Penn National Gaming Inc. has updated its guide for horsemen to reflect sanctions against those involved with racehorses that test positive for illegal medications.
PNGI, which owns a number of racetracks in the United States, has published its "Horse Racing Guide" since 2011. The document, which includes a code of conduct, is updated as needed.
Racetracks owned by the company will refuse, for a minimum of 30 days, the entry of horses that have received a confirmed positive test for a Class 1 or Class 2 medication. All horses in the care of a trainer receiving a Class 1 or Class 2 positive test may be requested to vacate the racetrack grounds, according to the document.
Owners of a horse that receives a confirmed positive test for a Class 1 or Class 2 medication with two different trainers in any recognized jurisdiction will not be permitted to participate at any PNGI-owned track. The racetrack also may deny privileges for an owner to participate following the first positive test for a Class 1 or Class 2 medication in one of their horses.
The "Horse Racing Guide" also has expanded rules for the transfer of horses from an individual not permitted at PNGI tracks or not properly licensed by the appropriate regulatory body. The company recently took action against several individuals at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races for allegedly using "program trainers."
In regard to racehorse safety, the company now requires the trainer and others associated with the care of a horse that suffers a fatal injury to participate in a "mortality review meeting" with track officials and veterinarians. The practice has been in place since early 2010 at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Pennsylvania, and has been expanded to most PNGI properties.
"The Horse Racing Guide is one of the most important documents that we publish," PNGI vice president of racing Chris McErlean said. "We had significant input from all our racing properties in updating this year's edition, and it reflects a number of new and progressive policies that will help ensure racing at Penn National tracks is conducted with the highest possible levels of integrity and accountability."
