Travis T. Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), announced on Thursday (Dec. 23) that USADA has been unable to reach an agreement with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to become the enforcement agency for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.
Tygart's statement on the Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program negotiations is available below.
“We are deeply disappointed to announce that we have been unable to reach an agreement with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for USADA to become the enforcement agency for the anti-doping and medication control program for Thoroughbred racing under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. After months of negotiations, we have been unable to enter an agreement in line with the requirements of the Act, and one which would have given us a reasonable chance to put in place a credible and effective program. While we are obviously saddened by the outcome at this stage, we tried our absolute best to find a way forward but without success.
“While we desperately tried to reach an agreement to implement the program, without compromising our values, we have always said the passing of the legislation and the finalization of uniform, robust rules are huge victories for the horses and the equine industry. We are honoured to have been involved with these efforts to restore the integrity of Thoroughbred horse racing. Though we are unsure what the future holds for USADA – if any – in this effort, we have offered to assist the Authority and others in the industry to ensure that the sport gets the program it needs and that the horses deserve.”
(With files from USTA & USADA)