Category Archives: Horse Racing

Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit Launches Anonymous Whistleblower Platforms

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit announced today the launch of its anonymous whistleblower platforms that enable participants in the Thoroughbred industry to submit tips safely and anonymously regarding potential violations of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. The text and email platforms are supported through a partnership with RealResponse, the leading provider of safe and secure reporting platform for athletes, teams, and organizations, while the telephone platform is supported by Ansafone.

Using the designated telephone line, text line, or email address, any industry participant can anonymously submit information relating to Covered Horses, barns, trainers, or other Covered Persons for review by HIWU’s Investigations Unit. Submissions are accepted 24/7. Whistleblowers can include their contact information if they are open to potential follow up from HIWU’s investigators. However, this option is voluntary.

“Our anonymous whistleblower platforms will empower concerned individuals to safely and securely alert HIWU to potential violations of the AMDC Program, including situations where the welfare of the horse or integrity of the sport may be compromised,” said Michelle Pujals, HIWU’s general counsel. “We look forward to working with RealResponse, which has a proven track record in administering this type of technology, to facilitate the success of this key component of the ADMC Program.”

“We are honored to work with the leadership of the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit,” said David Chadwick, RealResponse Founder and CEO. “We have seen significant interest from leading integrity agencies who seek a more efficient and effective platform to enhance their investigative process. Working with HIWU as it launches platforms to protect against efforts that compromise the integrity of horse racing, as well as to protect the wellbeing of the equine athletes, is important to us. Our service makes it simple and easy for those in the field to report concerning incidents they witness to ensure fairness and safety across the industry.” 


Individuals who would like to submit tips should utilize the following contact options:

Phone Line: (888) 714-4498

Text Line: (855) 901-8477

Email Address: [email protected]

Industry participants should note that the HIWU Investigations Unit can only consider tips regarding the ADMC Program and will not respond to potential violations of HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program or other violations or inquiries that fall outside the jurisdiction of the ADMC Program. Potential violations of the Racetrack Safety Program will be forwarded to HISA.

Those with information regarding potential violations of HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program should call (877) 513-2919 or email [email protected]. Submissions will be treated anonymously.

RealResponse Adds US Equestrian As Strategic Partner

RealResponse, (@RealResponseHQ), the award-winning safe and secure feedback, monitoring and anonymous reporting platform for athletic teams and organizations, today announced a strategic partnership with US Equestrian, further expanding its reach across the Olympic and Paralympic sport landscape. The program will roll out next month, and will initially be available for all US Equestrian members to anonymously and quickly report any issues regarding violations of the USEF SafeSport Policy, including the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies

“We are proud to add US Equestrian as a new partner. The opportunity to fully leverage the versatility of the RealResponse platform in serving the unique needs of USEF is something we wholeheartedly embrace. US Equestrian made it clear that they want to remove as many barriers as possible to reporting concerns and we believe this platform will achieve that. Providing their athletes and members a voice to bring forward any concern safely and with anonymity is our privilege.,” said David Chadwick, Founder and CEO of RealResponse. “Tailoring our service to meet the individual needs of each organization we partner with allows RealResponse to deliver maximum value and impact to our partners.”

“Athlete safety is of paramount importance to USEF. Our staff is dedicated to this effort and our biggest priority is making sure our members know we have a safe, secure, and quick way to be made aware of any issues that arise, and RealResponse gives us this much needed added value,” said Bill Moroney, USEF Chief Executive Officer. “By taking this step, we want to make sure that issues and concerns at any level are reported and dealt with efficiently and professionally, and that the integrity of our organization and our sport remains intact..”

This new platform will provide members with the opportunity to report concerns to USEF about emotional and physical abuse as well as violations of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies via text message while maintaining anonymity. Members are still welcome to report concerns by emailing [email protected] or by directly contacting a member of the Athlete Protection Team. For details on how to report misconduct go here.