Supreme Court Won’t Hear HISA Constitutionality Challenge to Sixth Circuit Ruling

[Wandering Eyes]

The Supreme Court will not hear a challenge to the Horse Racing Safety and Integrity Act filed by Oklahoma, Louisiana and West Virginia after the Sixth Court Circuit's Court of Appeals found that HISA is constitutional, according to an announcement from the Supreme Court Monday.

“Certiorari denied,” was the only statement coming from the court regarding the ruling.

A writ of certiorari is the primary means to petition the Supreme Court for a review of a lower court's ruling.

Six weeks after the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit upheld HISA's constitutionality, the losing plantiffs–led by Oklahoma, West Virginia and Louisiana–asked for an en banc hearing, where all 28 judges would need to rule on the matter. They were denied, and now the highest court in the land has said they will not hear the challenge.

HISA Chairman of the Board Charles Scheeler praised the court's decision. “We are pleased the Supreme Court has decided to let the Sixth Circuit Court's ruling affirming HISA's constitutionality stand,” he said. “As evidenced by the 38 percent decline in equine fatalities recorded for the first quarter of this year, HISA's uniform standards are having a material, positive impact on the health and well-being of horses. It is long past time for opponents of HISA to drop their outstanding lawsuits. In light of this decision, continued litigation only serves to take time and valuable resources away from our core mission of improving the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing.”

Tom Rooney, the President and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, also pronounced himself pleased with the deicision.

“Today's Supreme Court ruling affirming the constitutionality of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing,” said Rooney in a written statement. “This decision will allow HISA to continue its work to protect the health and safety of equine athletes, thereby fostering greater confidence and integrity in the sport of Thoroughbred racing. The impact of HISA's regulations is already evident. During the first quarter of 2024, racetracks operating under HISA reported a substantial 38% reduction year over year in racing-related equine fatalities. These positive improvements demonstrate the efficacy of HISA's centralized approach in enhancing the welfare of racehorses and promoting a safer racing environment. It is time for all parties to stop their internal fighting and support HISA as the law of the land.”

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