TLDR Churchill Downs and horsemen’s groups sent letters to the FTC asking for an independent review of HISA’s data security. The request follows the Marshall Gramm case, where he accessed horse health records he wasn’t authorized to view. HISA spent $10.7 million on IT systems in 2025, up 75% from 2023. Trainer Angel Quiroz was suspended after three horses tested positive for a banned substance, raising questions about delayed disclosure. HISA says it welcomes the FTC’s review and has already been in contact with the agency.
Churchill Downs and several horsemen’s groups have asked the Federal Trade Commission to launch an independent review of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. The request focuses on how the group handles sensitive data.
The letters came after Marshall Gramm accepted a suspension from HISA. He was accused of accessing health records for horses he did not own over a six week period this year.
Gramm used the information to buy horses entered in claiming races. He also entered several handicapping contests during that time.
The Gramm Case
After HISA made the charges public on August 17, Gramm returned his contest winnings. He also agreed to return any purse money and horses tied to the improper access.
Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen wrote to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson last week. He said the case exposed gaps in how HISA governs itself.
Three days earlier, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association sent its own letter. Two other groups joined that effort, the North America Association of Racetrack Veterinarians and the U.S. Trotting Association.
The horsemen’s letter asked the FTC to require independent audits of HISA’s cybersecurity and finances. They want this done before the authority’s next budget gets approved.
Rising IT Costs Under Scrutiny
HISA spent $10.7 million on IT systems