National HBPA Pushes Back On HISA Equine Sudden Death Release, HISA Replies In Kind

In response to a release on the subject of 'Equine Sudden Death Syndrome' issued by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) on Sept. 25 (TDN story), which found that atrial fibrillation (AF) was a contributing factor to equine sudden death, Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National HPBA, called the findings into question in a statement of his own on Oct. 8, declaring that the HISA statement 'raised more questions than answers' and 'offered no scientific references, and provided no direct link to the alleged research behind their claims, even though the research has been publicly presented.'

In its Sept. 25 release, HISA reported that Exercise-Associated Sudden Death (EASD) accounted for 8% of racing fatalities and 18% of training fatalities at racetracks subject to HISA rules (as well as training centers owned by them). The release also said that retrospective analysis of cases since the inception of HISA showed that more than 50% of those cases were 'likely related to cardiac issues' often classified as 'sudden cardiac death.'

The HISA release proposed 'integrating cardiac screening' into the routine evaluation of horse by making use of wearable devices or veterinary exams with the goal of identifying at-risk horses prior to exercise.

Hamelback took issue to such monitoring in his release, laying out the limitations of heart rate monitors. Hamelback also calls out HISA for their neglecting to acknowledge how the removal of Furosemide (Lasix) can exacerbate the risk of EIPH.

“The welfare of racehorses and the integrity of the sport depend on clear, evidence-based leadership,” Hamelback said. “This is not what we are receiving in this last HISA press release. Anything less does a disservice to horsemen, veterinarians, and most importantly, the horses themselves.”

Late Wednesday evening, HISA CEO Lisa Lazurus released a statement, that is published here in its entirety:

“The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is committed to advancing equine welfare through modern, data-driven science–not outdated assumptions or repeated

trial and error. Exercise-Associated Sudden Death (EASD) is responsible for a significant number of Thoroughbred racing and training deaths annually.  This is why HISA stepped up and assumed a leadership role in bringing together the first-of-its-kind, high-level working group of experts.

“Through collaboration with international clinicians and researchers, HISA's ongoing cardiac monitoring research has created the largest dataset in North America of both equine exercising electrocardiograms (ECGs) and ECGs of horses that have experienced EASD. This data is being analyzed to produce real, ground-breaking findings that are already being shared with, and applauded by, the international veterinary community. While peer-reviewed, published research is still forthcoming, HISA felt it was imperative to share this critical, life-saving information with the racing industry, especially as these findings were only made possible through the collaboration of trainers with researchers from the working group, veterinarians, and wearable device companies, all coming together in the name of equine welfare.

“Preliminary findings have been presented at the International Havemeyer Conference on Poor Performance, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, and will be featured at the Hong Kong Jockey Club International Conference later this year, as well as the International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians in Melbourne in 2026. All of these forums and conferences are selective and only accept compelling, novel and high-quality research through an evaluation of scientific merit, clarity and relevance.

“Modern ECG technology and data collection are well-accepted, non-invasive tools for assessing racehorses, and their use is well supported within the veterinary community. Citing decades-old studies as definitive evidence is disingenuous and flies in the face of reason and the ever-evolving nature of veterinary science. While the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has issued dubious statements in the past, it is shocking that they would try and dissuade trainers and veterinary practitioners from applying these potentially life-saving measures to horses simply because they oppose HISA.

“HISA remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and scientific integrity–ensuring the sport's safety standards reflect today's best evidence, not yesterday's limitations.”