Jack Jenkins

My statement on HISA Matter HISA has unfortunately decided to pursue disciplinary proceedings against me regarding data I accessed through the HISA Portal. I made a good-faith effort to resolve this matter with HISA, and we came very close to doing so. Ultimately, we could not reach agreement on several issues, including my ability to speak publicly and tell my side of the story. I intend to vigorously defend myself in the HISA proceedings. I am a college professor and data analyst, and gathering and analyzing large datasets is something I have done throughout my career, including extensive work with horse racing data. The information at issue was available through my authorized HISA account. It was a large dataset, and at the time I accessed it, I had not fully reviewed its contents or understood the scope of the information it contained. I used my own account and credentials and never attempted to conceal my identity or circumvent HISA's security. Once logged into my account, I bypassed no security protocols or other safeguards to access the information. Where I exercised poor judgment was in not bringing the vulnerability to HISA's attention sooner after it became a public story. I should have done so, and I regret that I did not. I want to apologize for the difficulties this situation has caused. Horse racing has been an important part of my life for many years, and I care deeply about the integrity of the sport. I remain willing to work with HISA to address the access-control weaknesses that allowed this information to be available. Making me the focus of this matter is a distraction from the fundamental issues HISA needs to address with its systems.