Durenberger named HISA Director of Equine Safety and Welfare

Posted: Nov. 19, 2022

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has appointed Dr. Jennifer Durenberger as Director of Equine Safety and Welfare effective Nov. 28, 2022.

Durenberger will advise HISA’s leadership and standing committees on equine health and welfare strategies and oversee HISA’s relationships with industry veterinarians and other key stakeholders to ensure consistency in the implementation of HISA’s equine safety and welfare policies nationwide.

“HISA is thrilled to have Dr. Durenberger sharing her insight and expertise to help protect the health and welfare of our sport’s magnificent equine athletes,” HISA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lazarus said. “Dr. Durenberger’s leadership will be crucial to ensuring the success of HISA’s cooperative relationships with regulatory, association and attending veterinarians, and other industry stakeholders, as we continue to fulfill our mandate to enhance safety and integrity.”

Durenberger has more than 30 years of experience in Thoroughbred racing, most recently serving as The Jockey Club steward for the New York Racing Association. She is a member of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance, where she serves as senior veterinary and regulatory consultant, and a board member of the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP).

“It’s a privilege to join the exceptional team at HISA in its effort to improve equine health and safety through the introduction and enforcement of strong uniform rules,” Durenberger said. “I look forward to working with HISA’s experts as well as the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit to further position veterinarians and all racing participants for compliance and success.”

An accredited senior steward, Durenberger previously worked as the Chief Examining Veterinarian for NYRA, a veterinarian for the California Horse Racing Board, an association steward at Delta Downs in Louisiana, a steward at Canterbury Park for the Minnesota Racing Commission and as Director of Racing for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

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