THIRD ANNUAL RMTC HALTER AUCTION RAISED OVER $25K FOR TACTICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM
RMTC NEWS RELEASE Contact: Hallie Roach Lewis (859) 759-4081 THIRD ANNUAL RMTC HALTER AUCTION RAISED OVER $25K FOR TACTICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM Running December 2 through December 9, a Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) eBay auction of halters from history-making racehorses, stallions and broodmares raised more than $25,000.00. All
2020 REGULATORY VETERINARIAN CONTINUING EDUCATION CONFERENCE: REGISTRATION IS FULL
NEWS RELEASE February 13, 2020 Contact: Hallie Roach Lewis (859) 759-4081 2020 REGULATORY VETERINARIAN CONTINUING EDUCATION CONFERENCE: REGISTRATION IS FULL The Racing Medication Testing Consortium (RMTC) and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Safety & Integrity Alliance today announced that registration is full for their third annual Reg Vet
FBI Probe: Penn National Trainer Murray Rojas Sentenced To 27 Months In Federal Prison: Paulick Report 5/6/19
By: Paulick Report Staff Trainer Murray Rojas was sentenced on Monday to 27 months in federal prison on 14 felony counts of misbranding prescription drugs over a 13-year period from 2002-'14 at Penn National in Grantville, Pa. Rojas was convicted by a jury in June 2017 in United States District Court for
Safety Initiatives in Place at New York Thoroughbred Racetracks: The Horse 4/30/19
Press Release: Live thoroughbred racing returned to Belmont Park on April 26 for its 48-day spring/summer meet. So, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) is highlighting its broad-based safety program currently in effect at all NYRA tracks—Aqueduct Racetrack, in Ozone Park; Belmont Park, in Elmont; and Saratoga Race Course, in
Scollay Outlines Bisphosphonate Concerns to KHRC: BloodHorse 4/16/19
By: Frank Angst Kentucky Equine Medical Director Mary Scollay is advocating a multi-pronged approach to regulating and preventing improper use of bisphosphonates, which experts have linked to catastrophic breakdowns when used in young horses because they interrupt the bone remodeling process as horses train. Scollay presented the overview during the
SUMMARY OF CHRB ACTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS 4-18-19: California Horse Racing Board 4/19/19
By: CHRB ARCADIA, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, April 18, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Fred Maas, Araceli Ruano, and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board
CHRB: Morey horses illegally medicated on Santa Anita re-opening day: Horse Racing Nation 4/17/19
Press Release: The California Horse Racing Board this week filed a formal complaint against trainer William Morey alleging that his assistant trainer administered a substance containing an alkalinizing agent via a dose syringe to two horses that were entered in a race at Santa Anita Park. The incident occurred on
California Stewards Schedule Morey Hearing May 2: Bloodhorse 4/17/19
BloodHorse Staff: Trainer William E. Morey is scheduled to appear before the Santa Anita Park stewards May 2 after a March 29 incident in which an assistant trainer allegedly administered a substance containing an alkalinizing agent via a dose syringe to two horses entered at Santa Anita that day. Based on
Expanded Voided Claim, Shockwave Rules Take Effect In Florida Thursday: Paulick Report 4/16/19
Paulick Report Staff: The FHBPA Board of Directors approved an amended Voiding a Claim Rule at Gulfstream Park and Gulfstream Park West beginning with races on Thursday April 18, 2019. The previous rule involved fatalities on the track and horses that were vanned off. The new expanded rule allows a
New Penalties Proposed for ARCI Drug Violations: TDN 4/11/19
Press Release: The Drug Testing Standards and Practices (DTSP) Committee of the Association of Racing Commissions International (ARCI) is considering a major change to the recommended penalties for violations of the association’s drug rules to dramatically increase sanctions on those violations that can be considered “doping” or “equine endangerment”. An
Horsemen Contribute $170,000 to Improve Equine Drug Testing: THA 4/9/19
Press Release: The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, led by a $25,000 donation from the New York THA, will contribute a total of $50,000 to fund research to develop an inexpensive test for the detection of potential blood-doping agents such as erythropoietin. The two-year study, an initiative of the Racing Medication and
Regulatory Vet Continuing Education Organizers Honored: Bloodhorse 4/10/19
ARCI Press Release: On the closing day of its 2019 Racing Integrity and Animal Welfare Conference, held last week in Arcadia, Calif., the Association of Racing Commissioners International honored organizers of the annual Regulatory Veterinarian Continuing Education conference. The special President's Award, recognizing exemplary service and contribution to racing integrity,
Equine Health Specialist Will Lead ARCI: TDN 4/9/19
Press Release: Noted equine health researcher and Pennsylvania Racing Commissioner Dr. Corrine Sweeney, DVM, is the new Chair of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI). In addition to serving on the commission since 2008, Dr. Sweeney is Associate Dean at the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania
Racing group funds University of Florida project to study drug with potential for misuse in racehorses: UF Health 4/8/19
By: Sarah Carey Veterinarians at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine will be collaborating with the UF Racing Laboratory to investigate a local anesthetic with the potential for misuse in racehorses, thanks to funding from a national racing group. The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium announced funding for two new
ARCI Considering Banning Entries From Bisphosphonate-Treated Horses: TDN 4/8/19
Press Release: The Association of Racing Commissioner International said in a statement Wednesday that it is considering a policy that would disallow entries from horses below age four who are treated with bisphosphonates. This comes on the heels of America’s three major sales companies announcing a ban on the controversial drugs.
Racing group funds University of Florida project to study drug with potential for misuse in racehorses: UFHealth 4/8/19
By: Sarah Carey Veterinarians at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine will be collaborating with the UF Racing Laboratory to investigate a local anesthetic with the potential for misuse in racehorses, thanks to funding from a national racing group. The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium announced funding for two new
Foreman Receives William H. May Award from ARCI: THA 4/6/19
By: Tom LaMarra Alan Foreman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, on April 4 was presented with the William H. May Award, the highest honor given by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. The award, first presented in 1986, recognizes an individual or entity that has
AAEP’s Berk Makes Bisphosphonates Statement: TDN 3/29/19
Press Release: Dr. Jeff Berk, President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, issued the following statement Friday afternoon in response to the announcement earlier this week that the three major U.S. sales companies will offer buyers the choice to test purchases for bisphosphonates and rescind sales for positive tests: “The American
Jockeys’ Guild Issues Statement on the Use of Bisphosphonates: TDN 3/28/19
Press Release: Jockeys’ Guild, the organization representing professional jockeys in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the United States, has issued the following statement on the use of bisphosphonates. “The Board of Directors of the Jockeys’ Guild, which is composed of leading Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys, supports the view
Advisory Warning – Bisphosphonates: New York Gaming Commission 3/28/19
Press Release: Thoroughbred horse owners, trainers and/or veterinarians who are responsible for causing or failing to guard against an administration of a bisphosphonate to a racehorse less than four years old will be investigated for a violation of 9 NYCRR § 4043.12(c) for which a fine of $25,000 may be
Mid-Atlantic Adopts Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities: THA 3/27/19
Press Release: Concluding more than a year of regional discussion, study, review and consultation, the entire Mid-Atlantic region’s Thoroughbred racing industry on March 21 voted unanimously to formally adopt and fully implement a long-term and forward-thinking Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities. All of the region’s racetrack operators, horsemen’s
TDN Q&A: Alex Waldrop: TDN 3/26/19
By: Sue Finley TDN Publisher and CEO Sue Morris Finley caught up with National Thoroughbred Racing Association President and CEO Alex Waldrop to get his take on the hot-button issues being discussed by industry participants in the wake of a rash of breakdowns at Santa Anita. SF: Do you feel
Leading sales companies announce bisphosphonates policies: Horse Racing Nation 3/25/19
Press Release: Officials from Keeneland Association, Fasig-Tipton Company Inc. and Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company Inc. jointly announced today that they will enable buyers of horses younger than 4 years old to have those horses tested for bisphosphonates. The policy is undertaken to ban off-label use of these drugs. The revised
CBA Issues Statement on Bisphosphonates: TDN 3/23/19
Press Release: The Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association (CBA) has called the off-label usage of bisphosphonates in horses under four years of age `unacceptable’ in a statement issued Saturday morning. The statement read: “The Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association (CBA) and its members are first and foremost concerned about equine
The Jockey Club Releases Data from the Equine Injury Database for 2018: The Jockey CLub 3/22/19
By: Kristin Leshney An analysis of data from the Equine Injury Database (EID) for 2018 resulted in an aggregated rate of fatal injury of 1.68 per 1,000 starts, The Jockey Club announced today. In 2017 the corresponding rate was 1.61 per 1,000 starts. Statistical Summary from 2009 to 2018 Thoroughbred
The Jockey Club Releases Data from the Equine Injury Database for 2018: The Jockey Club 3/22/19
By: Kristin Leshney An analysis of data from the Equine Injury Database (EID) for 2018 resulted in an aggregated rate of fatal injury of 1.68 per 1,000 starts, The Jockey Club announced today. In 2017 the corresponding rate was 1.61 per 1,000 starts. Statistical Summary from 2009 to 2018 Thoroughbred
As Discussion Turns to Bisphosphonates, Viola Commits $500K to Research: TDN 3/21/19
By: Dan Ross The fallout from events still unfolding at Santa Anita have re-sparked the fires simmering under a number of horse welfare issues. Few, however, have galvanized such a swift phalanx of action as that of bisphosphonates–drugs used in humans to tackle degenerative bones diseases like osteoporosis. Their use
Off-Label Bisphosphonate Use in Racehorses: The Horse 3/21/19
By: Erica Larson In 2014 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two bisphosphonate drugs—clodronate and tiludronate—for controlling clinical signs associated with podotrochlosis (more commonly known as navicular syndrome) in horses ages 4 and older. Since then, some veterinarians have started using these products off-label to treat other equine bone
Mid-Atlantic Horsemen to Call for Partial Bisphosphonate Ban: TDN 3/20/19
By: Bill Finley A meeting among industry stakeholders in the Mid-Atlantic region is scheduled for Thursday and a proposal for a partial ban of the controversial drug Bisphosphonate tops the agenda. Bisphosphonate has come under increased scrutiny since the rash of breakdowns began at Santa Anita and some are speculating
Rillito Equine Wellness Program: AQHA 3/20/19
Press Release: One of the first programs of its kind in the country, Rillito Race Track implemented an Equine Wellness Program during the 2019 Winter Meet. The program was a resounding success, as there were no horse breakdowns during 96 races at the meet this year. “A couple of years ago, as
Indiana Prohibits Albuterol: AQHA 3/20/19
Press Release: At the March 12 meeting of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, the commission voted unanimously to prohibit the use of albuterol in American Quarter Horses. The new rule, 71 IAC 8.5-1-2.2 states: “No Quarter Horse participating in a race shall carry in its body albuterol in excess of the
Turf Paradise starts checking all horses before races: Fox 10 3/18/19
By: Jennifer Auh One Phoenix racetrack is hoping to better protect its horses, after many of them were getting hurt. On Monday, Turf Paradise implemented a new rule that requires pre-race exams for all horses that are racing. The general manager says it's all about making sure the horses are fit
USTA Call to Action Committee update on battling hidden trainer issue: USTA 3/15/19
Press Release: Columbus, OH — Following the U.S. Trotting Association’s 2019 Board of Directors Annual Meeting held March 8-11 in Columbus, OH, the USTA’s Call to Action Subcommittee issued the following announcement regarding the issue of hidden trainers on Thursday (March 14). At the Call to Action Subcommittee meeting on Friday
The Medication Conundrum: Drug Regulation Challenges in the Horse Industry: The Horse 3/14/19
By: Milt Toby Ernest Hemingway traveled with his new bride to Paris for the Christmas holiday in 1921 and wound up staying there for five years. It was the best place to be during the early 1920s and hosted a rich community of prominent writers. Hemingway filled one blue notebook
Turf Paradise Implements Pre-Race Exams for All Horses: Bloodhorse 3/6/19
Turf Paradise Press Release: Phoenix-based Turf Paradise announced March 6 track management initiated a new plan to address an unexplained increase in equine injuries. Starting March 18, all horses racing on a given day will receive pre-race veterinary exams. The new policy is part of the track's efforts to provide
Test sought to identify new horse blood-doping strategy: Horsetalk 3/11/19
Press Release: Anecdotal reports suggest that some racehorses are being given micro-doses of recombinant human erythropoietin to improve performance, according to the equine medical director for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The micro-dosing regime is designed to avoid detection of the drug, which stimulates the production of oxygen-carrying red blood
Safety and Welfare Measures To Be Instituted at Santa Anita: TDN 3/8/19
Press Release: While a thorough investigation and analysis of the Santa Anita main track continues, representatives of The Stronach Group (TSG) have announced that several new safety and welfare initiatives will be put into place whenever racing resumes at the Arcadia, California, oval. “We’re looking forward to returning to normal,
Turfway Barn Search Yields Injectables: TDN 2/28/19
By: T.D. Thornton A Turfway Park barn search that turned up injectable medications, syringes, and needles has led to a pair of 90-day suspensions for trainer Amanda Dimmett and owner Jerry Dimmett. According to three Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stewards’ rulings dated Feb. 21 and 22, the Jan. 11 search
Strychnine Detected in Three Turf Paradise Horses: TDN 2/28/19
By: T.D. Thornton Strychnine, the active ingredient in rat poison, has been detected in post-race drug testing of three horses from the same owner/trainer at Turf Paradise. All three horses additionally tested positive for caffeine. A fourth horse from the same outfit tested positive for caffeine alone. Alex Torres-Casas, the
Horse wellness plan at Rillito Park paying dividends: Kold News 13 2/27/19
Press Release: TUCSON, AZ (KOLD News 13) - For the first time, in the 2019 racing season, Rillito Park has implemented a wellness program for its race horses. It is not unusual for tracks these days to have wellness programs to keep horses safe, but what is unique about the
Bisphosphonates: A dense issue in equine veterinary care: DVM360 2/26/19
By: Ed Kane Bone is a dynamic organ—always changing, constantly being reshaped, old cells removed and replaced with new. Bone responds to stress by removing damaged or injured bone and laying down new bone—an ongoing process. Bone is constantly remodeled to meet the needs of stress and loading. The response
Fines in West Virginia Could Pay for Post-Mortem Exams: TDN 2/22/19
By: T.D. Thornton A proposed law working its way through the West Virginia legislature would mandate that fines assessed to Thoroughbred licensees be set aside in a new fund to cover the cost of post-mortem exams for horses that die at Mountaineer Park or Charles Town Races. By West Virginia
Horsemen Would Have Say on New Oklahoma Drug Committee: TDN 2/21/19
By: T.D. Thornton A bill that passed 42-3 in the Oklahoma Senate Thursday would create a new Medication Advisory Committee whose purpose would be to make recommendations to the state racing commission prior to the adoption of any new rules related to equine medications and drug testing. If the bill
KHRC Approves Study to Develop EPO Micro-Dosing Test: Bloodhorse 2/20/19
By: Frank Angst The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has approved $147,000 from the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council fund for a two-year study that aims to develop an affordable test to detect horses that have been given small levels—microdoses—of erythropoietin. Heather Knych, of the Ken L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry
Group poised to buy Kentucky Downs drops out of lawsuit against Kentucky commission: Daily Racing Form 2/19/19
By: Matt Hegarty LEXINGTON, Ky. - One of the two lead plaintiffs will drop out of a lawsuit filed earlier this year against the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission contesting its decision last year to award a license for a new harness track and casino. Kentucky Racing Acquisition, which last year
Indiana Bill Would Authorize ‘Biological Sample’ Testing: TDN 2/14/19
By: T.D. Thornton Commission-conducted equine drug testing in Indiana will no longer be limited to blood or urine samples as of July 1 if a bill currently working its way through the state legislature becomes law. According to the text of HB 1196, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC) will
Horse Racing Whodunit: Samples Stolen In Louisiana Downs Test Barn Break-In: Paulick Report 2/5/19
Paulick Report Staff: Law enforcement and Louisiana State Racing Commission officials are investigating a Jan. 12 break-in of the test barn at Harrah's Louisiana Downs and the theft of a number of split samples from a locked freezer. The break-in occurred during the second week of a Quarter Horse meeting
New Mexico Regulator Moves Toward Ban of Albuterol: BloodHorse 1/28/19
BloodHorse Staff: Believing improper use of albuterol has gone up since clenbuterol was banned from racing in the state, the New Mexico Racing Commission is moving toward a ban of albuterol. The NMRC Rules and Medication Committee voted Jan. 16 to make albuterol a "zero tolerance" drug in the state,
NYSGC Adopts Modified Claiming Rule: BloodHorse 1/28/19
By: Tom Precious Regulators in New York have approved new flexibility in Thoroughbred claiming race rules, though they ordered some last-minute conditions as a bow to the restrictions the same regulators put in place after a high number of equine deaths at the 2012 Aqueduct winter meet. The new rule
New Program for Racing Investigators to be Launched: Bloodhorse 1/28/19
Press Release: Beginning in the third quarter of 2019, the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) and the University of Arizona's Racetrack Industry Program (RTIP) will launch an educational program for horse racing investigators employed by racing commissions and tracks. No such program currently exists, and the effort will complement
ARCI Publishes New Regulatory Standards: Bloodhorse 1/23/19
ARCI Press Release: New racing regulatory standards have just been published by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) as part of a continuing process to adapt standards to current integrity threats as well as new technologies and innovation. The standards are embodied in the almost 500 pages of the
Racehorse doping prevention and identification focus of three research studies: Horsetalk 1/14/19
Press Release: Tackling the use of illicit substances in the horse world has advanced in recent month with three “tactical research” studies by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC). Tactical research studies focus on detecting, identifying and inhibiting the use of illicit substances. The first study to be published, L-and D-threo Ethylphenidate
Koriner fined $3,000 for medication overage: Daily Racing Form 1/2/19
By: Steve Andersen ARCADIA, Calif. – Trainer Brian Koriner has been fined $3,000 for a medication overage detected in one of his runners after a victory at Del Mar last August. In a stipulated agreement with the California Horse Racing Board, Koriner was fined and suspended for 30 days, but
Kentucky court rules absolute-insurer rule valid in Motion case: Daily Racing Form 12/27/18
By: Matt Hegarty LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Court of Appeals has reversed a lower court decision from last year that sent tremors through the racing regulatory community by throwing out the state’s absolute-insurer rule in a case centered on a drug positive for a horse trained by Graham Motion
USEF: Horses Can Compete on Pergolide With Therapeutic Use Exemption: The Horse 11/29/18
Press Release: Pergolide has been the mainstay treatment of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as equine Cushing’s disease, for several decades. Due to the class of drug that pergolide represents, it is a prohibited substance under Fédération Equestre Internationale and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules. Currently, under USEF
Minnesota Settles Three High-Level Post-Race Positives: Bloodhorse 12/20/18
By: Frank Angst The Minnesota Racing Commission has reached settlements to resolve three high-level positives found in recent equine post-race drug tests. Two of the positives were for pemoline (Cylert), and one was for cardarine—both substances that call for the highest level of sanctions according to industry standards. The MRC
Class 1A and 2A Positives at Canterbury: TDN December 17, 2018
By: T.D. Thornton Positive post-race tests for Class 1A and 2A prohibited substances at Canterbury Park have resulted in $2,500 fines and 90-day suspensions for two trainers. The penalties imposed upon Ray E. Tracy Jr. and Judd William Becker could have been doubled. But their $5,000 fines/180-day suspensions were halved
CHRB Moves Forward on Out-of-Competition Sanctions: Bloodhorse 12/13/18
By: Jeremy Balan The California Horse Racing Board took a step toward a policy of out-of-competition testing with teeth during its monthly meeting Dec. 13 at Los Alamitos Race Course. Out-of-competition testing is conducted in California, but the state does not have much ability to sanction licensees if there is a
Positive tests prompt Kentucky commission to outlaw three medications: Daily Racing Form 12/11/18
By: Matt Hegarty The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday placed three drugs on its prohibited substances list following positive findings for two of the substances in horses that raced in the state this fall. The two positives were both reported to commission staff in September by the commission’s testing
NYSCG Updates Claim Price Rule, Advances Safety Standards: TDN 12/10/18
By: T.D. Thornton The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) voted by unanimous voice vote Monday to tweak a claiming price rule enacted in 2012 that had aimed to dis-incentivize owners and trainers from entering lame or uncompetitive horses in lower-level races that had been bolstered by gaming-inflated purses. The
Ruidoso Downs Deploys Drug-Detecting Dog: Bloodhorse 12/4/18
By: Jeremy Balan The ongoing fight against the use of prohibited drugs in racehorses now features a drug-sniffing dog named Chini. A 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, Chini was deployed by Ruidoso Downs during its summer meet in 2018, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Track president and general manager Jeff True
NY Court of Appeals Affirms Gaming Commission Sanctions Against Harness Trainer Lou Pena: NYSGC 11/27/18
Press Release: The New York State Gaming Commission today announced that the New York Court of Appeals has upheld the 2015 sanctions levied against harness trainer Lou Pena, who was found responsible for 1,719 equine drug violations in 675 races. The ruling ends more than six years of litigation and
Ohio Commission To Hear Racetrack Veterinarian Comments On Out-Of-Competition Testing: Paulick Report 11/19/18
Press Release: A panel of practicing racetrack veterinarians will present their thoughts on Out of Competition Testing at the Ohio State Racing Commission's (OSRC) monthly meeting, November 29, 2018, at 10 a.m. in Room 1948 at the Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio. The meeting is open to
Leading Woodbine Trainer McKnight, Veterinarian Fined For Shock Wave Therapy Violations: Paulick Report 11/13/18
By: Paulick Report Staff Veterinarian Brian Van Arem and Woodbine's leading trainer, Norman McKnight, were sanctioned earlier this year by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for violating rules that prohibit extracorporeal shock wave therapy within 96 hours of a race. Van Arem was fined $7,500 Sept. 18 and
Officials Charge Sixth Man With ‘Rigging’ Penn National Races: Paulick Report 11/12/18
By: Paulick Report Staff The Dauphin County district attorney in Pennsylvania charged a sixth man with rigging a publicly exhibited contest when former trainer Timothy M. Hooper was named in connection with the long-running investigation into corruption and prohibited medication practices at Penn National racetrack in Grantville. Hooper, 49, whose
Breeders’ Cup Testing Yields No Positive Findings: TDN 11/8/18
Press Release: Officials at Breeders’ Cup Limited announced Thursday that there were no positive findings for prohibited substances among the 289 horses tested both pre- and post-race at this year’s world championships at Churchill Downs Nov. 2 and 3. Out-of-competition (OOC) testing of horses that had won Breeders’ Cup ‘Win
Penn National Probe: Trainer Oliva Latest Named On State Criminal Charges: Paulick Report 10/28/18
By: Paulick Report Staff Thoroughbred trainer Robert J. Oliva has been charged by the Dauphin County district attorney in Pennsylvania with rigging a publicly exhibited contest – a first-degree misdemeanor. Oliva, 60, is the fifth trainer to be brought up on state charges in an ongoing investigation into illegal medication
Raceday Clenbuterol Ban in California to Begin Nov. 15: TDN 10/25/18
By: T.D. Thornton Thoroughbreds racing in California will no longer be allowed to race with any detectable level of the bronchodilator medication clenbuterol in their systems, effective Nov. 15. The change is a result of evidence the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has collected via out-of-competition testing (OOC), and the
Kulp Latest Penn National Trainer Charged; Detective Says ‘Hundreds’ Of Owners, Trainers Implicated: Paulick Report 10/19/18
By: Paulick Report Staff Brandon L. Kulp became the fourth trainer based at Penn National in Grantville, Pa., to be charged in recent weeks by the Dauphin County district attorney with rigging a publicly exhibited contest in Pennsylvania – a first-degree misdemeanor. Based on comments by Dauphin County Detective William
Arabian Owner-Trainer Suspended Five Years For Refusing To Cooperate Over DNA Sample: Paulick Report 10/13/18
By: Ray Paulick The owner-trainer license of Mark Powell has been suspended five years by Delaware Park stewards for “refusing to cooperate with an official of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission and other racing officials” on Aug. 28, 2018. The Oct. 13 ruling also notes that Powell has been fined
Remington Hair Testing: AQHA 10/4/18
Press Release: Remington Park and Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association, with approval of the OHRC, have jointly agreed to implement a House Rule during the 2019 Quarter Horse Mixed Meet requiring a clean hair test free of any prohibited drugs be submitted for every horse prior to entry in any race
Two More Trainers Charged With ‘Rigging’ Penn National Races: Paulick Report 10/15/18
By: Ray Paulick Veteran Penn National trainers John D. Conner and Bruce M. Kravets await Nov. 15 preliminary hearings in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania court on charges of “rigging a publicly exhibited contest.” The two men are the latest to be swept up in a long-running investigation of medication practices by
Enhanced Security For International Trot: Stndardbred America 10/9/18
Press Release: The New York State Gaming Commission has announced the implementation of enhanced security and drug testing protocols for the upcoming International Trot. The protocols will require out-of-competition testing of all horses. In addition to enhanced security measures, the protocols require out of competition testing of all horses participating.
Thistledown Stewards Suspend Pair Over Program Training, Hidden Ownership Scheme: Paulick Report 10/9/18
By: Ray Paulick On June 12, 2018, at JACK Thistledown Racino at North Randall, Ohio, Emily Szczepanski put in a successful $7,500 claim for a 5-year-old Hard Spun mare named If You Believe who had won seven of her 31 career starts. The claim was made in the name of Wendy Montoney,
NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance, RMTC Announces 2nd Regulatory Veterinary Continuing Education Conference: NTRA 10/4/18
Press Release: LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, October 4, 2018) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Safety & Integrity Alliance and the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium (RMTC) today announced that RegVetCE19, a two-day continuing education conference for regulatory and official racetrack veterinarians, will be held March 4-5, 2019 at Gulfstream Park Racing
Trainer Albright charged by Pennsylvania county: Daily Racing Form 10/3/18
By: Matt Hegarty George R. Albright, a trainer based at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pa., with nearly 4,000 lifetime starts, has been charged by a Pennsylvania county district attorney with one count of rigging a publicly exhibited contest, according to his attorney and court documents. The attorney, William
Sudden Cardiac Death in Racehorses: What We Know and Still Don’t: TDN 10/3/18
By: Dan Ross The sudden death during training hours this summer of Bobby Abu Dhabi (Macho Uno) was a tragic incident. Connections lost a horse they loved. Racing lost one of its sprint stars. His death, however, opens a window into a still relatively obscure corner of equine fatalities. While Bobby Abu
Guilty Plea In Case Involving Equine Drugs; Feds Seize Customer List: Paulick Report 9/16/18
Press Release: Darren B. Stratton, 45, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute misbranded prescription animal drugs, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced. According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2017 through September 2017, defendant Stratton worked at Horsemen's Tack,
Gaming Commission Implements Enhanced Security Protocols for Travers Stakes and Sword Dancer Stakes : Gaming.NY 8/21/18
Press Release: The New York State Gaming Commission announced today the implementation of enhanced security protocols for the 149th running of the Travers Stakes and the 44th running of the Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on August 25. The protocols cover the two Grade 1 races to be
Ellis Park Accredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance, Making Kentucky Fully Accredited: NTRA 8/16/18
Press Release: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Ellis Park has received its initial accreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance, bringing the number of active accreditations to 24 racetracks in the U.S. and Canada, including every Thoroughbred track in Kentucky. “On behalf of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
Ruidoso Downs Bans Trainer After Four-Win Day In All American Derby Trials: Paulick Report 8/20/18
By: Ray Paulick On Sunday at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico, trainer Josue Ponce sent out four runners in trial races for the rich All American Quarter Horse Derby. All four starters won, with three of the winners among the 10 fastest times, qualifying them for the Sept. 2 finals
Drug Tests From Trials Lead To Purses From Rainbow Derby, Futurity To Be Held: Paulick Report 8/1/18
Press Release: Purses are being held in two recent Grade1 Quarter Horse races at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico: for the winner and second-place finisher of the $801,564 Rainbow Derby on July 21 and for the runner-up in the $1,000,000 Rainbow Futurity on July 22. Drug tests flagged as positive from
Persaud Suspended 30 Days For Possession Of Injectable Drugs: Paulick Report 8/8/18
Press Release: Owner/trainer Randi Persaud has been suspended 30 days for possession of injectable drugs, according to a ruling released Wednesday by the New York State Gaming Commission. Ten days of the suspension have been stayed, and Persaud's sentence is scheduled to run Aug. 10 through Aug. 29, inclusive. Possession
NY Gaming Commission explains rejection of Dutrow appeal: Daily Racing Form 8/8/18
By: Matt Hegarty SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – An appeal by the trainer Richard Dutrow to the New York Gaming Commission seeking the reopening of the case that led to his 10-year ban in 2011 was rejected in large part because the trainer did not present any new evidence that would
Ralph Ziadie Denied License Renewal In Florida; Baxter Takes Over Stable: Paulick Report 8/6/18
By: Ray Paulick Georgina Baxter has won three races, with two seconds and two third-place finishes from 16 starts since taking over the Ralph Ziadie stable in early July. Ziadie, a leading trainer in South Florida in recent years, was denied a renewal of his license by the state's Department
Updated classification guidelines and ARCI Rules: Harness Link 8/3/18
Press Release: In an ongoing effort to provide best practices for the regulation of racing and wagering, The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) reviews and updates its Model Rules of Racing (v8.4) as well as the Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances And Recommended Penalties Model Rule (v13.4.1). Reliance
Three purses from Rainbow Derby and Futurity held pending drug ruling: Ruidoso News 8/3/18
By: Dianne L. Stallings Three purses from winners in the Rainbow Derby and Futurity races at Ruidoso Downs are being held pending the outcome of follow-up drug testing and resulting adjudication. "I think the important thing to note for the public is that these are not narcotics or performance enhancing,
Saratoga Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA
Press Release: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Saratoga Race Course, home to one of the world’s most prestigious annual race meets, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Located in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., the 155-year-old racetrack kicks off a 40-day stand Friday and, after opening
CHRB Makes Progress on Out-of-Competition Testing: Bloodhorse 7/20/18
By: Jeremy Balan Nearly a month after a contentious California Horse Racing Board meeting delayed a proposal on out-of-competition testing changes, which would have aligned California with several major racing states and with the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium's National Uniform Medication Program, the regulatory agency appeared to take a
Expanded Out-Of-Competition Testing Progressing In Maryland: THA 07/18/18
By: Tom LaMarra More than 200 out-of-competition drug tests have been performed in Maryland since March as part of an expanded program that includes overnight races. Maryland Racing Commission Executive Director Mike Hopkins said the number of samples taken per racing day has varied from four to one or two.
