Alan Foreman, a longtime attorney who specializes in representing horsemen, has been hired to serve as an “ombudsman” for licensees who are facing potential violations under new rules that went into effect under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, HISA announced Wednesday.
Under the new position, Foreman will provide “confidential advice and assistance” at no cost to the licensees, HISA said. The counsel could include “the rights and obligations” of the licensees under the rules established by HISA for its safety program and its Anti-Doping and Medication Control program, which is enforced by a contracted HISA partner, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit.
Foreman also will accept feedback on the rules and relay any concerns to HISA and HIWU about “the content and interpretation of the rules” under both programs, HISA said.
The hiring of Foreman addresses a need raised by some horsemen’s groups and racing attorneys about a general sense of confusion and a lack of familiarity among horsemen about the new rules. At a recent law conference focusing on racing, several attorneys said that they have received calls from licensees facing potential rules violations in which the licensees were unaware of how to proceed.
“It is vital for all [licensees] and organizations to have a trusted advocate and resource for them in this new system, and I will do my best to be fair, objective, effective, and meaningful,” Foreman said. “I hope this position helps to smooth the transition to our new regulatory system.”
In addition to being an attorney, Foreman is the chairman and chief executive officer of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations, one of two groups that represent horsemen from multiple racing jurisdictions. In contrast to the other group, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the THA’s leadership has been supportive of HISA, even though many members of the state-level organizations within it have expressed deep concerns about the authority.
Foreman will donate his compensation from HISA and HIWU to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which accredits and distributes charitable grants to aftercare organizations, HISA said.
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