WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a challenge from Republican-controlled states to a horse racing safety law that has led to national medication and anti-doping rules.
The justices left in place an appeals court ruling that upheld the law and rejected claims that Congress gave too much power to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the private entity that administers the rules.
Charles Scheeler, chairman of HISA's board of directors, cited a 38% decline in equine fatalities for the first three months of this year in applauding the court's decision.
''HISA's uniform standards are having a material, positive impact on the health and well-being of horses,'' he said in a statement.
Oklahoma, Louisiana and West Virginia sought to have the law struck down, joined by other racetracks that are not operating under HISA.
''I've said all along that we are going to do our due diligence all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure that the rules governing horsemen are fair, clear and constitutional,'' said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.
Two other cases are pending in federal court, one in the 5th Circuit and another in the 8th Circuit.
''We still could hear any day from the 5th Circuit on whether HISA remains unconstitutional after the congressional tweak, and the oral argument last October went well for us,'' Hamelback said.
