News
Jockey Club officials ready to move on after zilpaterol feed contamination
6/15/2013
Jockey Club officials will proceed to tomorrow's Sha Tin meeting confident the zilpaterol feed contamination will not play a role. The bulk of runners declared on Thursday for the meeting underwent urine tests after all horses at Sha Tin had been taken off the two feeds found to contain the
Research Update 4: Ongoing and recent projects funded by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation
6/15/2013
Dr. Jon Cheetham describes his project on Early Diagnosis of Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy at Cornell University Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) or “Roaring” is a major cause of poor athletic perfomance affecting 8% of racehorses and a higher percentage of sport horses. The disease
OBS Makes Aftercare Contribution
6/14/2013
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has received $39,000 from the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's March sale of selected 2-year-olds in training, representing combined contributions from buyers and consignors and OBS. The sale was held March 12-13 in Ocala, Fla. "We would like to thank OBS and
Horse trainer suspended
6/13/2013
A highly regarded horse owner/trainer has agreed to a license suspension and fine after admitting to administering a hypertension medication to horses during a 2012 thoroughbred race meet on four separate occasions at Indiana Downs. Trainer and owner Gary Patrick's license was suspended for 90
Safety/Integrity Education For Racing Officials To Be Offered At Belmont Park
6/13/2013
On June 19 and 20, Belmont Park will host a certificate program for the Racing Officials Accreditation Program. Consisting of one day of general education and one day of job-specific modules, the event offers education and certification for seven racing official positions: clerk of scales, horse
Fine for Johnston after runner tests positive
6/13/2013
MARK JOHNSTON has been fined £1,000 by the BHA after traces of anaesthetic were found in his one and only runner under jumps rules last season. The BHA held a disciplinary inquiry on Thursday after two prohibited substances, Mepivacaine and Hydroxy Mepivacaine, were discovered in a post-race
Preventing injuries to horse racing jockeys
6/13/2013
Steps to prevent injuries to racehorses could also reduce the number of jockeys injured or killed in the United States, according to a study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, published June 11 in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. Postdoctoral scholar Peta Hitchens,
Indiana Downs trainer banned 90 days for anti-bleeding medication
6/13/2013
A leading trainer at Indiana Downs in Shelbyville, Ind., has been suspended 90 days after four of his horses tested positive last year for carbazochrome, an anti-hemorrhaging drug that is often administered to horses under the belief that it can reduce bleeding in the lungs. Gary Patrick, who
About Zilpaterol
6/13/2013
It was announced yesterday that a second registered feed product for racehorses used by Trainers in Hong Kong was suspected of being contaminated by the prohibited substance, Zilpaterol. Accordingly, samples of that feed product were immediately dispatched to the Club’s Racing Laboratory for
Horse Dies After Winning Ruidoso Futurity Trainer Banned
6/13/2013
Thoroughbred racing saw a spike in unexplained sudden deaths when seven horses trained by Bob Baffert keeled over and died during or immediately after racing or training during a 17-month period from November 2011 until March of 2013. Quarter horse racing, where Baffert began his Hall of Fame
RMTC Accredits First Two Laboratories
6/13/2013
Lexington, KY -- The University of California-Davis Kenneth L. Maddy Laboratory and HFL Sport Science Inc., Lexington, Ky., became the first two fully-accredited laboratories under the RMTC Laboratory Accreditation program Tuesday. “The accreditation of these two laboratories marks the culmination
Kentucky Protocol Would Target Emerging Drugs
6/12/2013
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council will recommend measures to allow the state to more quickly take action when regulators become aware of emerging illegal substances. On June 10 the KEDRC approved for recommendation to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission a "Rapid Response" protocol that
Eight horses pulled out of Sha Tin meeting over banned drug
6/12/2013
Eight horses from the stable of trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai have been withdrawn from today's public holiday fixture at Sha Tin and more scratchings may follow, with another 27 horses tested for banned drug zilpaterol. On Monday, four Yiu-trained horses - June 2 winners Yat Ding Win and Legend
Horse Racing: 17 Hong Kong horses tested positive for banned drug
6/12/2013
HONG KONG: Seventeen horses from the stables of three Hong Kong trainers have tested positive for the banned drug zilpaterol, a substance used to produce muscle growth in livestock, the Hong Kong Jockey Club said on Wednesday. Thirteen of the horses have been withdrawn from Wednesday's public
Horse Drug-Testing Rules Revived in New York
6/11/2013
ALBANY, N.Y. (CN) - New York can perform off-track drug tests of harness racehorses, an appeals court ruled, reviving the regulation that a judge annulled in 2011. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board adopted the so-called out-of-competition testing rules in late 2009 as another way
Controversy In Florida Over Clenbuterol Positives
6/11/2013
The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is at war with the state’s regulatory body, the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, over what FHBPA executive director Kent Stirling said are more than 125 positive tests for clenbuterol. Clenbuterol is a bronchodilator originally used to
Essay: Medication Continues to Stifle America’s Triple Crown Hopes
6/11/2013
It is no coincidence that there has not been a Triple Crown winner since the administration of raceday Lasix became the standard for Kentucky Derby runners some 35 or so years ago. An understanding and appreciation of the veterinary science of equine behavior are necessary to elucidate how raceday
Belmont Stakes Charity Celebration Raises $400,000 for Equine Research and Retirement Foundations
6/7/2013
The Belmont Stakes Charity Celebration, held at Bobby Flay's Bar Americain in New York City Thursday night, raised approximately $400,000, which will be evenly divided between the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Approximately 300 people attended
Hollywood Park: Voided claim contested
6/7/2013
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Trainer Peter Miller is contesting the voided claim of Include the Cat here on June 2. Miller filed a complaint with the California Horse Racing Board on Thursday, alleging that state veterinarian Tim Grande had a “conflict of interest” when he placed the filly on the
Gerard Butler names Rossdales as vets involved in doping case
6/7/2013
The Sungate doping case, which could result in charges under the anti-doping rules against several leading trainers in Newmarket, took a significant step forward on Friday when the British Horseracing Authority issued seven charges against Gerard Butler in connection with the case. Butler told
Reducing Racetrack Injuries
6/7/2013
The U. S. Jockey Club established The Equine Injury Database in 2008. It now has over four years’ worth of evidence from approximately 94 racetracks. About 30 of these contribute statistics derived from veterinarian reports pertaining to “…Thoroughbreds that succumbed to a race-related injury
Ky. looks at creating panel to review horse-racing deaths
6/7/2013
LEXINGTON, KY. — For a sport steeped in the thrill of 1,000-pound thoroughbreds stampeding down the racetrack, there are inherent risks. Those hazards occasionally turn into tragedy, so Kentucky horse-racing regulators are looking at creating an equine mortality review committee in the latest
Golden Gate: Trainer Billy Morey suspended for medication violations
6/7/2013
The Golden Gate Fields stewards suspended trainer Billy Morey for 30 days and fined him $3,000 for an overage of the bronchodilator albuterol in the horse Picture Perfect, who tested positive after winning the first race at Golden Gate Fields on Jan. 1. Fifteen days of the suspension, which
Progress Cited on Medication Penalty System
6/7/2013
Racing organizations are moving ahead with plans to implement a points-driven penalty system for equine medication violations. The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, in a June 6 release, said its board of directors gave preliminary approval to a multiple violation penalty, or MVP, system
Butler charged with doping nine horses
6/7/2013
The British Horseracing Authority has charged Newmarket trainer Gerard Butler on seven counts relating to the illegal doping of nine racehorses. Nine of Butler’s horses tested positive for the banned substance stanozolol, which contains anabolic steroids, on 20 February. Those horses are A Touch
RMTC Approves Multiple Violation Penalty System
6/6/2013