NY Adopts Broader Drug Prohibition Rules for Racing: The Bloodhorse 7/17/18
By: Tom Precious State regulators in New York State have adopted a new equine drug rule that tracks a national model plan advanced in late 2016 by the Association of Racing Commissioners International and a number of key industry stakeholders. The New York Gaming Commission, after receiving no correspondence in
NY Commission Votes 4-2 Not to Reconsider Dutrow Case: TDN 7/16/18
By: T.D. Thorton Richard E. Dutrow Jr., the GI Kentucky Derby-winning trainer whose long history of infractions culminated in a 10-year license suspension that is currently in effect until 2023, on Monday again had a request denied by New York regulators to reopen his case and possibly modify his penalty
Eighth Welfare and Safety Summit Highlights Integrity, Injury Rates, and Disaster Preparedness: The Jockey Club 6/28/18
By: Alexa Ravit The eighth Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, held Wednesday, June 27, at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion in Lexington, Ky., featured insightful discussions on topics ranging from disaster preparedness, jockey injuries, and equine injuries to racing integrity, Thoroughbreds as sport horses, and racing surfaces. The summit,
New Mexico taking tougher stance on clenbuterol: Daily Racing Form 6/28/18
By: Mary Rampellini The New Mexico Racing Commission announced late Thursday the bronchodilator clenbuterol will now be classified as a Class 3 controlled substance in the state in a move that enables criminal prosecution of horsemen found to be illegally in possession of the drug. The agency worked with the
Kentucky Updates Withdrawal, Threshold Guidelines: Bloodhorse 6/19/18
By: Frank Angst The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will revise guidance for medication withdrawal times and thresholds in line with the Association of Racing Commissioners International guidelines—or expected Racing Medication and Testing Consortium updates, the most significant of which are changes to anabolic steroids. At its regular meeting June 19 at
Trainer Appeals $10,000 Fine, One-Year Suspension: Bloodhorse 6/18/18
Press Release: Owner/trainer Lee J. Rossi has been granted a stay after he filed an appeal of a $10,000 fine and 365-day suspension levied by stewards after a horse under his care tested positive for the Class A substance dextromethamphetamine. Dextromethamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant used to
New Mexico Judge Upholds Ruidoso Downs Exclusion Of Leading Trainer Padgett: Paulick Report 5/22/18
Press Release: A lawsuit filed by James Padgett and Race Horses by Diamond G Ranch, Inc. (Plaintiff) against All American Ruidoso Downs, LLC (Defendant) was dismissed by the Lincoln County 12th Judicial District Court on May 21. The lawsuit claimed that Padgett's denial of stalls and exclusion from racing for
Pimlico Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA 5/15/18
Press Release: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Baltimore’s historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. America’s second-oldest racetrack, established in 1870, opened its 12-date spring meet last week and will host the 143rd running of the Preakness, middle
Churchill Downs Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA
Press Release: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Churchill Downs, home of the world’s most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. The legendary Louisville, Ky., hosts the 144th running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) on
Santa Anita Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA
Press Release: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, Calif., near Los Angeles, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Since 1934, Santa Anita has been one of America’s leading racetracks, showcasing Hall of Fame legends like Seabiscuit, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, John Henry, and Zenyatta.
Kruljac Suspended 15 Days For Elevated Carbon Dioxide Levels: Paulick Report 5/7/18
Press Release: Grade 1-winning trainer Eric Kruljac has been suspended for 15 days, reports drf.com, after one of his trainees was found to have elevated levels of carbon dioxide in its system after a February race at Santa Anita. Kruljac was also fined $3,000, and his original 30-day suspension was cut to
Churchill Emphasizes Enhanced Equine Security Measures For Kentucky Derby: Paulick Report 4/29/18
Press Release: Churchill Downs Racetrack re-emphasized on Sunday its annual enhanced security measures for horses competing in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) and ongoing safety and integrity measures included in its “Safety from Start to Finish” program. “Integrity and maximizing the safety and welfare of our
Quarter Horse Trainers Trey Wood, Fernando Carrete Summarily Suspended At Remington Park: Paulick Report 4/29/18
By: Ray Paulick Quarter horse trainers Trey Wood and Fernando Carrete have been summarily suspended, pending a hearing, by stewards at Remington Park after each had a horse test positive for what Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission steward Mike Corey said was an unnamed “class B” drug. Nine horses entered by
Injection Disclosures Loom at Mandatory for Claimed Cali Horses: TDN 4/19/18
By: T.D. Thorton Although a mandatory transfer of full veterinary records for claimed horses isn’t likely to happen soon, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) outlined plans Apr. 19 for a proposed new rule that would require a record of intra-articular injections to be passed from a previous owner to
The Trouble With Aminorex: Paulick Report 4/17/18
By: Natalie Voss Aminorex has already caused a few headaches for regulators. If a recent Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council (EDRC) meeting is any indication, it's destined to have a few more reaching for the aspirin. Aminorex is a stimulant that was once available in the human market as a
NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance Re-Accredits Woodbine: The Bloodhorse 4/16/18
Press Release: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Woodbine Racetrack in Rexdale, Ontario, near Toronto, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Woodbine opened in 1956 bearing a name associated with racing in the area since 1874. The track opens its live Thoroughbred racing season Saturday
Equine Biological Passports: Years Away, But Receiving Industry Support: The Paulick Report 4/12/18
By: Natalie Voss The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council (KEDRC) unanimously voted this week to allocate $15,000 to funding ongoing research into biological passport. Although the technology is at least a couple of years from implementation, Dr. Scott Stanley of the University of California-Davis said the passports could solve several
New AQHA Policy Concerning Racing Medication Positives: AQHA 4/7/18
Press Release: The AQHA Animal Welfare Commission, a group of 23 industry professionals, met at the 2018 AQHA Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, and approved a policy change concerning awards and publicity of horses and/or trainers with racing medication positives. In doing so, commission members felt it is important for AQHA’s
ARCI Convention: Panel Raises Bisphosphonate Concerns: The Bloodhorse 4/4/18
By: Frank Angst Veterinarian Jeff Blea, chairman of the racing committee of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, relayed a story from a couple years ago when he asked a room of about 200 equine vets if any of them had administered bisphosphonates? Four or five raised their hands, but ... "Afterward,
Panel Discusses When Racing Regulation Should Begin: The Bloodhorse 4/4/18
By: Frank Angst When representatives of The Jockey Club and the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association agreed that regulating racehorses should begin when a Thoroughbred has its first recorded workout, the moment wasn't lost on at least one attendee. Association of Racing Commissioners International president Ed Martin interjected to
Maryland Becomes First State To Pass National Equine Medication Compact: THA 3/30/18
By: Tom LaMarra Pending the signature of Gov. Larry Hogan on legislation passed by the General Assembly, Maryland will become ground zero for the Interstate Compact on Anti-Doping and Drug-Testing Standards. The state Senate March 29 passed the legislation on third reading, which means it now it goes to the
Gaming Commission Announces Enhanced Security Protocols for Wood Memorial at Aqueduct: Gaming NY 3/29/18
Press Release: The New York Gaming Commission and New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced today that due to the likelihood of a Grade 1 winner running in the Wood Memorial, the Commission will invoke special security protocols for the race. Should there be a Grade 1 winner in the field
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Board approves more than $1 Million for Equine Research: The Jockey Club 3/16/18
Press Release: The board of directors of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced today that, for the fourth consecutive year, it has authorized expenditure of more than $1 million to fund veterinary research to benefit all horses. The 2018 allotment of $1,239,083 will fund 11 new projects at nine universities, seven continuing projects,
Turfway Reaccredited by Safety & Integrity Alliance: Bloodhorse 3/16/18
Press Release: LEXINGTON, Ky. (Friday, March 16, 2018) - The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Saturday marks the 47th running of Turfway's signature event, the $200,000 Jeff Ruby
Del Mar Makes Progress Through Safety Initiatives: Thoroughbred Daily News 3/15/18
By: Dan Ross Using the information fed into the Jockey Club’s Equine Injury Database (EID) concerning race-day equine fatalities, the numbers nationwide appear to have declined over the past few years, from a rate of two every 1000 starters back in 2009, to a little over 1.5 in 2016. The
Laboratory Accreditation: Why It’s Important For Horsemen: Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association 3/3/18
By: Tom LaMarra Developments over the last 10 years or so have proven that uniformity in the regulation of horse racing goes well beyond published withdrawal times and testing threshold levels for accepted therapeutic substances. The actual testing of samples—admittedly a mind-numbing topic that doesn’t get a lot of play
Interstate “Anti-Doping” Compact Bill Under Consideration in Maryland: The Racing Biz 2/27/18
By: Frank Vespe Legislation that would enable Maryland to join a proposed “Interstate Compact on Anti-Doping and Drug Testing Standards” has been proposed in the state legislature, and proponents are optimistic about its chances of passing. The proposed bill has been introduced in both houses of the General Assembly, and
Kentucky Stewards to Rescind 2016 Ractopamine Positives: Bloodhorse 2/20/18
By: Frank Angst Based on an updated opinion from its testing lab on its findings, Kentucky stewards will rescind three ractopamine positives initially called at the 2016 Kentucky Downs meeting. Trainer George "Rusty" Arnold planned to appeal his two class 2 positives to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, but that move became unnecessary
Kentucky Updates Testing, Claiming Rules: Bloodhorse 2/20/18
In approving an updated standard to its out-of-competition drug testing, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission required horses who receive anabolic steroids to go on the vet's list for at least six months. The change is in line with the model rule on anabolic steroids approved in late 2016 by the
Jockey Club Sanctions Three Trainers: The Bloodhorse 2/13/18
Press Release: The Jockey Club announced Feb. 13 that one trainer has been denied all privileges of The American Stud Book for 10 years, one for five years, and one for two years. All actions became effective Jan. 1, 2018. The denials of privileges include the privilege of registering foals
Meadowlands to increase testing for stakes: USTA 2/9/18
Press Release: East Rutherford, NJ --- With the announcement that the Standardbred Racing Integrity and Accountability Initiative (SRIAI) will not be implemented for 2018, The Meadowlands will address the immediate concern regarding Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED's) in their stakes by increasing both Out Of Competition (OOC) and post race testing this
Former Pennsylvania Testing Director Out At USEF After Testing Issue: Paulick Report 2/8/18
Less than two years after he started as Laboratory Director for the United States Equestrian Federation, a former official responsible for drug testing Pennsylvania Thoroughbreds is no longer employed by the Federation. Dr. Cornelius Uboh, former Bureau Director at the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory, took over the USEF
WEG/Gural integrity rule delayed until 2019: Harness Racing Update 2/8/18
By: Dave Briggs With the Feb. 15 stakes payment date looming quickly and Ontario’s regulator requesting more time to vet the rule, the decision has been made to put it off until next year. Clay Horner told HRU Thursday there are two major reasons the Standardbred Racing Integrity and Accountability
NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance, RMTC to Present New Regulatory Vet Continuing Ed.: NTRA 2/2/18
Press Release: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Safety & Integrity Alliance and the Racing Medication Testing Consortium (RMTC) today announced a new two-day continuing education conference for regulatory and official racetrack veterinarians. The inaugural Regulatory/Official Veterinary CE – set for June 25-26 at Keeneland, preceding the Grayson-Jockey Club Welfare and Safety of
PHRC Considers State Medication Compact, NTRA Track Accreditation: THA 2/1/18
By: Tom LaMarra The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission Jan. 30 said it will consider—after further examination—two proposals designed to further uniformity and integrity: legislation that would authorize a compact on equine medication and drug-testing standards, and racetrack accreditation under the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance. The PHRC
Maryland Tries Again to Enact Law to Hire Equine Medical Director: Thoroughbred Daily News 01/29/18
By: T.D. Thornton For the second consecutive January, a bill has been filed in the Maryland House of Delegates to empower the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) to hire an equine medical director. If the measure passes, it would bring Maryland in line with Kentucky and New York, the two other
Aqueduct Reaccredited by Saftey & Integrity Alliance: The Bloodhorse 01/20/18
By: Bloodhorse Staff he National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced Jan. 20 that Aqueduct Racetrack in New York City has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Aqueduct, located in the borough of Queens since 1894, is part of the not-for-profit New York Racing Association franchise. Since 2013, NYRA has invested more
Pegasus World Cup Security Protocols Released: The Bloodhorse 01/19/18
By: Bloodhorse Staff: he Stronach Group has announced its enhanced security measures and protocols for horses competing in the Jan. 27 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park. "The Stronach Group is committed to the safety, welfare, and integrity of all our athletes. We believe these security measures and protocols
USTA makes Regulatory Rulings available for free: USTA 01/26/18
Press Release: Columbus, OH --- The U.S. Trotting Association announced Friday (Jan. 26) that all Fines and Suspensions Ruling Reports, which are searchable, are now available for free in Pathway (https://pathway.ustrotting.com), the online database on the USTA’s website. Previously, only weekly Fines and Suspensions Bulletins in pdf format were available at
Kentucky Committee Calls for Claiming Rule Tweaks: The Bloodhorse 01/16/18
By: Frank Angst The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will soon consider changes to the voided claim rule after its rules committee recommended updates to the standard. In a unanimous vote, the KHRC's rules committee approved Jan. 16 updates that would require all horses claimed in a race be subject to
Owners the focus of tough new WEG and Big M rule: Harness Racing Update 1/7/18
By: Dave Briggs Owners and trainers take heed: one positive test in 2018 could result in all of your horses being banned from all stakes races at the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) tracks and the Meadowlands, Tioga and Vernon Downs. The new rule called the Standardbred Racing Integrity and Accountability
ARCI Adopts, Publishes Model Rules Regarding Trainers, Vets: THA 1/7/18
By: Tom LaMarra The Association of Racing Commissioners International Board of Directors has published the latest revisions to its Model Rules of Racing based on approvals given at the organization’s December 2017 meeting. Three of the rules deal with recordkeeping and reporting by trainers and veterinarians. The ARCI Model
CHRB Rejects Ron Ellis’ Settlement Proposal: Bloodhorse 12/22/17
By: Jeremy Balan The California Horse Racing Board announced Dec. 22 that it has rejected the settlement offer made by the attorneys for trainer Ron Ellis, regarding his sanctions over the drug violation in Masochistic from the 2016 TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1). Ellis' attorney, Steve Schwartz, said Dec. 20 that a settlement
Gargan suspended, fined for Bute overage: Daily Racing Form 12/6/17
By: David Grening Danny Gargan will serve a seven-day suspension and must pay a $1,000 fine after a horse he trained who won at Aqueduct last December had an overage of the medication medication Phenylbutazone (Bute) in his system. Gargan was initially suspended 10 days but the penalty, issued him
WVRC Moves Forward On Interstate Compact For Medication, Testing: Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association 11/28/17
By: Tom LaMarra The West Virginia Racing Commission is continuing its preparations for the 2018 legislative session, including a bill that would authorize the state to join a proposed interstate compact that would deal with equine medication and drug testing standards. The WVRC earlier this year issued its support for
Racing Integrity Teams deployed to major events: AQHA 11/26/17
Press Release: The American Quarter Horse Association is committed to protecting the welfare of the American Quarter Horse. As part of this pursuit, AQHA is regularly teaming up with racetracks and racing commissions to deploy Racing Integrity Teams to racing events. These teams are deployed to ensure integrity at racetracks. Their work
Breeders’ Cup completes unrivaled testing for 2017 World Championships: Horse Racing Nation 11/10/17
Press Release: Breeders’ Cup completed an unprecedented out of competition pre- and post-race testing program at this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar, Nov. 3-4, which included the testing of 195 horses. Breeders’ Cup has long been at the forefront of out of competition testing and this year
NY Proposes NSAID Rule Modification Based on Comments: Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association 11/19/17
By: Tom LaMarra The New York State Gaming Commission has revised a proposed rule on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on comments submitted by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. A previous rule proposal, published last fall, called for a ban on the use
Hair Testing Meeting: Discussions work to further ensure uniform hair testing results: AQHA 11/19/17
Press Release: The American Association of Equine Practitioner’s annual convention is always a place where some of the greatest minds in veterinary medicine gather to describe new research, exchange ideas and begin new programs that will eventually improve the entire equine industry. This year, during the convention held November 17-21 in San
Backstretch vet, pharmacy found guilty in painkiller case: Daily Racing Form 11/8/17
By: Matt Hegarty A federal jury in Louisiana has found a backstretch veterinarian and a compounding pharmacy guilty on several counts related to the sale and distribution of a powerful synthetic pain-killing drug to trainers in the state, according to the U.S. district attorney prosecuting the case. Kyle Hebert, 42,
All Breeders’ Cup Equine Drug Tests are Clear: Bloodhorse 11/7/17
Press Release: All samples collected from 2017 Breeders' Cup horses for testing have been cleared by the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California, Davis. All horses competing in Breeders' Cup races Nov. 3-4 at Del Marunderwent pre-race testing for total carbon dioxide (TCO2) levels in
N.Y. Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Mislabeled Horse Drugs: The Horse 11/6/17
By: Pat Raia A New York man is facing up to a year in jail and $200,000 in fines after pleading guilty to violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by selling misbranded drugs. Misbranded drugs carry labels that are false or misleading The act prohibits the interstate sale
HRB Proposes New Medication Regulations; Approves 2018 Northern California Dates: Paulick Report 10/27/17
Press Release: The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, October 26, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chairman Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Fred Maas and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website
Miller fined for methamphetamine positive in Pennsylvania: Daily Racing Form 10/31/17
By: Jim Dunleavy In a Pennsylvania Racing Commission ruling dated Oct. 26, the Penn National board of stewards fined trainer Peter Miller $1,500 for his horse Richard's Boy testing positive for methamphetamine following the $200,000 Pennsylvania Governor's Cup on June 3. Richard's Boy finished second by a head to Bold
Del Mar Reaccredited By NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: Paulick Report 10/30/17
By: NTRA The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, host site for Friday and Saturday's Breeders' Cup World Championships, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Del Mar is a world-class Thoroughbred racing destination welcoming the sport's top athletes and
Trainer Kitchingman fined for excess cobalt: Daily Racing Form 10/29/17
By: Steve Andersen ARCADIA, Calif. - Trainer Adam Kitchingman was fined $1,000 by the Santa Anita stewards Friday after one of his winners at Del Mar tested in excess of the permitted level of cobalt. The overage was found in a post-race test taken from Unobtainable, the winner of a
New Ruidoso Downs Owners Lay Out Strict Rules For Participation: Paulick Report 10/28/17
Press Release: Ruidoso Downs is under new ownership and management resulting from a recently completed acquisition. The new owners of Ruidoso Downs and the Ruidoso Horse Sale company have invested in this iconic track specifically to create a racing and sales environment that will provide fairness, stability, and integrity for
Unprecedented Drug Testing Ahead of Breeders’ Cup: The Bloodhorse 10/26/17
By: Frank Angst With a new six-month withdrawal time in place for all anabolic steroids and a ramped-up out-of-competition testing program, Breeders' Cup has made integrity changes that have received international praise ahead of this year's World Championships Nov. 3-4 at Del Mar. One year after the disqualification of Masochistic from his second-place
Leading Quarter Horse trainer Judd Kearl suspended for 19 years: Daily Racing Form 10/26/17
By: Matt Hegarty Judd Kearl, one of the leading trainers in Quarter Horse racing, has been suspended for 19 years by the Texas Racing Commission due to multiple positives for a banned antidepressant that has not been available commercially for nearly 30 years. The 19-year ban was the cumulative result
Kohll’s Pharmacy Denies it Knew Drug Would Be Used to Cheat on Louisiana Horse Races: Omaha World Herald 10/25/17
By: Alia Conley Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare is contesting federal conspiracy charges filed against it that allege it was involved in a scheme to manipulate horse races in Louisiana. The Omaha company is accused of obtaining a synthetic version of a drug, falsely identifying and relabeling it and selling it
Navarro Appealing Post-Race Cocaine Positive at Monmouth: Daily Racing Form 10/20/17
By: Matt Hegarty Two trainers, including Jorge Navarro, have been fined by the New Jersey Racing Commission for positive tests for Class 1 substances in post-race samples of horses under their care, but the commission did not levy suspensions, citing “mitigating circumstances” that point to contamination of the samples. Navarro
No Lie: Polygraph Test Helps Trainer Overturn Summary Suspension: Paulick Report 10/19/17
By: Ray Paulick Stewards in Oklahoma last month reversed a summary suspension of a trainer whose horse tested positive for the Class 1 drug Ritalin after the trainer was given a polygraph examination, often called a lie-detector test. Stacey Capps was summarily suspended on Aug. 15, 2017, by the board
Kentucky Dates for 2018 Unchanged: Daily Racing Form 10/17/17
By: Matt Hegarty The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a schedule of racing dates for next year that looks nearly identical to the schedule for the past two years. This is the second year in the row in which there has been no public discord over the
Trainer Mudaris Fined and Suspended 18 Months for Viagra Positives on Two Horses: Daily Racing Form 10/10/17
By: Steve Andersen ARCADIA, Calif. – Trainer Mike Mudaris has been fined $17,500 and suspended 18 months after two of his horses that ran at the 2016 Del Mar summer meeting tested positive for the prohibited medication sildenafil, which is more commonly known by the trade name Viagra. Sildenafil, a
Jimmy Iselin to Serve Suspension after Appeal Denied: Daily Racing Form 10/10/17
By: David Grening Trainer Jimmy Iselin is to begin serving a 30-day suspension Wednesday following a denial of his appeal by the New York Gaming Commission of a medication positive from 2016. Rahy’s Bandit, who won the fourth race at Belmont Park on June 12, 2016, was found to have
Keeneland Reaccredited by NTRA Safety, Integrity Alliance: The Horse 10/05/17
Press Release: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced Oct. 10 that Keeneland Race Course, in Lexington, Kentucky, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. Keeneland, established in 1936, is a National Historic Landmark. The 17-day 2017 fall meet kicks off Friday and continues Wednesdays to Sundays
Navarro Agrees Not to Enter Horses at Delaware Meet: The Daily Racing Form 10/04/17
By: Matt Hegarty Jorge Navarro, the trainer who has been dogged by controversy for the past several years, has agreed not to enter any horses at Delaware Park for the remainder of the track’s meet this year, the state racing commission’s top official said Wednesday. John Wayne, the administrator for
Wiggins Named Integrity Officer for Oaklawn Park: The Blood Horse 10/03/17
Press Release: klawn Jockey Club has named Hal Wiggins, one of the most respected horsemen and racing officials in the Midwest, to the newly created position of Racing Integrity Officer. In this new position, Wiggins will serve as a liaison between Oaklawn Management, the Board of Stewards and key Arkansas
The Bone Disease Treatment Drugs that may be Putting Young Horses at Risk: Thoroughbred Racing Commentary 10/03/17
By: Daniel Ross Like all drugs, bisphosphonates are a proven fillip when administered to treat specific conditions in accordance with official guidelines. But like all drugs, bisphosphonates can be misused and abused. And it’s the potential consequences from misuse in racehorses — especially in young racehorses — that’s causing mounting
Maryland Racing Commission to Discuss Suspension Policies: Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association 10/01/17
By: Tom LaMarra The Maryland Racing Commission is planning to discuss a rule governing the suspension of individuals who hold multiple licenses and a new regulation in Pennsylvania that bans horses from racing in the event of positive tests. The MRC discussed both issues at its meeting Sept. 28 but
Skye Diamonds Forfeits $20,000 Check after Clenbuterol Positive: The Daily Racing Form 10/01/17
By: Steve Andersen A portion of the purse of the Grade 3 Adoration Stakes at Santa Anita in May was ordered redistributed on Sunday after runner-up Skye Diamonds tested in excess of the permitted level of clenbuterol, according to a ruling published by the Santa Anita stewards. Skye Diamonds earned
Navarro Cleared to Race at Stronach Tracks: Thoroughbred Daily News 09/27/17
By: Bill Finley Trainer Jorge Navarro will not have to worry about where he is going to race this winter. Tim Ritvo, the chief operating officer of The Stronach Group, reports that the trainer has been cleared to race at Gulfstream and all tracks owned by the Stronach team. Navarro’s
Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup Purse Redistributed after Meth Positive Confirmed: Daily Racing Form 09/28/17
By: Jim Dunleavy A Pennsylvania Racing Commission ruling dated Sept. 22 has ordered the purse of the $200,000 Pennsylvania Governor's Cup at Penn National on June 3 redistributed after a split sample from the winner, Richard's Boy, confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in his system. Bold Thunder finished first by
PA Horse Racing Commission Outlines New Medication & Testing Regulations: Thoroughbred Daily News 09/26/17
Press Release: New Pennsylvania regulations instituted by the state Horse Racing Commission are proving effective in strengthening the integrity of the state’s equine racing industry, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding reported. “When we set out to reform the state’s racing industry, two of our goals were to secure the long-term funding
ASPCA Throws Support Behind The Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017: Paulick Report 09/21/17
Press Release: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has announced its strong support for the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017. The bill, formally designated as H.R. 2651, would require that a uniform, anti-doping and medication control program be developed and enforced by a private, non-profit,
Navarro Fine Increased, Gets Banned at Delaware: The Daily Racing Form 09/20/17
By: Matt Hegarty The New Jersey Racing Commission on Wednesday approved a recommendation from the stewards at Monmouth Park that the commission increase a set of fines that had been levied on trainer Jorge Navarro and the owner Randal Gindi, according to the executive director of the commission. The commission
Meadowlands Seeks Permission to Ban Horses that Test Positive: Harness Racing Update 09/21/17
By: Bill Finley The New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC) put off making a decision Wednesday on a petition submitted by the Meadowlands that would make any horse that tests positive for a prohibited medication ineligible to race for 90 days. NJRC executive director Frank Zanzuccki announced at yesterday’s regularly scheduled
Robertino Diodoro Begins Serving Suspension for Medication Positives: The Daily Racing Form 09/18/17
By: David Grening Trainer Robertino Diodoro on Sunday began serving a 15-day suspension for three medication positives incurred at Turf Paradise during the winter. Diodoro had three horses test positive for hydroxyethylpromazine sulfoxide, a tranquilizer that the Association of Racing Commissioners International lists as a Class 3 drug. The medication
A Great First Step in Pennsylvania Towards Integrity: The Daily Racing Form 09/13/17
By: Darin Zoccali Last year I wrote a column highlighting what I thought were potential points for optimism in the harness racing industry in 2017. Among those points was the appointment of Brett Revington as bureau director of standardbred racing for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Fast forward eight months
Study Suggests Need For Another Revision To Uniform Drug Guidelines: The Paulick Report 09/14/17
By: Natalie Voss Recommended withdrawal guidelines for detomidine, commercially known as Dormosedan, may face review after a recent study suggested horses could test positive while adhering to the guidelines. The current guideline from the Racing Medication Testing Consortium suggests the threshold for a positive be set at 2ng/ml in urine
Suspension, Pair Of Revocations In Iowa ‘Hidden Syringes’ Case: The Paulick Report 09/11/17
By: Scott Jagow Stewards at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino have revoked the licenses of an assistant trainer and veterinarian and suspended a trainer for a year following a security episode in a barn last month. Stewards ruled assistant trainer Victor Ibarra and vet Verlin Jones should lose their licenses
Texas Racing Commission Upholds Suspensions of Three Quarter Horse Trainers: The Daily Racing Form 09/10/17
By: Matt Hagerty The Texas Racing Commission has upheld the summary suspensions it handed down to three Quarter Horse trainers in June for positives for the banned antidepressant nomifensine, according to records of the commission released Saturday. In upholding the indefinite suspensions, the commission’s stewards disregarded testimony from all three
Juan Vazquez Gets 30 days for Steroid Violation: The Daily Racing Form 09/12/17
By: Matt Hagerty Juan Vazquez, the mid-Atlantic-based trainer who has had a rash of medication positives over the past five years, has been suspended for 30 days by the board of stewards at Suffolk Downs in Massachusetts for a positive of a corticosteroid. The suspension is scheduled to run from
Gutierrez Fined for Positive Test Showing Two Anti-Inflammatories: The Daily Racing Form 09/13/17
By: Steve Andersen CYPRESS, Calif. – Trainer Jorge Gutierrez has been fined $500 after one of his runners at Del Mar in July tested positive for two anti-inflammatory medications – phenylbutazone and flunixin. Trainers are not allowed to administer more than one anti-inflammatory medication, according to California Horse Racing Board
Dale Capuano Held Blameless After Horse Tests Positive For Cocaine; Owners Appeal DQ: Ray Paulick 09/13/17
Press Release: Trainer Dale Capuano has been held blameless because of what Laurel Park stewards called “mitigating circumstances” after Six Tonsafun, a horse in his care, tested positive for cocaine and its metabolites following a victory in the fourth race at the Maryland track on July 22. According to the
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Begins Appeals Process in Motion Case: The Daily Racing Form 9/13/17
By: Matt Hegarty LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday filed a notice of appeal with the Franklin Circuit Court to challenge a recent ruling involving trainer Graham Motion that raised issues with the state’s absolute-insurer rule, according to a copy of the notice provided by the
History, Enthusiasm, Investment, Integrity: AQHA 09/11/17
Press Release: In 1959, investors Eugene Hensley, Carl Mercer and cowboy musician Ray Reed held the first All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs, solidifying the date for the next 58 years; it would be Labor Day weekend. More than $5.4 million dollars in purses were up for grabs over the three days
Four Quarter Horses Fail New Hair Testing in New Mexico: The Bloodhorse 08/07/17
Press Release: Of the first six Quarter Horses subjected to out-of-competition testing using horse hair analysis in New Mexico, four tested positive for Clenbuterol. The New Mexico Racing Commission put a new rule in place July 1 allowing for the testing of horse hair and state investigator Leasa Johnson and contract
