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The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has named Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher among four new members of a horseman’s advisory group that will provide feedback to its executive team and committees.
Pletcher, whose colt Mindframe finished a half-length behind upset winner Dornoch in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, will join owners John Green and Michael Levinson and consignor Craig Bandoroff on the advisory group.
They will replace Hall of Famer Mark Casse and fellow trainers Tom Drury Jr. and Linda Gaudet, owner/breeder Fred Hertrich III, Del Mar vice president Tom Robbins and owner/bloodstock agent David Ingordo.
HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus thanked the outgoing members in a release Monday for helping with “tangible changes” that have improved its rules. Lazarus added that she looked forward to further improvements and collaboration with the new members and said, “their guidance and input will be invaluable as we work together to uphold the integrity and safety of Thoroughbred racing.”
Pletcher’s appointment to the advisory group is a significant development for HISA.
Pletcher is one of the most successful trainers in the history of the sport, with over 5,000 wins and earnings of more than $400 million. He has trained numerous champions, including Horse of the Year Curlin and Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming.
Pletcher’s experience and expertise will be a valuable asset to HISA as it works to implement new rules and regulations to improve the safety and integrity of the sport.
The other new members of the advisory group also bring a wealth of experience to the table.
Green is the owner of Calumet Farm, one of the most successful Thoroughbred breeding and racing operations in the world. Levinson is the owner of L&N Racing, which has campaigned several stakes winners, including Grade 1 winner Mind Control.
Bandoroff is the owner of consignor Taylor Made Sales Agency, which has sold some of the most expensive Thoroughbreds in history, including Triple Crown winner Justify.
The advisory group will play a key role in helping HISA to develop and implement new rules and regulations. The group will also provide feedback on HISA’s existing rules and regulations, and will make recommendations for changes that could improve the safety and integrity of the sport.
HISA is a new organization that was created by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, which was passed by Congress in 2020.
HISA is responsible for developing and implementing new rules and regulations to improve the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing in the United States.
HISA’s goal is to create a uniform set of rules and regulations for the sport, and to ensure that all participants are held to the same high standards.
HISA is still in its early stages of development, but it has already made significant progress in improving the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred racing. The appointment of Pletcher and the other new members to the advisory group is a positive step forward for HISA, and it is a sign that the organization is committed to working with all stakeholders to improve the sport.
