NEWS RELEASE

 September 9, 2016

Contact: Hallie Roach Lewis (859) 224-2848

 

HORSERACING TESTING LABORATORIES COMMITTEE APPROVES ACCREDITATION OF THE NEW YORK DRUG TESTING LABORATORY

 

The Horseracing Testing Laboratory Committee of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) met today and voted to fully accredit the New York Drug Testing Laboratory (NYDTL) pursuant to the RMTC Laboratory Accreditation Program.

The NYDTL is the eighth laboratory to become accredited by the RMTC since 2013. NYDTL performs testing for the New York Gaming Commission on Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses racing in New York.

With the addition of the New York laboratory, RMTC-accredited laboratories are responsible for the testing of samples for 28 of the 34 pari-mutuel racing jurisdictions in the United States, including AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, ID, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MN, MT, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, VA, TX, WA, WV and WY.

“We applaud the New York laboratory for its effort to meet the RMTC Laboratory Accreditation standards for expertise and proficiency,” said RMTC Chair Alex Waldrop. “RMTC Accreditation is an important step in creating a safe and level playing field for all racing participants.”

Each laboratory receiving RMTC Accreditation has first been ISO 17025 certified, which is the international standard for analytical laboratories. Additionally, they must:

  • Submit an application which is reviewed by an independent auditor;
  • Successfully complete a multi-day laboratory site inspection with an internationally recognized expert in the field; and
  • Pass two rounds of the RMTC External Quality Assurance Program proficiency sample testing, which measures the ability of the laboratory to identify, detect and quantify (where appropriate) substances of concern in horse racing.

The RMTC consists of 23 racing industry stakeholders and organizations that represent Thoroughbred, Standardbred, American Quarter Horse and Arabian racing. The organization works to develop and promote uniform rules, policies and testing standards at the national level; coordinate research and educational programs that seek to ensure the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses and participants; and protect the interests of the racing public.

For additional information, visit the RMTC website at rmtc.kinsta.cloud or contact Hallie Lewis, RMTC director of communications, at (859) 224-2848.

 

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