A new penalty system for North American racing designed to reduce positive drug tests and identify and penalize trainers with multiple medication infractions took a major step toward implementation this week when the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) board of directors gave its
Regulatory Attorneys Support Enhanced Penalties for Multiple Medication Violations
6/6/2013
LEXINGTON, KY - The Racing Commissioners International (RCI) Regulatory Attorneys Committee has advanced a proposal to enhance penalties for trainers with multiple drug violations similar to the approach taken by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines that imposes an additional penalty to an underlying
Irwin calls for total ban on drugs in racing
6/5/2013
Irwin is in England ahead of Animal Kingdom’s run in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in just over a fortnight. The outspoken racing manager has been a fierce critic of Lasix, and other raceday drugs and was disgusted earlier this year when the Breeders’ Cup committee reneged on its promise to
Progress on Medication Reforms Not Limited to Mid-Atlantic
6/5/2013
LEXINGTON, KY - The president of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) said today that a survey of U.S. racing regulatory jurisdictions shows that the adoption of RCI’s uniform medication policy for racing is advancing in every region of the country. “Adoption of the RCI Schedule of Controlled
Kentucky commission upholds suspension of trainer Carol Cobb
6/5/2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously to accept a recommendation by a hearing officer to uphold a 180-day suspension issued more than two years ago to Carol Cobb, a trainer who has not started a horse since 2011. Kentucky stewards suspended Cobb for
BHA confirms Butler likely to face charges
6/4/2013
THE BHA on Tuesday confirmed Newmarket trainer Gerard Butler will likely be charged for administering a prohibited substance to horses in his care. In April Butler confessed to using the drug Sungate, which contains stanozolol, a substance not authorised for veterinary use in the UK and at the
Trainers banned from Ruidoso Downs Race Track
5/31/2013
Ruidoso Downs’ officials are cracking down. 17 horse trainers are banned from the track. They’re facing a ban ranging from one to 21 years. “I've talked to a few of them," Blane Wood, a horse trainer, said. "They've gone through the appeal system, they're devastated, it took away their
Behind Closed Doors - A Look Inside U.S. Drug-Testing Labs
5/30/2013
“Give a horse air and take away pain, and he'll run forever," Karen Headley said on a recent pleasant Southern California morning. The daughter of, and assistant to, successful trainer Bruce Headley was just asked about drugs in racing-- legal and illegal--and is among those who think the problem
Keeneland Earns Re-Accreditation from NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance
5/28/2013
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., has earned re-accreditation from the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. The re-accreditation followed a complete review of all racing operations at the facility. Keeneland received its
Study: Salix Can Lead to Calcium Imbalance
5/27/2013
After recently completing a study on how Salix affects mineral balance in Thoroughbreds, Dr. Joe Pagan Ph.D., who also is a Thoroughbred owner, will make sure his horses who race on the diuretic receive enough calcium in their feed. A study conducted at Pagan's Kentucky Equine Research in
Vet Caught Injecting Cibelli Horse Suspended 90 Days, Agrees To Cooperate
5/24/2013
The veterinarian who injected a Jane Cibelli-trained horse on the day it was to race at Tampa Bay Downs on Jan. 27 has been suspended 90 days as a result of a stipulated agreement with the state of Florida’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. Dr. Orlando Paraliticci, who was seen injecting the
TOC Commits to Uniform Medication and Drug Testing Program
5/24/2013
Arcadia, CA, May 21, 2013 – Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) will join with the regulators of eight states in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast by committing to implement the Mid Atlantic Uniform Medication Program as of January 1, 2014. Spearheaded by the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association
Statement From Saeed Al Tayer
5/24/2013
Commenting on the order by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to draft a decree criminalising the import, trade and use of anabolic steroids for horse sports in the United Arab Emirates, Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Vice
Sheikh Mohammed makes steroid use a criminal offense
5/23/2013
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has signed a decree making the use of anabolic steroids in racehorses a criminal offense in Dubai, the home of Meydan Racecourse and the Dubai World Cup. Maktoum issued a statement on Thursday saying the decree will go into effect immediately. The decree
AQHA urges all horsemen & racing jurisdictions to adopt RCI Controlled Therapeutic Med Schedule
5/23/2013
AQHA today is strongly urging all horsemen and racing jurisdictions involved with American Quarter Horse racing to begin the process of adopting, by reference, the Racing Commissioners International Controlled Therapeutic Medication
Are California Horsemen Obsessed With Lasix?
5/23/2013
How important is Lasix to Thoroughbred owners and trainers in California? Important enough for the board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California to say “no thanks” to a 2014 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita Park unless the drug (also known as Salix or by its generic name furosemide)
Horse-doping trial a Canadian first
5/22/2013
There’s no denying that horse trainer Derek Riesberry had a syringe in the paddocks before a race, but what was in it? The answer could determine if Riesberry will be the first person in Canada to be convicted of a crime for alleged horse doping. Riesberry’s precedent-setting trial in
Penn National to Support Equine Aftercare
5/21/2013
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course will donate a total of $10,000 to three equine aftercare organizations on Penn Mile Day, June 1. The three groups that will benefit from the Pennsylvania track's efforts are CANTER of Pennsylvania, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and ReRun.
New Study on EIPH and Salix
5/21/2013
Abstracts have just been released for the upcoming Equine Science Society Symposium to be held in New Mexico at the end of May. Among the abstracts is a very interesting paper on EIPH completed by Dr Joe Pagan and
Enhanced Security Protocols Issued For Horses Competing In Belmont Stakes
5/21/2013
The New York State Gaming Commission and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced enhanced security measures for horses competing in the June 8 Belmont Stakes. Horses competing in the $1 million purse race will be subject to out-of-competition blood testing for banned
BHA announces Godolphin test results
5/20/2013
Following the Disciplinary Panel enquiry of 25th April 2013 into the administration of anabolic steroids by Mahmood Al Zarooni, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed that it would be conducting tests on all Godolphin-owned horses in training in Newmarket, including those at Moulton
Hollywood Park: New rule used for first time to void claim of unsound horse
5/19/2013
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – A $10,000 claim submitted for race winner Plenny of Henny in Sunday’s first race at Betfair Hollywood Park was voided after the 4-year-old gelding was ruled to be unsound in the receiving barn after the race, stewards said. Plenny of Henny won the first race Sunday at Betfair
May 2013 CHRB Medication and Track Safety Committee Meeting Package
5/17/2013
The California Horse Racing Board will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, commencing at 1:30 p.m., at the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory in Maddy Conference Room A at the University of California Davis, California. Non-committee Board members attending the committee
Still No Uniform Medication in Triple Crown
5/17/2013
Three horses in this year's Preakness Stakes (gr. I) will receive race-day medications that are allowed in Maryland but prohibited in nearly every other state that conducts Thoroughbred racing. While in recent years horse racing has made strides toward drug reform and uniform medication rules,
Moving On Up: Horseracing Integrity And Safety Act Introduced In Congress
5/17/2013
A bill co-sponsored by New Mexico’s U.S. Senator Tom Udall aimed at halting doping in horse racing has been introduced in both the House of Representatives and Senate, where it has been referred to committee. Ray recently wrote about the implications of the legislation, titled the Horseracing
The International Difference, Part III of A Painful Truth
5/17/2013
Who can give a horse what and when and where around the world tends to be a complicated subject filled with complex words like Erythropoietin and Ethylaminobenzoate and threshold levels and withdrawal times that are one thing here and another thing there. But when it comes to the mentality of U.S.
