Marshall Gramm has voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) while disciplinary proceedings continue over allegations involving unauthorized access to confidential equine medical records.
The suspension took effect on August 23 and prevents Gramm from participating in ownership activities involving horses covered by HISA rules. The well-known owner, handicapper and founding partner of Ten Strike Racing has denied wrongdoing and maintains that he intends to defend himself during the ongoing proceedings.
Under the agreement, Gramm cannot own or claim horses, hold a financial interest in covered horses, participate in related activities, or be present at racetracks. Horses owned solely by Gramm must be transferred to another owner before they can race or record timed workouts. For horses owned through partnerships, Gramm must give up his ownership share before those horses can compete.
Any period served under the provisional suspension will count toward a potential future penalty if HISA imposes one. The agreement also states that accepting the suspension does not represent an admission that Gramm violated HISA rules.
HISA Investigation Remains Ongoing
HISA announced charges against Gramm on August 17 following an investigation into alleged access to confidential horse health information through the organization’s portal.
The authority said its review included interviews conducted by HISA staff and contractors, along with an independent cybersecurity analysis by Arete. According to HISA, the investigation found that Gramm accessed confidential information involving horses with which he had no legitimate connection during a six-week period beginning in early May and ending in mid-June.
HISA alleges that Gramm used the information to create past performance reports and potentially gain an advantage in racing-related activities, including claiming decisions and wagering.
Gramm has disputed that account. He said the information was available through his authorized HISA account and described the matter as a failure to identify and report a vulnerability sooner.
In a statement released after agreeing to the suspension, Gramm said:
“I continue to work in good faith to address this matter with HISA. As part of that effort, I have agreed to a temporary suspension of my ownership privileges while the process moves forward. Prior to the agreement, I returned contest earnings. I am also working to return the purse money and horses at issue and am awaiting instructions to ensure those steps are completed properly. I remain willing to work constructively with HISA while preserving my right to defend myself. I hope we can resolve the remaining issues fairly and put this matter behind us so that everyone can refocus on the sport we care about.”
The disciplinary cases against Gramm remain unresolved, and the agreement allows for the possibility that no HISA violation will ultimately be found.
Racing Contests Also Suspend Participation
According to Bloodhorse, The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced that Gramm withdrew from the 2027 National Horseplayers Championship scheduled for March 5-7 at Horseshoe in Las Vegas.
Following discussions with the NHC Players Committee, the organization also suspended Gramm’s participation in NHC contests and his NHC Tour membership while HISA reviews the allegations.
The developments followed HISA’s earlier statement that Gramm allegedly violated rules related to confidential veterinary information and fraud provisions connected to covered horses.
Gramm has been recognized as a serious horseplayer and has competed in handicapping contests. He is also an economics professor at Rhodes College.
The controversy became public after past performance materials containing veterinary information were shared in connection with a handicapping contest. The material reportedly included information from horse health records that HISA considers confidential.
Gramm previously stated that he accessed a large dataset through his authorized account and said he had not fully reviewed the information or understood its scope when he obtained it.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority said the case could result in a significant penalty, including a possible lifetime ban. The final outcome will depend on the disciplinary process.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has also taken action while the investigation continues, and Ten Strike Racing has not started a horse since HISA announced the charges.