The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has withdrawn from a federal lawsuit challenging the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), leaving Churchill Downs Inc. as the sole plaintiff. The lawsuit disputes HISA’s fee assessment methodology, claiming violations of the U.S. Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by blending starts and purses to calculate fees.

HISA, established by Congress in 2020 to create national safety standards in thoroughbred racing, has refuted the allegations and stated that its methodology was approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Despite the legal challenge, HISA has reported significant safety improvements since launching its anti-doping and medication control program in 2023, including a 21% reduction in equine fatalities.

NYRA, while initially involved in the lawsuit, expressed strong support for HISA’s regulatory goals and emphasized the importance of their collaboration. The terms of the settlement between NYRA and HISA are confidential, but NYRA’s withdrawal does not impact Churchill Downs’ claims. Churchill Downs continues to challenge HISA’s fee assessment methodology in court.