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New Federal Drug Legislation Introduced

A U.S. Senator and four members of the House of Representatives have introduced the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2013 to regulate/prohibit substances, methods, and treatments that may be used in racing.

Call Issued for Major Changes in Drug Policy

Federal intervention is the only way horse racing can resolve issues surrounding equine medication use, drug testing, and sufficient investigatory programs, said an attorney, also a Kentucky racing commissioner, May 2.

As Expected, Feds Seeking Drug Regulation

As predicted by horsemen earlier this year, members of Congress are again preparing to introduce legislation that would regulate the use of medication in racehorses.

Steroid Use Called 'Deliberate Flouting'

The British Horseracing Authority, in a recap of a hearing into trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni's admitted use of anabolic steroids in some of his racehorses, called it a "deliberate flouting" of the rules of racing.

What's Going On Here: Clarity and Cooperation

A better presentation would be helpful, as would better information.

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Speakers Announced for Seminar on EIPH

Among the speakers for an April 9 seminar on exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage are three trainers, officials announced.

Security Enhanced for Wood and SA Derby

Horses competing in the April 6 Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I) at Aqueduct Racetrack and the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) at Santa Anita park will be monitored beginning April 3 as part of enhanced security measures.

RCI Approves Uniform Racing Medication Rules

Racing Commissioners International gave final approval April 2 to the "RCI Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule," setting the stage for uniform implementation of racing medication rules in the U.S.

Use of Calming Agent in Racehorses Examined

The horse racing industry is taking a closer look at a relaxant that produces optimum results when administered within a few hours of a race. The prevalence of GABA, a supplement, is open to speculation.

CHRB Dismisses Positives, Cites Contamination

The California Horse Racing Board, citing feed contamination, has dismissed 48 positive tests for zilpaterol, which is used in cattle.

PNGI Lists Sanctions for Conduct Violations

Penn National Gaming Inc. has updated its guide for horsemen to reflect sanctions against those involved with racehorses that test positive for illegal medications.

Eight States Commit to Uniform Drug Rules

The regulators of eight states in the Northeast region have committed to a uniform medication and drug testing program in a move supporters believe is a step toward uniform regulation of medication and drug testing.

Regulators Discuss Jockey Club Drug Rules

Regulators from 24 North American racing jurisdictions met via conference call March 4 to discuss new model medication rules set to be adopted by Racing Commissioners International.

Oliver Tait Resigns from BC Board Over Salix

Oliver Tait, Darley's chief operating officer, has resigned from the board of the Breeders' Cup following a board decision not to implement a ban on race-day medication for all championship races this year.

WV Issues Support for Uniform Medication Plan

The West Virginia Racing Commission Feb. 26 approved a resolution agreeing in principle with the effort to bring uniform medication, penalty, and testing rules to racing jurisdictions in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

National HBPA to Breeders' Cup: Keep Salix

The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Medication Committee voted Feb. 23 to endorse the use of race-day furosemide, also called Salix or Lasix, at this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships.

Horsemen Warned of Federal Drug Legislation

Horsemen expect members of Congress to make another attempt at winning support for legislation that would regulate medication use in racehorses by banning all race-day administration.

MD Leading Mid-Atlantic Uniform Drug Reform

The Maryland Racing Commission voted Feb. 19 to adopt a uniform equine medication, penalty, and testing program proposed for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racetracks throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

CHRB Will Hold Meeting Feb. 21

The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, Feb. 21, at Santa Anita Park.

NY Begins Search for Equine Medical Director

A search committee has been formed to find an equine veterinary medical director for the New York Racing Association.

Is Mid-Atlantic 'Template' for Drug Reform?

Industry stakeholders, mostly from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, met Feb. 6 in Delaware to examine equine medication policy in an attempt to bring about uniformity from state to state.

Group: Salix Effective in Treating EIPH

A group of scientists met with representatives of the Thoroughbred Owners of California Jan. 18 to discuss exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging and later issued a joint statement supporting use of furosemide.

NY Bill Would Ban Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Legislation calling for a ban on performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing has been sent to the New York Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee.

NY Racing Regulators Amend Medication Rules

New York racing regulators have amended rules, originally set to take effect Dec. 12, affecting the use of Clenbuterol and DempMedrol on Thoroughbred racehorses.

Integrity Push Continues Despite Obstacles

Racing jurisdictions and racetracks are making some headway on tightening the screws on integrity in the sport, though one official Dec. 6 described it as a "minefield" due to legal issues and court fights.

