Horse-Racing Rule Changes Proposed

A number of rules regarding racehorse medication regulation, enforcement, and laboratory testing are under consideration for changes. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association began the effort by asking officials the nearly 40 U.S. racing commissions to adopt the reforms that are supported by equine industry leaders and racetrack owners as well as the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

The proposed changes have been approved by racing regulatory bodies in California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Racing officials in 11 other states are moving through the review and adoption process. All of the rule modifications, many of which would apply to both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, have been designed to support the health and welfare of racehorses and the safety of riders and drivers.

Some of the changes are tied to the proposed Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act that has been introduced for federal congressional approval. Under this bill, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency would develop, maintain, and publish rules on medications given to racehorses. Part of the bill would also end all use of medications including furosemide on the day a horse is entered in a race.

Another change would introduce a penalty system for trainers by which points would be assessed and accumulated for drug or medication violations. Trainers reaching a certain point total would incur additional suspension times, and records of violations would be kept in a central database that could be accessed by racing commissions in all states.

Accreditation of testing laboratories is under consideration for all states where racing is carried out. Many labs are already accredited and conform to international standards while others have applied for, or are working toward, this certification.

The administration of clenbuterol would not be permitted within 14 days of a race under the changed rules, and no intra-articular administration of a corticosteroid would be allowed within seven days of a race. While clenbuterol is used primarily to treat inflammatory airway disease, it has also been shown to have an anabolic, or muscle-building, effect and as such is considered to be performance-enhancing.

Following approval of the changes by all jurisdictions, guidelines would be drawn up to allow racetracks to implement the revised regulations using some type of gradual phase-in timeline.