USEF Board of Directors Approves Recommendations of the USEF MPA Panel: USEF 07/26/17
By: US Equestrian Communications Department Lexington, Ky. – On Tuesday, July 25, the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Board of Directors voted to approve the phase I recommendations of the USEF Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) Panel on the continued investigation, research, and analysis of the use of MPA, commonly referred to as Depo-Provera®,
Aggressive Drug Testing Implemented in Advance of Breeders’ Cup: VSin.Com 08/08/17
By: Ron Flatter LAS VEGAS — It started with drug tests that led to the disqualification of a Breeders’ Cup runner-up after last year’s races. Now whispers that the championships have already started their expanded out-of-competition drug tests have been confirmed. A Breeders’ Cup executive said during the weekend that
ARCI Updates Model Rules, Will Review Penalty Guidelines: The Horse 08/14/17
Press Release: Stewards and judges will be given greater flexibility to consider mitigating factors in deciding whether to deny the purse and disqualify a horse for lesser violations of racing’s medication rules under the latest version of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) Model Rules of Racing. Version 8.1,
Split Sample Program on the Horizon: Harnesslink 08/15/17
Press Release: After many years and court battles over New York trainers struggles in getting split samples in medication cases, horsemen in New York state were notified this week a guaranteed split sample program is in the works. The announcement in the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association newsletter indicated the
Biancone Granted Conditional License in Kentucky: The Bloodhorse 08/15/17
By: Evan Hammonds The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission granted Patrick Biancone a conditional license to resume training Thoroughbreds during their monthly meeting Aug. 15. The 16-1 vote came after the KHRC license review committee added two conditions to the trainer's application July 19. Biancone has not had a license in Kentucky
New Equine Health and Safety Measures Implemented at Saratoga: Horse Racing Nation 08/21/17
Press Release: In addition to the existing industry-leading equine health and safety policies and procedures already in place at New York State racetracks, the New York State Gaming Commission, The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) are implementing additional actions immediately at Saratoga
Out-of-Competition Clenbuterol Positive will keep Heza Streakin Legacy from All American Futurity: The Daily Racing Form 08/26/17
By: Mary Rampellini Heza Streakin Legacy qualified for the $3 million All American Quarter Horse Futurity at Ruidoso Downs, but was not allowed to be entered back in the finale by the stewards on Friday because of a positive hair test for clenbuterol during an out of competition testing program
Spawr Suspended 30 Days After Excessive-Clenbuterol Test Results: The Daily Racing Form 08/27/17
By: Steve Anderson DEL MAR, Calif. - Trainer Bill Spawr has been suspended 30 days and fined $3,000 as part of a settlement agreement with the California Horse Racing Board after Skye Diamonds showed an excessive amount of clenbuterol in a post-race test taken after her second-place finish in the
CHRB: Jockey Suspension Proposal Advanced, Seven-Day Corticosteroid Rule Proposed: Paulick Report 08/25/17
Press Release: The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, August 24, at Del Mar Race Track. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. First Vice Chair George Krikorian, Second Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper, Araceli Ruano and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this
Guaranteed Split Sample Program On The Horizon For New York Horsemen: Paulick Report 08/13/17
By: Natalie Voss After many years and court battles over New York trainers' struggles in get split samples in medication cases, horsemen in the state were notified this week a guaranteed split sample program is in the works. The announcement in the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association newsletter indicated the
Iowa Quarter Horse Trainers, Vet Suspended: Paulick Report 08/28/17
Press Release: Stewards at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Iowa have summarily suspended a Quarter Horse trainer, assistant trainer and a veterinarian after the assistant was seen by security hiding syringes in the barn area. Suspended pending the outcome of hearings were trainer Kenneth Laymon, assistant Victor Ibarra and
Expanded Testing: AQHA 08/24/17
Press Release: The nation's oldest continuously run Futurity has undergone a major change in conditions for 2018. The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association Board of Directors, operating under the belief that there are many owners racing Quarter Horses that would prefer to participate in an Open to the World Futurity and Derby
Negative Hair Test Required for Entry in $250,000 Albuquerque Fall Championship: AQHA 08/24/17
Press Release: All horses entering the September 24, $250,000 Albuquerque Fall Quarter Horse Championship will be required to have a negative hair test. The negative test results will need to be submitted to the New Mexico Racing Commission by September 8. Nominations for the 440-yard stakes, which will for the first time
Pennsylvania to Begin Suspending Horses for Positive Tests: Thoroughbred Daily News 09/03/17
By: Bill Finley Beginning Oct. 1, horses that test positive for Class 1, 2 or 3 drugs in Pennsylvania will be forced to the sidelines, suspended along with their trainers. Suspending horses has often been brought up as a possible deterrent to trainers using performance-enhancing drugs and from owners employing
Out of Competition Tests on Hambletonian: Harness Link 08/04/17
Press Release: The New Jersey Racing Commission has cleared the out-of-competition tests screened to date on the harness racing entrants in the $1.2 million Hambletonian, to be raced Saturday, Aug. 5 at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This procedure has been routine for nearly a decade in the Hambletonian Society sponsored
New Mexico Bans Three Quarter Horse Trainers Suspended in Texas: Daily Racing Form 08/01/17
By: Matt Hegarty New Mexico has barred three Quarter Horse trainers who were recently suspended by the Texas Racing Commission for Class 1 racing positives, including the trainer of an early favorite for the upcoming All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs in the state. Ismael Trejo, the executive director of
PA Regulation ‘Suspends’ Horses after most Positive Tests: THA 07/27/17
By: Tom LaMarra The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission July 26 approved a new regulation that will make racehorses that test positive for a prohibited substance ineligible to compete for a period of time. The regulation, which is expected to take effect Sept. 1, calls for such horses to be placed
Penn National’s Ban of Trainer Eduardo Rojas Upheld by Commission: Daily Racing Form: 07/26/17
By: Matt Hegarty The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission has upheld a decision by Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pa., to ban trainer Eduardo Rojas, who is married to a trainer who recently was convicted on 14 charges of misbranding drugs and conspiracy related to horses she trained. Penn National
Kearl Among Three Quarter Horse Trainers Cited for Medication Violations: Daily Racing Form 07/24/17
By: Matt Hegarty Three Quarter Horse trainers, including two on the breed’s top 10 list by wins this year, have been charged with Class 1 drug violations in Texas after horses they trained tested positive for a banned antidepressant. According to Texas Racing Commission records, Judd Kearl, who is second
Biancone Moves Closer to Kentucky Reinstatement: Blood-Horse 7/19/17
By: Frank Angst Trainer Patrick Biancone, who has not had a license in Kentucky since 2007 following the discovery of cobra venom in his Keeneland barn, moved a step closer July 19 toward being allowed to saddle a Thoroughbred in Kentucky. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission License Review Committee approved a conditional license
Judge Denies Motion To Dismiss Criminal Charges In Dermorphin Case: Paulick Report 7/19/17
By: Natalie Voss U.S. District Court Judge Donald Walter denied a motion earlier this month to dismiss federal charges against Louisiana veterinarian Dr. Kyle J. Hebert and Essential Pharmacy Compounding. Hebert is accused of providing trainers with injectable vials of dermorphin, a synthetic opioid said to be 30 times more
Stepping Up Backstretch Security Via Tech: Blood-Horse 7/12/17
By: Frank Angst Like most anyone else associated with horse racing for any amount of time, Parx Racing executive Sam Elliott is plenty familiar with the "backstretch wave" from stable gate security, a cursory review of an approaching visitor followed by a friendly motion of the hand to grant entrance. While the
O’Brien Fined by NY Gaming Commission: Thoroughbred Daily News
By: Brian DiDonato The New York Gaming Commission has fined top Irish-based conditioner Aidan O’Brien $1500 after his assistant trainer T. J. Comerford was found to be in the possession of injectable electrolytes at Belmont Park, Daily Racing Formfirst reported. A ruling issued Sunday by the NYSGC read: “Mr. Aiden (sic) P. O’Brien
Richard’s Boy Drug Positive Leads to Increased Security: Blood-Horse 7/7/17
By: Jeremy Balan After a positive test for methamphetamine in Richard's Boyfollowing his win in the Pennsylvania Governor's Cup Stakes June 3 at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, owner Rockingham Ranch is taking extra measures to ensure the security of the Idiot Proof gelding ahead of his start in the July 8 Parx
Penn Commission Revokes Rojas’s Licenses: Thoroughbred Daily News 7/7/17
By: T.D. Thornton Last week’s 14-count federal felony conviction of trainer Murray Rojas for misbranding equine prescription drugs led to a Thursday notice of her banishment from Penn National Race Course, where the pattern of offenses was proven to have taken place over a multi-year period. Shortly thereafter, Penn National’s
Following Rojas Verdict, Penn National Ejects Trainers: Blood-Horse 7/6/17
By: Frank Angst Following the guilty verdict of trainer Murray Rojas for 14 counts of misbranding drugs as part of an illegal effort to administer race-day medications to horses in 2013, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course banned the trainer, and two others, from the Grantville, Pa., track. On July 6, Penn National
Los Alamitos Earns Reaccreditation From NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA.Com 7/5/17
By: NTRA LOS ALAMITOS EARNS REACCREDITATION FROM NTRA SAFETY & INTEGRITY ALLIANCE Lexington, Ky. (July 5, 2017) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Los Alamitos Race Course has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance for its Thoroughbred race meet. Los Alamitos received its initial Alliance accreditation
Peter Miller Notified Richard’s Boy Tested Positive for Methamphetamine: Daily Racing Form 7/4/17
By: Jim Dunleavy Richard’s Boy was placed first in the $200,000 Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup at Penn National on June 3 after the stewards disqualified Bold Thunder for fouling him in the stretch. Now, Richard’s Boy has a drug positive and Bold Thunder could be reinstated as the winner. Richard’s Boy
Jury Reaches Split Decision on Trainer Rojas: Blood-Horse 7/3/17
By: Frank Angst In the first federal case to go to a jury verdict following numerous arrests of trainers and veterinarians in connection to 2013 events at Penn National Race Course, a jury found trainer Murray Rojas guilty of 14 counts related to misbranding of animal drugs but determined that Rojas
Successful Lab Accreditation Push Down to Just a Handful: THA Racing.Com 6/29/17
By: Tom LaMarra Ten United States laboratories that test samples taken from racehorses in 31 of 34 racing jurisdictions applied for lab accreditation through the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, and nine are now accredited. Labs that have successfully completed two rounds of proficiency testing and have passed an on-site
Vernon Downs Offered as OOC Location for Meadowlands Stakes: US Trotting.Com 6/28/17
By: USTA East Rutherford, NJ --- In an effort to make conforming with The Meadowlands' Out Of Competition (OOC) testing requirements easier and less expensive, arrangements have been made for trainers to stable horses coming from outside the established 150 mile radius in the Vernon Downs barn area for that period of time.
WVRC Votes to Pursue Legislation for Racing Compact: THA Racing.Com 6/28/17
By: Tom LaMarra The West Virginia Racing Commission June 27 voted to lay the groundwork for legislation that would allow it to become a member of a compact that would facilitate adoption of uniform medication rules. The WVRC took the action in the hope other Mid-Atlantic racing states consider pursuing
NYSGC Approves Third-Party Lasix Administration Rule: Thoroughbred Daily News 6/26/17
By: TDN The New York State Gaming Commission unanimously approved a proposal to formalize race-day administration of Lasix by third-party veterinarians during its meeting Monday in Manhattan. Under the rule, recommended by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) and consistent with model rules of the Association of Racing Commissioners
Biological Passports Could be Wave of Future in Drug Testing: Daily Racing Form 6/23/17
By: Matt Hegarty LEXINGTON, Ky. – In his lab at the University of California-Davis, Dr. Scott Stanley sorts through immense stores of data obtained from an analysis of blood samples collected from horses over the past year. The data, he hopes, will one day give the racing industry a new
Drug Testing Requirements for Stakes:HarnessLink.Com 6/20/17
By: Nick Salvi/NZST East Rutherford, NJ -- The Meadowlands is announcing that all horses entered in the following stakes; Graduate Finals Trot & Pace, Meadowlands Pace, Mistletoe Shalee, Hambletonian Maturity, WR Haughton Memorial, Golden Girls, Stanley Dancer Memorial and Del Miller Memorial will be required to be stabled at an
ARCI Model Regulatory Standards Updated: The Horse.Com 6/14/17
By: Edited Press Release The newest version of model rules approved by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) is now available at arci.com. The ARCI’s model rules are designed to provide the template for racing regulatory entities and the framework under which the sport has made significant gains toward
California Officially Approves Third-Party Lasix Rules; Implementation Expected Late this Year: Paulick Report 6/3/17
By: Press Release The State of California has officially approved rules establishing that race-day medication must be administered by independent veterinary professionals – further aligning California with the national uniform medication program. The California Office of Administrative Law advised the California Horse Racing Board on Thursday that amendments to CHRB
Steady Strides Toward Safety: Blood-Horse 6/2/17
By: Frank Angst In 2016 nearly 150 horses who seven years earlier might have been lost to catastrophic breakdowns while racing, safely walked off the track after competing and returned to their barns. Those accidents that never happened can be attributed to an industry that has worked to gather better
Enhanced Security Protocols for Belmont Stakes Racing Festival: TDN 6/2/17
By: TDN The New York Racing Association (NYRA), in conjunction with the New York State Gaming Commission, has released the security protocols for next week’s Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Horses entered for the GI Belmont S. will be subjected to 72-hours of “dedicated watch” by experienced security personnel leading up
Parx Cracks Down on Medication Violations, Hidden Ownership: Daily Racing Form 5/27/17
By: Jim Dunleavy To improve public perception of its racing product, Parx Racing will institute several house rules to discourage medication violations and hidden ownership of horses, according to Sam Elliott, the track's director of racing. Beginning June 1, any trainers who within a 365-day period accumulate three medication violations
Barn Search At Parx Leads To 60-Day Suspension Of Trainer Jonathan Wong: Paulick Report 5/26/17
By: Paulick Report Staff Stewards at Parx Racing in Pennsylvania have suspended trainer Jonathan Wong 60 days as a result of a barn search by Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission employees that led to the finding of two hypodermic needles and syringes and two bottles of an injectable substance. The
CHRB Approves Medication Conditions for Breeders’ Cup: Blood-Horse 5/25/17
By: Jeremy Balan In the aftermath of Masochistic's disqualification from the 2016 TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), Del Mar and the Breeders' Cup asked the California Horse Racing Board May 25 for permission to avoid such an event in the 2017 World Championships. The proposal submitted to the CHRB Thursday
Harness Trainer Weiner Suspended Indefinitely: Daily Racing Form 5/24/17
By: Matt Hegarty Michael Weiner, a harness trainer in New York, has been suspended indefinitely by New York regulators after four horses he started at Monticello Raceway in February tested positive for a substance that is reputed to have stimulant effects. The New York State Gaming Commission announced the suspension
Settlement Creates Two Winners of 2016 Parx Oaks: Daily Racing Form 5/22/17
By: Matt Hegarty There wasn’t a dead heat, but the 2016 Parx Oaks will have two winners. In a highly unusual settlement between trainer John Servis and Pennsylvania regulators, both Miss Inclusive, who was first across the wire, and Eighth Wonder, the second-place finisher, will be listed as the winners
John Servis has Suspension Rescinded by Pennsylvania Commission: Daily Racing Form 5/19/17
By: Jim Dunleavy The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission has rescinded the 15-day suspension handed to trainer John Servis by the Parx Racing board of stewards after three of his horses tested positive for clenbuterol between April 4 and May 7, 2016. The commission ruling, which was made Friday, cites "articulated
Animal Welfare Recommendations Approved: AQHA.COM 5/17/17
The AQHA Executive Committee approved several recommendations from the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission at the 2017 AQHA Convention. The recommendations ranged from adding specific medications to the AQHA forbidden drugs or substances list to creating educational efforts for specific animal-handling procedures to a recommendation to use all drug- and animal
Daily Double: Vazquez Horse Disqualified Twice From Maiden Wins For Drug Violations: Paulick Report 5/14/17
By: Paulick Report Staff What are the chances a horse would be disqualified from a maiden win – not once, but twice – as a result of post-race drug tests? That's what happened to J. J.'s Candy, a 3-year-old Sidney's Candy colt owned by Big Monk Stable and Liorah Stables
Three Years Later, Wickliffe Case Brings Rule Change: Blood-Horse 5/11/17
By: Frank Angst Three years after the deaths of horses in Kentucky and Florida were linked to a Lexington compounding pharmacy, the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy strengthened its regulation of the industry in a move it hopes will protect animal—and human—lives. It's a change many see as a needed step forward in
AQHA Announces ‘Racing Integrity Teams’ in Partnership with Racetracks, Racing Commissions: Daily Racing Form 5/11/17
By: Mary Rampellini The American Quarter Horse Association announced Thursday that it has been teaming up with racetracks and racing commissions to "deploy Racing Integrity Teams to racing events." The team's tasks vary, from performing searches of barns, stalls or cars, surveillance of horses, sharing intelligence with local enforcement, and
Monmouth Park Earns Reaccreditation from NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA.Com 5/11/17
By: NTRA Press Release/Joan Lawrence LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 11, 2017) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Monmouth Park has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Featuring 14 graded stakes this year marks the 50th running of the Grade 1 $1 million Betfair.com Haskell
Manufacturer Fined in Contaminated Horse Feed Case: The Horse 5/10/17
By: Pat Raia California-based Western Milling LLC has agreed to pay more than $500,000 in fines in connection with its manufacture of monensin-contaminated horse feed. Monensin is an ionophore antibiotic sometimes included in ruminant, swine, and poultry feed, but which is toxic to horses. Clinical signs of ionophore poisoning in
Supplement Contamination Caused Positive Test Results: The Horse 5/9/17
By: Edited Press Release The United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) said it appreciates the efforts made by Cargill to determine how two horses ridden in a Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) competition by US Equestrian members Adrienne Lyle and Kaitlin Blythe were exposed to ractopamine, a substance banned by the
Attorney Advises Caution in Use of Compounded Meds: Blood-Horse 5/4/17
By: Frank Angst An attorney who handled a prominent negligence case against a Kentucky compounder advises veterinarians and horse owners to make sure they are acting legally when administering a compounded drug to a horse, because without such care they could lose out on legal protections should anything go wrong with
NYRA Bets Presents Derby Countdown: Pre-Race Inspections, Fractionally Speaking: Paulick Report 5-1-17
By:Natalie Voss Considering the Intricacies of Pre-Race Inspections As Kentucky Derby and Oaks starters turn in their final workouts and gallops this week, they'll be watched closely by Kentucky Horse Racing Commission officials as part of a long-term surveillance program aimed at clean and healthy racing. Dr. Mary Scollay, equine
Churchill Downs Releases Derby, Oaks Equine Security Protocols; Re-Emphasizes Ongoing Safety & Integrity Measures: Churchill Downs 4/28/17
By: Press Release/Churchill Downs/Darren Rogers LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, April 28, 2017) – Churchill Downs Racetrack today re-emphasized its annual enhanced security measures for horses competing in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) and ongoing safety and integrity measures included in its “Safety from Start to Finish” program.
Mario Serey Jr. Suspensions Total 315 Days For Six Clenbuterol Positives In Pennsylvania: Paulick Report 4/26/17
By: Paulick Report Staff Trainer Mario Serey Jr. is facing a 315-day license suspension and $11,500 in fines from six individual rulings issued by stewards at Penn National and Parx Racing in Pennsylvania for clenbuterol violations. The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission has granted Serey appeals on at least three of
Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission Stewards Under Scrutiny For Summary Suspensions: Paulick Report 4/26/17
By: Ray Paulick Last week we wrote about a horse being allowed to run in the finals of the April 22 Remington Park Futurity for Quarter horses despite the horse's owner and trainer being summarily suspended because of what stewards with the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission deemed a serious drug
NY Commission Tweaks 7 Drug Thresholds: TDN 4/24/17
By: T.D. Thornton By unanimous voice vote, the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) tweaked and augmented threshold levels for seven therapeutic Thoroughbred medications at the board’s Apr. 24 monthly meeting. According to a brief written by NYSGC general counsel Edmund Burns that was included in the informational packet for
‘Boots on the Ground’ Gets a Big Push from AQHA: THA Racing.Com 4/21/17
By: Jennie Rees The American Quarter Horse Association is pioneering cost-effective loaner integrity teams that provide investigative reinforcements for the sport’s big-event days. The AQHA program was the main focus of discussion during an April 19 panel called “Policing the Backside: A View from the Front Line” on the second
ARCI Welfare, Integrity Conference Continues: The Horse 4/20/17
By: Edited Press Release The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is pioneering cost-effective loaner integrity teams that provide investigative reinforcements for the sprint sport’s big-event days. That program was the main focus of Wednesday’s discussion on “Policing the Backside: A View from the Front Line” at the Association of Racing
The Jockey Club Denies Stud Book Privileges to Four: Blood-Horse 4/19/17
By: BloodHorse Staff The Jockey Club announced one trainer has been denied all privileges of The American Stud Book for 10 years and three other trainers have been denied the same privileges for one or two years. All actions became effective Jan. 1 of this year. The denials of privileges
ARCI: Vet’s List Changes Aim to Protect Horses: Blood-Horse 4/19/17
By: Frank Angst The Association of Racing Commissioners International Drug Testing and Practices Committee April 19 moved forward on changes that would standardize vet's list procedures from state to state. The end goal of the rule put forward by The Jockey Club Safety Committee is to standardize vet's list rules,
Finger Lakes Racetrack Earns Reaccreditation from NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA.Com 4/19/17
By: NTRA FINGER LAKES RACETRACK EARNS REACCREDITATION FROM NTRA SAFETY & INTEGRITY ALLIANCE LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 19, 2017) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Located in Farmington, N.Y., the 55-year old
$75,000 Fine, 4-Year Suspension for New Mexico Trainer: TDN 4/19/17
By: T.D. Thornton A New Mexico-based trainer who continued to race Thoroughbreds unsanctioned for nearly two years despite having two horses test positive for a Class 1, Penalty Schedule A drug in 2015 now faces a $75,000 fine and a four-year suspension. The New Mexico Racing Commission (NMRC) handed down
Trainer Navarro Vows to Fight Horse’s Positive Test for Cocaine: Daily Racing Form 4/19/17
By: Matt Hegarty The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering has notified trainer Jorge Navarro that a horse he trained tested positive for cocaine after a race at Tampa Bay Downs in February, and Navarro said he plans to contest the finding. In an administrative complaint dated March 16, the division
Out-Of-Competition Testing, Research Seen as Keys to Clean Racing: The Racing Biz 4/19/17
By: Press Release Increased out-of-competition testing, investing in additional investigators and research into emerging threats are the most effective ways to catch — and, more importantly, deter — cheating in horse racing. That was the big take-away from the drug-testing forum on opening day of the Association of Racing Commissioners
Regulators Discuss Adding Backstretch Investigators: Blood-Horse 4/19/17
By: Frank Angst In an era where some states have faced budget cuts, racing regulators talked April 19 about creative ways to place more investigators on the backstretch as a way of discovering wrongdoing and deterring future bad behavior. The talk of such approaches was one of four panel discussions
Kentucky Commission Adopts RCI Model Drug Rules: Paulick Report 4/18/17
By: Natalie Voss The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to accept model drug rules set by the Association for Racing Commissioners International. Dr. Mary Scollay, equine medical director for the commission, said the updates represented about a year's work and more than 175 individual edits to bring
Regulatory Conference This Week in Charleston: Blood-Horse 4/17/17
By: Frank Angst Many of the country's leading regulators will listen to panels and presentations on drug testing and enforcement, policing the backstretch, and promoting the sport, just to name a few, when they gather this week in Charleston, S.C. The Association of Racing Commissioners International's 2017 annual conference on equine welfare
Ohio State Racing Commission Schedules Open Forum On Out-Of-Competition Testing: Paulick Report 4/17/17
By: Press Release The Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC)'s open forum on out of competition testing will be held April 24 OSRC at 10 am, at the Riffe Center, 77 S. High Street, Room 1960. The meeting is open to all pari-mutuel stakeholders, horsemen's associations and the public, and will
Remington Park Institutes Hair Testing for Grade 1 Championship: AQHA.Com 4/18/17
By: Edited Press Release Remington Park will implement hair testing for its 440-yard, $250,000 Remington Park Championship (G1), which this year will be run on June 3. According to a press release issued by the track, horses invited to the Remington Park Championship will be required to be on grounds
Many Factors Contribute to Drop in Equine Fatalities at Delaware Park: The Racing Biz 4/11/17
By: Linda Dougherty Delaware Park experienced a dramatic drop in its fatality rate last year despite having its most starts since 2012, according to The Jockey Club’s Equine Injury Database (EID) for 2016, released in early March. The rate of fatalities at Delaware dipped to just 0.41 per 1,000 starts,
New York Shifts All Drug Test Costs to Horsemen, Tracks: Blood-Horse 4/10/17
By: Tom Precious New York horsemen and tracks will pay the full costs of equine drug testing in the state, an amount that totals more than $4 million annually, under a state budget deal that was given final adoption by lawmakers late April 9. Under the terms of the agreement
CHRB Again Approves Third-Party Lasix Administration: Blood-Horse 4/6/17
By: Jeremy Balan A nearly five-year process to implement third-party administration of race-day furosemide (commonly known as Lasix) in California could be nearing an end after the California Horse Racing Board approved a proposal to authorize the practice April 6. During a meeting at Golden Gate Fields, the four attending
Kentucky One Step Closer To Uniform Medication Rules With Council Vote: Paulick Report 4/4/17
By: Natalie Voss Kentucky regulators came a step closer to bringing the state's regulations in line with the National Uniform Medication Program (NUMP) on Tuesday afternoon when the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council voted to approve drug classifications, penalty schedules, withdrawal guidelines and thresholds set out by the Racing Medication
Security Protocols for Horses in 2017 Blue Grass Stakes: The Horse.Com 3/31/17
By: Edited Press Release Keeneland Race Course, in Lexington, Kentucky, will continue its enhanced security measures for horses entered in the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, a prep races for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, scheduled for Saturday, April 8. Toyota Blue Grass Stakes contenders must be
Oxycodone Positives Dropped in PA; Court Upholds Cobalt Positives in Maine: Harnes Racing Update.Com 3/31/17
By: Dave Briggs Fines and suspensions for Oxycodone positives in Pennsylvania for trainers Rene Allard, Kevin Lare and Brad Irvine have been rescinded by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission (PHRC) due to “mitigating circumstances.” In other relatively recent developments, controversial trainer Lou Pena has received a conditional three-year license in
Los Al: Track Bans Two Qualifiers from Derbys Because of Positive Tests: Daily Racing Form 3/30/17
By: Steve Anderson Two horses that qualified for six-figure Quarter Horse Derbys to be run at Los Alamitos this weekend will not start after testing positive for banned medications in recent track-sponsored out-of-competition tests, the track announced in a statement on Thursday. Trippys Royal Jess was the fastest qualifier for
Owner, Veterinarian Suspended 30 Days: Daily Racing Form 3/29/17
By: David Grening The New York stewards suspended owner Raj Jagnanan for 30 days and fined him $1,500 for having a bottle of the medication albuterol in his car. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that is only permitted to be in the possession of a licensed veterinarian. The suspension begins Monday,
Dr. Mary Scollay Talks Drug Testing and the Role of the Regulatory Veterinarian: UA-RTIP.ORG 3/23/17
By: University of Arizona Tucson, AZ — The Race Track Industry Program was fortunate to host Dr. Mary Scollay, the equine medical director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, on Wednesday, March 22. Dr. Scollay spoke in the Joe Hirsch Speaker Forum and the Advanced Animal Racing Laws and Enforcement
Florida Ruling Means Dozens Of Drug Positives Likely To Be Dismissed: Paulick Report 3/24/17
By: Ray Paulick Dozens of administrative complaints for medication violations in Florida are likely to be dismissed after the state's Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering issued an order accepting the recommendations of an administrative law judge who found that serum sample collection procedures qualified as “unadopted rules” and that no action could
Sunland Park Earns Reaccreditation From NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA.Com 3/20/17
By: NTRA Contact: Joan Lawrence, NTRA Communications, (646) 335-6833, jlawrence@ntra.com Contact: Dustin A. Dix – Director of Racing Operations, (575) 874-5200, Dustin.Dix@Sunland-Park.com SUNLAND PARK EARNS REACCREDITATION FROM NTRA SAFETY & INTEGRITY ALLIANCE LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 20, 2017) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Sunland Park Racetrack &
Equine Injury Database Statistics Continue to Reflect Progress: THA Racing.Com 3/11/17
By: Tom LaMarra Fatalities in races in 2016 dropped 5% from the previous year to 1.54 per 1,000 starts, another indication that improved safety protocol and a tightening of equine medication rules are making a difference in Thoroughbred racing. The Equine Injury Database statistics released March 10 by The Jockey
Ohio: Racing Commission Hosting Forums To Discuss ADW Regulations, Out Of Competition Testing: Paulick Report 3/13/17
By: Press Release The Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) will host an open forum to discuss the regulation and licensing of advance deposit wagering (ADW) platforms in Ohio. The meeting will take place on March 27, 2017 at 1 pm in room 1960 of the Riffe Center, 77 South High
Delaware Commission Moves Foward with Medication Rule Updates: THA Racing.Com 3/9/17
By: Tom LaMarra The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission has published several rule modifications, including those related to out-of-competition testing and the Multiple Medication Violation Penalty System, and is poised to adopt them in April following a mandatory 30-day public comment period. The DTRC took the action during its March 8
Organization Of Racing Investigators Hosts Annual Training Conference At Tampa Bay Downs: Paulick Report 3/5/17
By: Press Release The Organization of Racing Investigators hosted their annual training conference at Tampa Bay Downs The Organization of Racing Investigators (ORI) held their annual training conference at historic Tampa Bay Downs this past week. An international group of Investigators, Law Enforcement, Stewards and Regulators gathered in the Sunshine
Can Sport Horse and Racehorse Practice Be Ethical?: The Horse 3/2/17
By: Maureen Gallatin Nearly 400 veterinarians considered this question during a 3 1/2-hour panel discussion, reaching a consensus of, “Absolutely, yes. Practice can and should be ethical, even in the sport horse or racehorse world.” But it’s not always easy. The pressures applied by trainers or owners can be substantial.
