Horse Racing | Schelstraete Equine Law

Horse Racing Law

In the international horse racing industry, Schelstraete Equine Law advises and represents riders, owners, breeders, trainers and bloodstock professionals operating at the highest levels of the sport. Our clients are active in a market defined by speed, discretion and significant financial exposure. They acquire thoroughbreds at leading international auctions, structure cross-border ownership arrangements and participate in breeding and racing operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Strategic Legal Guidance for Racing Professionals

In the international racing environment timing is critical and reputational stakes are high. Our clients rely on clear contractual frameworks, strategic risk allocation, and decisive action when disputes arise. Our involvement reflects the international scale, regulatory complexity and competitive intensity of modern racing.

We are trusted to advise and represent clients in matters including:

Cross-border sales and acquisitions of thoroughbreds
Doping & Disciplinary proceedings before the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA).
Co-ownership and investment structures
Breeding and development models
Sponsorship agreements and commercial partnerships
Import and export of thoroughbreds

We safeguard not only the racing career of the horse, but also the broader commercial ecosystem surrounding owners, trainers, breeders, and investors at every stage of the racing cycle.

Deep Legal Roots in the Horse Racing World

Our credibility in the racing industry is built on both legal excellence and sector-specific expertise. Head of our U.S. Practice, Dr. Zachary Calo, is a distinguished authority in horse racing arbitration and has successfully represented clients in multiple proceedings before the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). His experience reflects our firm’s capacity to operate effectively within the evolving regulatory landscape of international horse racing.