2020 | | Kimberly French

Minnesota Tracks Receive Help but No Expanded Betting

Minnesota is home to two prominent horse racing tracks: Canterbury Park and Running Aces. Both have become casino/resort properties and contribute significantly to the state’s economy. Businesses across Minnesota inundated lawmakers with requests for assistance as the coronavirus pandemic took hold two months ago. Most asked for financial assistance, but some wanted opportunities. The two […]

Posted on: May 28, 2020 | | Jennifer Newell

Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association - THA

NJ THA Fights On as SCOTUS Denies Sports Leagues Appeal

The case of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NJ THA) versus major American sports leagues hit another wall this month. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) denied the leagues’ request to hear their arguments against the THA’s $150 million lawsuit. In a complicated legal matter dating back to 2014, the decision by […]

Posted on: May 25, 2020 | | Jennifer Newell

Horse Racing Rocked by 27 FBI Indictments for Illegal Medications

On Monday (March 9) federal prosecutors revealed 27 indictments charging 27 people in various capacities with the industry for administering, shipping, packaging and supplying illegal medications to racehorses. Implemented by the Southern District of New York, the indictments claim those charges were involved in an extensive plan to give horses these medications, then hide their […]

Posted on: March 9, 2020 | | Kimberly French

Horse Owner Amends Lawsuit Against Santa Anita

An abundance of caution or a culture of hysteria? The Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles may be the ultimate decider. George Sharp, thoroughbred horse owner, filed a lawsuit against Santa Anita Park and its owner, Stronach Group. He claimed that said culture prompted his horse, League of Shadows, to be scratched from […]

Posted on: March 6, 2020 | | Jennifer Newell

Pennsylvania Governor Proposes Racing Industry Cuts

Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania must make tough decisions. Each year, he must make budget proposals that lessen funding for one sector to help another sector. This year, one of those decisions is getting under the hooves of many in Pennsylvania’s horse racing industry. Wolf recently proposed taking $204 million from the Pennsylvania Race Horse […]

Posted on: February 28, 2020 | | Jennifer Newell