Preakness Stakes: Orb-Maserati deal benefits charities
5/16/2013
BALTIMORE - The proceeds of a sponsorship deal between the connections of Kentucky Derby winner Orb and Maserati, the car company, will benefit two racing charities, Stuart Janney III announced Thursday. Janney co-owns Orb with his cousin Ogden Mills Phipps. Janney said the money from the deal
Preakness security and anti-doping procedures [Video]
5/15/2013
Maryland Racing Commission Director Mike Hopkins talks about the security in the stakes barn and the anti-doping procedures in place before and after the Preakness. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun vide) Read more:
Palmer to Serve as AAEP On Call Vet for Preakness Telecasts
5/15/2013
Scott Palmer, VMD, Dipl. ABVP, will assist NBC Sports with horse health information as the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) On Call veterinarian at the Preakness Stakes, taking place May 18 at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Md. Palmer is standing in for Larry Bramlage, DVM,
The Big Muddy: Fair Grounds Turf Course ‘Broken’
5/14/2013
The Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is asking the Louisiana Racing Commission to conduct a review of the turf course at Fair Grounds racecourse in New Orleans, following a 2012-13 race season that saw numerous events taken off the turf and in the wake of an annual music
Jockeys call for increased disability insurance
5/14/2013
Jerry Bailey can look back on a Hall of Fame jockey career that featured 5,892 victories but also the searing memory of 17 fractures, including a broken back, jaw and collarbone, and several busted ribs. Yet Bailey considers himself lucky. He never sustained an injury that kept him off the track
Horsemen, engineers work to rein in safety for horses, riders
5/14/2013
A loud snap echoed through the McConnell Integrated Applications Laboratory at the Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences at Western Kentucky University on Monday afternoon as another pair of leather reins finally split in two. Civil engineering professor Matt Dettman helped destroy
New York Gaming Commission Taking Shape
5/13/2013
More than a year after it was created by law, the New York Gaming Commission is getting closer to having board members in place who can fully run the new agency overseeing the horse racing, racino, lottery, casino and charitable gaming industries. The agency, which formally came to life Feb. 1,
New York Claiming Rule Still Needs Revision
5/13/2013
After months of delay it’s good to see New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is finally appointing members to the New York State Gaming Commission created last year to replace the now dissolved State Racing and Wagering Board. I hope one of the issues the new regulators tackle once they have their first
WADA confirms details of revision to World Anti-Doping Code
5/12/2013
A doubling in the length of bans from two to four years for athletes who fail drugs tests for the first time has been confirmed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) following meetings of its Executive Committee and Foundation Board in Montreal. The decision is now set to be confirmed when
Rudy Rodriguez has another positive for flunixin
5/10/2013
ELMONT, N.Y. – New York state regulators have notified trainer Rudy Rodriguez that he has had a fourth horse of his test positive for the drug flunixin, Rodriguez said Friday. Belle of the West, a 3-year-old filly who finished fourth in the first race at Aqueduct on April 21, was found to have
Racetrack affirms position to insure integrity in racing
5/9/2013
Ruidoso Downs affirms its position to maintain the strongest standards for integrity in racing with the summer season set to begin on May 24. No trainers who have been suspended by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), The Jockey Club or any racing jurisdiction will be allowed to
BHA comment regarding the licensing of Moulton Paddocks
5/9/2013
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has received an application from Saeed bin Suroor for Moulton Paddocks stables to be included as an additional yard on his training licence on a temporary basis. Speaking regarding the licensing status of Moulton Paddocks, Adam Brickell, Director of
Trainer Whose Ban Overturned Tossed Again
5/9/2013
A trainer who won her appeal of a 2008 ejection from Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races was ejected again by the same racetrack for an unrelated violation and has appealed that action. Patty Burns filed the appeal with the West Virginia Racing Commission April 12 in response to the second
RCI''s proposed medication penalties debated
5/9/2013
Four days before the Kentucky Derby, three federal legislators announced plans to introduce a bill requiring the racing industry to fund an effort to develop national rules for drugs and drug-testing. It was the third straight year that a bill seeking federal control over the racing industry was
War on Drugs? Vet Records and State Rules Say No
5/9/2013
Stables migrating from New York to Florida in the late fall and returning in the spring is as familiar as the birds which tail them. But besides the weather, the horses in those stables, on arrival and then departure, must get accustomed to changes in their drug routine, as important as any
Texas A&M Drug Testing Lab to Seek A2LA Accreditation
5/8/2013
As part of its ongoing commitment to the state’s horse racing industry, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) announced May 7 that it will seek ISO 17025 accreditation for its drug testing lab from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). The A2LA
Blood tests telling as stewards investigate possible illegal use of drugs
5/8/2013
TESTING on frozen blood samples, some dating back to 2005, may be days away from revealing illegal drug use. Racing Victoria head of integrity Dayle Brown was vague yesterday when asked if there was a development in the simmering story. He said there might be "something" early next
Clean Test Results for Derby, Oaks Starters
5/8/2013
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission received the post-race test results May 7 from both the Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), and all samples have been cleared with no irregularities
California Rule to Void Claims Effective May 16
5/8/2013
The California Horse Racing Board will expand its voided claims rule to include not only horses who suffer a fatality but also horses placed on the veterinarian's list as lame or unsound after the race. The CHRB adopted the change following a public hearing Feb. 23 and it was approved May 2 by
A Camera in Every Stall? Merging Derby Security and Marketing
5/7/2013
It’s hard to imagine making the Kentucky Derby a much more popular event than it is already, but I have an idea that could lead to increased public interest in the competing horses, heighten the level of security and transparency, and save Churchill Downs
Mahmood Al Zarooni lodges appeal
5/7/2013
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) can confirm that an appeal has today been lodged by Mahmood Al Zarooni. The Disciplinary Panel of the BHA held an Inquiry on 25th April 2013 into the blood samples taken on 9th April 2013 from various horses at the training yard of Mahmood Al Zarooni to
Bill would ban raceday medication and turn enforcement over to U.S. doping agency
5/6/2013
Three federal legislators plan to introduce a bill next week that would require the horse racing industry to provide funding to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to administer the sport’s drug-testing and enforcement policies and that would ban the use of all raceday drugs, including the anti-bleeding
Dr. Scollay Steps in as AAEP On Call Vet
5/4/2013
The American Association of Equine Practitioners announced that longtime on-call veterinarian Dr. Mary Scollay will serve as spokesperson for equine health during NBC Sports racing coverage at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby/Oaks weekend. Scollay is stepping in for Dr. Larry Bramlage,
As Horse Racing Season Heats Up, Industry Examines Itself To Keep Horses Safer
5/3/2013
This is the first in a series of posts, corresponding with horse racing’s Triple Crown, examining safety issues facing the sport. Saturday will mark the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby, when the top three-year-old horses from around the world will compete for the garland of roses in
Call Issued for Major Changes in Drug Policy
5/2/2013
Federal intervention is the only way horse racing can resolve issues surrounding equine medication use, drug testing, and sufficient investigatory programs, an attorney said May 2 during the University of Kentucky Equine Law Conference at Keeneland. Ned Bonnie, also a member of the Kentucky
Derby Security: ''A Better Public Image for Our Sport''
5/2/2013
The Kentucky Derby is the one time of year horse racing basks in the public limelight, good or bad. This year, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and Churchill Downs are taking no chances, stepping up already tight security to ensure the Derby is a fairly-run race. The measures come as a
BHA testers extend probe to Bin Suroor yard
5/2/2013
THE BHA drug testers on Thursday turned their attention to Saeed Bin Suroor's Stanley House stables in Newmarket as the crisis that has rocked Godolphin and British racing took an unexpected new twist. The sampling of horses at disgraced former trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni's stable at Moulton
A History of Drugs in Racing (Part 1)
5/2/2013
Sir Barton was doped. No less an authority than John Hervey, the legendary journalist who wrote under the pen name Salvator, declared this, reluctantly, on Dec. 24, 1932, in the long-gone Thoroughbred Record. “I may just as well say here that while Sir Barton was a really wonderful performer, rumor
Horse racing officials mull Udall’s anti-doping bill
5/2/2013
New Mexico horse racing officials trying to clean up the sport aren’t ready to takes sides on a bill to grant the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency authority to oversee and enforce drug testing for thoroughbred and quarter-horse races across the country. For now they’re watching and waiting. U.S. Sen.
Medication Oversight: Clean Sport Should Be The Goal
5/2/2013
There is no grander event in American horse racing than the Kentucky Derby, and it is critically important for the Derby to have a fair and level playing field for every one of its participants. It is a fundamental right for the horses and their connections, and something that will keep this great
Winning the Drug Game
5/2/2013
Trainers who need to cheat to win always have the upper hand, at least initially, when it comes to prohibited performance- enhancing drugs because chemists cannot test for a drug until they know what it is. This time lag gives unscrupulous trainers a free hand until the chemists leap
Increased Security in Effect for Derby Horses
5/2/2013
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission began 24-hour security May 1 for horses entered in the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). The security is being provided in conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and Churchill Downs, according to a
Trainers want talks with British Horseracing Authority on steroids
5/2/2013
The National Trainers' Federation said on Thursday that it will respond to concerns expressed by its members in the wake of the Godolphin doping scandal and seek further assurance from the British Horseracing Authority that horses from overseas do not enjoy an unfair advantage owing to the use of
Racing injuries and racing surfaces appear to be linked
5/1/2013
LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Real verses fake. Dirt verses Polytrack. They've been arguing about it for years. At Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, the sport is literally upside down. Horses lie on surgery tables, legs in the air, not on the ground. They wheel one in and wheel one out. There are 12
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Accredits First Three Organizations
5/1/2013
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it had accredited its first three Thoroughbred aftercare facilities: Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care in Palm City, Fla.; New Vocations in Marysville, Ohio; and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue in Norco, Calif.
