Foreman to serve as ombudsman for HISA, HIWU

Alan Foreman, Chief Executive Officer of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and longtime counsel to the MTHA, will serve as ombudsman on behalf of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and its Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit, which enforces HISA'S Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program. HISA and HIWU made the joint announcement Sept. 13.

As national ombudsman, which is modeled after the World Anti-Doping Agency's "Ombuds Program," Foreman will serve as an impartial and unbiased resource and advocate for horsemen, other covered persons and other Thoroughbred industry constituents. In his role, Foreman will be available to provide confidential advice and assistance at no cost in relation to the ADMC Program and the HISA Racetrack Safety Program, including with respect to the rights and obligations of covered persons under both programs; accept feedback and comments from Thoroughbred industry constituents with respect to the rules comprising both programs and communicate such feedback and comments to HISA and/or HIWU; advocate on behalf of Thoroughbred industry constituents with HISA and HIWU; and provide advice to HISA and HIWU about the content and interpretation of the rules comprising both programs.

Foreman is recognized as one of the leading racing law and equine attorneys in the United States, with expertise in medication, drug testing, equine safety, and welfare. His law practice encompasses all aspects of equine and horse racing law, and he is counsel to many horsemen's and racing industry organizations, including the Maryland THA, New York THA, Pennsylvania THA (Parx Racing), National Steeplechase Association, and the United States Equestrian Federation Drugs and Medications Program.

Foreman commented on the appointment and the positive impact it can have on horsemen in various jurisdictions covered by HISA, which became federal law in late 2020.

"The creation of this position gives horsemen and other industry constituents a resource where they can seek independent and confidential help in navigating the rules and the enforcement system, advice and assistance, and an advocate for improvement and change where appropriate. I am honored that HISA asked me to serve in this role," Foreman said.

Foreman is co-vice chair of the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium and chairs the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities, co-authored the widely-respected New York Task Force Report on Racehorse Health and Safety, and was recently named by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to the newly created Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.

Foreman said he will donate all compensation paid to him by HISA and HIWU in connection with his duties as ombudsman to the national Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

"HISA's commitment to fairness in racing includes ensuring every horseman is fully aware of our rules and processes," HISA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lazarus said. "I am grateful that Alan is assisting HISA and HIWU to help educate racing participants and listen and learn from them as we work together to implement HISA's regulations as evenly and effectively as possible."

"The new ombudsman position will assist horsemen and other covered persons with navigating the ADMC rules, thus enhancing understanding and facilitating compliance under the ADMC Program," HIWU Executive Director Ben Mosier said. "Alan's extensive experience in horse racing law, combined with a thorough understanding of HISA's rules, make him the ideal industry representative to take on this role."

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