The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit announced July 1 that Dr. Mary Scollay, HIWU's chief of science, has retired from full-time duties, effective immediately. She will continue to serve as a consultant for HIWU.
"Dr. Scollay was integral to the creation of HIWU and the launch and enforcement of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program," said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. "In the three-plus years since our first introduction at Turfway Park's test barn, her contributions have been immeasurable.
"The entire HIWU team is thankful for Dr. Scollay's service on behalf of the Thoroughbred industry, and we are grateful that we will continue to benefit from her expertise as a consultant."
Before joining HIWU, Scollay was a member of HISA's inaugural ADMC Committee. She also served as the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium's executive director and chief operating officer for three years, where she directed the advancement of world-class laboratory drug testing standards, promotion of RMTC-recommended rules and penalties for prohibited substances and therapeutic medications, monitoring of emerging threats to the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses, and administrative oversight of RMTC-funded research projects and educational programs.
Prior to leading the RMTC, Scollay served as a regulatory veterinarian for more than 30 years, including 11 years as the equine medical director for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. She piloted the program that became known as The Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database, which was the first North American database to track equine injuries and fatalities. The EID was the sole source of equine injury data until HISA began releasing safety metrics reports in 2024, and it continues to be an important source of information for improving safety and reducing injuries.
HIWU's science department will now transition to be under the leadership of Dr. Michael Hardy, who assumes the position of acting chief of science. For the immediate future, Hardy will also maintain his role as executive director of the RMTC to ensure the organization continues to meet the needs of the racing industry.
"HIWU has enjoyed a productive relationship with Dr. Hardy in his role at the RMTC, and we are excited for him to join our team," Mosier said. "We are confident that he will build on our successes thus far to promote laboratory harmonization and facilitate research into novel substances that pose a threat to safety, integrity, and welfare."
Hardy joins HIWU after spending nearly three years as the executive director of the RMTC. A member of HISA's Horsemen's Advisory Group, he spent more than a decade as a regulatory veterinarian, including serving as the chief association veterinarian and safety director at Horseshoe Indianapolis. He is also a member of the Breeders' Cup veterinary panel and has served on the Horseracing Testing Laboratory Committee and RegVets Continuing Education Program's committee for the RMTC.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