Milkshake Testing Latest Step Forward For Integrity At Oaklawn Park: Paulick Report 3/2/17
By: Ray Paulick The Arkansas State Racing Commission on Thursday began random testing for total carbon dioxide (TCO2) levels in horses competing at Oaklawn Park. The move, widely supported by horsemen who seek a level playing field among their peers, adds to integrity measures taken earlier this year at the
Pennsylvania Moves Forward with Out-Of-Competition Testing: THA Racing.Com 3/1/17
By: Tom LaMarra The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission Feb. 28 approved a regulation for out-of-competition testing that is expected to be in place sometime this spring. An order signed by state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, who oversees the PHRC as part of his department, said the new testing program is
Farro, Penaloza Serving Parx Suspensions For Clenbuterol Violations: Paulick Report 2/28/17
By: Paulick Report Staff Patricia Farro, leading trainer in 2016 at Parx Racing, returns to the suburban Philadelphia, Pa., track from a 15-day medication violation suspension on Saturday, March 4. Another Parx-based trainer, Miguel Penaloza, has 2 1/2 weeks left on a 45-day suspension for two violations related to medication
New York Tweaks, Re-Proposes Anti-Stacking Rules for NSAIDS: TDN 2/27/17
By: T.D. Thornton By unanimous voice vote, the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) tweaked and re-proposed a rule Feb. 27 regarding the use of multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before horse races in order to eliminate the practice known as “stacking” of those medications while still allowing a second
Maryland Commission Streamlines Rule Adoption Process: THA Racing.Com 2/23/17
By: Tom LaMarra The Maryland Racing Commission has developed statutory language that will allow it to adopt updates and changes to model rules—most recently the one on out-of-competition testing—as they are approved by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. The MRC, which held its monthly meeting Feb. 23, falls under
Updated Penalty System Rule Progresses in WV Legislature: THA Racing.Com 2/23/17
By: Tom LaMarra Proposed amendments to Thoroughbred racing rules, including the updated Multiple Medication Violation Penalty System model rule, passed the West Virginia Senate Feb. 17 and await approval by the House of Delegates. West Virginia Racing Commission officials attempted to fast-track the updated MMV rule, which is one of
CHRB Changes Existing Rules to Improve Safety: TDN 2/23/17
By: T.D. Thornton The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) approved a series of amendments Feb. 23 with the aim of improving horse safety by better clarifying the state’s protocols for medication use and eligibility conditions, and by tweaking existing rule language to meet the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI)
Kentucky Rescinds Dextrorphan Positives, But No Victory For Proponents Of Environmental Contamination: Paulick Report 2/23/17
By: Natalie Voss The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission agreed earlier this year to rescind three recent violations related to overages of dextrorphan, a metabolite of dextromethorphan. However, according to Dr. Mary Scollay, equine medical director for the commission, the dismissal shouldn't be seen as a victory by horsemen and veterinarians
Ness Serving 100-Day Suspension for Clenbuterol Positives: Daily Racing Form 2/22/17
By: Matt Hegarty Jamie Ness has reached a settlement with Florida regulators in which the trainer will serve a 100-day suspension stemming from multiple clenbuterol positives in 2012 while being able to transfer his horses to his wife and his assistant, the trainer confirmed Wednesday. Ness, who once ran one
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Reaches Agreement in Out-Of-Competition Sample Violation: TDN 2/21/17
By: Thoroughbred Daily News The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has reached an agreement with horse trainer and owner Otabek Umarov for a five-year suspension and $5,000 fine following his refusal to comply with equine drug testing regulations. On April 30, 2016, Umarov prevented Commission personnel from collecting an out-of-competition sample
Kentucky Rescinds Dextrophan Positives: Blood-Horse 2/21/17
By: Frank Angst Citing new research that suggests the metabolite of Dextromethorphan, Dextrorphan, can stay in a horse's system at a wider variance of time than previously realized, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission earlier this year dropped sanctions in three cases where the metabolite was discovered. KHRC equine medical director
NYS Gaming Commission Takes National Lead in Addressing Horse Racing Glaucine Positives: NY Gaming Commission 2/16/17
By: NY Gaming Commission The New York State Gaming Commission today announced significant, nation-leading action in addressing the presence of the alkaloid glaucine in the urine and plasma of race horses, resulting in more than $100,000 in purses returned and 11 disqualifications, plus additional fines and suspension for a single
Vitali Enters Horse at Parx After Getting Stay: Daily Racing Form 2/15/17
By: Matt Hegarty Marcus Vitali, the controversial trainer who has been banned by several tracks along the East Coast, has been allowed to enter a horse at Parx after receiving a stay of an ejection order from the Philadelphia-area track, according to officials and rulings. The stay of the ejection
Veterinarian, Online Pharmacy at Center of Painkiller Case: Daily Racing Form 2/13/17
By: Matt Hegarty Federal prosecutors in Louisiana have charged a veterinarian and a Nebraska online pharmacy with conspiracy related to their alleged roles in providing an illegal painkiller, dermorphin, to Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse trainers in Louisiana in a case stretching back more than five years. An indictment released Thursday
Florida HBPA Pushes for Adoption of Medication Penalty System: THA Racing.Com 2/12/17
By: Tom LaMarra The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association has reaffirmed its support for uniform medication rules, particularly adoption of the Multiple Medication Violation Penalty System. The FHPBA in a release said it held a meeting Feb. 1 in Orlando, Fla., to offer recommendations on adoption of the Association of
California Horse Racing Board ‘Disappointed’ in Appellate-Court Decision in De La Torre Case: Northern California Record 2/11/17
By: Dee Thompson LOS ANGELES — Horse trainer Jose De La Torre had a trial-court decision overturned in his favor in a lawsuit brought against the California Horse Racing Board, according to a news release on PaulickReport.com. The decision was handed down Jan. 25 by the 2nd District Court of
Federal Charges Brought Against Veterinarian In Louisiana Dermorphin Case: Paulick Report 2/10/17
By: Paulick Report Staff After an investigation that spanned close to five years, federal authorities have indicted a Louisiana veterinarian with treating horses with an illegal synthetic drug. The Associated Press reports that veterinarian Kyle Hebert has been charged with injecting at least four horses with dermorphin, a powerful Class 1 painkiller.
CHRB Faces Another Delay In Third-Party Furosemide Administration: Paulick Report 2/7/17
By: Ray Paulick Efforts by the California Horse Racing Board to begin third-party administration of the anti-bleeder medication furosemide (Salix, formerly Lasix) – initiated in 2012 – suffered another setback last week when the state of California's Office of Administrative Law disapproved an amendment to sections 1433 and 1845 of
Santa Anita Stewards Fine Gus Headley $1,500: Daily Racing Form 2/5/17
By: Steve Anderson ARCADIA, Calif.- Trainer Gus Headley was fined $1,500 on Jan. 29 for removing a horse from another trainer’s stable and administering medication to the horse, according to a ruling issued by Santa Anita stewards Grant Baker, Scott Chaney, and Kim Sawyer. The incident occurred in April 2016,
Big Topics: ARCI Conference on Racing Integrity and Equine Welfare: Horse Racing Nation 2/2/17
By: HorseRacingNation.Com The 2017 ARCI Conference on Racing Integrity and Equine Welfare will focus on a blunt discussion about what is working and what is not in racing regulation in an ongoing effort to continually strengthen current policing efforts. Although the annual ARCI conference is the only gathering of racing
Oklahoma Medication Issues Discussed in Historic Meeting: AQHA 2/2/17
By: Oklahoma QHRA The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association hosted a meeting on Friday at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City to provide industry stakeholders an opportunity to visit with a number of racing industry experts on topics such as drug testing methodology, hair testing, out of competition or pre-race testing, uniform
ARCI Names Members of New Model Rule Compliance Panel: THA Racing.Com 2/1/17
By: Tom LaMarra Three former racing regulators have been chosen to sit on a panel that will certify jurisdictional compliance with integrity standards each year—the components of the National Uniform Medication Program will be the focal point for 2017. The Association of Racing Commissioners International Feb. 1 named Steve Barham,
With Eye Toward Uniformity, Kentucky Reviews Drug Rules: Blood-Horse 2/1/17
By: Frank Angst After an in-depth review of its racing medication rules relative to the Association of Racing Commissioners International’s recommendations, a Kentucky council is recommending penalty classification changes for a pair of medications. The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council recommended Feb. 1 that the expectorant ambroxol (Ambril) be moved
Mott Attends First Day of Hearing into 2014 Suspension: Daily Racing Form 1-30-17
By: David Grening SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – On a typical Monday in late January, the Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott would be in Florida, readying a large string of horses based at the Payson Park training center in Indiantown for upcoming races. On the last Monday of January this year,
Stewards Disqualify Two Horses for Positive Drug Test at Del Mar: Daily Racing Form 1/29/17
By: Steve Anderson ARCADIA, Calif. - Two horses that finished fifth in consecutive races at Del Mar last August have tested positive for the prohibited substances, Sildenafil, more commonly known under the trade name Viagra, and the anti-inflamatory Dexamethasone. The positives were found in post-race tests taken from Iancol, who
KHRC Committee Advances Voided Claim Rule: Blood-Horse 1/26/17
By: Eric Mitchell With relatively little discussion, a proposed rule outlining conditions that could void a claim was unanimously approved Jan. 26 by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Safety and Welfare Committee. The proposed rule next goes to the full KHRC for review and approval. If approved, the proposed rule
PA Approves Penalty System Changed; Integrity a Focal Point: THA Racing.Com 1/26/17
By: Tom LaMarra At a meeting that again featured a discussion on the importance of improving integrity in horse racing, the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission Jan. 26 approved revisions to the Multiple Medication Violation Penalty System. Pennsylvania adopted the MMV Penalty System, a component of the National Uniform Medication Program,
Ohio: Out Of Competition Testing, ADW Regulation Among Key Priorities For 2017: Paulick Report 1/25/17
By: Press Release The Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) will focus on a trio of priorities in 2017, it was announced at the Jan. 17 monthly meeting. Chairman Robert K. Schmitz announced that the OSRC plans to address the regulation of ADW (advance deposit wagering) platforms and review recommendations by
WV Makes Serious Push to Facilitate Quicker Model Rule Adoption: THA Racing.Com 1/24/17
By: Tom LaMarra The West Virginia Racing Commission has agreed to ask state government officials to help facilitate quicker adoption of two important model rules approved by the Association of Racing Commissioners International in December. The WVRC at its Jan. 24 meeting also announced plans to expand its out-of-competition testing
Gulfstream Park Earns Reaccreditation From NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA.Com 1/23/17
By: NTRA GULFSTREAM PARK EARNS REACCREDITATION FROM NTRA SAFETY & INTEGRITY ALLIANCE LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 23, 2017) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Located in Hallandale Beach, Fla., Gulfstream Park is offering
New York Regulators Act on Drug Testing, Records Rules: Blood-Horse 1/23/17
By: Tom Precious New York racing regulators on Jan. 23 gave preliminary approval to an expansion of equine drug testing and recordkeeping rules, and set a minimum set of penalties to be imposed on trainers and others with repeated equine drug violations. The decision by the New York Gaming Commission,
NYSGC Proposes Overhaul of Drug, Veterinary Rules: TDN 1/23/17
By: T.D. Thornton Five proposed new rules dealing with Thoroughbred medication, prohibited substances, minimum drug penalties, out-of-competition testing, and airway bleeding in racehorses were advanced to a 45-day public-comment period by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) at the board’s monthly meeting Jan. 23. Board members only briefly discussed
Cuomo Plan Asks New York Racing to Pay for Drug Testing: Blood-Horse 1/18/17
By: Tom Precious New York state would stop paying costs associated with equine drug testing in the horse racing industry, under a proposal from Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his new 2017 state budget plan. The plan would save the state $4.5 million by shifting the testing costs onto "those that
MD. Racing Commission Upholds Struth DQ: TheRacingBiz.Com 1/17/17
By: Frank Vespe The Maryland Racing Commission Tuesday decided that the Struth – and the absolute insurer rule – outweighed what it perceived as the truth and Mike Trombetta. The case, which could have had wide-ranging implications not just in Maryland but across the country, instead simply upholds the sport’s
Out-Of-Competition Testing Rule Moves Forward in Maryland: THA Racing.Com 1/17/17
By: Tom LaMarra The new out-of-competition testing model rule approved by the Association of Racing Commissioners International in December should be on the books soon in Maryland. The Maryland Racing Commission Jan. 17 approved the rule under emergency provisions. The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission approved the rule at its meeting
The New Out-Of-Competition Testing Rule: What You Need to Know: THA Racing.Com 1/15/17
By: Alan Foreman During the coming months, racing jurisdictions throughout the country will be modifying or adopting the new out-of-competition testing rule that was adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International Dec. 9, 2016. The new rule was the product of an extensive collaborative effort by industry organizations, regulators,
Racing Investigators to Meet at Tampa Bay Downs: Blood-Horse 1/13/17
By: BloodHorse Staff The Organization of Racing Investigators (ORI) will be holding its annual training conference at Tampa Bay Downs, Feb. 26-March 1. "We are fortunate to have our 2017 venue at Tampa Bay Downs" said Deanna Nicol, Tampa Bay Downs director of security and current ORI chair. Since 1991
Enhanced Security Protocols Announced for Pegasus: Blood-Horse 1/13/17
By: BloodHorse Staff The Stronach Group announced Jan. 13 its enhanced security measures for horses competing in the inaugural $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 28. In addition to all other applicable state laws and track policies, Gulfstream Park will mandate the following protocols for
Delaware Moves to Adopt Revised Model Rules on Medication: THA Racing.Com 1/11/17
By: Tom LaMarra The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission Jan. 11 moved to update model rules for the Multiple Medication Violation Penalty System and out-of-competition testing. Both rules were approved by the Association of Racing Commissioners International Dec. 9, 2016, after endorsement from the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. DTRC Chairman
Breeders’ Cup Bans Ellis, Masochistic in 2017: Blood-Horse 1/10/17
By: BloodHorse Staff Breeders' Cup has notified trainer Ron Ellis and the owners of Masochistic, Jay Em Ess Stable and Los Pollos Hermanos Racing, of action taken pursuant to its prohibited substance rule and convicted trainer rule. As a result of the issuance of a ruling by the Santa Anita
WVRC to Examine Options for Quicker Adoption of Model Rules: THA Racing.Com 1/10/17
By: Tom LaMarra The West Virginia Racing Commission intends to examine its options in regard to facilitating quicker adoption of national model rules, in particular those related to equine medication and drug testing. West Virginia thus far has been among the more proactive states when it comes to the National Uniform
Maker has 40-Day Suspension Rescinded: Daily Racing Form 1/6/17
By: Matt Hegarty LEXINGTON, Ky. – Stewards in Kentucky have issued a ruling rescinding a 40-day suspension handed down last year to trainer Mike Maker for a post-race positive of dextrorphan, the metabolite of a once-common ingredient in cough syrup, according to a copy of the ruling and racing officials.
Yonkers Refusing Entries from Tom Milici: HarnessRacingUpdate.Com 1/6/17
By: Mike Lizzi The track’s second leading trainer in 2016 is not welcome to race at the New York track while being investigated for an alleged association with banned trainers Josh Marks and Tracy Brainard. Tom Milici, the second-leading trainer at Yonkers Raceway with 221 victories in 2016, is no
Trainer Kirby Appeals One-Year Suspension: Daily Racing Form 1/4/17
By: Marcus Hersh Veteran trainer Frank Kirby was handed a one-year suspension after one of his runners tested positive for methamphetamine, but Kirby claims the contamination was environmental and has appealed the ruling. The Illinois Racing Board suspended Kirby for all of 2017 after All My Secrets, the second-place finisher
Masochistic Officially Disqualified from BC Sprint: Blood-Horse 12/31/16
By: Jeremy Balan Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stable's Masochistic was officially disqualified from the TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) Dec. 31, following a positive post-race test for stanozolol immediately after the Nov. 5 contest. A ruling from the Santa Anita Park stewards made official what
Preciado to Accept License Revocation in Pennsylvania: Blood-Horse 12/28/16
By: Frank Angst An attorney for Ramon Preciado said Dec. 28 that the trainer does not plan to appeal three recent decisions in Pennsylvania to revoke his license. "As it stands now with the many different revocations he has, I believe he's going to give up," said Preciado's attorney Alan Pincus. "He
Masochistic Denied Entry at Santa Anita: Blood-Horse 12/28/16
By: Jeremy Balan Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stable's Masochistic was not allowed to enter the Dec. 31 Midnight Lute Stakes (gr. III) at Santa Anita Park because he lacks a clean drug test following his positive post-race test for stanozolol after the Nov. 5 TwinSpires Breeders'
WV Tracks Submit Applications for Safety and Integrity Alliance Accreditation: THA Racing.Com 12/26/16
By: Tom LaMarra/THA Two West Virginia racetracks have submitted applications for accreditation through the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance, which in part encourages best practices and adoption of national model rules. Officials at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort just before
Pennsylvania Racing Commission Revokes Ramon Preciado’s License: Daily Racing Form 12/21/16
By: Jim Dunleavy For the second time this month, Ramon Preciado's trainer's license has been revoked. Preciado, the leading trainer at Parx Racing in both 2015 and 2014, has had at least 16 clenbuterol positives the past two seasons. The Parx stewards revoked his license in a Dec. 12 ruling
BC Wants Better Out-of-Competition Testing: Blood-Horse 12/20/16
By: Frank Angst Breeders' Cup officials are calling for improved out-of-competition rules and protocols after a positive post-race drug test for the anabolic steroid stanozolol in Masochistic will result in a disqualification of his runner-up finish in the $1.5 million TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) Nov. 5 at Santa Anita
Parx Refusing Entries from Ramon Preciado: Daily Racing Form 12/19/16
By: Jim Dunleavy With trainer Ramon Preciado’s license set to be revoked Thursday, Parx Racing officials said they would no longer accept entries from him beginning Monday, when the track’s Dec. 26 card was to be drawn. A Parx steward’s ruling dated Dec. 12 revoked Preciado’s trainer’s license for a
Masochistic to be Disqualified from BC Sprint: Daily Racing Form 12/19/16
By: Jay Privman Masochistic will be disqualified from his second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, and his trainer, Ron Ellis, faces a potential penalty from the California Horse Racing Board after two separate tests confirmed small amounts of a legal steroid in the horse’s system, Ellis said Monday. Ellis
RCI Adjusts MMV Points, Expands Out-of-Competition Testing: The Horse 12/16/16
By: Edited Press Release The upcoming version of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) Model Rules for Racing will contain important modifications that will adjust MMV (multiple medication violation) points so minor and isolated infractions are not treated on par with more serious violations in determining extra penalties. The
Oaklawn to have Enhanced Drug-Testing Program at Upcoming Meet: Daily Racing Form 12/14/16
By: Mary Rampellini Super tests will be standard fare during the upcoming meet at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. The Arkansas Racing Commission on Wednesday announced an increase to its drug-testing budget for the 2017 meet at Oaklawn. The added funds will provide for “super tests” on every race
RCI Approves Panel to Rate State Uniformity: Blood-Horse 12/14/16
By: BloodHorse Staff When the Association of Racing Commissioners International adopts a model rule for Thoroughbred racing, it encourages each of its state regulator members to put the rule in place but has largely few options if states do not adopt a model rule. That could change, though, fueled by
CHRB Considers Altering Training Rules: Blood-Horse 12/14/16
By: Jeremy Balan The California Horse Racing Board's Medication, Safety, and Welfare Committee Dec. 14 moved forward three measures to adjust training regulations more into line with rules currently employed for racing. During the committee meeting Wednesday at Los Alamitos Race Course, CHRB members Madeline Auerbach and Alex Solis, along
Uniformity Meeting: AQHA.Com 12/12/16
By: AQHA In conjunction with the recent University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's Global Racing and Gaming Symposium in Tucson, Arizona, the American Quarter Horse Association hosted a meeting with racing jurisdictions. The meeting was called in a quest for uniformity in rules across jurisdictions. There were 31 people in
Preciado’s Training License to be Revoked: Daily Racing Form 12/12/16
By: Matt Hegarty Ramon Preciado, the embattled Pennsylvania-based trainer, will have his license revoked as of Dec. 22 as the result of a ruling by state stewards on his latest medication violation, according to a copy of the ruling provided by the state horse-racing commission. Preciado, who has won 76
Multiple Viagra Positives earn Trainer 16-year suspension, $35,000 in fines: Harness Racing Update.Com 12/9/16
By: Dave Briggs The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission (PHRC) has handed trainer Virgil Addison of Philadelphia suspensions totaling 16 years and $35,000 in fines after horses he conditions tested positive four separate times for the Class 3 erectile dysfunction drug Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) after racing at Harrah’s
RMTC, NTRA Release New Test Barn, Chain of Custody Recommendations: NTRA.Com 12/7/16
By: NTRA.Com The Racing Medication & Testing Consortium (RMTC) and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today released a new set of test barn and chain of custody recommendations designed to encourage the use of best practices at racetracks. The living document is a joint initiative of the RMTC and
Rules on Medication Labeling in Pennsylvania Take Effect Jan. 1: THA Racing.Com 12/5/16
By: Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association Under regulations adopted by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission, effective Jan. 1, 2017, all containers of medication must be properly labeled and prescribed, and they will be subject to testing. The PHRC Dec. 1 notified horsemen and private veterinarians of the impending rules. Any containers that
Changes Imminent for Medication Penalties: CHRB.CA.Gov 12/02/16
By: CHRB News Release SACRAMENTO – The California Horse Racing Board is reminding licensees that penalties for medication violations will change January 1, 2017. The more consequential revisions to CHRB Rule 1843.3 are as follows: • Language has been added to clarify that aggravating factors allow the Board to increase
Two More Preciado Runners Disqualified At Parx Following Positive Tests For Clenbuterol: Paulick Report 11/30/16
By: Ray Paulick Two horses trained by Ramon Preciado have tested positive for clenbuterol and disqualified from second-place finishes at Parx Racing in Pennsylvania in September and October, bringing to 14 the total number of positive tests for the bronchodilator the trainer has accumulated since August 2015. According to stewards'
Kentucky Drug Testing Lab Enjoys Expansion: Blood-Horse 11/30/16
By: Frank Angst While the focus of the expanded LGC Science facility in Lexington will be on testing human-use supplements, as opposed to the lab's equine drug testing, the additional expertise on such supplements could provide crossover benefit. Lexington political and business leaders attended a ribbon-cutting Nov. 30 to celebrate the expanded
NYRA Tracks Strongly Support Out-Of-Competition Testing: THA Racing.Com 11/29/16
By: Andy Belfiore Out-of-competition testing is a hot topic in horse racing. The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and the Association of Racing Commissioners International have been working on a model rule, and several state racing commissions, most notably the California Horse Racing Board, already have out-of-competition testing programs in
Vitali, Hunter Banned at Florida Tracks: Daily Racing Form 11/28/16
By: Matt Hegarty Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Fla., has barred trainer Marcus Vitali and his associate, trainer Allan Hunter, from entering horses at the track, while Hunter has removed his horses from Gulfstream Park under orders from that track’s management, officials for both tracks confirmed on Monday. The decisions,
Snyder Names First Members to Statewide Horse Racing Commission: Crain’s 11/23/16
By: Lindsay Vanhulle LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday named six people to a new Horse Racing Advisory Commission, which was created through legislation he signed this year to update Michigan's horse racing statute. Housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the seven-member commission is intended
Gulfstream Trainers Suspended for Medication Violations:Daily Racing Form 11/17/16
By: Mike Welsch HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Marcial Navarro has been suspended a total of 60 days and trainer Bruno Tessore for 10 days for medication violations, according to rulings issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation earlier this week. The rulings became effective as of
Kentucky Trainer Begins 60-Day Suspension for Drug Violation: Daily Racing Form 11/14/16
By: Matt Hegarty Kellyn Gorder, who has trained 36 winners from 227 starters this year, began a 60-day suspension Sunday, nearly two years after a horse he trained tested positive for methamphetamine following a race at Churchill Downs. Gorder, 49, began serving the suspension as a result of a settlement
CHRB Issues Jimson Weed Warning: Blood-Horse 11/14/16
By: BloodHorse Staff Photo: Courtesy California Horse Racing Board Images of jimson weed, which is toxic to horses The California Horse Racing Board issued a warning Nov. 14 to horsemen at Del Mar to be diligent for possible jimson weed contamination in bedding straw. While only one contaminated bale
Records-Based Trainer Ruling Overturned: Blood-Horse 11/4/16
By: Tom Precious A major equine drug infraction case, which led to the revocation of a Standardbred trainer's license, has been overturned by a New York state appeals court. The Appellate Division of New York State Supreme Court's Third Department found in favor of Luis Pena, a top Standardbred trainer
Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission Continues Modernization with Online, Searchable Database of Rulings:Pennsylvania Pressroom 11/4/16
By: PA.Gov Harrisburg, PA - Results of official rulings issued against licensees by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission now will be available online as part of the commission’s continuing commitment to transparency and modernizing its oversight of the state’s racing industry. Historically, access to the database of Rulings was limited
Santa Anita Park Cameras Focus on BC Horses: Blood-Horse 11/3/16
By: Frank Angst As handicappers look for every possible angle in considering a horse's chances in the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Santa Anita Park security will be monitoring every Breeders' Cup horse from a state-of-the-art surveillance system. The most comprehensive surveillance system of any track in North America, Santa Anita
Breeders’ Cup Out-Of-Competition Testing Covers 60 Percent Of This Year’s Runners: Paulick Report 11/3/16
By: Natalie Voss Nearly 60 percent of this year's Breeders' Cup runners have been tested as part of the event's out-of-competition testing (OOCT) program. According to figures provided to the media Thursday, all horses winning Breeders' Cup Challenge races, plus a smattering of additional likely contenders, were tested in the
Kentucky Likely to Put Labs to the Test: Blood-Horse 10/29/16
By: Frank Angst The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will likely run double-blind quality assurance testing on its lab after the state’s Equine Drug Research Council approved plans Oct. 28 to carry out such tests. The EDRC approved up to $16,000 from its Rapid Response fund to work with three lab
Breeders Crown Horses Come Back Negative for Prohibited Blood-Doping Agents: US Trotting.Com 10/28/16
By: Moira Fanning Cranbury, NJ --- All 117 horses entered in the Breeders Crown events this weekend have been subjected to out-of-competition testing by the New Jersey Racing Commission. To date, 80 percent of the collected blood samples have been analyzed and have cleared the lab. This includes 20 entrants
UPDATE: Scratch Of Breeders Crown Horses Denied By NJ Racing Commission: Paulick Report 10/25/16
By: Press Release UPDATE: According to a report at Harnessracing.com, the New Jersey Racing Commission notified the Meadowlands late Tuesday afternoon that the track “does not have the legal authority” to scratch the two horses trained by Chris Oakes from the Breeders' Crown. Frank Zanzuccki, executive director of the New Jersey
Meadowlands Requests Oakes Horses to be Scratched from Breeders Crown:HarnessRacingAmerica.Com 10/25/16
By: Harness Racing America/Meadowlands Media Relations EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The Meadowlands Racetrack has sent a formal request to the New Jersey Racing Commission asking to have both Breeders Crown horses trained by Chris Oakes to be scratched from this weekend’s Finals for failing to cooperate with an agreed-upon surveillance
