The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has submitted a small number of changes in its enforcement and registration rules to the Federal Trade Commission for approval, HISA said on Wednesday, including language that allows the authority to launch an investigation into a potential violation when acting on evidence submitted by an outside source. The changes, which are mostly relatively minor, comprise the second batch of amendments that the authority has submitted to the FTC in the past week. All of the changes have been devised as part of an ongoing review of HISA’s operations since the authority’s safety rules went into effect last summer. The most significant change in the most recent batch allows HISA to “review any evidence or information submitted from any source which establishes a reasonable probability that one or more rules” in its racetrack safety program have been violated, including use of the whip and veterinary treatments. The rule requires the evidence to be submitted to HISA within 72 hours of the alleged violation occurring, “absent exceptional circumstances which necessitate a longer period of time.” If HISA “determines there is a reasonable probability” that there was a violation, the authority “shall conduct an investigation” and determine whether to hold a hearing or issue a notice of a violation, the rule change states. Another rule change has added conditions to when HISA can issue subpoenas in matters under investigation. While the initial rule gave HISA broad subpoena power, the amendment requires HISA to take into account several considerations prior to issuing a subpoena, including “the availability of, and success in, using alternative methods for obtaining the information in a timely manner.” Other notable rule changes: * “Entering or running a covered horse in a covered horse race with the knowledge that it is ineligible to run” will now be considered a violation. * If a racing licensee fails to pay a fine issued by HISA, the licensee “shall be subject to automatic suspension,” absent “exceptional circumstances.” * Adding a requirement for an owner or trainer to notify HISA of any fatality of a covered horse, “along with an explanation regarding the cause of the fatal condition.” The regulations will be posted for public comment for 60 days prior to FTC reviewing the rules for approval.  :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.