Veterinarian and NYRA steward Jennifer Durenberger named to HISA post

Jennifer Durenberger, the Jockey Club steward for the New York Racing Association, has been hired as the director of equine safety and welfare for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, HISA announced on Thursday.

Durenberger, who has experience as a regulatory veterinarian, a steward, and racing commission director, will start in her new position on Nov. 28, HISA said. In the position, Durenberger will advise HISA on “equine health and welfare strategies” and “oversee HISA’s relationships with industry veterinarians and other key stakeholders” to ensure compliance with the authority’s safety and welfare policies.

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Durenberger also has a law degree, and she has advocated for welfare policies in racing that better reflect the evolving consensus of popular opinion on animal-welfare issues.

“HISA is thrilled to have Dr. Durenberger sharing her insight and expertise to help protect the health and welfare of our sport’s magnificent athletes,” Liza Lazarus, the chief executive officer of HISA, said in a release.

Durenberger has served as the Jockey Club steward at NYRA tracks since the summer of 2019. Prior to that, she was the chief examining veterinarian at NYRA for 10 years. Between stints as a regulatory veterinarian, she served as a steward at several tracks, and was the director of racing at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for three years.

Durenberger is also the senior veterinary and regulatory consultant to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance, whose duties are expected to be subsumed by HISA.

HISA implemented a large portion of its safety and welfare rules this summer. Its medication and anti-doping program is expected to be implemented on Jan. 1. HISA has jurisdiction in 28 U.S. racing states.

“It’s a privilege to join the exceptional team at HISA in its effort to improve equine health and safety through the introduction and enforcement of strong uniform rules,” Durenberger said.

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