Kentucky''s Ward New Chairman-Elect of RCI
5/1/2013
John Ward, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, was selected chairman-elect of the Association of Racing Commissioners International board of directors, the organization announced May 1. The RCI held its annual convention in late April in New Orleans, La. It elects new
Anabolic steroid use not widespread in UK - BHA
5/1/2013
The British Horseracing Authority says anabolic steroid use on racehorses in the United Kingdom is not widespread. Newmarket trainer Gerard Butler faces a BHA inquiry after admitting his horses received banned steroids. Last week, Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was given an eight-year
Statement From The Jockey Club
5/1/2013
"The Jockey Club has consistently stated that the overuse of medication endangers our equine and human athletes, threatens the integrity of our sport and erodes consumer confidence in our game. "We appreciate Congress’ continued interest in helping to safeguard the sport of horse racing, in
Turf Club funding cuts a concern in doping fight
5/1/2013
Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan says he has no reason to believe that Irish racing could become embroiled in the anabolic steroid controversy that has emerged in England, though he admits that funding cuts leave him "worried" about the regulatory body's ability to keep pace with advances in
Keith Gisser: Taking on the medication issue
5/1/2013
Equine medications have been in the news a great deal lately. Trainer Lou Pena trying to find a home, the Godolphin steroid incident, and even a recent piece on horse racing on National Public Radio have been getting big play among racing fans and the general public. This column is not going to
Result and Reasons of a Disciplinary Panel hearing (Mahmood Al Zarooni)
4/30/2013
The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority ("BHA") held an Inquiry on 25 April 2013 into the blood samples taken on 9 April 2013 from various horses at the training yard of Mahmood Al Zarooni, a licensed trainer, to establish whether or not he was in breach of the following Rules
Legislation Would Give Usada Authority Over Drugs in Racing
4/30/2013
Two lawmakers who contend that the United States Anti-Doping Agency is the most effective agency to regulate horse racing plan to introduce a bill in Congress to give it the authority to enforce antidoping standards and to kick out violators. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was written
HKJC Official Urges Worldwide Steroid Ban
4/28/2013
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities should quickly consider a ban on the use of anabolic steroids for horses in training, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said April 28. Engelbrecht-Bresges, also a vice chairman and member of the executive
Al Zarooni Used Steroid Regimen in Dubai
4/26/2013
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said the steroid injections given to 15 Godolphin horses were part of a regimen that now-sullied trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni followed while he was in Dubai. On April 25 the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) banned Al Zarooni from training in Great Britain
Zarooni Case To Prompt Rules Debate
4/26/2013
BHA chief executive Paul Bittar believes the international racing authorities should look at rules on the use of drugs in the wake of the Mahmood Al Zarooni case. Godolphin's trainer was banned for eight years following a BHA hearing on Thursday after admitting administering anabolic steroids to
A Fascinating Response To UK Steroid Positives
4/26/2013
Reading in the Telegraph today (h/t to @sidfernando): Godolphin founder Sheikh Mohammed has been vocal in his condemnation of the incident and locked down the Moulton Paddocks yard until full testing of every horse is undertaken. The BHA is due to start that testing on Monday, with chief
Maryland Tracks Receive Safety Alliance OK
4/26/2013
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced that Laurel Park in Laurel, Md., has been fully accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance and that Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore has been re-accredited by the Alliance following a complete review of all racing operations at the
Racing Commission extending drug ban
4/26/2013
The New Mexico Racing Commission extended its one-year ban on the drug clenbuterol Thursday, saying it would wait on imminent recommendations from the Association of Racing Commissioners International before deciding whether to ban the drug permanently. Clenbuterol dilates a horse’s bronchial
Al Zarooni hit with eight-year suspension
4/25/2013
GODOLPHIN trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was on Thursday banned for eight years by the disciplinary panel at the BHA's headquarters after being found guilty of doping offences which have rocked British racing. A total of 15 horses have been suspended from racing for six months as it emerged that Al
Statement from BHA Chief Executive Paul Bittar
4/25/2013
“We believe that it is recognised by all who follow our sport that the circumstances in this particular case are exceptional, not only on account of the profile of the owner in question, but also the number and calibre of the horses involved. However, we also believe the outcome is an endorsement
Australian Trainers'' Association oppose proposed steroid ban for horseracing in Australia
4/25/2013
Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy and Racing Victoria chief vet Brian Stewart said a ban on steroids might be inevitable, in light of the Godolphin scandal in England. Eleven top horses trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni at Newmarket have tested positive to steroids. It has been described as
The Jockey Club, TOBA Unveil New Website Promoting Medication Reform
4/24/2013
The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) today announced the launch of horseracingreform.org, an advocacy and information website designed to promote improved regulatory standards for horse racing. The site replaces cleanhorseracing.org. “Over the course of the
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Statement
4/24/2013
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued the following statement: "I was appalled and angered to learn that one of our stables in Newmarket has violated Godolphin's ethical standards and the rules of British racing. I have been involved in British horse racing for 30 years and
RCI proposes harsh penalties for repeat drug offenders
4/24/2013
A new penalty schedule for medication violations that would include harsh sanctions for multiple violations of prohibited drugs was introduced to regulators over the past several days at the Association of Racing Commissioners International convention in New Orleans, according to officials. The
BHA to confirm Al Zarooni charges
4/23/2013
It was announced on Monday that Al Zarooni is to face the BHA disciplinary panel after samples taken from 11 horses in his care in Newmarket were found to contain traces of anabolic steroids. Samples were taken earlier this month from 45 horses trained by Al Zarooni at Moulton Paddocks Stables
11 Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained horses suspended following positive test results
4/22/2013
As part of the 'testing in training' sampling programme conducted by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), on 9th April 2013 samples were obtained from 45 horses trained by Mahmood Al Zarooni at Moulton Paddocks Stables. This afternoon the BHA has received written advice from the Horseracing
Region fosters big change in drug rules
4/19/2013
T-crossing and i-dotting are all that remain on the biggest development in Mid-Atlantic racing history. It’s been years in the making and some said it would never happen. Exchange wagering? Huge new bonus scheme for regional-breds? Malibu Moon moving back to Maryland? Racetrack/casino in downtown
Rodriguez licensed in Kentucky Vyjack to be under surveillance
4/18/2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The licensing review committee of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted Tuesday to approve a license application for Rudy Rodriguez, trainer of the Kentucky Derby hopeful Vyjack, but under a requirement that Vyjack be monitored by video surveillance while at Churchill
Finger Lakes Receives Safety Re-Accreditation
4/18/2013
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced April 18 that Finger Lakes in Farmington, N.Y., has earned re-accreditation from the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. The re-accreditation follows a complete review of all racing operations at the facility. Finger Lakes received its
Legislation introduced permits mobile drug transport by veterinarians
4/17/2013
Two federal congressmen have introduced legislation that would amend the Controlled Substances Act and allow mobile veterinarians to carry controlled substances, including euthanasia solution, away from the drugs’ registered location, usually a clinic. The American Veterinary Medical Association
Special treatment for Vyjack trainer?