Writing Award Prize Benefits RMTC

The $25,000 prize intended for three New York Times writers will instead benefit drug testing programs. The newspaper's editorial ethics policy prohibits the writers from accepting the award.

Trainer Panel Tackles Controversial Topics

The use of racehorse medications and importance of owner education were among the topics discussed among trainers Kellyn Gorder, Tom Proctor, and Phil Sims at the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at Keeneland.

NY Regulators Adopt Safety Recommendations

Prodded by a rash of equine deaths at Aqueduct Racetrack last winter, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board Oct. 11 imposed what officials promised will be the first round of rules intended to make for safer racing.

NY Set to Act on Task Force Findings

New York racing officials are set to begin implementing new rules based on recommendations by a recent industry task force report to increase safety conditions for horses and jockeys.

The American Racehorse

Racing consultant Earl Ola talks about the relationship between conditioning and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging (EIPH), also known as bleeding

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Report: Deficiencies Had Role in Horse Deaths

A task force has determined the spate of fatal racehorse breakdowns at Aqueduct Racetrack this past winter was primarily the result of structural deficiencies in rules and regulations employed by NYRA and racing regulators.

Following Up on the Pledge

Nearly two months have passed since a coalition of more than 60 owners launched an experiment into Salix-free racing, pledging to run their 2-year-olds without the controversial anti-bleeder medication

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Ruidoso to Enforce Strict Drug Guidelines

R.D. Hubbard, chairman and majority owner of Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico, announced Sept. 3 that serious drug offenders will be banned from the race track's private property beginning in 2013.

Kentucky HBPA 'Disappointed' With Override

The Kentucky HBPA said Aug. 31 it is "frustrated and extremely disappointed" with the decision by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear to override a vote by a legislative committee that found new equine medical rules deficient.

Governor Implements New KY Drug Regulations

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear Aug. 30 said regulations designed to reform some aspects of the state's equine medication policy will be implemented despite action by a legislative committee that found them deficient.

More Groups Urge KY to Enact Drug Regulations

Two more national organizations have called on Kentucky to move forward with medication reform regulations shot down by a legislative committee Aug. 27.

Groups Critical of KY Medication Rules Vote

Two national organizations said Aug. 28 they find it "troubling" factions in Kentucky horse racing are opposing medication regulations proposed by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission but shot down by a legislative committee.

WV Sets Salix Meeting; Updated Rules Filed

The West Virginia Racing Commission has officially scheduled a meeting for Sept. 17 to take comments from industry representatives on the use of furosemide, also known as Salix or Lasix, on race day.

KY Committee Says New Drug Rules 'Deficient'

A Kentucky legislative subcommittee, in a surprise vote, found regulations governing equine medication "deficient" Aug. 27, just one week before they are scheduled to take effect.

KY Race-Day Drug Rules Will Change Sept. 4

Furosemide will be the only medication permitted on race day in Kentucky effective Sept. 4, and the drug will be administered by regulatory veterinarians only under new Kentucky Horse Racing Commission rules.

Report: Nebraska Probes Dermorphin Positive

The Nebraska Racing Commission is investigating a positive test for dermorphin, a Class 1 pain-killer more powerful than morphine.

Jockey Club: Marketing Relies on Integrity

The Jockey Club intends to continue with its efforts to market Thoroughbred racing and develop new patrons, but the organization's leader said Aug. 12 those efforts must go hand in hand with medication and penalty reforms.

Revised Drug Rules Have Provision for Salix

In a change designed to win support of its Reformed Racing Medication Rules, The Jockey Club has added a provision governing regulatory administration of furosemide on race day.

Owner-Trainer Relationship Topic at Seminar

There may be plenty of data out there on trainer performance, but for owners, selecting a conditioner involves much more than numbers, according to an owner and trainer that have worked together for about 15 years.

West Virginia Wants to Have Dialogue on Salix

The West Virginia Racing Commission in late summer or early fall plans to hold a fact-finding meeting on use of furosemide on race day, officials said Aug. 4.

National HBPA Affiliates Back Use of Salix

The majority of National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association affiliates have adopted resolutions calling for continued regulated use of furosemide on race day.

Group Wants Racing Act to Regulate Medication

A new grassroots organization that opposes use of medication on race day wants involvement by the federal government in horse racing.

What's Going On Here: Weight for Salix

Adding weight to horses racing on Salix would eliminate 'advantage'

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Industry Voices: Time to Rewrite the Rules

By Ned Bonnie, The horse industry has failed in its desire to prohibit the use of illegal drugs
 in horses.

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What's Going On Here: Deja Vu All Over Again

The industry is still short of the goal of uniformity from state to state

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