Racing's Biggest Problem, And The Solution: Lisa Lazarus

In a new TDN series, we are asking the industry what is racing's biggest problem, and what is the solution to that problem. Today, HISA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lazarus joins us to offer herperspective.

What do you think is racing's biggest problem?

Racing's biggest problem is the perception–and at times the reality–that our industry treats horses as commodities rather than athletes and partners. When the public believes horses are viewed primarily as economic assets instead of sentient beings, the sport's social license to operate is at risk. Without that license, we jeopardize governmental support, subsidies, and ultimately the future of horseracing itself.

While most within the industry treat horses with the care they rightly deserve, a small minority still behave in ways that reinforce this damaging perception. Their actions create serious challenges: concerns about horse welfare, the slaughter pipeline, and the limited options available to Thoroughbreds when their racing careers end. These issues erode trust and threaten the long-term stability of the sport.

What is the solution?

There are several layers of solutions, but they all require the industry to confront this challenge together. The first and most critical step is establishing a national culture where horse welfare is the dominant consideration in every decision related to racing Thoroughbreds. We have made meaningful progress in that regard, but there is still significant work to be done.

Second, we need to demonstrate–consistently and visibly–that we are committed to reducing equine injuries and fatalities. Words are not enough; the public must see ongoing, measurable action that reflects our values.

Third, we must strengthen the aftercare ecosystem by expanding programs like the HISA Equine Recovery Foundation (“HERF”). HERF provides resources for surgeries and rehabilitation when a horse sustains an injury with an excellent prognosis for recovery, such as a condylar fracture or a single sesamoid. In just a few months, HERF has inspired remarkable collaboration: equine surgeons donating their time, stud farms offering empty stalls, and van companies transporting horses at little or no cost. This is what the industry can accomplish when it acts as one community.

In my view, respecting the horse as a sentient being–and prioritizing its well-being–is the foundation upon which everything else in our sport must be built. That foundation must be strengthened, reinforced, and made resilient enough to carry thoroughbred racing into the future.

–Emma Hunter is a first-year trainee in the Godolphin Flying Start program. She is a native of Cork, Ireland. The first horse she ever foaled was Noble Yeats, winner of the 2022 Grand National, who was bred by her family.