Scollay Steps Down From HIWU Post; Hardy Named Acting Chief of Science

[Wandering Eyes]

Dr. Mary Scollay has retired from her full-time duties as the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's chief of science, effective immediately, HIWU announced Tuesday. While Scollay will continue to serve as a consultant to HIWU, Dr. Michael Hardy has assumed the position of acting chief of science.

“Dr. Scollay was integral to the creation of HIWU and the launch and enforcement of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “In the three-plus years since our first introduction at Turfway Park's test barn, her contributions have been immeasurable.

“The entire HIWU team is thankful for Dr. Scollay's service on behalf of the Thoroughbred industry, and we are grateful that we will continue to benefit from her expertise as a consultant.”

Scollay was a regulatory veterinarian for more than 30 years, including 11 years serving as the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's equine medical director. She piloted the program that became known as The Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database (EID), which was the first North American database to track equine injuries and fatalities.

Before joining HIWU, Scollay was a member of HISA's inaugural ADMC Committee. She also served as the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium's executive director and chief operating officer for three years, where she directed the advancement of laboratory drug testing standards, promotion of RMTC-recommended rules and penalties for prohibited substances and therapeutic medications, monitoring of emerging threats to the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses, and administrative oversight of RMTC-funded research projects and educational programs.

As he transitions into his new position, Hardy will also maintain his role as executive director of the RMTC.

“HIWU has enjoyed a productive relationship with Dr. Hardy in his role at the RMTC, and we are excited for him to join our team,” said Mosier. “We are confident that he will build on our successes thus far to promote laboratory harmonization and facilitate research into novel substances that pose a threat to safety, integrity, and welfare.”

Hardy joins HIWU after spending nearly three years as the executive director of the RMTC. A member of HISA's Horsemen's Advisory Group, he spent more than a decade as a regulatory veterinarian, including serving as the chief association veterinarian and safety director at Horseshoe Indianapolis. He is also a member of the Breeders' Cup Veterinary Panel and has served on the Horseracing Testing Laboratory Committee and RegVets Continuing Education Program's Committee for the RMTC.

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