4/17/2013
Two divergent viewpoints became clear while watching Twitter reactions Tuesday on whether the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission License Review Committee should license Rodolfo “Rudy” Rodriguez, the trainer of Kentucky Derby contender Vyjack. As the committee granted a conditional license, one
It Takes Time, But in Racing Things Do Change
4/17/2013
About ten months ago the NYSRWB instituted a security barn for the Belmont Stakes. At that time the headlines said "Detention Barns Unwise Move" and "Belmont Stakes Trainers Bristle at Extra Security" and "Security Barns Irk Trainers" Fast forwarding one year, the Derby, the Preakness, and
Monitoring of Preakness horses increases, but potential hole remains
4/16/2013
Security at Pimlico's historic Preakness barn will be heightened this year, a move that comes amid renewed concern about doping and horse safety in the sport. All visitors, including veterinarians, who want to spend time with horses scheduled to run in this year's Preakness will have to sign in
California Post-Mortem Program Has Major Flaw
4/16/2013
One year ago, horsemen in New York were facing a major crisis when state government and racing regulators demanded answers for the sudden increase in equine racing fatalities at Aqueduct racetrack. Gov. Andrew Cuomo formed a task force to study the issue, and their report was the foundation of some
Dick Jerardi: Mid-Atlantic uniform Thoroughbred drug-testing program is within reach
4/16/2013
Getting horsemen, management, racing commissions, and state legislatures to agree on anything is difficult. Getting all of those disparate interests to agree on uniform medication and drug-testing programs is more than difficult. Getting that agreement to spread to eight states really would seem
Clarity and Cooperation - by Eric Mitchell
4/16/2013
A couple of issues have surfaced related to cases of sudden death in California racehorses. One, the state could do a better job in how it presents its plethora of statistics on racehorse injuries, and second, horsemen clearly have an opportunity to help the equine medical community narrow down
Effects & Actions of the Corticosteroid Dexamethasone in the Horse
4/15/2013
Pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone following intra-articular, intravenous, intramuscular, and oral administration in horses and its effects on endogenous
Trainer whose employee had vodka-filled syringe in horse’s stall seeks license
4/15/2013
Tomorrow’s meeting of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s License Review Committee will get a good bit of attention because the trainer of a Kentucky Derby contender (Vyjack’s Rodolfo “Rudy” Rodriguez) has been ordered to appear before he can get a Kentucky training license. Three other cases
Alert: Compounding Pharmacies Untracked and Unregulated
4/15/2013
Compounding pharmacies are going largely untracked, unregulated and under-inspected by states across America, according to a new report released today by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass). Following the meningitis outbreak originating in a Massachusetts compounder that killed dozens and sickened hundreds,
Dangers in Use of NSAIDs in Horses
4/15/2013
NSAIDs may help mask lameness while reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, but they can also be very harmful to the equine, whether pet or athlete. Effects of NSAIDs in horses NSAIDs can contribute to GI ulcers, diarrhea from colitis and colic, triggering bouts of laminitis and short term
Baffert: ''Deaths are Personally Troubling''
4/13/2013
Southern California trainer Bob Baffert said in a statement April 12 that an unusual string of sudden deaths in his barn is "personally troubling," and that he hopes state pathologists can help uncover a cause. "The safety of my horses has been and always will be the most important thing to me.
NYTHA Establishes Equine Retirement Program
4/12/2013
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association has launched a retirement program for Thoroughbreds stabled at New York Racing Association tracks. Called "Take The Lead," the program will partner with established aftercare programs to provide rehabilitation and retraining placements for
Mindful of Drugs, Race Officials Will Keep Closer Eye on Kentucky Derby
4/12/2013
The 72 hours before the Kentucky Derby traditionally have been filled with steam, as it is known in racetrack parlance — rumors about which horse is due for a big race and which veterinarians are working overtime to get their horses to the gate. But for the first time in the 139 years of the race,
CHRB: No Spike In Sudden Equine Deaths
4/11/2013
The California Horse Racing Board said the number of non-musculoskeletal sudden deaths of horses in racing and training at California racetracks has not spiked, contrary to an article published in the Paulick Report Wednesday. Dr. Rick Arthur, the CHRB’s equine medical director, said the number
Ky. Commission Seeks Review of Stewart Ruling
4/10/2013
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted April 9 to ask the state Supreme Court for discretionary review of a recent Court of Appeals decision overturning Dr. Rod Stewart's four-year suspension for possession of cobra venom. In its March 15 ruling, the appeals court said the regulation under
Rodriguez faces review by Kentucky licensing committee
4/10/2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Rudy Rodriguez, trainer of Kentucky Derby contender Vyjack, has been ordered to appear before Kentucky’s state licensing committee next week as a condition of obtaining a license in the state, according to the chairman of the committee. Burr Travis, chairman of the Licensing
Rat poison traces found in two horse necropsies
4/10/2013
ARCADIA, Calif. – Two horses who died unexpectedly at California tracks in the last five months were found to have rat poison in their systems during necropsies, according to Dr. Rick Arthur, California’s equine medical director. Arthur made a presentation on the number of sudden equine deaths
Treatment of EIPH Discussed at Seminar
4/10/2013
Treatment of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage by non-medicinal means was discussed April 9 during a seminar that focused on use of FLAIR Nasal Strips. There is no cure for EIPH, or bleeding in the lungs, but it can be lessened in horses that compete through use of furosemide–also known as
Uniform Security - by Eric Mitchell
4/9/2013
Enhanced security measures for both the Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I) and Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) were announced and implemented three days prior to these important Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) prep races. Santa Anita extended its regular six-hour surveillance period to 72
Safety Alliance to Release Updated Standards
4/5/2013
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance will soon release its 2013 code of standards and expects to re-accredit 16 racetracks this year. Among the code changes are a requirement that each racetrack have an Injury Review Committee to monitor all injuries and
Extra Race Security Brings Confidence, Peace Of Mind
4/4/2013
You know the drill: shoes off, pockets empty, laptop out of the case. It’s what travelers have come to expect in the post-9/11 days of air travel in the United States. Transportation Security Administration officials aren’t accusing you or any other passenger of doing anything wrong; they are
NYRA & NYS Gaming Commission Announce Enhanced Security Measures for Wood Memorial Participants
4/3/2013
Out-of-competition testing & 24-hour surveillance of horses slated to race will ensure utmost integrity for Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racetrack The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York State Gaming Commission today announced enhanced
Racing commissioners agree on 24 approved drugs
4/2/2013
Racing Commissioners International on Tuesday gave its final approval to a list of recommended regulations covering 24 drugs that will be allowed to be administered to racehorses for therapeutic purposes, capping a two-year effort to set the stage for the potential adoption of uniform rules on the
New Mexico governor to signs bill to toughen horse racing regulation
4/2/2013
SANTA FE, New Mexico — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez plans to sign legislation into law to finance more testing of race horses for illegal drug use and impose tougher penalties for violations. The governor's office said Martinez is to sign the legislation Tuesday in Las
RCI Approval Sets Stage For Uniform Medication Rules
4/2/2013
Racing Commissioners International (RCI) today gave final approval to the “RCI Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule”, setting the stage for uniform implementation of racing medication rules in the United States and beyond. The RCI schedule is intended to be a guide for testing laboratories
Tampa Bay Downs: Owner in banned vet case tells of accidental injection
4/2/2013
The owner of a horse at the center of a perplexing incident in January at Tampa Bay Downs, which resulted in the track’s banning of a veterinarian, said she was told by her trainer that the horse had mistakenly been treated with an antibiotic on race day that was intended for a different
Cibelli Case: Two Months And Counting
4/1/2013
It’s been nearly two months since veterinarian Orlando Paraliticci was banned from the Tampa Bay Downs premises by track management because of an incident that took place at the barn of trainer Jane Cibelli. Paraliticci, known as Dr. O on the backside of the Oldsmar, Fla., racetrack, allegedly was
