By Ray Paulick
The New Mexico Racing Commission in a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday voted to temporarily suspend the use of the bronchodilator clenbuterol in Thoroughbreds and Quarter horses, effective Thursday, July 23.
The ban on the drug, which is designed to treat breathing problems but has been abused by some horsemen because of its anabolic steroidal effects, extends through July 23, 2016.
According to Vince Mares, executive director of the NMRC, there will be an “adjustment period” from July 23 to Aug. 19.
“During that period,” Mares said, “if a post-race test does not exceed 140 picograms in urine or 300 picograms in out-of-competition tests, the trainer will be notified and no action taken. During this period, if clenbuterol exceeds 140 picograms, it will constitute a violation.
“Beginning Aug. 20, samples with any traces of clenbuterol – whether in post or pre-race tests – will be considered a violation and be prosecuted by the NMRC.”
The action by the New Mexico commission follows a similar step taken by the California Horse Racing Board, which has banned clenbuterol in Quarter horses throughout the state. Dr. Edward Allred, owner of Los Alamitos, also put in stringent house rules that are to include ultra-sensitive hair testing.
Clenbuterol is still permitted in Thoroughbreds racing in California.
“The levels we have been seeing far exceed the 140 picogram threshold,” Mares said. “We are seeing some post-race tests over 1,000 picograms. Obviously it’s not being used as it’s intended for, as a therapeutic drug. The commission is addressing the problem. We want to eliminate the abuse of it.”
The only FDA approved clenbuterol is sold in the form of a syrup under the trade name Ventipulmin, but other compounded forms of the drug – some of them said to be more powerful and clearly illegal – have found their way onto backstretches.
