Chicago, February 4, 2026 – Schelstraete Equine Law is pleased to announce a significant legal victory in a U.S. anti-doping arbitration led by Dr. Zachary R. Calo, Head of the firm’s U.S. Practice. Dr. Calo successfully defended a licensed trainer in a high-stakes arbitration brought under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU).
Anti-Doping Testing Following Fatal Racing Incident
The matter arose following a race in the United States, in which a horse sustained a catastrophic injury and was humanely euthanized. As part of the post-incident procedure, blood and mane hair samples were collected for anti-doping testing under the HISA/HIWU regulatory framework. Subsequent testing of the mane hair sample revealed the presence of albuterol, a prohibited substance.
HIWU Presence Charge Based on Hair Segment Analysis
HIWU brought a presence charge against the trainer of the horse, alleging exposure to the prohibited substance. The case centered on whether hair segment analysis could reliably establish when the exposure occurred and whether it fell within the trainer’s period of responsibility.
Arbitrator Finds HIWU Failed to Meet Burden of Proof
Following a comprehensive defense led by Dr. Calo, and a thorough review of the scientific evidence and timeline, the Arbitrator ruled that HIWU failed to meet its burden of proof. Specifically, the Arbitrator found that HIWU could not establish that the alleged exposure occurred within the trainer’s responsibility period. As a result, the charge was dismissed.
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