Irwin among trio named to HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Standing Committee

The board of directors of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has approved the nominations of three individuals to its Anti-Doping and Medication Control Standing Committee, including Barry Irwin, an outspoken critic of racing’s current abilities to catch drug violators.

Irwin, a horse owner who runs the Team Valor racing partnership, was appointed to the committee along with Dr. Lynn Hovda, the chief commission veterinarian for the Minnesota Racing Commission, and Dr. Stephen Schumacher, the chief administrator of the United States Equestrian Foundation’s Equine Drugs and Medication Program.

The three individuals were chosen to replace vacated seats following the resignations of Jeff Novitzky, Dr. Mary Scollay, and Dr. Scott Stanley. Earlier this year, Scollay was hired as the chief science officer of the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit, which will administer and enforce HISA’s anti-doping and medication control program (ADMC).

In a press release, HISA said that the standing committee “has transitioned its focus” to advising HISA on the implementation of the ADMC, which is planned to go into effect Jan. 1. HISA’s rules for the ADMC are currently being reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission.

In addition to running Team Valor, Irwin has contributed opinion pieces to Thoroughbred publications contending that racing has failed to police its sport adequately for decades. He was appointed to the standing committee as a representative of owners, HISA said.

Hovda has a long career in veterinary medicine and veterinary science and is considered an expert in equine pharmacology and toxicology. She was appointed as a representative of racing commissions.

Schumacher, who has a PhD in veterinary science, has extensive experience in equine drug testing. He was appointed as an independent member of the committee.