Breeders Crown Starters Subject to Enhanced Security: HarnessRacingAmerica.Com 10/20/16
By: Harness Racing America/Meadowlands Media Relations East Rutherford, NJ – The Meadowlands and the Hambletonian Society & Breeders Crown are announcing pertinent details regarding the security to be employed for the upcoming Breeders Crown races. For the elimination races this weekend, participants in the Open Mare Pace elims will be required to report
CHRB Meeting: Proposals For Medication-Based Race Conditions, ADW Regulation: Oak Tree Racing.Com 10/20/16
By: CHRB The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, October 20, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Commissioners Steve Beneto, George Krikorian and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website under the Webcast
NTRA Board Approves Updates to Safety & Integrity Code of Standards: NTRA.Com 10/20/16
By: NTRA The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Board of Directors today approved amendments to the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance Code of Standards, including: a January 2019 deadline for total compliance with the National Uniform Medication Program (Program); annual certification of jockey weight scales and automated logging of weight
Preciado Horse Tests Positive For Clenbuterol At Penn National: Paulick Report 10/19/16
By: Ray Paulick Another horse trained by Ramon Preciado in Pennsylvania has been disqualified by State Horse Racing Commission stewards after testing positive for clenbuterol. Que Facil, first-place finisher of a $6,250 claiming race at Penn National on Aug. 25, tested positive for the bronchodilator listed as a Class 3
Golden Gate Fields Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA. Com 10/19/16
By: NTRA The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Golden Gate Fields, the historic Bay Area racetrack celebrating 75 years of racing in 2016, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Located in Berkeley, Calif., along the San Francisco Bay, the only major racetrack in Northern
MD. Racing Commission Adopts ARCI Penalty Guides: The Racing Biz 10/18/16
By: Frank Vespe In a moment of what Yogi Berra might have called “deja vu all over again,” the Maryland Racing Commission on Tuesday adopted the Association of Racing Commissioners International model rules on medication penalties — rules that most observers thought the Commission had adopted back in 2014. By
Another Preciado Horse Tests Positive For Clenbuterol At Parx: Paulick Report 10/18/16
By: Ray Paulick Ramon Preciado, who continues to train at Parx Racing in Pennsylvania while a 270-day suspension for medication violations is under appeal, may face additional sanctions after a horse from his stable tested positive for clenbuterol following a July 3 race. The latest case involves Denzel, a 6-year-old
Ralph Ziadie Continuing to run horses at Gulfstream Park West: Daily Racing Form 10/17/16
By: Matt Hegarty Ralph Ziadie has started 12 horses at the Gulfstream Park West meet at Calder Race Course in south Florida since the meet opened Oct. 8, an indication that officials at the track have concluded a probe that sought to determine whether his son Kirk, who is banned
Texas Racing Commission to Learn About Out-Of-Competition Testing: Daily Racing Form 10/10/16
By: Mary Rampellini The Texas Racing Commission was scheduled to hear a presentation on out-of-competition testing during its Tuesday meeting in Austin. New Mexico Racing Commission representatives Izzy Trejo and Ray Willis were scheduled to speak on the policy, which is in place in New Mexico. There is no out-of-competition
Racing Commission Says No Illegal Drugs Found in Little Brown Jug Winner: ABC6.Com 10/7/16
By: Lu Ann Stoia DELAWARE — The Ohio State Racing Commission said Friday (today) the winner of the Little Brown Jug will get to keep his title. The Commission launched an investigation into allegations that "Betting Line" a three-year old pacer, was given an illegal supplement or drug. According to
Enhanced Security For International Trot: Standardbred Canada 10/7/16
By: Standardbredcanada.ca On Friday, October 7, the New York State Gaming Commission announced enhanced security protocols for all horses participating in the $1 million International Trot at Yonkers Raceway on October 15. This is the first time that such additional safeguards to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure
International Horse Racing Authorities Move Forward with Lab Accreditation Program: Paulick Report 10/6/16
By: Natalie Voss Progress continues on an international accreditation program for laboratories conducting drug testing on Thoroughbred racehorses, according to an update this week. Dr. Yves Bonnaire spoke before the 50th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities with additional details on the program, which was started in 2014 and should launch
Gulfstream Satisfied that Hunter Indeed Training His Horses: Daily Racing Form 10/3/16
By: Matt Hegarty Gulfstream Park officials have decided to allow Allan Hunter to continue to train 12 horses at the Florida track following a probe into whether a suspended trainer was overseeing his operation, a top official of the track said Monday. Hunter, who has been linked to the suspended
Hastings Trainer Brown Appeals Medication Violation: Daily Racing Form 9/29/16
By: Randy Goulding VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Trainer James Brown has appealed the 45-day suspension and $2,500 fine he was given by the Hastings stewards for one of his horses testing positive for the banned substance methamphetamine. The ruling, issued on Sept. 23, dates back to when the Brown-trained Crazy
CHRB Stays Miyadi Suspension: CHRB 9/29/16
By: CHRB Press Release SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Horse Racing Board today issued a stay order (attached) allowing trainer Steven Miyadi to resume training pending the outcome of the legal process involving an altercation between Miyadi and Commissioner Alex Solis. The Board had issued an interim suspension order September
Santa Anita Installs Barn Surveillance System: Blood-Horse 9/29/16
By: Blood-Horse Staff Santa Anita Park has developed and installed a state-of-the-art video surveillance system that enables close monitoring of the track's entire stable area on a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week basis. The new surveillance project, the most comprehensive system at any North American race track, is now fully operational in conjunction
Monmouth Suspends Trainer Bradley for 45 Days: Daily Racing Form 9/26/16
By: Jim Dunleavy The Monmouth Park board of stewards has suspended trainer Chloe Bradley for 45 days and fined her $1,500 for entering Lucy N Ethel in the Aug. 14 Blue Sparkler Stakes. The stewards scratched Lucy N Ethel from the Blue Sparkler while they were in the process of
Stronach Tracks Address ‘Program Trainers’: Blood-Horse 9/23/16
By: Doug McCoy Believing suspended trainer Marcus Vitali may have been working with another trainer to effectively enter horses during his suspension, The Stronach Group announced this week that no entries would be taken for horses trained by Vitali. On Sept. 22, Sal Sinatra, general manager of the The Stronach
Jug Victory Under Protest after Trainers Discover Questionable Text Messages Allegedly Sent by Winning Trainer: Harness Racing Update.Com 9/23/16
By: Dave Briggs The Little Brown Jug is under formal protest with the Ohio State Racing Commission. A group of trainers said text messages allegedly sent by trainer Casie Coleman on the morning of the Jug caused concern that her horse, Jug winner Betting Line, may have been treated in
Gulfstream Demands Proof that Kirk Ziadie Isn’t Tied to Father’s Horses: Daily Racing Form 9/22/16
By: Matt Hegarty Officials at Gulfstream Park have told trainer Ralph Ziadie that he must provide “clear evidence” that his son Kirk, who has been banned from the track, does not have any financial ties to the horses Ralph currently trains, the chief operating officer of the track’s parent company
WV Requires Track Accreditation by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA.Com 9/20/16
By: NTRA.Com The West Virginia Racing Commission approved a rule today requiring that the state’s two Thoroughbred racetracks – Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort and Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races – seek accreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. The new rule calls for tracks to submit their
Ritvo: Stronach Tracks Bar Vitali, Hunter From Entry Box: Paulick Report 9/20/16
By: Ray Paulick Trainer Marcus Vitali, currently serving a 120-day suspension for multiple medication violations in Florida, has been told by officials with The Stronach Group – owners of Gulfstream Park in Florida, Laurel Park and Pimlico in Maryland and Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields in California –
ARCI Updates Model Rules Of Racing: Paulick Report 9/18/16
By: Press Release An updated version (6.3) of the Association of Racing Commissioners International's Model Rules of Racing is now available on the association's website on the Model Rules and Standards page. (www.arci.com). The ARCI Model Rules represent the racing industry's best practice regulatory standards, developed in consultation with industry
News Releases: The Jockey Club 9/8/16
By: Jockeyclub.com/contact; Bob Curran Jr. Statement from James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club After a decade of discussion, and two full years of study, an enhanced model rule for out-of-competition testing that includes a progressive list of prohibited substances was finally proposed by the
5 Racehorses Test Positive for Meth, Must Forfeit Races They Won at Lone Star Park: The Dallas Morning News 9/7/16
By: Caleb Downs At least five winning racehorses have been disqualified from races at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie this year after testing positive for trace amounts of meth, according to Texas Racing Commission officials. The horses tested positive for methamphetamine during a thoroughbred race meet held April 7 through July 17,
Contaminated Feed Cause of Canterbury Drug Positives: Thoroughbred Daily News 9/6/16
By: TDN Three Canterbury Park trainers will be held blameless for a total of four positive post-race tests for a banned leanness-promoting livestock feed additive, the track’s board of stewards has ruled. The Aug. 28 decisions to disqualify the positive-testing horses without sanctioning the trainers comes after a Minnesota Racing
Cobalt Administration Can Put Horses, Humans at Risk: The Horse 9/6/16
By: Erica Larson Anything found naturally in a horse’s body is allowed to be there on a drug test, right? Not necessarily. Cobalt, for example, is a trace mineral found in B vitamins that horses require in tiny amounts for their bodies to function correctly. As a result, all horses
Servis Appeals 15-Day Suspension: Daily Racing Form 8/31/16
By: Jim Dunleavy Trainer John Servis has been suspended 15 days and fined $3,000 by the Parx Racing board of stewards for three clenbuterol positives this spring. On Wednesday, Servis said he has appealed the penalties. Servis is the trainer of Kentucky Oaks winner Cathryn Sophia, who will be a
Equine NSAID Best Practices: Equimed.Com 8/31/16
By: News Editor Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically used to treat conditions such as the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis.¹ Unlike NSAIDs used in human medicine, like ibuprofen, which can be purchased over-the-counter, NSAIDs in equine medicine are only available with a veterinarian’s prescription. When prescribing an NSAID,
Preliminary Hearing for Embattled Parx Groom Vega Postponed: Daily Racing Form 8/31/16
By: Matt Hegarty A preliminary hearing scheduled on Wednesday for Marian Vega, the Parx-based groom who was arrested two weeks ago and accused of illegally medicating horses trained by Roman Preciado, has been delayed at her counsel’s request, according to the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office. No makeup date has been
California Betting on Equine ‘Passports’: Thoroughbred Daily News 8/30/16
By: T. D. Thornton Advocates for some form of an “equine biological passport” have maintained in recent years that it’s the lack of funding–and not a lack of technological expertise–that is keeping drug policing based on Thoroughbred biomarker analysis from becoming a reality in United States racing. Now, thanks to
Trainer Hector Palma Fined, Suspended by Del Mar Stewards: Daily Racing Form 8/28/16
By: Steve Anderson DEL MAR, Calif. - Trainer Hector Palma has been fined $3,000 and suspended seven days after one of his starters tested in excess of the permitted level of the tranquilizer acepromazine at Santa Anita in May, according to a ruling issued on Sunday by Del Mar stewards.
Horse, Groomers Test Positive For Methamphetamine At Golden Gate Fields:CBS Local.Com 8/26/16
By: Hannah Albarazi ALBANY (CBS SF) – A thoroughbred horse and two groomers tested positive for methamphetamine at the Golden Gate Fields race track, raising concerns about drug abuse at California race tracks. The horse that tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine, named Run for Retts, won third place at a race
Hovdey: Biological Passports Could Keep Cheaters on No-Fly List: Daily Racing Form 8/26/16
By: Jay Hovdey Let’s concede for a moment that some people will cheat to win. I know, it’s hard to swallow. But human nature, being driven by human beings, sometimes veers toward the dark side, and it is up to those who prefer to play the game on the square
CHRB Member Calls for Trainer ‘Profiling’:Blood-Horse 8/24/16
By: Jeremy Balan California Horse Racing Board member Madeline Auerbach, at an Aug. 24 meeting of the agency's Medication and Track Safety Committee, called for increased scrutiny on certain trainers through "profiling." The Wednesday meeting at Del Mar touched on several topics, from cell phone use by exercise riders to
Del Mar, Jockey Club Back Enhanced Medication Testing: DMTC.Com 8/22/16
By: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) and The Jockey Club have formally announced that they both will provide additional funding to the Ken Maddy Laboratory at the University California, Davis to enhance the California Horse Racing Board’s (CHRB) medication testing program. The announcement was made at
Trainer’s Licence Suspended – Belinda McCarthy: HarnessLink 8/22/16
By: NZST Today, Harness Racing New South Wales(HRNSW) Stewards, acting under the provisions of Australian Harness Racing Rule 183, suspended the Trainer’s Licence of Mrs Belinda McCarthy after receiving advice from the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory (ARFL) that the substances boldenone, nandrolone and 5alpha-estran-3beta,17alpha-diol were detected in a post race urine
EIPH Research a Fundraising Priority for AAEP Foundation: AAEP 8/22/16
By: AAEP News Room The AAEP Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), today announced its designation of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) research as a fundraising priority. EIPH refers to the presence of blood in the airways of a horse’s lung during exercise. The condition
Embattled Trainer Preciado Seeks Exception to Absolute-Insurer Rule: Daily Racing Form 8/19/16
By: Matt Hegarty An investigation involving a 25-year-old groom who has been charged with criminally administering the regulated medication clenbuterol to horses trained by Ramon Preciado at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa., remains open and is ongoing, a representative of the state attorney general said on Friday. The arrest on
Former Groom Blamed for Preciado’s Clenbuterol Positives: Daily Racing Form 8/18/16
By: Matt Hegarty A 25-year-old groom at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa., has been arrested and charged by the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office with one count of rigging a horse race after allegedly administering the regulated medication clenbuterol to multiple horses trained by Ramon Preciado, the attorney general said on
New Pa. Horse Racing Commission is Up and Running:NJ.Com 8/18/16
By: Staff- NJ Advance Media for NJ.com HARRISBURG, Pa. — A stronger, unified governance body to oversee Pennsylvania's more than $1 billion equine racing industry began its work to strengthen horse and harness racing. The new State Horse Racing Commission now has two meetings under its belt. Governor Tom Wolf
California Expands Equine Drug Testing: Blood-Horse 8/18/16
By: Industry Press Releases, West Region Industry News Releases - In support of Thoroughbred industry organizations, Blood-Horse is posting news releases relating to the industry. The releases have not been edited by Blood-Horse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that has produced the news release as
Oklahoma Appeals Court Upholds Horse Trainer’s Suspension: The Charlotte Observer 8/17/16
By: The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY-An Oklahoma appeals court has upheld the suspension and fine levied by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission against a horse trainer whose animal tested positive for a banned drug after winning a race at Oklahoma City's Remington Park racetrack. The Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals
Accreditation Gets Push in West Virginia: Blood-Horse 8/17/16
By Tom LaMarra West Virginia Racing Commission staff will explore, among other things, whether capital improvement money racetracks get from a video lottery terminal fund can be used to pay for accreditation through the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance. The state's two Thoroughbred tracks—Hollywood Casino at Charles
NYRA Advancing Idea of In-State ‘Super Lab’: TDN 8/10/16
By: T. D. Thornton When the New York Racing Association (NYRA) Reorganization Board of Directors last met on May 25, there was a hint of optimism that by the time the next meeting rolled around, board members might be discussing transition strategies for a return to some hybrid form of
New Rule Changes in New York State: HarnessLink.Com 8/10/16
By: NZST Adoption of Rulemaking for use of Hopples in Harness Racing. On July 25, 2016, the New York State Gaming Commission adopted amendments to our current rules on the use of hopples in harness racing at 9 NYCRR §§ 4113.5(a)(2) and 4117.3. The full text of the proposed rules
Arlington International Accredited by Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA 8/9/16
By: NTRA.Com The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Ill., near Chicago, has earned full accreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Arlington hosts its annual International Festival of Racing on Saturday featuring six stakes, five of them graded, including
New Form Of Familiar Anti-Inflammatory Granted FDA Approval: Paulick Report 8/6/16
By: Press Release For almost 10 years, Equioxx® (firocoxib) has been the only coxib non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved for use in horses. Now, this once-daily treatment to control joint pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis, is approved by the FDA in tablet form, and will be available in the
‘Burden Of Proof’: Iowa Trainer Proves Feed Contamination Caused Ractopamine Positives: Paulick Report 8/5/16
By: Paulick Report Staff The Prairie Meadows Board of Stewards on Wednesday found trainer Kelly Von Hemel blameless after two of his horses tested positive for ractopamine, because he was able to prove that the trace amounts of the Class 2 drug were the result of contamination in feed originally
Hair Follicle Testing Implemented for Challenge Championship Horses: Daily Racing Form 8/4/16
By: Steve Anderson Hair follicle testing will be conducted on all runners participating in the Bank of America Challenge Championship races for Quarter Horses at Los Alamitos on Oct. 29. The Challenge Championship is a series of major stakes for runners from throughout North America. The American Quarter Horse Association
NM Meeting Designed to Bring About Change: Blood-Horse 8/3/16
By: Tom LaMarra The New Mexico racing and breeding industry recently held the first of what could become a regular series of meetings to address common issues, including equine medication and drug testing protocol. The meeting was organized by New Mexico Horse Breeders president Ralph Vincent and moderated by Dr.
Pennsylvania Sanctions Trainer Preciado: Blood-Horse 7/30/16
By: Frank Angst The Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission on July 27 fined trainer Ramon Preciado and suspended him from the front side for his behavior following a June 2015 race at Parx Racing and his behavior at a July 2015 hearing before the stewards. The sanctions are not a
Know What You’re Buying? The Messy World of Compounding Pharmacies.: Paulick Report 7/28/16
By: Natalie Voss From Dec. 28 to Dec 30, 2015, inspectors from Florida's Department of Health observed business at Ergogenic Labs in Wellington, Fla., where pharmacist Scott Mangini oversaw the compounding of human and animal drugs. The inspectors were not happy with what they found. In a subsequent report dated
Mountaineer’s Leading Trainer, Ed Clouston, Suspended: Daily Racing Form 7/27/16
By: Jim Dunleavy Eddie Clouston, the leading trainer at Mountaineer last year and at the current meeting, has been suspended by the board of stewards for a medication violation. Clouston also was suspended additional days under the Multiple Medication Violation system. So Frank, who finished second in the fifth race
Court to Consider Umarov Temporary Injunction: Blood-Horse 7/27/16
By: Frank Angst A Kentucky court hearing scheduled Monday, Aug. 1 could determine if the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission can move forward on its intentions to immediately sanction trainer Otabek Umarov for allegedly refusing to allow a horse to receive pre-race testing and other violations in late April at Churchill
NY Alters Rules on Claims, Some Medications: Blood-Horse 7/25/16
By: Tom Precious Claims can be voided for additional race-day blood and urine positives for banned substances under a new rule approved July 25 by New York racing regulators. The New York State Gaming Commission signed off on a revision to its claiming cancellation rule allowing a claimant to void
Racing Commission Will Use West Virginia Derby Nominees to Debut New Drug-Testing Program: Daily Racing Form 7/23/16
By: Matt Hegarty The West Virginia Racing Commission will begin pulling samples this week from horses pointing to the Aug. 6 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park as the first step in the state’s launch of an out-of-competition testing program, according to the commission’s executive director. The commission intends to
Hall of Fame Trainer Leatherbury Suspended for Medication Violation: Daily Racing Form 7/23/16
By: Jim Dunleavy Trainer King Leatherbury has been suspended 15 days and fined $500 by the Laurel Park board of stewards for a medication violation. Leatherbury's suspension began July 11 and continues through Monday. Classic Wildcat, trained by Leatherbury, won the third race at Laurel Park on April 22. Classic
Miyadi Gets Fine, Suspension for Medication Violation: Daily Racing Form 7/22/16
By: Steve Anderson DEL MAR, Calif. – Trainer Steve Miyadi has been fined $5,000 and suspended 30 days after Run for Retts tested positive for the prohibited substances methamphetamine and amphetamine following the $100,500 Soviet Problem Stakes at Los Alamitos last December. The penalties were part of an agreement between
Out-of-Competition Testing Progresses in WV: Blood-Horse 7/19/16
By: Tom LaMarra Regulators and track executives in West Virginia hope to have about 50% of the starters in two upcoming graded stakes tested out of competition as part of a launch of the program in the state. Officials are in the process of determining the likely starters for the
Vet Fined $1,000 for Missing Lasix Shot that Forced Scratch of Delaware Park Stakes Horse: Paulick Report 7/14/16
By: Paulick Report Staff Dr. Robert Campbell has been fined $1,000 by Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission stewards for failing to give Juddmonte Farms' Suffused a pre-race furosemide (Lasix or Salix) treatment as scheduled, necessitating the filly's scratch from last Saturday's $200,000 Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes at Delaware Park. Campbell, who was
Indiana Grand Reaccredited by Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA 7/14/16
By: NTRA The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Indiana Grand in Shelbyville, Ind., has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. The 14-year-old racetrack hosts its biggest card of the season Saturday night with six stakes worth $1.1 million, including the $500,000 Indiana Derby (G2) and
CHRB Alters Los Alamitos QH Drug Rules: Blood-Horse 7/14/16
By: Jeremy Balan Following a court ruling in March that found "house rules" banning the use of drugs like clenbuterol and albuterol forLos Alamitos Race Course Quarter Horse races to be in conflict with California Horse Racing Board rules, the regulatory agency made "emergency amendments" to allow the practice to
New Testing Lab Leads to Rise in Racehorse Doping Positives: Maine Public Broadcasting 7/12/16
By: Fred Bever Blood samples taken from harness racing horses in Maine are increasingly likely to exceed state standards for regulated substances. They spiked last year to a 10-year high — but that may have more to do with more rigorous state testing than anything else. Most years, 20 or
Legal Authority Disqualified from Race after Failed Drug Test: Daily Racing Form 7/2/16
By: Steve Anderson ARCADIA, Calif. – Part of the purse of a maiden special weight race at Santa Anita on May 8 has been redistributed after second-place finisher Legal Authority tested positive for the banned tranquilizer acepromazine, according to a ruling issued by Santa Anita stewards on Friday. Legal Authority
Regulators Consider Out-of-Competition Rule: Blood-Horse 6/29/16
By: Frank Angst The model rules committee of the Association of Racing Commissioners International will consider an industry recommendation to expand out-of-competition testing when it meets July 14 in Seattle, Wash. The model rules committee will discuss, and possibly act, on a Racing Medication and Testing Consortium recommendation to expand the model
Maryland, Delaware Rule Glaucine Positives Environmental Contamination:The Racing Biz 6/28/16
By: Frank Vespe The Maryland Racing Commission on Monday voted unanimously to treat a spate of recent positive tests for glaucine in the state as environmental contamination, to release purse funds that had been held back in some cases since March, and to hold harmless the affected trainers. “A lot
Judge Issues Restraining Order in Umarov’s Favor: Daily Racing Form 6/23/16
By: Matt Hegarty A circuit court judge in Kentucky has issued a temporary restraining order that will prevent the state racing commission from enforcing a 10-year ban on the owner-trainer Otabek Umarov. Judge Philip Shepherd of Franklin Circuit Court wrote that the restraining order will remain in effect until Umarov’s
After Spike In Violations, Florida HBPA Seeking ‘Fix’ Of New Medication Rules: Paulick Report 6/22/16
By: Ray Paulick Twenty-one of the 50 trainers with the most starts at the 2015-16 Gulfstream Park championship meeting were served with administrative complaints for medication violations since new regulations went into effect in January. The new regulations for therapeutic medications, signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott in June
WV Moves Ahead With Out-of-Competition Tests: Blood-Horse 6/21/16
By: Tom LaMarra The West Virginia Racing Commission plans to launch its out-of-competition program in conjunction with the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. II) Aug. 6 at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort. WVRC executive director Joe Moore June 21 said officials met at Mountaineer "to continue working on (developing) an out-of-competition
CHRB Passes Third-Party Lasix Administration: Blood-Horse 6/16/16
By: Jeremy Balan Though many local veterinarians again voiced opposition, the California Horse Racing Board approved the third-party administration of race-day furosemide June 16 during a meeting at Santa Anita Park. The final step for the measure to be officially enacted is approval by the California Office of Administrative Law. The CHRB
KHRC Denies Suspended Trainer’s Stay Request: Blood-Horse 6/15/16
By: Frank Angst The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission June 15 denied suspended trainer Otabek Umarov's request for a stay in his lengthy suspension until a hearing can be conducted. On May 27, following a one-hour formal hearing before the stewards, KHRC staff issued a 10-year suspension of Umarov and fined
Indirect Veto Stalls Adoption of WV Rules: Blood-Horse 6/13/16
By: Tom LaMarra Some proposed changes and updates to Thoroughbred racing rules in West Virginia will have to wait almost another year because of an indirect veto by the governor. The Thoroughbred industry in the state each year compiles a wish list of regulatory changes, some of which are tied
Media Advisory – Enhanced Protocols for Belmont Stakes Festival G1/$1M Races Include EMD & Steward Availability: NY Gaming Commission
By: NY Gaming Commission In addition to the standing security protocols for horses racing in Grade 1 races with purses of $1 million or more, the New York State Equine Medical Director and the Stewards will be made available to the media to address any incidents that may occur during
Maryland Adopts ” Graded Stakes” Testing on All Samples: The Racing Biz 6/8/16
By: Frank Vespe In a move made with little fanfare, the Maryland Racing Commission earlier this year began testing all equine samples to graded stakes protocol, Commission executive director Mike Hopkins said June 3. The move to upgrade the state’s testing came following the mid-March mid-Atlantic regulators meeting, although Hopkins
Trainer Umarov Appeals 10-year Suspension: Daily Racing Form 6/4/16
By: Matt Hegarty LEXINGTON, Ky. – Otabek Umarov, the trainer who was suspended for 10 years by Kentucky stewards last week for refusing to allow one of his horses to be sampled for drug testing, has filed an appeal of the penalty, according to state officials. The appeal was filed
Seven Maine Harness Racing Trainers Suspended, Fined: Portland Press Herald 6/3/16
By: Dierdre Fleming The Maine State Harness Racing Commission suspended and fined seven licensed harness racing trainers for giving excessive levels of cobalt to horses. Cobalt, which can serve as a performance-enhancing drug in horses, was banned by the Association of Racing Commissioners International two years ago. The use of
New Mexico Considers Stricter Penalties for Horses Testing Positive for Banned Drugs: Daily Racing Form 6/3/16
By: Mary Rampellini The stakeholders in the New Mexico racing industry are scheduled to come together this summer at either Ruidoso Downs or The Downs at Albuquerque to discuss a host of different topics, including a proposal that would suspend horses who test positive for certain substances. The date of
CHRB to Again Consider Third-Party Lasix: Blood-Horse 6/2/16
By: Frank Angst The California Horse Racing Board will again consider adopting a third-party Lasix administration policy at its regular meeting June 16. The rule on third-party Lasix administration on race day is on the agenda for the June 16 CHRB meeting, confirms spokesman Mike Marten. The rule would meet the standards
Federal Grand Jury Expands Criminal Charges Against Penn National Trainer: Paulick Report 6/2/16
By: Edited Press Release The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal grand jury brought additional criminal charges yesterday against a thoroughbred horse trainer already under indictment for wire fraud and criminal conspiracy. According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Murray L.
