Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (hiwu)

What Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (hiwu) does

Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) is the independent enforcement agency of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. Established in 2022 by Drug Free Sport International (DFSI) and headquartered at 4801 Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri, HIWU administers centralized anti-doping rules, substance testing (both in-competition and out-of-competition), case adjudication, and stakeholder education across all American Thoroughbred racing jurisdictions governed by HISA under federal law and FTC oversight.

The organization's core products and underlying technology include the ADMC Program itself, the Out-of-Competition Testing (OOCT) program, the HEAL (HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory) accreditation program (implemented January 1, 2025), the Substance Lookup Tool (a searchable online database of HISA Controlled and Banned Substances available via web and a mobile app on iOS/Android), a results management and adjudication system, an anonymous whistleblower tip line (text, email, telephone) operated through RealResponse and Ansafone, and a Sample Collection Personnel Learning Management System launched in 2025. Testing samples flow through a network of accredited laboratories including UC Davis's Kenneth L. Maddy Laboratory, EQIAS Labs (Kentucky), and Industrial Laboratories (Colorado), with two additional labs currently suspended. The platform integrates standardized sample collection equipment, laboratory proficiency testing, and bilingual (English/Spanish) educational resources.

HIWU operates as a non-profit regulatory enforcement agency rather than a commercial product company. Its funding flows through HISA's regulatory framework (assessed on the pari-mutuel handle), which is overseen by the Federal Trade Commission. Revenue-adjacent streams include testing fees charged to covered persons and fines for violations (up to $25,000 per Banned Substance violation). HIWU's "customers" are not optional buyers; they are mandatory covered persons — trainers, owners, veterinarians, and racetrack facilities across the U.S. Thoroughbred industry — plus state racing commissions seeking uniform enforcement. The organization is staffed by approximately 40-50+ professionals across executive, legal, investigations, science, operations, communications, HR, and IT functions, with leadership drawn from DFSI, USADA, the FBI, the NFL, and major state racing commissions.

Name

Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (hiwu)

Legal name

Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit

Website

https://hiwu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) is the independent enforcement agency for HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program, administering centralized drug testing, laboratory accreditation, investigations, and stakeholder education across American Thoroughbred racing under FTC oversight.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports Anti-Doping and Integrity Enforcement

NAICS

Veterinary Services (541940)

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Equine Veterinary, Welfare & Anti-Doping Services (MPAEADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Racing Associations, Governance & Integrity Services (MPAEADAL)

Keywords

• Anti-doping testing
• Medication control enforcement
• Equine laboratory accreditation
• Regulatory enforcement services
• Substance lookup tools

Headquarters

HQ city

Kansas City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. HISA Funding: HIWU was established in 2022 by Drug Free Sport International (DFSI) to administer HISA's ADMC Program rules and enforcement. As the enforcement agency, HIWU is funded through HISA's regulatory framework which is overseen by the Federal Trade Commission

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

HIWU administers the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program for American Thoroughbred horse racing on behalf of HISA. Core services include in-competition and out-of-competition anti-doping testing, laboratory accreditation through the HEAL program, intelligence-driven investigations, results management and adjudication, and bilingual stakeholder education for trainers, owners, and veterinarians.

Product overview

HIWU is the independent enforcement agency of HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, offering a unified platform for anti-doping enforcement in Thoroughbred racing. The product portfolio includes a mobile app with substance lookup functionality, the ADMC Program itself (providing centralized testing, results management, and uniform penalty enforcement), Out-of-Competition Testing services, HEAL laboratory accreditation, educational resources (available in English and Spanish), an anonymous tip line platform for whistleblower reporting, and results management/adjudication services. These components work together as an integrated compliance ecosystem for Covered Persons in the Thoroughbred industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HIWU Substance Lookup Tool Online search tool enabling users to look up HISA Controlled and Banned Substances, searchable by ingredient name to verify Prohibited List compliance. Available via hiwu.org and mobile application for Covered Persons and the public.
• HIWU Mobile App Mobile application providing access to HIWU's substance lookup tool, educational resources, testing information, and compliance guidance for Covered Persons under the ADMC Program. Available on iOS and Android.
• Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program Centralized testing and results management program establishing uniform anti-doping and medication control rules across American Thoroughbred racing jurisdictions under HISA governance. HIWU oversees all testing processes, including horse selection, sample collection personnel training, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Out-of-Competition Testing (OOCT) Strategic nationwide testing program administered by HIWU including intelligence-based testing strategies to promote integrity of Thoroughbred racing and welfare of Covered Horses.
• HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory (HEAL) Accreditation Program National laboratory accreditation program for equine analytical laboratories performing ADMC Program testing, building on ISO 17025 and Racing Medication & Testing Consortium standards with a robust External Quality Assessment Scheme.
• Anonymous Tip Line Platform Multi-channel whistleblower platform enabling anonymous reporting of potential ADMC and Racetrack Safety Program violations via text, email, and telephone (24/7). Powered by partnerships with RealResponse and Ansafone.
• Results Management & Adjudication Case management system for investigating and prosecuting Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Rule violations, including public disclosure of pending cases, resolutions, and Internal Adjudication Panel proceedings.

Quantifiable outcome

• Centralized testing and results management process applied across all American Thoroughbred racing jurisdictions
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and suspended.

