Horse Racing Safety Developments: New Rules & Welfare Reforms

Horse racing is one of the most-watched sports in the world, with new eyes being brought to the product on an annual basis during the Triple Crown series in the United States.

It is during this time that many begin to explore the betting markets available, as well as analysing what form is important when making selections.Dedicated explanations for newcomers found here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/

But, it is also a sport where even the most knowledgeable expert must stay up to date with the latest news off the track. Safety measures are always being implemented to ensure that equine safety is the highest priority, while welfare reforms have also been common in modern history.

But, what are some of the new rules that have been made in the sport across the globe in 2026?

HISA Enforcement Rule Changes

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) announced a number of new laws at the start of 2026, with all trainers and owners having to follow stricter regulations in order to ensure that the sport has greater transparency.

One of the biggest changes implemented is the fact that it is now a violation to enter a horse in a HISA-covered race before it is registered with the governing body.

Furthermore, greater transparency is also provided, as trainers/owners are fined if they don’t record the date of a runners first timed workout. This information is particularly important for bettors, as workouts offer an insight into how a horse is performing at home.

HISA are also clamping down on the individuals that don’t pay fines in a timely manner. This is being done by imposing automatic suspensions for those that don’t pay a penalty notice by the deadline. This will likely impact trainers and owners. A further implemented change will also see HISA requiring seeking FTC approval before issuing a subpoena.

Anti-Doping Changes

The sport is constantly looking to ensure that there is a fair playing field, meaning that a zero tolerance approaching on performance enhancing drugs has been taken. A change in approach has been apparent since Medina Spirit’s disqualification from the Kentucky Derby in 2021, and the subsequent long-term ban handed to Bob Baffert.

Drugs are added to the Anti-Doping and Medication Control list on a frequent basis, with the 2026 changes seeing N-Butyl Alcohol becoming prohibited. Horses found with this drug in its system from January 2026 will face fines, reversal in prize money, and suspensions.

Changes in medication have also been made in the United Kingdom, with Bisphosphonates added to the banned list. This was made official in January 2026, but it will be totally prohibited from the start of 2027 due to equine welfare concerns.

Impending Changes Expected to Come Into Force

HISA have already announced that further changes could be made as the calendar year progresses, focusing around the Veterinarians’ and Stewards’ lists. A comprehensive review to update and streamline the criteria to be placed on or removed from a list is set to be assessed by the governing body this year, and an implementation is set to be brought into force later in 2026.

A change in this is required, as the current guidance in place for both Vets and Stewards was set over ten years ago. HISA aims to achieve a consistent and fair system, which can be accepted by all trainers and owners.

Reform Changes

Welfare reform has been a key factor in horse racing over the last five years, with trainers and owners having to follow stricter factors surrounding traceability and aftercare for racehorses once they have retired from the track. The former is a key factor for racing globally, and key steps have been made by the BHA in the United Kingdom.

All foals bred for racing in Britain will be micro-chipped, and this will enable the governing body to track the horse throughout their career, and importantly, track their quality of life following retirement. Aftercare has been a care consideration in record, with the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) being a key player. This organisation ensures that a racehorse is seamlessly able to enjoy life after their racing career, with a new life.

The RoR have achieved notable success already, with former racehorses going on to achieve success in other forms of Equestrian events, such as eventing and show jumping. One of the most important changes in reform also come sin the form of the Food Chain Ban.

Since 2022, Britain introduced rules stating that all horses that have competed on track must be taken out of the human food chain. Therefore, this banned owners from illegally taking horses to abattoirs for human consumption. Once again, this is a change that requires transparency between the governing body and public, and to this point, there have been no reported breaches of the rules.