Scollay named chief science officer of HISA's Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit

Dr. Mary Scollay, the executive director of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, has been named the chief science officer of a division of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the organization announced on Tuesday.

Scollay, who was the equine medical director for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for 11 years prior to her time at the RMTC, will begin in the position on Oct. 10, HISA said. Scollay was already a member of HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program, and she has resigned that position.

The appointment fills the chief science officer position with an experienced racing regulator at a time when some horsemen continue to criticize HISA’s rule-making processes for being unrealistic. HISA was formed by federal legislation passed late in 2020, and its mission, as set out in its enabling legislation, was to bring outside expertise into the national regulation of racing.

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In her position, Scollay will oversee the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit at the authority. That division was established by Drug Free Sport, HISA’s contracted drug-testing and enforcement partner, shortly after it was hired by the authority.

Scollay’s job duties will include overseeing the authority’s laboratory accreditation program, prioritizing research into prohibited substances, and managing the prohibited substance list for the industry. She will also serve as a liaison between HISA and veterinary scientists, pharmacologists, and “other experts in the Thoroughbred industry,” HISA said.

“Dr. Scollay’s extensive experience in the areas of anti-doping rules, testing standards, and veterinary regulation in the Thoroughbred industry will make her a key asset to” the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit, said Ben Mosier, the executive director of the unit. “We are fortunate to retain her knowledge and skill set as we prepare for the implementation of the [Anti-Doping and Medication Control] program.”

HISA’s rules on drugs and medications, along with penalties for violations of the rules, are scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 1.

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