By: ARCI Press Release

Lexington, KY –  The revisions to its racing regulatory standards that were adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) at its meeting last month in New Orleans have now been formally posted.

 Sections pertaining to Medical Labeling were strengthened to ensure that improper medications are not being used in racing and to strengthen racing commission jurisdiction in this area.

ARCI Chair Judy Wagner praised several racing industry organizations that provided invaluable input to assist the development of the final version that was adopted. She noted specific contributions by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, the National HBPA, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians.

 The Model Rules of Racing were amended as follows:

  • ARCI-004-105 Calculation Of Payouts And Distribution Of Pools

 • ARCI-008-030 Jockey Suspensions and Designated Races

 • ARCI-011-010 Treatment Restrictions

 • ARCI-011-020 Medical Labeling

 • ARCI-011-025 Trainer Responsibility

 • ARCI-025-010 Treatment Restrictions

 • ARCI-025-020 Medical Labeling

 • ARCI-025-025 Trainer Responsibility

The ARCI also expanded its Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule to include and set regulatory thresholds for the following four medications: Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Cetirizine and Guaifenesin.

 Additionally, regulatory thresholds for Xylazine and Omeprazole were modified based on new information and research not available when the schedule was initially adopted.   The Xylazine and the Omeprazole thresholds were adjusted based upon studies conducted at the University of California at Davis and funding by the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council and coordinated through the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium.

 The ARCI also amended the Uniform Classification Guidelines of (Prohibited) Foreign Substances, as follows:

 Methamphetamine:  Added footnote language recommending Penalty B if testing can prove presence of only levo-methamphetamine is present in sample.

Tramadol: Penalty recommendation changed from Penalty A to Penalty B.

Cetirizine:  Penalty recommendation changed from Penalty B to Penalty C after inclusion into ARCI Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule.

Morphine:  Footnote language added recommending Penalty A if intentional administration can be proven by regulators.

Cocaine :  Footnote language added recommending Penalty A if intentional administration can be proven by regulators.

  ARCI Model Rules serve as a guide to jurisdictions in the making of racing regulatory policy.   In some instances, portions of the ARCI Model Rules have the force of law by virtue of statutes or rules incorporating them “by reference”.   This means that when the ARCI adopts a rule, it automatically becomes the applicable policy in jurisdictions that have done that.

Click HERE to access to ARCI Regulatory Standards.