Animal Kingdom supreme beyond all borders
3/31/2013
True to its billing, as a World Cup, the 18th running of the richest horserace on the planet offered fresh courage and inspiration to those determined that frontiers should no longer be perceived as barriers. Over the past couple of years, they have endured dispiriting retrenchment by insular
New York funds will go to equine health efforts
3/29/2013
One percent of the purse subsidies flowing to horsemen at New York’s tracks from casinos attached to them will be redirected to the New York State Gaming Commission for equine health-related initiatives under a budget approved Thursday night by state lawmakers. The provision is expected to raise
Rodriguez gets third flunixin positive
3/29/2013
Rudy Rodriguez, trainer of undefeated Kentucky Derby hopeful Vyjack, is currently serving a 20-day suspension for two positive tests for Banamine and could face further penalties after a third horse of his tested positive for the same drug. Majestic Marquet, who won a $51,000
Use of Calming Agent in Racehorses Examined
3/28/2013
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 drug, called GABA, which is gamma-aminobutyric acid, was banned by the United States Equestrian Federation in 2012. The substance, present in the
MA Commission Votes to Adopt Regulatory Amendments to Enhance the Health, Safety of Horse Racing
3/28/2013
Today the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) voted to approve emergency regulatory amendments pertaining to national best practices and operational standards for the state’s thoroughbred horse racing industry. These proactive measures taken by MGC will support the highest standards in both
CHRB Dismisses Positives, Cites Contamination
3/27/2013
The California Horse Racing Board, citing feed contamination, has dismissed 48 positive tests for zilpaterol, which is used in cattle. The contamination of the feed appears to have occurred in mid-February, with the first positive detected from a race run March 1. The CHRB ruled that the cases
The Dope On D Barns & Tuesday Notes
3/26/2013
There is some chatter scurrying around the Interwebs and email that there is a suspected push for a detention barn by some for the upcoming Santa Anita Derby. I don't know how accurate or not that is, but from harness racing's experience with them, we have learned quite a lot about surveillance
Ness Fined For TCO2 Overage At Tampa: ‘It’s Taking The Fun Out Of It
3/26/2013
Tampa Bay Downs leading trainer Jamie Ness has been fined $2,000 and horses from his stable entered for the next 30 days at the Tampa-area track are required to be under 24-hour pre-race security watch after the Ness runner Awesome Mich tested over the 37.0 total carbon dioxide threshold on March
Suspensions don''t work
3/26/2013
On any day at any racetrack there is a trainer or two or more that has been suspended for drug violations. Suspended? Yes. But penalized? Not necessarily. The Paulick Report recently ran a story about suspended Charles Town trainer Scooter Davis, who put his horses in the name of Douglas
RMTC''s Dr. Dionne Benson-2013 Harness Racing Congress Medication Panel video
3/23/2013
Medication Panel -- "Limited Funds, Maximum Vigilance How the Industry can best address the Medication Issue" - Speakers Paul Fontaine,Dr Dionne Benson,Ed Martin,Dr. Richard Sams, Dr. Lawrence
California Officials Discover Purina Feed Tainted With Zilpaterol
3/23/2013
The California Horse Racing Board has concluded a number of sweet feed products containing a molasses base produced by Purina at their Turlock mill contain the prohibited drug zilpaterol. Purina produces a number of sweet feed products under their own name and under the Country Acres brand. To
Charles Town Stewards Issue Ban, Suspensions
3/21/2013
A West Virginia-based trainer has been deemed ineligible for a license, and three others were suspended in connection with alleged use of "program trainers" at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. The Charles Town stewards held a hearing into the matter March 20 and issued their rulings March
West Virginia Cracks Down On ‘Program’ Trainers
3/21/2013
Douglas Shanyfelt, currently the leading trainer at Mountaineer Park, has been suspended for one year by West Virginia Racing Commission stewards at Charles Town for his alleged role as a “program” trainer for Scooter Davis while Davis was serving a six-month suspension for multiple clenbuterol
Vets gain ground against disease suffered by Paynter and Barbaro
3/21/2013
When laminitis contributed to Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s death at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in 2007, the dreaded disease – an often-fatal complication of catastrophic limb injury – commanded enormous public attention. So did the fundraising efforts to cure this age-old
Maryland alters claiming rule, expands safety committee
3/20/2013
In response to the spate of breakdowns at Laurel Park this winter, the Maryland Racing Commission on Wednesday adopted a new claiming rule while expanding the number of members on its Safety and Welfare Committee. Meanwhile, Maryland continues to try and progress toward adopting a new medication
RMTC Vice Chairman Alan Foreman discusses uniform medication reform efforts
3/19/2013
How can 1 man pull a sport together? Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association chair & CEO Alan Foreman might. Derby analysis with Bob Ehalt & Jennie Rees, & Barry Abrams
PNGI Lists Sanctions for Conduct Violation
3/19/2013
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,
Trainer''s penalty for medication use lacking in muscle
3/18/2013
I am shocked that Aqueduct's leading trainer, Rudy Rodriguez, has been suspended for 20 days recently by New York's gaming board for two drug infractions committed over the past year ("Rodriguez suspended, fined," March 15). The 20-day penalty was supposed to be for 40 days, but was cut in half
Oklahoma horses doped with ''frog juice'' jumped to winner''s circle
3/18/2013
A tiny, South American frog is at the heart of a recent doping scandal that threatened Oklahoma's billion-dollar horse racing industry. Regulators last summer uncovered a scheme where a handful of trainers were using a performance-enhancing drug that can be drawn from the back of the frog to rig
Second positive lands Stall a 10-day suspension
3/18/2013
Trainer Al Stall Jr. said Monday from New Orleans that he intends to appeal a 10-day suspension he has been handed by Kentucky stewards for a second positive test for the banned medication methacarbomol. The subject horse is Upon Reflection, winner of a $15,000 maiden claiming race at Churchill
Budget plan calls for Kentucky guild to receive money for New York jockeys
3/17/2013
Lawmakers are trying to make sure the budget deal expected to be completed this week provides for about $2 million a year from gambling revenues for health insurance coverage for some of New York's jockeys. Leaders of the Assembly and Senate want jockeys who regularly ride on New York's
Kentucky appeals court overturns ban of veterinarian Rod Stewart
3/15/2013
The Kentucky Court of Appeals has overturned a decision by Kentucky regulators to issue a five-year suspension to Dr. Rod Stewart in 2009. Regulators issued the suspension after a search at Keeneland of the veterinarian’s equipment turned up cobra venom and several anti-Parkinson’s drugs. The
Fred Pope: ‘U.S. Racing Needs International Help’
3/15/2013
In an opinion piece written for Horse Racing Business, Fred Pope discusses the recent decision by the Breeders’ Cup board to reverse its original plan to prohibit the use of race day Lasix at the 2013 event. Pope asks the question, “Is the drug image here a barrier for current and future
Up the Backstretch: Truly improving the breed
3/14/2013
(Sports Network) - The announcement this week of eight states from the Mid- Atlantic and Northeast regions of the country agreeing to have uniform medication and drug testing comes as welcome news to the thoroughbred racing industry. Without getting into the details of the agreement, the basic
The Breeders’ Cup Forum: Lasix – An International Veterinary Perspective
3/14/2013
Brian Stewart is the head of Equine Welfare and Veterinary Services for Racing Victoria, the primary authority overseeing horse racing in the region of Australia that includes Melbourne. Formerly a private practitioner in Caulfield, Stewart was the head of Veterinary Regulation and International
Twelve New Projects Launched by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation
3/14/2013
The board of directors of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has approved funding of 12 new projects plus an unprecedented three Storm Cat Development Awards. The 12 new regular projects are in addition to five projects that are now in their second year. The 17 research projects are being
TDN, American Racing, March 13, 2013 ʋill Oppenheim)
3/13/2013
I've often said the job of an analyst--which is first and foremost my job description--is to see things as they are, not how we want them to be or how we think they should be; those are different questions. In light of the Breeders= Cup reversal of its announcement two years ago that all 2013
Aqueduct: Rodriguez to serve 20-day suspension for 2012 medication violations
3/13/2013
Rudy Rodriguez, the leading trainer at Aqueduct and the conditioner of undefeated Kentucky Derby contender Vyjack, will begin serving a 20-day suspension Saturday for two medication positives. Rodriguez was also fined $7,500 by the New York State Gaming Commission. Rodriguez was penalized for
