HISA to offer free legal assistance to licensees in need facing violations

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has launched a program that will provide free legal assistance to licensees facing alleged violations of its anti-doping and medication program, HISA announced on Monday.

The pro bono legal representation will be available to licensees with an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 and “no significant liquid assets,” HISA said. The legal services will be provided by volunteer attorneys with experience in equine medication issues, though the volunteers will receive reimbursement from HISA for “limited” out-of-pocket expenses.

HISA chief executive officer Lisa Lazarus briefly mentioned the launch of the program during an address to the Global Symposium on Racing last week in Tucson. She said that the pro bono program is the “first of its kind in American sport.”

Participating firms include Jackson Kelly, which has offices throughout the Midwest, and Wyatt Tarrant & Combs, which is based in Lexington. Both have equine law divisions.

Licensees will need to fill out an application form to be authorized for the representation.

Earlier this year, HISA appointed Alan Foreman, the longtime legal counsel to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, as an ombudsman to act as a legal guide to horsemen facing medication or doping violations. The pro bono program will provide legal counsel and representation during any adjudications of violations.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.