NYRA And HISA Reach Settlement Agreement Over Fee Assessment Methods

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) reached a settlement of their dispute regarding HISA’s fee assessment methodology, according to a Thursday press release from NYRA.

As a result of the settlement, NYRA will withdraw from the litigation pending in the Western District of Kentucky and HISA will withdraw the enforcement action initiated against NYRA on Nov. 13, 2024.

“HISA’s ongoing work and overall mission are critically important to the future of thoroughbred horse racing,” said NYRA President & CEO David O’Rourke. “NYRA is pleased to have reached this agreement, which resolves a narrow financial dispute and allows both parties to move forward in the best interests of the sport.”

“From the start, NYRA has been an excellent partner to HISA and it is regretful that this financial issue caused a momentary hiccup in the relationship,” said HISA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lazarus. “However, we are delighted to move forward and to resume our strong partnership grounded in the principles of horse welfare and sporting integrity.”

In a story reported in the TDN Dec. 5, Churchill Downs and NYRA had joined to sue HISA and the Federal Trade Commission in federal court, alleging that both the fee impositions and the attempted enforcement actions for non-payment are “illegal.” Prior to that, the two tracks were scheduled to appear at separate enforcement hearings in front of HISA’s board to address disputes over their non-payment of assessment fees that are based partially on purses.

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This story was posted in Top News and tagged Churchill Downs, David O’Rourke, Federal oversight, federal suit by NYRA and CDI, fee assessment methodology, fee methods, FTC, HISA, Horse Racing, Lisa Lazarus, NYRA, thoroughbreds.