Meadowlands program to include more info on layoff horses
3/13/2013
East Rutherford, NJ --- The Meadowlands Racetrack program will now include enhanced information on horses showing no race lines for three weeks or more. In the comment section for each race, those horses with 21 days or more away from racing will have some explanation of the reason for the
Owners Consider Suit Against BC on Salix
3/12/2013
Just days before the Breeders' Cup board of directors conducted a vote on Salix use at its 2013 world championships, prominent owners Gary and Mary West threatened litigation against the organization. In a letter sent to Breeders' Cup, an attorney said the Wests would be joined by other owners
Eight States Create Uniform Medication, Drug Testing Program
3/12/2013
In a bold move towards the uniform regulation of medication and drug testing in North American racing, the regulators of eight states in the Mid Atlantic and Northeast have committed to implement a uniform medication and drug testing program. The agreement, spearheaded by the Thoroughbred
Laurel Park: Breakdown spate has Maryland commission seeking reasons
3/12/2013
Horses at Laurel Park in Maryland have been suffering catastrophic injuries this year at a greater rate than the well-publicized series of breakdowns at Aqueduct’s inner-track meeting in 2011-12, according to state racing officials. At least 17 horses have been euthanized since the meet began
Eight eastern states agree to uniform medication rules
3/12/2013
Eight racing states along the Eastern Seaboard, including New York and Pennsylvania, have agreed to adopt a set of policies designed to tighten the administration of medication to racehorses and align the states under one set of rules, the organization that pushed for the agreement announced
Mid Atlantic And Northeast States Commit To Uniform Medication And Drug Testing Program
3/12/2013
MARCH 12, 2013- In a bold move towards the uniform regulation of medication and drug testing in North American racing, the regulators of eight states in the Mid Atlantic and Northeast have committed to implement a uniform medication and drug testing program. The agreement, spearheaded by the
Rock And A Hard Place: Behind The Breeders’ Cup Lasix Decision
3/11/2013
Was it merely a change of heart that led the Breeders’ Cup board of directors to back away from their 2011 decision to ban race-day medication in all of its championship races beginning in 2013? Or could it have been the financial projections given to the board for this year’s event if some
SCOTT COLUMN: More questions than answers for Lasix
3/11/2013
In the Breeders’ Cup’s recent announcement that Lasix would be allowed in non-juvenile races this year after all — reversing the organization’s earlier decision to ban Lasix in all Breeders’ Cup events — chairman Tom Ludt had this to say about the future. “We recognize that there has been great
The Jockey Club Releases Update from Equine Injury Database
3/8/2013
The Jockey Club today released an updated North American fatality rate for Thoroughbreds that includes four years’ worth of data collected in the Equine Injury DatabaseTM, the North American database for racing injuries. Based on an analysis of 1,532,418 starts collected during the four-year
TDN Op/Ed, The Real Problem With Lasix?, March 8, 2013 (Bill Finley)
3/8/2013
Does Lasix cause horses to race less often? Forget about racing's image, the weakening of the breed, how Europeans view our sport, should it be part of the Breeders' Cup, even whether or not the drug is effective in treating bleeders. The question that needs to be debated and answered is whether or
Trainers In A Pickle After Oklahoma Ruling
3/8/2013
A District Court judge in Oklahoma County, Okla., has ruled against four Thoroughbred and Quarter horse trainers who sought a temporary restraining order to lift a ban imposed on them by Remington Park earlier this year. The four trainers – Robert Demitt, Rodney Harmon, Jeffrey Heath Reed, and Karl
Texas enacts a 14-day withdrawl period on clenbuterol
3/7/2013
Effective March 28, clenbuterol will be regulated by a urine threshold of 140 picograms per milliliter at Texas racetracks. "This is believed to be consistent with a 14 day withdrawal of a recommended dose administration of the FDA-approved product Ventipulmin as labeled," said Texas Racing
NYRA''s attempt to enforce house rules raises legal questions
3/7/2013
The new, state-controlled board of the New York Racing Association has talked the talk during its first two open board meetings about cracking down on trainers who violate medication rules. But it’s going to have a tough time walking the walk. In the last week, since the chairman of NYRA’s new
Four Appeal Ejection Action by Charles Town
3/7/2013
Four men ejected from Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races over alleged involvement in the use of "program trainers" have filed an appeal with the West Virginia Racing Commission. WVRC deputy attorney general Kelli Talbott said March 7 the agency is in the process of lining up a hearing
TDN Letters to the Editor (Breeders' Cup and Lasix)
3/6/2013
To the Editor: As I completely support Olly Tait and vehemently disagree with Michael Bronzino, whose opinion I find inaccurate, I wanted to offer support to the anti-drug stand of so many important involved persons. We will breed and gain a more sound and marketable product when all horses
Remington Park: Quarter Horse meet opening with new drug testing policies
3/6/2013
Remington Park in Oklahoma City will open its 50-date Quarter Horse meet on Friday night with a new integrity policy, prerace veterinary examinations, and a $4.9 million stakes schedule led by the Grade $1 million Heritage Place Futurity. The meet will run through June 2. In a new practice being
TAA Now Accepting Accreditation Applications From Eligible Aftercare Facilities
3/5/2013
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that Thoroughbred aftercare organizations may now apply for TAA accreditation. Passing the TAA’s on-site accreditation inspection will make a facility eligible to receive financial support for the ongoing care of retired
ORC suspends Casie Coleman indefinitely
3/5/2013
Casie Coleman, recently honored as Canada's 2012 Trainer of the Year, the record fifth time she has been recognized with the O'Brien Award, has been suspended indefinitely by the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC). The ORC ruling came as it is investigating the matter with a hearing date yet to be
Zito to serve 15-day suspension for clenbuterol positive
3/4/2013
Nick Zito, the New York-based trainer currently running the bulk of his stable in Florida, will begin serving a 15-day suspension next Monday as a result of a positive test for clenbuterol from a horse that won at Aqueduct more than a year
Regulators Discuss Jockey Club Drug Rules
3/4/2013
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. The rules, modeled in part after proposals by The Jockey Club and Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, would
RCI closes loophole on its medication standards
3/4/2013
Racing regulators on Monday adopted a new standard that seeks to close a potential loophole in rules that cover the administration of therapeutic medications to horses, the regulators said after a conference call to discuss the rules. The new standard, called “Restricted Administration Times,”
Darley Exec Exits Breeders’ Cup Board Over Lasix Reversal
3/3/2013
The following statement was received from Oliver Tait, Darley’s Chief Operating Officer, regarding the Breeders’ Cup Lasix policy: The Breeders’ Cup has reversed its previously agreed and stated position that the 2013 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be conducted without Lasix. As a
RMTC Calls Nikethamide ''Very Dangerous Drug''
3/2/2013
While a recent positive for Nikethamide is the first in more than a decade in U.S. racing, the dangerous nature of the Class I drug has the attention of regulators following a positive in July
Breeders'' Cup Maintains Medication Policy For Juvenile Races For 2013 Event
3/1/2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 1, 2013) – The Breeders’ Cup board voted today to maintain its race day medication policies for the 2013 Breeders’ Cup World Championships which were in place for the 2012 event. This year, horses competing in the races restricted to Juveniles will not be permitted Lasix
NYRA Continues Look at Surfaces, Violations
3/1/2013
The New York Racing Association said Feb. 27 it is considering changes in racing surfaces and is examining internal procedures it uses for rule violations. Glen Kozak, vice president of facilities and racing surfaces for NYRA, said the organization is actively exploring changing surfaces, for
Trainer Grove Suspended for Six Months, Fined
2/28/2013
Stewards at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races have suspended trainer Chris Grove for six months and fined him $5,000 for a major drug violation in a July race. The stewards handed out the penalty after Bubba de France tested positive for nikethamide following a race he won July 28, 2012 at
Laboratory Advances Improve Equine Doping Testing
2/27/2013
Metabolomics and transcriptomics. Big words for finding really tiny quantities of really tiny substances in really big animals--and both enormously useful. The products of cutting-edge research, these high-tech techniques are on the verge of becoming the very latest in equine drug screening at high
Who pays to clean up horse racing in New Mexico?