Kentucky Suspends Umarov for 10 Years: Blood-Horse 5/27/16
By: Frank Angst After determining Otabek Umarov violated out-of-competition testing rules and possessed hypodermic needles, syringes, and injectable medications at Churchill Downs, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stewards revoked his owner-trainer's license for 10 years and fined him $10,000. The stewards determined Umarov prevented an out-of-competition sample from being collected from Looks to
Court Order Has Preciado Racing Again at Parx: Blood-Horse 5/25/16
By: Frank Angst While Pennsylvania gets its new racing commission in place, multiple graded stakes-winning trainer Ramon Preciado—accused of six clenbuterol positives in March and April at Parx Racing—continues to win races. Running under a temporary restraining order that lifted a decision by Parx to halt Preciado from entering horses,
Parx: Six More Clenbuterol Positives for Preciado: Daily Racing Forms 5/24/16
By: Jim Dunleavy Trainer Ramon Preciado, who has appealed a 270-day suspension for two clenbuterol overages at Parx Racing last fall, had six more clenbuterol positives at Parx between March 1 and April 12 of this year, according to rulings issued by the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission. The six
‘Good Standing’: New Kentucky Racing Commissioners Make First Case Decisions: Paulick Report 5/18/16
By: Natalie Voss At the first meeting of the newly-appointed Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday, members released several decisions about pending cases following an executive session. The long saga of John Veitch acquired another entry when the commission requested that the former chief steward's suspension be apportioned, with three
Drug Tests Clear for Derby, Oaks Horses: Blood-Horse 5/16/16
By: Ron Mitchell According to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, all participants in this year’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) have tested negative for any prohibited substances. Based on the blood and urine samples taken from all horses participating at Churchill
Animal Welfare: A Continuing Effort: AQHA 5/12/16
By: The American Quarter Horse Association The AQHA Executive Committee approved recommendations from the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission to continue to make strides for the benefit of American Quarter Horses. The health and well-being of the American Quarter Horse is the American Quarter Horse Association’s utmost concern. In accordance
Pimlico Reaccredited By NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA 5/11/16
By: NTRA The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Located in Baltimore, Pimlico kicks off its Spring/Summer Meet on Thursday. The 28-day Pimlico spring meeting, which will be conducted through
Trainer Chatterpaul Fined; Veterinarian Fined, Suspended: Daily Racing Form 5/11/16
By: David Grening ELMONT, N.Y. – The New York stewards suspended veterinarian Carl E. Juul-Nielsen 20 days and fined him $2,500 for falsifying records for the horse Street Shark, who was scratched from the first race at Aqueduct on March 19. Further, the stewards fined Street Shark’s trainer, Naipaul Chatterpaul,
Maryland Gives Vitali Green Light After Trainer Reapplies For Florida License: Paulick Report 5/5/16
By: Ray Paulick The Maryland Jockey Club has begun accepting entries again from Marcus Vitali after the trainer began the process of reapplying for the Florida license he voluntarily relinquished last month, a move that allowed him to temporarily dodge administrative complaints filed against him for seven alleged medication violations
Trainers Bonde, Sierra Fined for Medication Violations: Daily Racing Form 5/8/16
By: Steve Anderson ARCADIA, Calif. - Trainers Jeff Bonde and Javier Sierra were fined $500 recently by Santa Anita track stewards for medication violations. Bonde was cited after Tripski tested in excess of the permitted level of the corticosteroid Betamethasone after a third-place finish in the 10th race on March
Scollay: Safety, Integrity Not ‘Negotiable’:Blood-Horse 5/5/16
By: Tom LaMarra The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will almost triple the number of veterinarians it has on a typical race day to assist with the two biggest programs of the year May 6-7 at Churchill Downs. In addition, the KHRC well in advance of the Longines Kentucky Oaks and
State Racing Commission Upholds Positive Tests: Lincoln Journal Star 5/6/16
By: Nicholas Bergin GRAND ISLAND -- An unusual torrent of race horses have tested positive for therapeutic drugs in Nebraska this spring. The owners and trainers of more than a dozen thoroughbreds appealed the penalties for the tests to the four member Nebraska State Racing Commission at its monthly meeting
Maryland Tracks Not Accepting Entries from Trainer Vitali: Daily Racing Form 4/30/16
By: Jim Dunleavy The Maryland Jockey Club is looking into pending medication violations against trainer Marcus Vitali in Florida, according to Sal Sinatra, president of the MJC. Vitali, the third-leading trainer at the Gulfstream Park winter meet, relocated his 35-horse stable to Laurel Park earlier this month. Vitali acknowledged Saturday
Belmont Park Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA 4/29/16
By: NTRA The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Located in Elmont, N.Y., on Long Island, just outside of New York City, the track kicks off its Spring/Summer Meet today. The 59-day
Churchill Downs Releases Derby, Oaks Equine Security Protocols; Re-Emphasizes Ongoing Safety & Integrity Measures: Churchill Downs 4/29/16
By: Churchill Downs/News Release/Darren Rogers LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Friday, April 29, 2016) – Churchill Downs Racetrack today re-emphasized its annual enhanced security measures for horses competing in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) and ongoing safety and integrity measures included in its “Safety from Start to Finish” program.
Churchill Downs Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA
By: NTRA The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Churchill Downs, home of the world’s most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. The legendary Louisville, Ky., racetrack opens its Spring Meet this Saturday, one week prior to the 142nd
Corticosteroid Joint Injections: An Issue at the Heart of Horse Racing’s Drug Debate: The Guardian 4/28/16
By: Daniel Ross With the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, horse racing is once again poised to receive the glare of the public spotlight for the all-too-brief five-week window afforded by the Triple Crown (unless, of course, lightning dares to strike in consecutive years, and a Triple Crown winner
Where’d You Get That Number? The Process Behind Therapeutic Drug Guidelines In Racing: Paulick Report 4/27/16
By: Natalie Voss As the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium continues its fight for uniform medication guidelines across states, it is perhaps no surprise that the group has encountered opposition. Some horsemen and veterinarians have protested the practicality of the guidelines, complaining that they do not allow for adequate treatment
Ziadie Granted Stay of Six-Year Suspension: Daily Racing Form 4/27/16
By: Matt Hegarty Trainer Kirk Ziadie has received a stay of a six-year suspension handed down in December by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, his attorney said on Wednesday. A Florida appellate court granted the stay on April 21, according to Brad Beilly, Ziadie’s attorney. The stay will likely
N.M. Plans Added Out-of-Competition Testing: The Blood-Horse 4/26/16
By: Blood-Horse Staff The New Mexico Racing Commission immediately will begin enhanced out-of-competition testing at SunRay Park in Farmington as the state regulator launches an enhanced effort to halt cheating. The NMRC announced enhanced out-of-competition testing at its April 21 monthly meeting. The regulator said New Mexico Administrative code allows for
Trainer Suspended Five Years in New York: The Blood-Horse 4/25/16
By: Tom Precious Racing regulators in New York have slapped a five-year ban on trainer Jerome Palumbo in a case state officials began investigating more than four years ago. The New York State Gaming Commission, which met April 25, said Palumbo trained horses without a state license for a 15-month
Maker Suspended for 40 Days:ESPN 4/14/16
By: Matt Hegarty LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Mike Maker, the trainer of the winner of Turfway Park's major Kentucky Derby prep, has been handed a 40-day suspension by Kentucky stewards for a drug positive after a race at Turfway in January, a penalty that Maker said he plans to appeal. The
Nebraska May End Zero-Tolerance Drug Policy for Race Horses: The Columbus Telegram 4/14/16
By: Nicholas Bergin LINCOLN — Nebraska’s zero-tolerance policy toward race horses testing positive for certain drugs looks to be coming to an end. As part of an overhaul of state racing rules, Nebraska is on course to adopt a schedule dictating thresholds at which horses will be allowed to test positive
ARCI Updates Regulatory Standards: ARCI.Com 4/13/16
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
RCI Adds Footnote on Levo-Methamphetamine: The Blood-Horse 4/13/16
By: Frank Angst In wrapping up work from a busy Association of Racing Commissioners International conference last month in New Orleans, the organization formally posted revisions to its regulatory standards April 13 including a change that acknowledges two types of methamphetamine positives. The change will see a footnote added to
Delaware Adopts Claim Void Rule: The Racing Biz.Com 4/13/16
By: Frank Vespe In advance of the 2016 Delaware Park meeting, the state’s Thoroughbred Racing Commission approved at its April 6 meeting a final rule allowing for claims to be voided when a claimed horse dies during a race or is euthanized on the track immediately following the race. The rule will be in place
Adoption of Penalty System Considered Key: The Blood-Horse 4/11/16
By: Tom LaMarra Of the four major components of the National Uniform Medication Program, the multiple medication violation penalty system has been adopted by the lowest number of jurisdictions. But one official April 11 said he expects that to change. New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association chairman Alan Foreman, during a
Preciado Banned from Parx Racing: The Daily Racing Form 4/11/16
By: Jim Dunleavy BENSALEM, Pa. – Embattled trainer Ramon Preciado, who is facing 270 days in suspensions for two clenbuterol positives at Parx Racing, has been notified that he will no longer be allowed to race at the Bensalem, Pa., track. But Preciado is not going quietly. On Sunday and
ROAP Examines Reciprocity on Various ‘Lists’: The Blood-Horse 4/11/16
By: Tom LaMarra The Racing Officials Accreditation Program hopes to make progress this year on protocol that will keep horses placed on various lists from showing up and racing at other tracks while ineligible under current guidelines. Some jurisdictions adhere to reciprocity for horses placed on lists by stewards, starters,
Woodbine Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA.Com 4/8/16
By: NTRA The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Woodbine Racetrack in Rexdale, Ontario, near Toronto, has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Opened in 1956 bearing a name associated with racing in the area since 1874. The track opens its live Thoroughbred racing season Saturday
NYSGC Bans Six Harness Trainers for Cobalt Overages, Continues Investigation into Equine Drug Abuse in Standardbred Racing: NY Gaming Commission 4/6/16
By: NYSGC The New York State Gaming Commission today took unprecedented action against six Standardbred trainers who administered potentially dangerous and performance-enhancing doses of cobalt to race horses in violation of Commission racing rules. Harness trainers Tyler J. Nostadt, Joseph Carrubba, Dennis M. Washington, Sean M. Campbell, Megan M. Gilmour
Preciado Given 180-Day Ban After Sixth Clenbuterol Positive: Daily Racing Form 4/4/16
By: Jim Dunleavy Trainer Ramon Preciado has yet another clenbuterol positive at Parx Racing. The positive, from Flattering Tales – winner of a $10,000 maiden-claiming race Nov. 8 – is the sixth for Preciado during 2015 and comes less than a week after the stewards issued a ruling for Preciado’s
Top Parx Trainer Preciado Suspended 90 Days for Clenbuterol Violation:Daily Racing Form 4/1/16
By: Jim Dunleavy Trainer Ramon Preciado has been suspended 90 days and fined $2,500 for a clenbuterol positive at Parx Racing on Oct. 24. Seventeenohsix, who finished second in the first race that day, has been disqualified from the purse money of the $5,000 claiming race. Preciado’s suspension is scheduled
Security Protocols Set for Toyota Blue Grass:The Blood-Horse 3/31/16
By: Blood-Horse Staff Keeneland will continue its enhanced security measures for horses participating in the April 9 $1 million Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I). The Blue Grass is a spring meet highlight for the Lexington track and a nationally prominent prep for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands
ARCI Adds Three April Town Hall Meetings: The Blood-Horse 3/30/16
By: Blood-Horse Staff The Association of Racing Commissioners International has scheduled three additional town hall meetings in an effort to unify the racing industry, and develop a consensus path to improve the policing of the sport and advance uniform regulatory policies. The next public meeting will take place at 10:30
Gulfstream Track Vet Marquis Fined For Failure To Cooperate With State Investigators:Paulick Report 3/30/16
By: Ray Paulick Dr. Patricia Marquis, the attending track veterinarian for Gulfstream Park, has been fined $250 for failure to fully cooperate with investigative staff employed by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. The staff members were routinely investigating the deaths of Thoroughbreds injured while
Challenge Hair Testing Requirements: AQHA.Com 3/29/16
By: AQHA The Bank of America Racing Challenge Championships are set to take place at Los Alamitos Race Course in California on October 29. The conditions for the Challenge were issued on October 15, 2015, and included for the first time mandatory hair testing for clenbuterol, beginning with the regional
MARYLAND EQUINE FATALITY RATE DROPS 37 PERCENT: The Racing Biz 3/29/16
By: Frank Vespe The incidence of equine fatalities in Maryland fell to its lowest rate since 2011 in 2015, according to data from The Jockey Club released last week. The combined fatality rate at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course dropped to 1.35 deaths per 1,000 starters. That was a
New York Proposal Would Add Oversight of Vets: The Blood-Horse 3/25/16
By: Frank Angst The New York State Gaming Commission has put together a proposed rule it hopes would add scrutiny to the practices of racetrack veterinarians. The proposal would require vets to limit drug administrations to treatment of ailments and preventative medical procedures. The rule was outlined March 24 by
NYRA Equine Injury Rate Remains Below National Average: Horse Racing Nation 3/24/16
By: Horseracingnation.com/NYRA Communications For a third consecutive year, the number of catastrophic equine injuries at The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) tracks continued at a rate below the national average, as reported Tuesday by The Jockey Club. The fatality rate at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course in
Waldrop: Industry Can Lead on Needed Changes: The Blood-Horse 3/24/16
By: Frank Angst Using the recent accreditation of Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance as an example, NTRA president Alex Waldrop said the industry can work with regulators to improve the sport. Speaking during the Thoroughbred racing committee meeting at the Association of
Foreman Believes in Science Behind Thresholds:Blood-Horse 3/24/16
By: Frank Angst Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association chairman Alan Foreman is confident a 2015 decision by a Delaware assistant attorney general not to pursue a medication overage case against trainer Todd Pletcher will not negatively impact the National Uniform Medication Program. Speaking at the Association of Racing Commissioners conference March 24,
Studies on Lasix Administration Progressing:Blood-Horse 3/23/16
By: Frank Angst In a presentation at the Association of Racing Commissioners International conference March 23 in New Orleans, Jockey Club executive director Matt Iuliano highlighted studies examining the efficacy of administering furosemide at least 24 hours before a race. RCI president Ed Martin noted that some conference presentations will
RCI Looks at Added Out-of-Competition Testing: Blood-Horse 3/23/16
By: Frank Angst Racing Medication and Testing Consortium executive director Dionne Benson said as regulators look at new, enhanced recommendations on out-of-competition testing, they're going to find policies that will work for the industry. Participating on an equine welfare and veterinary panel March 23 at the RCI conference in New
Sales Companies Amend Steroid Policy: Blood-Horse 3/22/16
By: Blood - Horse staff Officials from Keeneland Association, Fasig-Tipton Co., and Ocala Breeders' Sales Company on March 22 jointly announced they have amended the anabolic androgenic steroid policy. The policy has been amended to delete the "45-day" rule regarding the use of steroids in weanlings, yearlings, and 2-year-olds at
THA and NYTHA President Rick Violette Jr. Statement on Equine Injury Database News: NYTHA 3/22/16
By: NYTHA “The Equine Injury Database statistics released today, which revealed a 14% decrease in equine fatalities for 2015, was encouraging news. We applaud the work of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance, which was formed in 2008 and, with the cooperation of the accredited racetracks, has made great strides
TVMDL Drug Testing Lab Receives RMTC Accreditation: The Horse 3/20/16
By: Edited Press Release Following two years of dedicated work to achieve the standards put forth by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC), the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TMVDL) Drug Testing Laboratory has received full accreditation. The TVMDL Drug Testing Lab is the seventh to receive full
Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Horse’s Early Warning System?: Paulick Report 3/17/16
By: Natalie Voss Veterinarians have long been searching for some sort of advance warning that a horse may be on the brink of suffering a serious bone or soft tissue injury. Recent research into biomarkers may provide practitioners with more tools to anticipate problems or a better understanding of a
The Jockey Club Continues Out-of-Competition Testing Grants:Thoroughbred Daily News 3/17/16
By: TDN The Jockey Club’s Graded Stakes Out-of-Competition Testing Grant Fund will continue to provide racetracks with funding for out-of-competition testing for the presence of blood doping agents and RCI Class 1 substances. The program, created in 2014, has been utilized by tracks in California, Florida, Kentucky, New York and
Indiana Suspends Trainer Haffner 45 Days: The Blood-Horse 3/15/16
By: Frank Angst In a settlement with the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, trainer Randy Haffner will serve at least a 45-day suspension for 2015 violations in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Under the agreement approved by the IHRC at its March 15 regular meeting,
NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance Re-accredits Santa Anita: Horse Racing Nation 3/11/16
By: NTRA The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, near Los Angeles, has earned re-accreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Since 1934, Santa Anita has been one of America’s leading racetracks, showcasing Hall of Fame legends like Seabiscuit, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, John Henry
Texas to Enforce Corticosteroid Thresholds as of Apr. 7: Thoroughbred Daily News 3/11/16
By: T.D. Thornton The Texas Racing Commission has ended a year-long study on corticosteroid use and will begin enforcing threshold levels in Thoroughbreds that meet Racing Medication and Testing Consortium standards starting with the opening of the Lone Star Park racing season Apr. 7. Horsemen were given notice of the
Judge Sides with Owner in Dispute over Hair-Follicle Test: Daily Racing Form 3/11/16
By: Steve Anderson A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled on Thursday that Los Alamitos Race Course was in violation of state law when it denied owner Gustavo de la Torre the right to run Runaway Fire in the $175,100 El Primero Del Ano Derby for Quarter Horses last April.
MMVS Temporarily Suspended: AQHA 3/7/16
By: AQHA Program temporarily halted pending further review. The misuse of medication in the racing American Quarter Horse industry continues to be a serious animal welfare issue, and one that AQHA, with the support of horsemen and the racing industry alike, is working to address. In 2013, AQHA announced the
Aqueduct Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA 3/3/16
By: NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, March 3, 2016) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Aqueduct Racetrack in New York City has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Aqueduct, located in the borough of Queens since 1894, is part of the not-for-profit New York Racing
AAEP Panel Examines Possible Research Paths for EIPH Treatment: AAEP
As part of its strategic initiative to protect the health and welfare of the racehorse, the American Association of Equine Practitioners has released a list of research topics identified by an expert panel as central to the goal of understanding exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. The identified topics will help determine future
NY Regulators Ban Use of Anabolic Steroid: Blood-Horse 2/29/16
By: Tom Precious New York regulators Feb. 29 approved a ban on the last anabolic steroid that does not occur naturally in horses but has, until now, been permitted at specific threshold levels. The New York State Gaming Commission finalized a rule proposed last year to ban a horse from
Pennsylvania Governor Signs Bill Creating New Racing Commission: Paulick Report 2/23/16
By: Edited Press Release Governor Tom Wolf today signed House Bill 941, which, among other things, includes reforms of Pennsylvania's equine racing industry. The governor was joined by state Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, members of each of the legislative caucuses, leadership from the House Agricultural and Rural Affairs
Jockey Club Researches the Untapped Power of the Microchip:Paulick Report 2/17/16
By: Natalie Voss The Jockey Club's announcement last summer that it would begin requiring microchips for foal registrations starting in 2017 was met with relatively little fanfare. That could be because microchipping has been standard for Thoroughbred registrations in the United Kingdom and Europe for years. What many horsemen and
Glaucine: Next Big Performance-Enhancer or Accidental Contaminant?:Thoroughbred Daily News 2/12/16
By: T.D. Thornton When news broke early Thursday about an alleged series of positive tests for the substance glaucine involving high-profile Standardbred trainers in New York, the story was picked up by a number of international publications because of its potential for creating bombshell reverberations in the rest of the
Burke & Julie Miller hit with drug violations: Harness Link 2/12/16
Two of the leading harness racing trainers in North America were charged with allowing horses to compete with the Class 2 drug Glaucine in their system. In a development that will send shockwaves through an already reeling industry in North America, Ron Burkeand Julie Miller have both had horses under
Willis to Chair New Mexico Racing Commission: The Blood-Horse 2/11/16
By: Blood-Horse Staff The New Mexico Racing Commission has elected Ray Willis of Roswell to serve as its chairman. Willis replaces Robert Doughty III of Albuquerque, who will remain on the commission. A native of Luling, Texas, Willis has been actively involved in New Mexico's horse racing industry as an
Backpedaling on Progress: The Bloodhorse 2/9/16
By: Eric Mitchell How many ways can the racing industry find to undermine its own efforts? Sadly, too many. The most recent surfaced last week when the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association announced it wanted to pay for new research that would set thresholds and withdrawal times for 28
Trainer Contessa serving seven-day suspension:Daily Racing Form 2/8/16
By: David Grening Trainer Gary Contessa on Monday began serving a seven-day suspension for a drug violation incurred nearly two years ago at Tampa Bay Downs. The Contessa-trained Jeremy’s Song, who finished second in a maiden race March 8, 2014, was found to have had 2.3 nanograms of cocaine in
Racetrack Vet Group Takes Proactive Approach: The Blood-Horse 2/8/16
By: Tom LaMarra An organization formed to represent the interests of racetrack veterinarians has become proactive in the area of research into therapeutic medications and continues to make its case that vets should be part of medication reform efforts. Dr. Clara Fenger, secretary of the North American Association of Racetrack
Racing Investigators Conference Set for March: The Blood Horse 2/4/16
By: Frank Angst Racing investigators will cover a wide range of topics when they meet for four days in March at Delaware Park in Wilmington, Del. The Organization of Racing Investigators has set the final agenda for its training conference March 14-17 that will include a March 15 address from
RCI Schedules Second ‘Town Hall’ Meeting: The Blood-Horse 2/2/16
By: Blood-Horse Staff The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) will hold the second in a series of "Town Hall" meetings Monday, Feb. 22 at Gulfstream Park. The meeting's purpose is to gather input and hold a frank conversation with racing industry stakeholders, participants, and fans in an attempt to
Meadowlands Trainer Gets a Positive: HarnessLink 1/31/16
By: Justin Horowitz EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (January 30, 2016) - As a result of its out-of-competition testing program, the Meadowlands Racetrack announces the positive test of a horse trained by Robert Bresnahan, Junior. Tag Up and Go, a six-year-old trotter, returned a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance, epogen, more
Cobalt Positives Lead To Suspension of California Standardbred Trainer: Paulick Report 1/31/16
By: Press Release The stewards at Cal Expo issued an interim suspension Jan. 30 to trainer Marissa Tyler for the protection of the public after a number of standardbreds in her barn tested high for cobalt. The stewards conducted an ex parte hearing Jan. 29 following a CHRB investigation that
Dream Dance DQ’d From Golden Rod Third: The Blood-Horse 1/26/16
By: Ron Mitchell Stoneway Farm's Dream Dance has been disqualified from her third-place finish in the 2015 Golden Rod Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs and disciplinary action has been taken against her trainer and veterinarian after she tested positive for an overage of phenylbutazone. According to recent rulings by
NY Strengthens Multiple Violator Penalties: The Blood-Horse 1/26/16
By: Tom Precious New York regulators have given final approval to several equine drug rules, including a new system of minimum penalties for repeat drug violators. The decisions by the New York State Gaming Commission came as the agency Jan. 26 signaled its willingness to listen to suggestions as state
NY Bans Trainer Sedlacek for Five Years: The Blood-Horse 1/26/16
By: Tom Precious Trainer Roy Sedlacek was banned from all racetracks in New York for five years by regulators following what officials said was evidence two horses that ran last October at Belmont Park were administered an opioid analgesic drug nearly as potent as morphine. Sedlacek on Jan. 26 was
Enforcement Update: California Horse Racing Board 1/25/16
By: Press Release SACRAMENTO, CA – This is an update of complaints, stewards’ rulings, and Board decisions involving Class 1, 2, and 3 medication violations and other significant matters. The CHRB filed complaints against trainer Gerardo Amezcua and owner Ricardo Sepulveda alleging violation of CHRB Rules 1843 (a), (b), and
Maryland Racing Commission Names Medication Policy Committee: The Racing Biz 1/19/16
By: Frank Vespe In the wake of a controversial non-disqualification that roiled the Maryland racing industry, Maryland Racing Commission chairman John McDaniel announced today that he had appointed a Medication Policy and Review Committee. That committee will be comprised of three commissioners and chaired by Dr.Tom Bowman, a veterinarian whom
Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy Issues Voluntary Recall of All Lots of Unexpired Sterile Human and Animal Compounded Products Due to Lack of Sterility Assurance: FDA.gov 1/16/16
By: Press Release Abbott's Compounding Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of sterile compounded products due to concerns of lack of sterility assurance. All unexpired lots are subject to the recall. These include injectable medications, sterile solutions, eye drops, and eye ointments. All recalled products were distributed to patients,
Preciado begins suspension after appeal denied: Daily Racing Form 1/14/16
By: Jim Dunleavy The Delaware Racing Commission at its Wednesday meeting signed off on the appeal decision and penalty order for trainer Ramon Preciado, who had two clenbuterol positives at Delaware Park last summer. Preciado’s 21-day suspension began Thursday. A blood sample taken from Trouble Kid, who is trained by
Study of EIPH in 2-Year-Olds Completed: The Blood-Horse 1/6/16
By: Tom LaMarra A study designed to determine the levels of exercise-industry pulmonary hemorrhage in 2-year-olds racing in South Florida is complete, but the data won't be released until a scientific paper is published after peer review. The study, which involved 814 endoscopic examinations, was headed by Dr. Stephen Selway
Preciado Fined, Suspended For Clenbuterol Positives: Daily Racing Form 1/4/16
By: Jim Dunleavy Ramon Preciado, the leading trainer at Parx Racing the past two years, had two clenbuterol positives at Delaware Park last summer and has been fined $1,500 and suspended 21 days by the Delaware Racing Commission. Preciado’s first positive came in the first race Aug. 26, when Trouble
Maryland Jockey Club Adopts Injection Reporting Rule: The Racing Biz 1/4/16
By: Frank Vespe Trainers whose horses are claimed must provide the state veterinarian a record of all joint injections the horse has received in the 30 days prior to the claim, according to a new policy adopted effective January 1 by the Maryland Jockey Club. The information must be provided
Hubbard Horse Disqualified From Futurity Win, Trainer’s Suspension Waived: Paulick Report 1/4/16
By: Ray Paulick In the “whatever happened to” department, we have some closure on a high-profile drug disqualification in Quarter horse racing from last year. The case involved Lilly Is First, winner of the $337,186 Mountain Top New Mexico Quarter Horse Futurity at Ruidoso Downs June 13, 2015. Owned in
Conway Finds Lasix-Free Races Regulation Unconstitutional: Thoroughbred Daily News 12/23/15
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway has found unconstitutional a Kentucky Horse Racing Commission regulation that permits racetracks to conduct races for which horses could not be treated with the legal anti-bleeder medication furosemide, according to a release Wednesday from the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. Agreeing with the position
Medication rules lead to smaller purse for Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity: Daily Racing Form 12/16/15
By: Steve Andersen CYPRESS, Calif. – Strict medication regulations contributed to a decline in the purse for the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity for Quarter Horses this year, but track officials expect growth in 2016 and 2017, according to a letter released to horsemen on Tuesday. Track owner Ed Allred
Ziadie Handed Six-Year Suspension: Daily Racing Form 12/16/15
By: Matt Hegarty Kirk Ziadie, a Florida-based trainer who led the Gulfstream Park spring meeting with 22 wins from 45 starts, has been suspended six years and fined $18,000 for what state regulators said were 18 violations of medication rules over the past four years, according to a copy of
Tracks, Regulators Aim for Improved Testing: The Blood-Horse 12/16/15
By Frank Angst In a story that stunned attendees at the Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming Dec. 8, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission equine medical director Mary Scollay told a story of a misunderstanding between a lab and state regulator that compromised drug testing in a state (not Kentucky). "The
Regulators Want Central Rule-Making Process: The Blood-Horse 12/15/15
By: Tom LaMarra Development of a central rule-making process for uniform medication policies and related implementation will be the 2016 focus for the Association of Racing Commissioners International. The organization's board of directors at a recent meeting voted to act on "unifying the racing industry" on integrity initiatives as well
New Research Could Put Regulators On Trail Of Horsemen Using Synthetic Steroids: Paulick Report 12/14/15
By: Natalie Voss The fight against illegal drugs in horse racing may have gotten another boost on Monday, when the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council voted to approve funding for a new kind of drug test. The Council approved a proposal to spend a total of $195,474 over two years
Hong Kong: Lab Chief Sees Need For ‘Game-Changing’ Approach To Testing: Paulick Report 12/11/15
By: Ray Paulick Sunday's Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin race course will, from a drug control standpoint, be among the cleanest anywhere in the world. Overseas horses are tested upon their arrival, then will be drug screened once again prior to Sunday's races, standard protocol by the Hong
Symposium: Integrity Requires Team Approach: The Blood-Horse 12/9/15
By: Frank Angst panel participant and audience member on "Fixing Racing," the final panel of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming, echoed the same sentiment: Cooperation is key in building integrity. Lisa Underwood, former executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission,
NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance adds language to boost drug-testing integrity: Daily Racing Form 12/8/15
By: Matt Hegarty TUCSON, Ariz. – The administrators of a voluntary accreditation program for racetracks have added a section to the code requiring tracks to push state racing commissions to demand that laboratories implement drug-testing procedures and policies recommended by national policy groups, according to the program’s executive director. Steve
Roy Sedlacek suspended for drug positives: Daily Racing Form 11/16/15
By Matt Hegarty Roy Sedlacek, a New York-based trainer, has been suspended indefinitely by New York stewards after two of his horses tested positive for a powerful banned synthetic drug after racing at Belmont Park, according to state records. The two horses tested positive for a rare substance called AH-7921
New Synthetic Opioid Designer Drug Found by New York Lab: ARCI 11/9/15
Press Release LEXINGTON, KY - The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) has put all racing regulatory agencies worldwide on notice of a finding by the New York Equine Drug Testing Program of the presence of AH-7921 in post-race samples taken from horses that recently ran at Belmont Park. This
Two Horses Test Positive for Opioid: The Blood-Horse 11/9/15
By: Blood-Horse Staff The New York State Gaming Commission has indefinitely suspended trainer Roy Sedlacek for two positives in October at Belmont Park for AH-7921, a synthetic opioid the Association of Racing Commissioners International said can be as potent as morphine. The NYSGC scheduled a hearing on the matter for
AQHA Racing Challenge Implements Clenbuterol Testing: AQHA 10/29/15
By: Press Release Starting in 2016, horses in all regional Challenge races will be subject to hair testing for clenbuterol. In the American Quarter Horse Association’s continuing and ongoing efforts to further the safety and welfare of our horses, horsemen and industry, and to assure fairness of competition, AQHA will
Breeders’ Cup aims for cocoon of security, safety for horses: Lexington Herald Leader 10/29/15
By: Janet Patton and Alicia Wincze Hughes Breeders' Cup and Keeneland are taking extra steps to make sure all the competitors on hand for the world championships are as safe as they can be, a special concern after a rash of fatal breakdowns during the fall racing meet. The barns,
UPDATED: Owners Sue Wickliffe Pharmacy, Boarding Farm In Connection With Horse Death: Paulick Report 10/26/15
By: Natalie Voss Two owners horse owners have brought a civil lawsuit against Wickliffe Pharmacy, the Lexington, Ky., veterinary compounder cited by the Food and Drug Administration for selling mislabeled paste intended to treat equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The two plaintiffs, LuAnn Burton and Max Domaschko, also are suing Benchmark
NY Rule Impacts Testing for Claimed Horses: The Blood-Horse 10/25/15
By: Tom Precious The state of New York, citing costs savings, is considering a plan to halt a practice in which the state, at its expense, tests all claimed horses to check for the presence of drugs or other substances. The New York State Gaming Commission is set to adopt
CHRB Moves Forward on Altering Drug Policy: The Blood-Horse 10/22/15
By: Jeremy Balan The California Horse Racing Board took steps toward new guidelines for medication violators that would prevent those violators from transferring horses to one of their employees when under suspension, during its Oct. 22 meeting at Santa Anita Park. Under the new proposal, the violating trainer would have
TVMDL Receives Interim Accreditation From RMTC: The Horse 10/20/15
By: Edited Press Release The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Drug Testing Laboratory received interim accreditation from the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) board at the group's October meeting. The laboratory is only the seventh such to achieve this status. The laboratory annually performs more than 3,500
CHRB Investigates Cobalt Overage Related To Supplement: Paulick Report 10/17/15
By: Paulick Report Staff The California Horse Racing Board released the following Friday: The California Horse Racing Board recently investigated a case of elevated cobalt in a thoroughbred. This overage appears to be related to the use of Finish Line Iron Power – a fairly new supplement with a high
RMTC Examining Truesdail Lab After Recent Site Visit: Paulick Report 10/16/15
By: Paulick Report Staff Truesdail Laboratories, which has been the source of controversy since a quality check by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission this summer, is under scrutiny by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, according to the Daily Racing Form. The RMTC has sent a report to lab officials outlining
Methocarbamol (Robaxin) Threshold/Treatment Protocols: NTRA.com 10/8/15
Press Release The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission recently suspended trainer Graham Motion for five days and fined him $500 for a medication overage involving the winner Kitten’s Point in Keeneland’s Bewitch Stakes. Kentucky officials determined that Kitten's Point had a methocarbamol (Robaxin) level of 2.9 nanograms per milliliter of blood
RMTC responds to part of KyHBPA editorial: The Courier-Journal 10/6/15
By: Jennie Rees I recently posted online at courier-journal.com an editorial written by Marty Maline, the executive director of the Kentucky division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. The editorial, titled “Guilty Until Proven Innocent,” dealt with issues facing trainers today in this era of increasingly sophisticated post-race drug
Keeneland Reaccredited by NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: Horse Racing Nation 10/2/15
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Keeneland has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Keeneland, which also includes the world’s leading Thoroughbred auction house, is a National Historic Landmark and has served as a model of the best in Thoroughbred racing since its inception in 1936.