• Drug Free Sport International (DFSI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022HIWU was established in 2022 by Drug Free Sport International (DFSI) to administer HISA's ADMC Program rules and enforcement. DFSI is a worldwide leader in sport drug testing industry, administering comprehensive drug testing programs for NFL, NBA, NCAA, LPGA, PGA Tour, NASCAR, and MLB. HIWU is a division of DFSI.
• Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020HISA was established when the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law in 2020. HISA is responsible for drafting and enforcing uniform safety rules and anti-doping rules in Thoroughbred racing. HIWU is the independent enforcement agency of HISA's ADMC Program, established by DFSI.
• RealResponsesupportingTechnology or IntegrationHIWU partnered with RealResponse for anonymous texting and email platforms for whistleblower reporting. RealResponse provides the technology platform for anonymous tip submissions.
• AnsafonesupportingTechnology or IntegrationHIWU partnered with Ansafone for the telephone platform component of its anonymous whistleblower tip line. Ansafone provides 24/7 telephone reporting services.
• Racing Medication & Testing Consortium (RMTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRMTC is a 501(c)(3) organization with 23 industry stakeholder organizations committed to research, education, and advocacy for science-based initiatives promoting racehorse health and racing integrity. RMTC's Scientific Advisory Committee provides recommendations on testing specifications (e.g., metformin MRL research). HIWU's Dr. Michael Hardy also serves as RMTC Executive Director.
• The Jockey ClubsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIWU Director of Communications previously worked at The Jockey Club, and HIWU collaborates with TJC on industry initiatives related to equine safety, welfare, and integrity.
• Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at UC DaviscoreTechnology or IntegrationHEAL-accredited laboratory analyzing ADMC Program samples. When Ohio lab was suspended, samples were redirected to UC Davis. Dr. Heather Knych conducted metformin research at this lab for RMTC Scientific Advisory Committee.
• Equine Integrity and Anti-Doping Sciences (EQIAS) LabscoreTechnology or IntegrationEQIAS Labs (operated by Eagle Diagnostics, affiliate of SMRTL) was granted probationary HEAL accreditation in August 2025. Formerly the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. Now analyzing ADMC Program samples collected in Kentucky plus assigned B Samples.
• Industrial Laboratories (Denver, Colorado)coreTechnology or IntegrationHEAL-accredited laboratory analyzing ADMC Program samples. When Pennsylvania lab was suspended, samples were redirected to Industrial Laboratories.
• Analytical Toxicology Laboratory at Ohio Department of AgriculturesuspendedTechnology or IntegrationHEAL accreditation suspended for minimum six months starting February 9, 2026 due to nonconformities. Samples from Ohio are being redirected to UC Davis during suspension.
• Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory (PETRL)suspendedTechnology or IntegrationHEAL accreditation suspended for minimum six months beginning July 8, 2025 due to nonconformities. Samples from Pennsylvania are being redirected to Industrial Laboratories during suspension.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHISA is overseen by the FTC. FTC approval is required for new rules and testing specifications (e.g., metformin MRL). HIWU stays pending cases awaiting FTC approval of rule changes.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA): USADA is the U.S. national anti-doping organization for Olympic and Paralympic sport, performing testing, results management, education, and adjudication — closely paralleling HIWU's mandate within Thoroughbred racing. Multiple HIWU staff (results management, legal) are USADA alumni, underscoring the operational comparability.
• Drug Free Sport International (DFSI): DFSI is HIWU's parent company and the world's largest sports drug-testing administrator, running programs for NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, PGA Tour, LPGA, and NASCAR. HIWU is a division of DFSI, and many staff — including the Executive Director and Senior Directors — came from DFSI, making it the closest functional peer.
• Racing Medication & Testing Consortium (RMTC): RMTC is the pre-HISA industry body that set voluntary standards for equine drug testing and racing medication, building the scientific foundation (including ISO 17025 alignment) that HIWU's HEAL accreditation now operationalizes. HIWU's acting Chief of Science also serves as RMTC Executive Director, blurring the line between peer and partner.

Others

• Sportradar: Sportradar provides integrity services, monitoring, and data across global sports, including horse racing. While commercial rather than regulatory, its integrity-monitoring product set (betting monitoring, education) overlaps with adjacent functions HIWU provides.
• RealResponse: RealResponse powers HIWU's anonymous whistleblower text and email platform and provides similar integrity-reporting infrastructure for NCAA, NBA G League, and other leagues — a technology/integrity ecosystem peer rather than direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• NCAA Drug-Testing Program: The NCAA runs a sport-wide drug-testing and education program, administered in partnership with DFSI for specimen collection. It operates at much larger scale than HIWU but follows the same testing/results-management model in a different sport vertical.
• World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): WADA sets and coordinates global anti-doping standards and oversees national anti-doping organizations. HIWU modeled its ADMC Program on WADA's international framework, and HIWU's advisory council includes WADA's director of intelligence, indicating a strong governance comparability.
• Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA): HISA is the federal regulatory authority that drafted and enforces the uniform safety and anti-doping rules HIWU administers. It is HIWU's governing counterparty and primary stakeholder, sharing operational overlap across rulemaking, racetrack safety, and stakeholder engagement.
• International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA): IFHA is the global body that harmonizes racing rules across jurisdictions, including international anti-doping standards. HIWU's HEAL and ADMC structures are built on IFHA-aligned principles, making it a relevant international benchmark.

Regional players

• UK Anti-Doping (UKAD): UKAD is the U.K.'s national anti-doping organization, performing testing and education in British sport. Its operational structure (testing, results management, education, investigations) mirrors HIWU's ADMC Program in Thoroughbred racing.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/HIWUNews
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@HIWUUS
• Facebookfacebook.com/HIWUNews
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/horseracing-integrity-welfare-unit-hiwu

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (hiwu)