Report Recommends Changes at Truesdail Lab: The Blood-Horse 10/2/15
By: Frank Angst The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has sent Truesdail Laboratories a report listing recommended changes following problems at the lab outlined in a July report by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. Based on its quality assurance program, the IHRC said Truesdail missed seven positives, including a Class
ARCI Announces Members of Compliance Group: The Blood-Horse 9/29/15
By Blood-Horse Staff The Association of Racing Commissioners International Sept. 29 announced members of a committee that will work with regulators in each racing state to complete implementation of reforms that make up the National Uniform Medication Program. The 12 members of the ARCI Compliance Committee were invited by ARCI
New York Adopts Rule to Limit Use of NSAIDs: The Blood-Horse 9/24/15
By Teresa Genaro The New York State Gaming Commission Sept. 24 passed several rule amendments related to equine medication, including further restrictions on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a total ban on stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. The NYSGC also amended rules regarding the role of veterinary technicians on
Waldrop Q&A: Safety and Integrity Alliance: The Blood-Horse 9/23/15
By Frank Angst In an Aug. 29 Blood-Horse magazine story, National Thoroughbred Racing Association president Alex Waldrop and other industry leaders assessed the work of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance in an article titled "Safety... on a Volunteer Basis." Waldrop participated in an extensive email Q&A with Blood-Horse writer
Release of NY Asmussen Probe Delayed: The Blood-Horse 9/23/15
By Tom Precious The much-anticipated Sept. 24 release by New York regulators of their probe into the care of horses trained by Steve Asmussen is being delayed. More than 18 months after the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals alleged widespread abuse of horses in Asmussen's care, the New
CHRB Commissioner’s Filly DQ’d From Stakes: The Blood-Horse 9/23/15
By Jeremy Balan California Horse Racing Board commissioner George Krikorian's Big Book has been disqualified from her victory in the July 25 Fleet Treat at Del Mar because of a test that showed elevated levels of acepromazine, which can be used as a tranquilizer in horses. Trained by Tim Yakteen,
Ziadie Fighting Denial of License in Florida: Paulick Report 9/20/15
By Ray Paulick Trainer Kirk Ziadie is fighting an Aug. 26 decision by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to deny his occupational license application because of what the regulatory agency said were three medication violations – two overages of phenylbutazone and one clenbuterol positive – earlier this year. Ziadie,
Regulators Step Up Push for Drug Uniformity: The Blood-Horse 9/16/15
By Tom LaMarra The Association of Racing Commissioners International is stepping up efforts to get state regulators to fully adopt the National Uniform Medication Program. ARCI chairman Mark Lamberth of the Arkansas State Racing Commission said Sept. 16 he is the process of forming a committee that will address implementation
CHRB Moves Forward on Third-Party Lasix: The Blood-Horse 9/16/15
By Jeremy Balan Nearly a month after the California Horse Racing Board hit the brakes on third-party administration of furosemide in the state, the governing body spent just more than a minute to move the process along at a meeting Sept. 16 at Los Alamitos Race Course. The CHRB approved
Trainer Tom Amoss To Begin 45-Day Suspension Thursday: Paulick Report 9/15/15
By Paulick Report Staff Trainer Tom Amoss will begin a 45-day suspension imposed by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission on Thursday, Sept. 17. The suspension will run through the end of October, and include both days of the Breeders’ Cup. According to a report in the Daily Racing Form, the
Foundation Authorizes Two Lasix Studies: The Blood-Horse 9/15/15
By Blood-Horse Staff Two research projects designed to study the impact of furosemide on exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage will be conducted on behalf of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, the organization said Sept. 15. The studies will examine the pathophysiology of EIPH, or bleeding in horses' lungs. The condition is currently
Status of KY Lasix-Free Regulation Uncertain: The Blood-Horse 9/10/15
By Ron Mitchell The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee of the Kentucky legislature has voted 6-2 to find a proposed regulation permitting racetracks the option of carding furosemide-free races "deficient." Furosemide, commonly known as Salix or Lasix, is a widely-used anti-diuretic medication. In a release, the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective
CHRB Committee Advances New Lasix Proposal: The Blood-Horse 9/4/15
By Jeremy Balan The California Horse Racing Board Medication and Track Safety Committee took a step forward Sept. 4 regarding the potential employment of third-party furosemide administration in the state, but any change in procedures still likely won't occur until 2016. After the CHRB sent a proposal on third-party administration
NYTHA To Acquire New Testing Equipment For NY Equine Drug…: NYTHA.com 9/1/15
Press Release The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) today announced its commitment to acquire state-of-the-art testing equipment for the New York Equine Drug Testing and Research Program at Morrisville State College. The new equipment, a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, will be used to screen for new drugs that are
CTT Pledges Funds for Barn Surveillance: The Blood-Horse 8/31/15
By Tom LaMarra The California Thoroughbred Trainers Aug. 31 said its leadership unanimously agreed to use $150,000 from reserve funds to facilitate race-day camera surveillance in barn areas at California racetracks. The board of directors met Aug. 29 and approved the measure, the CTT said in a release. The organization
Commission Reports Indiana Grand Cobalt Results are “Absolutely Pristine”: in.gov 8/31/15
Press Release The Indiana Horse Racing Commission reports no violations of its cobalt regulation midway through the 120 day race meet at Indiana Grand. After 60 days of racing (through July 31, 2015), all of the 221 samples tested were beneath the of 25 ppb (parts per billion) threshold. The
Clenbuterol Becomes a Banned Substance November 1: AQHA.com 8/26/15
All horses competing at AQHA shows must be clear of clenbuterol on or before November 1. Beginning November 1, 2015, clenbuterol will be considered a forbidden drug per AQHA Rule VIO401. Earlier this year, positive drug tests for detection of clenbuterol in American Quarter Horse racehorses resulted in significant penalties.
Pennsylvania Trainer Rojas Pleads Not Guilty To Wire Fraud…: Paulick Report 8/25/15
By Paulick Report Staff Pennsylvania trainer Murray Rojas has pleaded not guilty on federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges related to allegations of illegal race-day drugging of horses running at Penn National race course in early 2013. The plea by the two-time leading Penn National trainer came on Tuesday in
Just Do It: The Blood-Horse 8/25/15
By Tom LaMarra In March 2013 eight states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast—Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia—announced their intentions to adopt uniform regulations governing equine medication rules and drug testing. The effort, spearheaded by the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, which represents owners and trainers
California Supports Third-Party Furosemide Administration: The Horse 8/24/15
By Edited Press Release Members of the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and California horse racing industry leaders are reaffirming their support for the concept of third-party furosemide (also called Salix or Lasix) administration as part of the National Uniform Medication Program, while offering reassurance that a vote by the
Louisiana Commission Accepts RMTC Medication Rules: Paulick Report 8/24/15
By Paulick Report Staff The Louisiana Racing Commission accepted the Racing Medication Testing Consortium’s model rules for medication at a meeting on Monday, according to a report from the Daily Racing Form. The rules will go into effect for Thoroughbreds beginning in October. The process of adopting the rules took
Kentucky Commission Approves Measure To Begin Regulating Cobalt: Paulick Report 8/18/15
By Natalie Voss The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved a new rule to regulate the use of cobalt during a regularly-scheduled meeting Tuesday afternoon. The commission unanimously approved a rule that would institute penalties for horses testing over 25 ppb and 50 ppb in serum on the state’s racetracks. Trainers
Attorneys: Horse Racing Drug Prosecutions on Solid Ground: The Horse 8/17/15
By Edited Press Release Horse racing’s anti-doping rules will continue to withstand legal challenge, according to conclusions reached at a meeting of regulatory attorneys convened by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI). “A widely reported decision in Delaware not to pursue a prosecution in a singular case had mitigating
Horse trainer suspended in Sunland Park doping case: Las Cruces Sun-News 8/12/15
By: The Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE >> A horse trainer faces a one-year suspension and $6,000 in fines after two of his horses tested positive for drugs earlier this year at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. The Albuquerque Journal reports that rulings recently posted on the New Mexico Racing Commission's website
Pennsylvania Trainer Rojas Indicted On Wire Fraud, Conspiracy Charges: Paulick Report 8/12/15
By: Press Release The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that a grand jury in Harrisburg has indicted a local thoroughbred horse trainer on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy. According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Murray L. Rojas, age 49, of Grantville,
Necropsy Database, Vet’s List Tests Proposed: The Blood-Horse 8/9/15
By Tom LaMarra The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee will implement a centralized database for racehorse necropsy information and has recommended all horses that come off the vet's list be subject to testing based on current medication rules. Since its inception in 2008, the committee has made about 20 recommendations
Med-Free Bonus Program Stymied By Little-Known Rule: Thoroughbred Daily News 8/5/15
By T. D. Thornton Bruce Seymore, the executive director of Arapahoe Park, is a bit of a maverick racetrack operator. His Colorado oval is geographically isolated from other racing venues, and when Seymore senses he has a good idea to bolster the product at his three-month mixed Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse
Proposal calls for reforming Pa. horse racing industry: Witf.org 8/3/15
By: Tim Lambert and Radio Pennsylvania (Harrisburg) -- Legislation reforming Pennsylvania's $1.6 billion horse racing industry recently passed the state Senate. Now, the measure's sponsor is calling for similar action in the House. "Senate bill 352 makes important reforms that have been left unattended for over 30 years," says Republican
WVRC Votes to Hire New Drug-Testing Lab: The Blood-Horse 7/28/15
By Tom LaMarra The West Virginia Racing Commission voted July 28 to hire a new equine drug-testing laboratory when the contract with its current lab ends at the end of August. West Virginia is one of four states in the Mid-Atlantic region that employs Truesdail Laboratories of California; the others
AAEP Announces Initiative to Enhance Horse Health, Racing Integrity: AAEP.org 7/28/15
Press release AAEP Announces Initiative to Enhance Horse Health, Racing Integrity Prescription for Racing Reform to seek non-race day EIPH treatments, support 48-hour NSAID rule The American Association of Equine Practitioners today announced a multi-part initiative to protect the health and welfare of the racehorse and help ensure the long-term
Track Defends Trainer Suspended for Positive: The Blood-Horse 7/26/15
By Tom LaMarra In an unusual development, Canterbury Park has come to the defense of top trainer McLean Robertson, who was suspended for 90 days and fined $2,000 by the Minnesota Racing Commission for a positive test for a Class 1 methamphetamine. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune earlier reported that Robertson, also
Amoss Settles Indiana Case, Accepts Penalty: The Blood-Horse 7/23/15
By Tom LaMarra Trainer Tom Amoss and the Indiana Horse Racing Commission have entered into a settlement agreement in a complex case involving a one-nanogram medication positive at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in 2011. Amoss, who has fought the IHRC over the positive reading for the Class 4 drug
New Mexico Commission Bans Clenbuterol: The Paulick Repot 7/22/15
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
New ‘Race Horse’ Registry On Regulatory Horizon: Thoroughbred Daily News 7/21/15
By T. D. Thornton If individual racing commissions adopt the new model rule voted in last Thursday by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI), horses of all racing breeds will soon be required to be registered twice–first with their respective Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse registries, then again as
Mid-Atlantic Issues Advisory on Two Drugs: The Blood-Horse 7/21/15
By Tom LaMarra West Virginia has joined other states in the Mid-Atlantic region in posting an advisory regarding use of two therapeutic drugs that can be problematic for horsemen. The advisory stemmed from a Mid-Atlantic regulatory meeting earlier in July at which the progress of the National Uniform Medication Program
IND Standardbred Trainer Suspended 10 Years: The Blood-Horse 7/15/15
By Blood-Horse Staff Standardbred trainer Bradley Moffitt has been suspended for 10 years for a positive test for darbepoetin alfa, a drug commonly known as DPO. DPO, an RCI Class 1 drug, is considered a performance enhancer when administered to racehorses. This positive marks the first time a synthetic blood
Compounding Pharmacy, Supplier Sued For $6 Million Over Viagra…: The Paulick Report 7/14/15
RMTC Compounding Pharmacy, Supplier Sued For $6 Million Over Viagra Positives By Ray Paulick Quarter horse trainer John Stinebaugh, suspended 16 years and fined $40,000 after four of his horses tested positive for the active ingredient in human erectile dysfunction drug Viagra at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico, is suing
Trainer Goldberg gets 15-day suspension: Daily Racing Form 7/14/15
RMTC By Jim Dunleavy Trainer Alan Goldberg began serving a 15-day suspension Monday after test results showed Pool Winner, whom he trains, was over the permitted threshold level for phenylbutazone when she won the 11th race at Monmouth Park on June 13. The purse of the race was redistributed, and
Trainer Werre’s Suspension Reduced to 7 Days: The Blood-Horse 7/13/15
RMTC By Ron Mitchell A Kentucky trainer whose one-year suspension and $5,000 fine for a medication positive were overturned by a judge has agreed to a seven-day suspension and $500 fine from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Mike Meuser, an attorney representing trainer Daniel Werre, and the KHRC signed the
CHRB Sees Decrease in Drug Violations: The Blood-Horse 7/9/15
RMTC By: Blood-Horse Staff According to the California Horse Racing Board, there were only four Class 1, 2, or 3 medication violations in the state during the 2014-2015 fiscal year—the lowest number in at least 40 years. The Maddy Laboratory at the University of California-Davis confirmed four positives for the
Vazquez Files Appeal After Xylazine Positive in Pennsylvania: The Paulick Report 7/8/15
RMTC By Ray Paulick Troubled Mid-Atlantic trainer Juan Vazquez – ejected this year from tracks in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia – is appealing a June 17 ruling from stewards at Pennsylvania’s Penn National racetrack fining him $2,000 after a horse he trains tested positive for the short acting
Updated: ‘Seven Missed Positives’: Indiana Racing Commission…: The Paulick Report 7/7/15
RMTC Updated: ‘Seven Missed Positives’: Indiana Racing Commission Releases Audit Of Truesdail Labs by Edited Press Release The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has released its staff report on the audit of its former primary laboratory – Truesdail Laboratory (Tustin, California). Findings include a total of seven missed positive tests over
RMTC: Uniform Drug Program Has Momentum: The Blood-Horse 7/7/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra An effort that began in the Mid-Atlantic region more than two years ago has made "significant progress," according to the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. Adoption of the National Uniform Medication Program hasn't been without its twists and turns, but given the fractured nature of the
Delaware Park Latest Track to Boot Vazquez: The Blood-Horse 6/30/15
RMTC By Frank Angst Trainer Juan C. Vazquez is slowly running out of Mid-Atlantic tracks at which to run his horses after Delaware Park informed the trainer he is no longer welcome to race his horse there. On June 30 Delaware Park chief executive officer Bill Fasy said the track
KHRC Delays Action on Medication Rules: The Blood-Horse 6/29/15
RMTC By Ron Mitchell The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on June 29 delayed taking a vote on proposed rules on medication testing, withdrawal guidelines, and disciplinary measures and penalties that included rules on the mineral cobalt. KHRC chairman Bob Beck said the proposals needed more work and will now be
New Drug Rules Take Effect in West Virginia: The Blood-Horse 6/29/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra With the latest Thoroughbred racing rule changes now in place, West Virginia has now fully adopted the National Uniform Medication Program. The updates took effect June 28, said Kelli Talbott, senior deputy attorney general for the West Virginia Racing Commission. They include the multiple medication violation
‘Emerging Threats’ on Horizon for CHRB: Thoroughbred Daily News 6/26/15
RMTC By T. D. Thornton Don’t expect to see any Lasix-free races soon in the Golden State, but the California Horse Racing Board is zeroing in on proactive ways to head off other "emerging threats" to equine welfare, like requiring post-mortem reviews of all on-track fatalities, focusing on quality instead
Kentucky Trainer Walsh Suspended 10 Days: The Blood-Horse 6/24/15
RMTC By Frank Angst Kentucky stewards have suspended trainer Brendan Walsh for 10 days after multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were found in post-race tests of Saham after his third-place finish in the Transylvania Stakes (gr. IIIT) April 15 at Keeneland. In test results from official Kentucky Horse Racing Commission laboratory
Federal Court Dismisses Dutrow Appeal Of 10-Year Suspension: The Paulick Report 6/24/15
RMTC By Paulick Report Staff In a decision filed earlier this month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit dismissed trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.’s appeal of a 10-year license suspension in which he claimed his due process rights were violated during an administrative proceeding. In 2011, Dutrow’s training
Trainer, owners could face penalties: Albuquerque Journal 6/24/15
RMTC By Ed Johnson ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A racehorse co-owned by Ruidoso Downs owner R.D. Hubbard and The Downs at Albuquerque owner Paul Blanchard has tested positive for an excessive amount of a therapeutic drug, New Mexico Racing Commission executive director Vince Mares confirmed Tuesday. The 2-year-old filly Lilly Is
Florida: Race-Day Medication Limited To Lasix Starting July 1: The Paulick Report 6/23/15
Beginning July 1, the anti-bleeding medication furosemide – commonly known as Salix or Lasix – will be the only therapeutic agent that can be administered on race days at Florida Thoroughbred tracks, including Tampa Bay Downs. The new restrictions are a result of legislation signed earlier this month by Florida
Suspension, fines for 2 horse trainers: Albuquerque Journal 6/23/15
RMTC By Charles D. Brunt New Mexico Racing Commission stewards suspended trainer Lillian N. Silva for a year and fined her $5,000 after a horse under her care tested positive for more than double the legal amount of the drug Clenbuterol following a Nov. 3 race at Zia Park in
Judge Reverses Werre’s One-Year Suspension: The Blood-Horse 6/17/15
RMTC By Ron Mitchell A circuit court judge has reversed the one-year suspension imposed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on trainer Daniel Werre for a positive medication test at Turfway Park in December 2012. Werre, who obtained his trainer's license in 2011, was suspended April 3, 2014, after the
Racing integrity Out-of-competition testing of 92 horses at Ruidoso…: Ruidoso News 6/15/15
RMTC Racing integrity Out-of-competition testing of 92 horses at Ruidoso Downs By Ty Wyant The stringent out-of-competition testing of 92 horses at Ruidoso Downs, June 3 and 4, is a major addition to the continual fight against people who aim to ruin racing's integrity. Fundamentally, out-of-competition testing is the random
‘The New Normal’: Ruidoso Steps Up Out-Of-Competition Testing: The Paulick Report 6/5/15
RMTC By Press Release The stringent out-of-competition testing of 92 horses on June 3-4 at Ruidoso Downs is a major addition to the continual fight against people who aim to ruin racing’s integrity. Fundamentally, out-of-competition testing is the random testing at any time, at any place of any horse under
Commentary: ‘If Florida Can, We All Can’: The Blood-Horse 6/3/15
RMTC By Lonny Powell There is very good news—actually great news—emanating from Florida regarding industry efforts to adopt and implement what is commonly referred to as the National Uniform Medication Program. On June 2 Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation enabling adoption and implementation of the reforms in the Sunshine
When The Cheaters Get It Wrong: Cobalt Latest In A List Of…: The Paulick Report 6/2/15
RMTC When The Cheaters Get It Wrong: Cobalt Latest In A List Of Misestimations By Natalie Voss The horse is a complex creature; so complex that even to those looking to give him a chemical boost, he can remain a mystery. Last week’s meeting of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research
Florida Governor Signs Medication Reform Bill: The Blood-Horse 6/2/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra Florida Gov. Rick Scott June 2 signed into law legislation that will revamp equine medication and drug testing as part of the National Uniform Medication Program. The law takes effect July 1 of this year. It requires the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to adopt rules
BC Expands Out-of-Competition Testing Program: The Blood-Horse 6/1/15
RMTC By Blood-Horse Staff Breeders' Cup June 1 said it has extended its out-of-competition drug testing program to include the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series, which offers winners automatic berths in the World Championships. Racetracks that serve as hosts for Challenge Series races will have to meet other criteria as well,
At the track new strict rules working for horsemen and fans: Ruidoso News 5/28/15
RMTC By Ty Wyant New strict Ruidoso Downs' rules, including a requirement that every horse that entered the trials had to be on the grounds 10 days prior to the trials and all qualifiers must remain on the grounds through the finals, are in effect for horses who qualified for
Vazquez: Racing Commission Reverses Penn National Ban: The Paulick Report 5/28/15
RMTC By Paulick Report Staff The Pennsylvania Racing Commission has reversed an order by Penn National Race Course banning the trainer Juan Vazquez from its premises without explanation. A second ban issued against the trainer by the racetrack remains in effect. Penn National issued an order to ban Vazquez in
It’s Always Something: Regulators Monitoring Abuse Of New…: The Paulick Report 5/28/15
RMTC It’s Always Something: Regulators Monitoring Abuse Of New Equine Drug By Natalie Voss As any racing chemist will tell you, the business of regulating medication use and halting its abuse on the track is a tireless one. During a meeting this week of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council,
Monmouth Park earns NTRA safety reaccreditation: The Racing Biz 5/27/15
RMTC The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Monmouth Park has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Home to 17 graded stakes – including the $1 million Haskell Invitational and the $500,000 United Nations Stakes – the Oceanport, N.J., track opened its 70th live racing
Parx Racing Bans On-Track Shockwave Therapy: The Paulick Report 5/26/15
RMTC By Paulick Report Staff Parx Racing will ban possession or use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy devices on the grounds of the Bensalem, Pa., racetrack, effective June 1, director of racing Sam Elliott told the Paulick Report. “This policy was formulated after consultation with the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the
NY Begins Weekly Track Information Reports: The Blood-Horse 5/26/15
RMTC By Teresa Genaro The New York State Gaming Commission announced a major new transparency initiative at its May 26 meeting. As a result of recommendations from the Fan Advisory Council, established in 2011 by the New York State Racing Wagering and Board—the gaming commission's predecessor—the NYSGC will now publish
KEDRC Makes Cobalt Policy Recommendation: The Blood-Horse 5/26/15
RMTC By Frank Angst The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council will advise the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to adopt rules on the mineral cobalt in line with a Racing Medication and Testing Consortium recommendation. The KEDRC voted May 26 at the Kentucky Horse Park to recommend a Class B penalty
CHRB: $1.2 Million Added To UC Davis Drug Testing, Research…: The Paluick Report 5/23/15
RMTC CHRB: $1.2 Million Added To UC Davis Drug Testing, Research Budget By Edited Press Release It was announced at the monthly meeting of the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) Thursday that $1.2 million had been added to the budget for drug testing and research at the U.C. Davis Maddy
OSRC Meeting offers 2014 Test Results, Figures: Ohio State Racing Commission 5/21/15
RMTC Press Release At the May 19 Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) meeting, discussion continued regarding a new study concerning the effects of cobalt on Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses. Dr. James Robertson, consulting veterinarian, updated the OSRC on the progress of the OSRC/The Ohio State University (OSU) and Ohio Department
Maryland Racing Commission adopts cobalt regulation: The Racing Biz 5/19/15
RMTC By Frank Vespe A year ago at it post-Preakness meeting, the Maryland Racing Commission voted to begin testing cobalt levels in horses in an effort to establish threshold levels and determine whether it needed to regulate the substance. Today, a year later, the Commission voted to do just that.
Preakness Entrants Undergo OOC Testing; MD Only TC…: Thoroughbred Daily News 5/15/15
RMTC Preakness Entrants Undergo OOC Testing; MD Only TC State Not to Apply for Grant Money By T.D. Thornton Horses for the GI Preakness S. were subjected to a form of out-of-competition (OOC) testing Thursday afternoon, but in terms of pre-race testing, the entrants in other graded stakes this weekend
New Paradigm for Racing Drug Violations Being Developed: The Horse 5/13/15
RMTC By Edited Press Release The Association of Racing Commissioners International’s (ARCI) Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee (DTSP) has voted to call for public comment on draft rule language that would create a new paradigm for drug prosecutions and impose a 10-year exclusion for those guilty of the most
Post-Race Test Results On Oaks, Derby Horses Come Back Clean: The Paulick Report 5/12/15
RMTC By Paulick Report Staff All post-race tests from Kentucky Oaks and Derby days, including the Kentucky Derby have come back clean. The Louisville Courier-Journal reports that the announcement was made by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on May 11. The top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby are set
MJC Issues Preakness Security Protocol: The Blood-Horse 5/12/15
RMTC By Blood-Horse Staff All horses scheduled to compete in the Xpressbet.com Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course must be on the grounds by noon May 14, according to security and pre-race procedures released by the Maryland Jockey Club. According to the procedures, blood specimens will be drawn
Gorder granted stay of 14-month suspension: Daily Racing Form 5/8/15
RMTC By: Matt Hegarty Trainer Kellyn Gorder has been granted a stay of a 14-month suspension for two Kentucky rules violations and will be free to start horses until an appeal of the ruling is heard, according to Kentucky chief state steward Barbara Borden. Gorder appealed the suspension shortly after
TRPB to provide integrity services for USTA: ustrotting.com 5/7/15
RMTC USTA Communications Department Columbus, OH --- The U.S. Trotting Association announced today it has retained the services of the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau to conduct a variety of integrity services. “The USTA is committed to integrity in harness racing and working with the TRPB will provide our industry with
Ky. commission adopts 24-hour threshold to regulate Lasix-free…: Daily Racing Form 5/6/15
RMTC Ky. commission adopts 24-hour threshold to regulate Lasix-free races By: Matt Hegarty The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Wednesday approved a 24-hour threshold level for furosemide, a move that was made necessary by the commission’s decision earlier this year to allow tracks to write races that would include as
Judge Issues Stay of NYSGC vs Mott Hearing: Thoroughbred Daily News 4/29/15
RMTC The Honorable Sandra J. Feuerstein of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued an order staying the administrative hearing of the New York State Gaming Commission against Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott for alleged overages of therapeutic medication, Mott’s attorney Andrew Mollica
AAEP On Call Program to Support Derby and Oaks Telecasts: AAEP.org 4/28/15
RMTC Press Release Equine surgeon Keith Latson, DVM, DACVS, will represent the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ On Call program and assist NBC Sports with horse-health information during the May 1 and 2 live racing telecasts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Dr. Latson will be available to provide timely
Harness Trainer Pena Cited For 1,717 Drug Violations, Fined…: The Paulick Report 4/27/15
RMTC Harness Trainer Pena Cited For 1,717 Drug Violations, Fined $343,400, Banned Three Years By Press Release The New York State Gaming Commission today issued a $343,400 fine and three-year ban against harness trainer Luis (Lou) Pena, holding him responsible for 1,717 equine drug violations. In 2012, the Commission (formerly
Cobalt Policy Adopted by Regulators: Horseracingnation.com 4/27/15
RMTC Press Release The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) is formally notifying regulators and their testing labs of a new policy that would make it illegal to administer cobalt to a race horse. The RCI Board of Directors last week voted to sanction trainers of horses that were found
Broad Horse-Protection Plan Floated by RCI: The Blood-Horse 4/23/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra The Association of Racing Commissioners International will put out for comment a broad equine welfare proposal that would sanction anyone found to have used excessive amounts of substances to the detriment of racehorses. The proposal was introduced by Rick Goodell, executive director of the New York
Mott files federal lawsuit challenging 15-day suspension: Daily Racing Form 4/23/15
RMTC By: Matt Hegarty Bill Mott, the Hall of Fame trainer, has filed a federal lawsuit against the New York State Gaming Commission, its officers, and officials with the state’s drug-testing lab, claiming that he was denied due-process rights to defend himself against an accusation that he had two therapeutic
RCI Board Approves Cobalt Regulations: The Blood-Horse 4/23/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra The Association of Racing Commissioners International board of directors April 23 approved a testing threshold level and penalties for the mineral cobalt, a naturally occurring substance in racehorses. During a meeting in Tampa, Fla., the RCI Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee took testimony from the
Broad Horse-Protection Plan Floated by RCI: The Blood-Horse 4/23/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra The Association of Racing Commissioners International will put out for comment a broad equine welfare proposal that would sanction anyone found to have used excessive amounts of substances to the detriment of racehorses. The proposal was introduced by Rick Goodell, executive director of the New York
Methamphetamine Positive Lands Gorder 14-Month Suspension: The Paulick Report 4/22/15
RMTC by Ray Paulick Trainer Kellyn Gorder has been suspended one year and fined $5,000 by Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stewards after the discovery of methamphetamine in Bourbon Warfare, a 3-year-old Colonel John filly owned by Bourbon Lane Stable who finished first in a maiden special weight race at Churchill
Laboratories: Drug Testing More Challenging: The Blood-Horse 4/22/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra An April 22 roundtable discussion on anti-doping programs around the world revealed several common issues, including a need for more financial resources and dealing with highly-sensitive testing in an environment in which therapeutic medications are regularly used in training. Laboratory directors from the United States, Great
Horseracingreform.org to offer enhanced Process to Upload Vet…: The Jockey Club 4/21/15
RMTC Horseracingreform.org to offer enhanced Process to Upload Vet Records for Graded Stakes News Release In an effort to encourage transparency in Thoroughbred racing, The Jockey Club has enhanced and automated the system that enables owners or their agents to upload veterinary medical treatment records for horses running in graded
California Moves Against Cobalt Use In Racehorses: Horsetalk.co.nz 4/19/15
RMTC By: Neil Clarkson Racing authorities in California are imposing a threshold on cobalt in horses competing in the state. Racing jurisdictions around the world are moving against the use of the trace element, which has been shown to have performance-enhancing properties. Cobalt has a similar effect to erythropoietin (EPO)
Four Veterinarians Plead Guilty In Penn National Case: The Paulick Report 4/15/15
RMTC By Press Release The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dr. Kevin Brophy, age 60, Florida, Dr. Fernando Motta, age 44, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Dr. Christopher Korte, age 43, Pueblo, Colorado, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab in Harrisburg.
Vets To Speak At Commission Meeting: Standardbredcanada.com 4/14/15
RMTC Five veterinarians have been invited to speak at the Ohio State Racing Commission monthly meeting to discuss possible medication practices for Ohio horse racing. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28, at 10 a.m. on the 19th floor of the Riffe Center, located at 77 South High
Racing Commission OKs more laboratories: Albuquerque Journal 4/13/15
RMTC By Charles D. Brunt / Journal Staff Writer Horse trainers charged with doping their horses will have a wider choice of laboratories they can use to challenge regulators’ findings, the New Mexico Racing Commission has decided. Prior to Thursday’s action, trainers were limited to using only three commission-approved testing
Ohio commission’s Schmitz comments on cobalt: Harnessracing.com 4/1/15
RMTC Due to unnaturally high levels of Cobalt in plasma that have been detected by the Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) in both Standardbred and Thoroughbred random post-race tests, the OSRC is strongly suggesting that horsemen and veterinarians become vigilant in monitoring the Cobalt in plasma levels in their racehorses,
RMTC Nears Recommendation on Calming Agent: The Blood-Horse 3/30/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium hopes to have a recommended testing threshold level by late April for a naturally occurring amino acid that has a calming effect on racehorses. The substance in question—gamma-aminobutyric acid, commonly known as GABA—was banned by the United States Equestrian Federation
ROAP Seeks Regulation of ‘Program Trainers’: The Blood-Horse 3/30/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra The Racing Officials Accreditation Program, on its 2015 list of points of emphasis, is encouraging the horse racing industry to develop regulations to deal with the issue of "program trainers"—generally those who serve as cover for suspended or barred individuals. "On a scale of one to
Equibase Now Providing Voided Claims Information: jockeyclub.com 3/30/15
RMTC Press Release Equibase Company announced today that, effective immediately, it will include in its data feeds, result charts and Equibase past performance products information on claims that were subsequently voided. The voided claim information is also being made available to tracks for inclusion in race programs nationwide. “As specific
AAEP Statement About Federal Charges Against Veterinarians in Penn…: AAEP.org 3/30/15
RMTC AAEP Statement About Federal Charges Against Veterinarians in Penn National Investigation Press Release American Association of Equine Practitioners President G. Kent Carter, DVM, today issued the following statement in response to the announcement of federal charges filed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Alleges Conspiracy at Penn National: The Blood-Horse 3/30/15
RMTC By Frank Angst A review of federal court records outlining the criminal cases against four Penn National Race Course veterinarians reveals that the vets allegedly followed trainers' orders on what medications should be administered to horses. The four vets involved, Kevin Brophy, Fernando Motta, Christopher Korte, and Renee Nodine
Delaware man takes reins of horse racing investigations: Delaware.newszap.com 3/28/15
RMTC By Craig Anderson STANTON — John F. Wayne has an office at Delaware Park, and an eye on national issues involving the upkeep of horse racing’s integrity. Now, he’ll officially lead the national Organization of Racing Investigators, dedicated to purging any wrongdoing in the sport and industry. “We meet
Feds charge 4 veterinarians with illegally giving drugs to race horses at…: Pennlive.com
RMTC Feds charge 4 veterinarians with illegally giving drugs to race horses at Penn National By Matt Miller A month after a trainer was sent to prison for doping horses at Penn National Race Course, federal investigators have charged four veterinarians with illegally administering drugs to horses at the track
Barretts and CHRB Partner on Testing Program: The Blood-Horse 3/26/15
RMTC By Blood-Horse Staff The Barretts May sale of 2-year-olds in training will be the inaugural testing ground for an out-of-competition program at California sales. The California Horse Racing Board will be collecting hair, urine, and blood samples from horses to be sold at Barretts' May 28 sale, being held
Gulfstream Park Earns Reaccreditation From NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance: NTRA.com 3/26/15
RMTC Press Release LEXINGTON, Ky. (Thursday, March 26, 2015) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Located in Hallandale Beach, Fla., between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the 76-year-old track is in the
Keeneland Releases Security Protocols for 2015 Toyota Blue Grass…: Keeneland.com 3/25/15
RMTC Keeneland Releases Security Protocols for 2015 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes Horses Press Release LEXINGTON, KY (March 25, 2015) – Keeneland has announced security measures for horses participating in the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1), a nationally prominent prep for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), to
72-hour surveillance before Santa Anita Derby, Oaks: Daily Racing Form 3/25/15
RMTC By Ira Kaplan ARCADIA, Calif. - Santa Anita will conduct video surveillance for 72 hours before the race for all runners in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby and $400,000 Santa Anita Oaks on April 4, the track announced in a brief statement on Wednesday. This will be the
Kentucky commission passes rule allowing for Lasix-free races
RMTC By: Matt Hegarty The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Monday approved a rule that will allow Kentucky tracks to offer races in which horses will not be allowed to be administered the anti-bleeding medication furosemide on raceday. The rule passed by a voice vote, with four members of the
Trainer McCauley Facing KHRC Allegations: The Blood-Horse 3/24/15
RMTC By Frank Angst Trainer Tevis McCauley will have to answer to multiple charges, including allegations of "milkshaking" and medication rule violations, following an investigation by Kentucky Horse Racing Commission staff. After an executive session during its regular meeting Monday, March 23, the KHRC voted to charge McCauley with numerous
New York Officials Announce Enhanced Security, Out-of-Competition…: Paulick Report 3/24/15
RMTC New York Officials Announce Enhanced Security, Out-of-Competition Tests for Grade 1S By Press Release The New York State Gaming Commission and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced established, standing security protocols for horses racing in Grade 1 races with purses of $1 million or more. The
KHRC Extends Agreement with LGC Science Lab: The Blood-Horse 3/24/15
RMTC By Frank Angst Despite delays in the turnaround of equine test results in 2014, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Monday, March 23, opted to extend its agreement with LGC Science to be its testing lab. The commission approved extending the current memorandum with LGC through June 30, 2016.
Vazquez Appealing Pennsylvania Ejections: Paulick Report 3/23/15
RMTC By Ray Paulick Trainer Juan Vazquez, told by Maryland Jockey Club officials last month he is not welcome to stable or race at their racetracks, is appealing a similar ban in Pennsylvania, according to his attorney, Alan Pincus. Pincus said Vazquez was notified of his ejection for three years
New York to Study Use of Race-Day Furosemide: The Blood-Horse 3/23/15
RMTC By Tom Precious New York regulators March 23 said they want to hold a forum to consider the future use of anti-bleeding medication furosemide in the state. Led by New York State Gaming Commission member John Crotty, regulators said they will move ahead with some kind of forum or
Sunland Park Reaccredited by NTRA Safety, Integrity Alliance: The Horse 3/21/15
RMTC Edited Press Release The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced March 19 that Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino has earned reaccreditation from the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. Located outside of El Paso in Sunland Park, New Mexico, adjacent to Texas and the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the 56-year-old
Ontario Commission to Work with Industry on Cobalt Testing: Paulick Report 3/21/15
RMTC By Press Release The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) announced that it will begin working with the horse racing industry to develop a practical and appropriate response to the testing for cobalt. The ORC plans to move in a timely manner through its existing Out-of-Competition Testing (OCT) Program. It is
Delaware commission selects Truesdail Laboratory for drug testing: Daily Racing Form 3/20/15
RMTC By Matt Hegarty The Delaware Horse Racing Commission has reached a five-year deal with Truesdail Laboratory in California to perform the state’s drug testing, according to the executive director of the commission. Delaware becomes the second state in the last month to select Truesdail for its drug-testing program, following
RCI group expects to approve cobalt-threshold rule: Daily Racing Form 3/19/15
RMTC By Matt Hegarty An organization that recommends national policies on racing regulations expects to approve a rule establishing a threshold for the naturally occurring mineral cobalt at its next meeting in April, the executive director of the organization said on Thursday. The Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee of
Veto of horse racing bill rankles lawmakers: Las Cruces Sun-News 3/19/15
RMTC By Walter Rubel Las Cruces Sun-News wrubel@lcsun-news.com SANTA FE >> The veto by Gov. Susana Martinez of a bill to require stricter testing for horse racing in the state has only increased the anger and frustration of legislators during what has been a contentious session, Rep. Andy Nunez, R-Hatch,
Smith’s Oaklawn Stable Grounded By High Cobalt Tests: Paulick Report 3/12/15
RMTC By Ray Paulick While Indiana is the only American racing jurisdiction to adopt rules regulating cobalt levels in Thoroughbreds, stewards at Oaklawn Park have put all of the horses from trainer Kenny Smith’s racing stable on the vet’s list after four runners from his barn tested for elevated levels
Indiana Announces Equine Drug Testing Program For 2015: Paulick Report 3/11/15
RMTC By Press Release The Indiana Horse Racing Commission unveiled their 2015 drug testing program at its public meeting on March 10, 2015. A synopsis presented by Executive Director, Joe Gorajec, includes a new primary testing laboratory, a unique-to-the-industry audit laboratory, expanded out-of-competition testing and cobalt testing. Several new elements
Indiana’s 2015 Drug Testing Details: The Blood-Horse 3/11/15
RMTC On Tuesday, March 10 at a public meeting, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission unveiled the details of its 2015 drug testing program. A synopsis presented by the commission’s executive director, Joe Gorajec, includes a new primary testing laboratory, a unique-to-the-industry audit laboratory, expanded out-of-competition testing and cobalt testing. Several
Cobalt Use in Racehorses: The Horse 3/10/15
RMTC By Erica Larson This past year, horse racing regulators worldwide have turned their attention to a seemingly innocuous substance: cobalt. Every horse needs this important element to survive, but some horsemen believe that supplementing the substance will help their horses gain a competitive advantage on the race track. At
Amoss Suspension Upheld; Appeal Planned: The Blood-Horse 3/10/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra The Indiana Horse Racing Commission March 10 upheld an administrative law judge's order that trainer Tom Amoss be suspended 60 days and fined $5,000 in a therapeutic medication case that has dragged on for more than three years. Meanwhile, the IHRC also approved a settlement agreement
Indiana commission to consider agreement suspending trainer for…:Daily Racing Form 3/10/15
RMTC Indiana commission to consider agreement suspending trainer for four years By: Matt Hegarty Ron Raper, a Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred trainer based at Indiana Grand in Shelbyville, will be suspended four years and fined $20,000 for admitting to numerous medication violations under a settlement agreement reached with the Indiana
Regulation of Cobalt Slowly Moving Forward: The Blood-Horse 3/10/15
RMTC By Tom LaMarra The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium may be close to recommending policy on the endogenous element cobalt, which when administered in high doses is believed to enhance production of red blood cells. In a related matter, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission March 10 adopted emergency regulations
NM Senate passes bill to test race horses for illegal drugs: The Charlotte Observer 3/5/15
RMTC The Associated Press SANTA FE, N.M. — A bill to rein in illegal doping of horses that take to New Mexico's race tracks has passed the Senate. The legislation by Sen. Mary Kay Papen was approved 39-3 Wednesday. It now moves to the House. Regulatory changes in the state's
Rodriguez gets 25 days for Banamine positives: Daily Racing Form 2/28/15
RMTC By David Grening OZONE PARK, N.Y. -- Trainer Rudy Rodriguez will serve a 25-day suspension and pay a $2,500 fine as a result of two horses having overages for flunixin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory also known as Banamine and used for therapeutic use. The suspension, issued by the New York
Trainer Avila handed 60-day ban, $10,000 fine: Daily Racing Form 2/27/15
RMTC By Steve Andersen ARCADIA, Calif. - Trainer A.C. Avila has been suspended 60 days and fined $10,000 by the California Horse Racing Board after one of his runners tested in excess of the permitted level of the tranquilizer acepromazine, according to a statement published Friday on the racing board’s
Grab the Big Hammer: The Blood Horse 2/25/15
RMTC By Eric Mitchell Finding a way to toughen sanctions against trainers who repeatedly break drug-use rules is one of the most important aspects of the National Uniform Medication program. Unfortunately, adoption of the multiple medication violation reform program, which is part of the unification effort, seems to be moving
Researchers Compare Joint Injection Options: The Horse 2/25/15
RMTC By Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc A head-to-head comparison of the corticosteroid triamcinolone and a combination of triamcinolone and hyaluronic acid (a natural articular cartilage and synovial fluid component) for horses with osteoarthritis yielded “unexpected” results, a group of Dutch researchers recently revealed. “Veterinarians have been injecting arthritic horse joints
New British drug rules to apply to U.S. imports, sales horses: Daily Racing Form 2/24/15
RMTC By: Matt Hegarty Horses based in the U.S. that are being pointed to races in Britain will have to arrive in the country 10 days prior to the race and will be subjected to a new zero-tolerance policy on the use of anabolic steroids under new rules announced by
NYRA Tweaks Safety Protocols, Discontinues ’15-Day Rule’: Paulick Report 2/24/15
RMTC by Press Release The New York Racing Association today announced that it would discontinue the temporary rule mandating 15 days between starts for horses competing at Aqueduct Racetrack, effective with the entries of March 5. “Aqueduct operates under some unique circumstances, and equine welfare will always be the top
Trainer Wells Sentenced for Rigging Races: The Blood-Horse 2/23/15
RMTC By Blood-Horse Staff Trainer David J. Wells, who raced horses at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, has been sentenced to five years intermediate punishment, with the first three months in prison, for his role in rigging races by giving drugs to horses on race day. On Feb.
Two trainers sanctioned for drugs in horses: Albuquerque Journal 2/21/15
By: Charles D. Brunt A quarterhorse trainer’s penchant for overusing clenbuterol – a drug used to treat respiratory disease in horses but mimics muscle-building anabolic steroids in higher doses – has earned him the loss of his state racing license for the next four years. Trainer Ramon M. Ochoa, 56,
Northern California Trainer Vallejo Suspended 180 Days: Paulick Report 2/19/15
by Paulick Report Staff Owner-trainer Genaro O. Vallejo has been suspended 180 days by California Horse Racing Board stewards at Golden Gate Fields after Techwood, a Tiznow gelding owned by William Branch, tested positive for a metabolite of the tranquilizer Acepromazine above permitted levels on Aug. 28, 2014. Techwood finished
California board moves closer to third-party Lasix administration: Daily Racing Form 2/18/15
By Steve Andersen ARCADIA, Calif. – The California Horse Racing Board moved closer to implementing rules for third-party administration of Lasix, voiding claims when a horse bleeds from the nostrils, and amending the criteria for disqualifications when interference occurs during races at its monthly meeting Wednesday. The racing board is
CHRB Rule Would Void Claim if Horse Bleeds: The Blood-Horse 2/18/15
By Jeremy Balan A provision voiding the claim of a horse placed on the veterinarian's list for bleeding was approved for a 45-day public comment period by the California Horse Racing Board, though members expressed their concerns during a meeting Feb. 18 at Santa Anita Park. The proposed amendment on
FL Senate Committee Passes Medication Bill: The Blood-Horse 2/18/15
By Tom LaMarra Legislation governing racehorse medication policy unanimously passed the Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee Feb. 18 and was reported favorably to the full Senate. Introduced by Republican Sen. Jack Latvala, the bill would bring Florida racing in line with the National Uniform Medication Program. The effort by Florida
Diodoro Suspended 15 Days for Turf Paradise Fluphenazine Positive: Paulick Report 2/15/15
by Ray Paulick Turf Paradise’s leading trainer, Robertino Diodoro, began a 15-day suspension on Monday for a positive test for the antipsychotic human drug fluphenazine (sold under the brand name Prolixin) found in the post-race test of Mercedes Stable’s Freakin Amazing, first-place finisher of the Arizona Juvenile Fillies Stakes at
Anabolic Steroids Still Issue in U.S. Racing: The Blood-Horse 2/12/15
By Frank Angst Through the first 10 months of 2014, U.S. horse racing appeared on pace to register its fewest positive drug tests for anabolic steroids since the industry moved to outlaw the drugs from racing in 2008-09. But six positives for the anabolic steroid stanozolol from Nov. 19 to
FL Senate to Discuss Uniform Medication Bill: The Blood-Horse 2/12/15
By Tom LaMarra Legislation governing equine medication policy is scheduled to be heard Feb. 18 by the Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee. Introduced by Republican Sen. Jack Latvala, the bill would bring Florida racing in line with the National Uniform Medication Program. The effort by Florida stakeholders to update equine
OBS Adopting Model Medication Rules: The Blood-Horse 2/10/15
By Blood-Horse Staff The Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. will begin implementing guidelines for controlled therapeutic medications at its 2-year-olds in training under-tack shows this spring that follow the uniform medication model rules created by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. Starting with its March 2-year-olds in training sale's under-tack show
MRC Puts NUMP’s Multiple Medication Violation Penalty…: Thoroughbred Daily News 2/7/15
By Mike Kane Trainers Scott Lake and Hector Garcia unwittingly became part of racing regulatory history in late January when they were the first horsemen to receive additional suspensions from the Maryland Racing Commission, which was using the guidelines of the Multiple Medication Violation Penalty System that is part of
Trainer Thurston fourth to incur stanozolol suspension: The Racing Biz 2/7/15
by Frank Vespe Trainer Jerry Thurston became the fourth trainer racing at Laurel Park to be suspended for stanozolol in the last week today when the Maryland Racing Commission stewards slapped him with a 30-day sentence and a $1,000 fine, the stewards said today. The infraction occurred December 12 when
RCI Has New Take on Out-of-Competition Tests: The Blood-Horse 2/6/15
By Tom LaMarra The umbrella group for regulators in North America is examining a new approach to out-of-competition testing that would not only target blood-doping and gene-doping, but also help identify horses at risk of catastrophic injury. Out-of-competition testing, on the books in eight states, has different rules depending on
Lake Suspended for 120 Days: Thoroughbred Daily News 2/5/15
Veteran trainer Scott Lake was assessed a suspension of 120 days - twice what was originally reported - by the Maryland Racing Commission as the result of horses in his care testing positive for an anabolic steroid. Mike Hopkins, the MRC’s executive director, said Wednesday that the commission had clarified
Trainers Vazquez, Garcia banished from Maryland: Daily Racing Form 2/4/15
By Jim Dunleavy Maryland Jockey Club officials have notified trainers Hector Garcia and Juan C. Vazquez that they no longer will be able to race at Laurel Park or Pimlico and have given them two weeks to remove their horses from the Pimlico backstretch. The ban comes in response to
BHA Steroid Policy Has U.S. Ramifications: The Blood-Horse 2/3/15
By Tom LaMarra The racing and breeding industry in North America is devising a plan of action to accommodate the British Horseracing Authority's zero-tolerance policy for the presence of anabolic steroids in Thoroughbreds. The issue was discussed during the Feb. 3 Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association symposium at Keeneland in
Maryland Trainers Cited for Compounded Drug: The Blood-Horse 2/1/15
By Tom LaMarra Three trainers have received suspensions and fines in Maryland in conjunction with positive tests for stanozolol, a synthetic steroid formerly known as Winstrol that is now available only through drug compounders. The steroid was detected by Truesdail Laboratories in samples taken from racehorses in December and January
Ohio Begins Examination of Medication Rules: The Blood-Horse 1/30/15
By Tom LaMarra As part of an examination of its equine medication rules, the Ohio State Racing Commission in February will begin hearing from various industry organizations involved in an effort to adopt uniform policies for all jurisdictions. The OSRC said Ed Martin, president of the Association of Racing Commissioners
A Moving Target? Understanding the RMTC’s Progress: Paulick Report 1/30/15
by Natalie Voss Since its 2001 foundation, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has made strides toward its goals of a nationally uniform set of medication rules and rigorous state drug testing lab accreditation. In December, RMTC anticipated the number of states working under its recommended list of therapeutic medication
Cox Veterinary Issues Voluntary Recall of Gastroade Xtra After…: Paulick Report 1/27/15
by Press Release Cox Veterinary Laboratory, Inc. is voluntarily recalling the lots of Gastroade Xtra identified below down to the consumer level distributed nationwide. Gastroade Xtra was previously marketed by Cox Veterinary Laboratory as an OTC drug for use in horses, and contains Omeprazole. This recall has been initiated due
NY Gaming Commission Adopts New Out-of-Competition Rule: Thoroughbred Daily News 1/27/15
by Mike Kane From the outbreak of catastrophic injuries at Aqueduct to the Steve Asmussen/PETA investigation, to adding Cobalt to the substances subject to penalties in out-of-competition tests, high-profile Thoroughbred racing matters dominated Monday’s meeting of the New York State Gaming Commission. With the massive winter storm moving up the
New Equine Biotechnology Firm Launched: The Blood-Horse 1/27/15
By Blood-Horse Staff A new company, EquiMarker Analytics Corp., has announced it is developing the world's first equine metabolome platform. The metabolome is the collection of chemicals or metabolites in the biological organism which represent the products of metabolism. The corporation utilizes the predictive science of metabolomics, which is an
New York completes Asmussen investigation: Daily Racing Form 1/26/15
By Matt Hegarty The New York Gaming Commission has completed an investigation into allegations made by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals against the trainer Steve Asmussen, officials of the commission said on Monday, with a report on the probe expected soon. Dr. Scott Palmer, the equine medical director
Horse owner, trainer sanctioned: Albuquerque Journal 1/26/15
By Charles D. Brunt / Journal Staff Writer The New Mexico Racing Commission has sanctioned a racehorse trainer and a horse owner after their horse was found to have almost six times more of a regulated drug in its system than allowed after winning a race at Zia Park. The
Hall of Fame trainer Mott to appeal 15-day suspension: Daily Racing Form 1/23/15
By David Grening OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott was suspended 15 days and fined $1,000 for the finding of the drug Flunixin, also known as Banamine, and an overage of Lasix in the body fluid of Saratoga Snacks, who finished last in a New York-bred
The Equine Biological Passport: Has Its Time Come?: Thoroughbred Daily News 1/23/15
by T.D. Thornton The concept of an equine biological passport (EBP) is not new. But the tone and urgency of its discussion among veterinary and regulatory authorities changed this week in the wake of the cobalt scandal in Australia, where news reports characterized Racing New South Wales officials as "scrambling"
Major Medication Policy Roundtable Planned: The Blood-Horse 1/22/15
By Blood-Horse Staff The Association of Racing Commissioners International and the Association of Official Racing Chemists will jointly hold a major racing industry roundtable and conference on equine welfare and medication policy April 21-23 at the Grand Hyatt Resort in Tampa, Fla. "The ARCI is the only umbrella organization encompassing
New York Racing Association announces additional steps to further…: NYRA.com 1/21/15
By NYRA Press Office This afternoon, the New York Racing Association (NYRA), in consultation with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), announced additional steps to further enhance stringent safety protocols for thoroughbred racing already in place at Aqueduct Racetrack. "The safety of our equine athletes and jockeys at Aqueduct
Cobalt: How Big A Problem in U.S.?: Thoroughbred Daily News 1/21/15
By T.D. Thornton Barely two weeks into 2015, horse racing already has a candidate for scandal of the year: cobalt. Although the bluish metallic element whose name is derived from the German word for a demonic goblin has been linked to equine blood doping for at least two years, cobalt
Maryland Racing Commission to tackle rules redo: The Racing Biz 1/20/15
by Frank Vespe Calling the law and regulations which govern Maryland racing “very antiquated,” Maryland Racing Commission chairman Bruce Quade today announced a top-to-bottom review of the state’s racing law. And if he has his way, that review may lead to swifter justice meted out to jockeys with riding violations
Trainer Asmussen cleared in Ky. investigation: The Courier-Journal 1/15/15
By: Gregory A. Hall LEXINGTON, Ky. – Nothing in an undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals into the operations of leading thoroughbred trainer Steve Asmussen showed a violation of rules on medication or care, Kentucky officials announced Thursday. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission discussed the findings
Palm Meadows Gets Standing MRI Thanks to Gulfstream, Local…: Paulick Report 1/13/15
by Press Release Palm Meadows, the satellite training center of Gulfstream Park and state-of-the-art facility conceived and designed by Frank Stronach, has become the first Thoroughbred racetrack or training center in North America to have a standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit. The standing MRI at Palm Meadows is the
KHRC Report on Asmussen Expected Jan. 15: The Blood-Horse 1/13/15
By Frank Angst Kentucky horse racing commissioners are expected to listen Jan. 15, to a staff report on an investigation of trainer Steve Asmussen that followed allegations of horse mistreatment from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The allegations from PETA followed its 2014 release of a video the
Drs. Scollay, Arthur, Hovda Voice Support of RCI’s Proposed…: Paulick Report 1/12/15
by Paulick Report Staff Dr. Mary Scollay, Dr. Rick Arthur, and Dr. Lynn Hovda submitted the following letter to the Paulick Report voicing their support of the RCI’s recent decision to establish rules on compounded medications in horse racing: The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) recently announced they have
Cobalt in Indiana: If You Test for It, They Will Stop: Paulick Report 1/12/15
by Press Release A Staff Report on the results of testing under Indiana’s first-in-the-nation cobalt regulation shows substantial decreases in cobalt abuse. The report was released by Commission Executive Director, Joe Gorajec. Indiana’s emergency cobalt regulation was promulgated by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission on September 4, 2014 after an
NYRA, NYTHA Meet to Discuss Aqueduct Equine Fatalities: Paulick Report 1/10/15
by Edited Press Release In the wake of a troubling increase in the number of equine fatalities over the Aqueduct inner dirt track this winter, the New York Racing Association and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association met on Saturday morning to address the issue and distributed separate press releases. From
You’re Out: Meadowlands Bans Owner After High Cobalt Tests: Paulick Report 1/9/15
by Press Release The Meadowlands released the following statement to the media on Friday: As a result of out-of-competition testing performed on horses that participated in The Breeders Crown, unfortunately it has been revealed from the testing lab in Hong Kong that the two horses trained by Corey Johnson, Traceur
RCI Rules to Target Illegal Drug Compounding: The Blood-Horse 1/5/15
By Blood-Horse Staff The Association of Racing Commissioners International said Jan. 5 it is taking steps to ensure regulatory agencies have adequate authority to sanction licensees who violate existing federal restrictions limiting the use of illegally compounded medications. An already approved model rules policy would outlaw the possession or use
AQHA Announces Zero Tolerance Policy on Clenbuterol: AQHA 1/5/15
Press Release Faced with continued increases in the number of reported clenbuterol overages in racehorses across the nation, the American Quarter Horse Association is taking steps for the safety and welfare of the horse and rider and is announcing that beginning January 1, 2016, clenbuterol, in any form, is banned