2/27/2013
After a year filled with scandals and allegations of rampant drugging of racehorses, New Mexico is trying to clean up its image through legislation for stricter penalties and tougher drug tests. But how much will it cost, and who might end up paying for it? A (Seattle) slew of no less than five
Equine Safety Committee recommends NYRA consider medication house rules
2/27/2013
NEW YORK – The possibility of the New York Racing Association instituting house rules on repeat violators and the feasibility of installing a synthetic surface at two of NYRA’s three tracks were among the significant topics discussed Wednesday at NYRA’s Equine Safety Committee meeting in midtown
Horse trainers banned from Remington Park ask judge to allow them to race
2/26/2013
Four racehorse trainers accused of doping and banned from Remington Park are asking an Oklahoma County judge to force the track to allow them to participate in the spring quarter horse season. Oklahoma trainers Robert Dimitt, Rodney Harmon and Jeffery Heath Reed and Texas trainer Karl Broberg
WV Issues Support for Uniform Medication Plan
2/26/2013
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 regions. The Maryland Racing Commission was the first to do so Feb. 19. Other
SunRay welcomes increased testing as legislature moves towards funding drug tests for racehorses
2/26/2013
FARMINGTON — A bill unanimously passed Monday by the New Mexico House of Representatives would provide about $700,000 annually to drug-test racehorses. The bill, which now goes to the Senate, would nearly triple state funding for equine drug testing. "That would be a huge help for us," said Gayla
Horsemen Warned of Federal Drug Legislation
2/23/2013
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. Brian Fitzgerald, a lobbyist for the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, said Feb. 21
Breeders’ Cup Revisiting 2013 Lasix Ban
2/22/2013
I wrote last November that the Breeders’ Cup was at a “gut-check moment” in its history because of a 2011 decision to phase out furosemide, better known as Lasix, as a permitted race-day medication during its annual championships. The diuretic used to treat exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage was
Sunland Park Re-Accredited by Safety Alliance
2/22/2013
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced Feb. 21 that Sunland Park in Sunland Park, N.M., has earned re-accreditation from the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. The re-accreditation followed a complete review of all racing operations at the facility. Sunland Park received its
California Horse Racing Board amends claiming rule
2/21/2013
ARCADIA, Calif. –The California Horse Racing Board amended a rule pertaining to claimed horses on Thursday. Under the rule, a claim is void if a horse is placed on the veterinarian’s list by the racing vet or state vet after being found to be lame or unsound after the race or in the receiving
MD Leading Mid-Atlantic Uniform Drug Reform
2/19/2013
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, a plan spearheaded by the Thoroughbred Horsemen's
Drug Makers, in Shift, Join Fight Against Doping
2/18/2013
The blood-enhancing drug EPO has improved the lives of millions of anemia patients, but Lance Armstrong and other top cyclists have turned the medicine into a byword for doping. Now, a growing number of pharmaceutical companies are trying to prevent their drugs from experiencing the same fate by
Davis, Shanyfelt Get The Boot At Charles Town
2/17/2013
His six-month suspension for multiple clenbuterol violations is coming to an end this week, but Scooter Davis no longer is welcome to train or race horses at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town races in West Virginia. Neither is Douglas Shanyfelt, who took over the training of some of the horses that
Two Years For Nebraska Frog Juicer Veerhusen
2/14/2013
Owner-trainer Kim Veerhusen has been suspended two years and fined $1,000 by the Nebraska State Racing Commission after one of his horses tested positive for dermorphin, the highly potent painkiller also known as frog juice. The drug was detected by Truesdail Laboratories in the horse Cheatin
PED Feedback: Rants and Raves
2/14/2013
My February 1 column about PEDs generated nearly 10,000 e-mails within a week of the posting. We did our best to read every single one of them. Whether readers agreed with the premise behind the piece or not, at the very least, the majority appreciated that I wrote it. If you were one of those
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission funds study to develop regulatory parameters for isoflupredone
2/13/2013
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Wednesday approved the funding of a study designed to determine the regulatory parameters for a corticosteroid that officials say is increasingly being administered to Thoroughbred horses. The study, which will be conducted by HFL Sports Science, a
More Money Sought for Racehorse Testing
2/8/2013
Legislators are being asked to double – and possibly triple – the amount of money the state spends to test racehorses for illegal substances. Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Sen. Mary Kay Papen, D-Las Cruces, would redirect 50 percent of a tax levied on racinos to a “racehorse testing fund”
Is Mid-Atlantic ''Template'' for Drug Reform?
2/8/2013
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. The meeting, put together by Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association chairman Alan Foreman, was attended by more
NM Legislature goes for horse safety
2/7/2013
SANTA FE - In a House Business and Industry Committee meeting Tuesday, House Bill 187 sponsored by Representative Candy Spence Ezzell (HD-58, Chavez) was passed through committee. "Across New Mexico, horse racing is a vital part of communities-whether people are raising, training, or racing the
Recent Accomplishments of the RMTC
2/7/2013
Drug Testing Initiatives: RMTC’s Drug Testing Initiatives (DTI) Task Force is aimed at developing laboratory and drug testing standards comparable to those of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Recent program elements include:
Development Reports of the RMTC
2/7/2013
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) has a fundamental and complex mission – to strengthen the integrity of racing. The RMTC accomplishes this through: 1) developing and promoting nationally uniform rules, policies and testing standards; 2) coordinating research and educational
Veterinarian Banned From Tampa Bay Downs
2/7/2013
Tampa Bay Downs management has exercised its private property rights and banned veterinarian Orlando Paraliticci from its premises, effective Feb. 3. A hearing has been scheduled for Paraliticci before the Florida racetrack's board of stewards "in early March," according to Peter Berube, vice
Claim After the Race, Not Before
2/6/2013
When the claiming horse who had been winning for $25,000 is in for $10,000 after a six-month layoff, is the trainer trying to steal a purse or dump damaged goods on another stable? It's like a poker game, only these chips aren't made of plastic. They're horses and it's appalling that the very
Hearing officer upholds denial of Dutrow training license
2/5/2013
A hearing officer has found that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s License Review Committee was well within its rights to deny now-suspended Kentucky Derby winning trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. a license in 2011. The ruling, released Monday, by hearing officer Robert Layton serves as a
Hearing Officer: Dutrow Acts ''Corrupt Even in the Olden Days of the Wild West''
2/4/2013
It may be a moot point, now that trainer Rick Dutrow has begun serving a 10-year suspension given him by New York racing officials, but an administrative hearing officer in Kentucky has recommended the state’s Horse Racing Commission issue a final order affirming its 2011 ruling that the
FEI Continues Equine Doping Crackdown in 2013
2/4/2013
As the 2013 competition season approaches, it might be wise to make sure you (and your horses) are in compliance with the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). In its ongoing crackdown on equine doping, the FEI delivered a record
Daring to Ask the PED Question
2/1/2013
I made a deal with myself a long time ago: My column needed to capture the things I discuss with my friends. Last week, I realized that wasn't totally happening anymore. Something of a disconnect had emerged between my private conversations and the things I wrote for Grantland/ESPN. In essence, I
Phipps, Janney: ''Lasix is a Performance Enhancer''
1/31/2013
Ogden Mills Phipps, longtime chairman of The Jockey Club, and Stuart S. Janney III, the Thoroughbred breed registry’s vice chairman, called the anti-bleeding medication Lasix a “performance enhancer” but defended their decision to allow their 3-year-olds to be given the drug this year after signing
MA Gaming Commission Votes to Adopt Nationally-Recognized Best Practices...
1/31/2013
Today the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) voted to approve the initiation of the administrative rule-making process to pursue the adoption of national best practices and operational standards regarding health and medication procedures for the state’s horse racing industry. These proactive
Why Ray Paulick Is Correct About Raceday Furosemide
1/30/2013
On the Paulick Report there is currently a lively discussion from advocates and opponents of the use of furosemide on raceday. Ray Paulick is in the latter camp and his editorial on the subject provoked numerous comments. The furosemide-on-raceday topic is mostly argued on the basis of what
Lasix: Enough Of The Dog-And-Pony Shows
1/29/2013
“I’m trying to find out what the other side of the argument is to the people that may not like the use of this medication,” Thoroughbred Owners of California chairman Mike Pegram said during a recent equine health forum that endorsed the continued use of furosemide to treat exercise-induced
TDN Op/Ed, January 29, 2013 (Barry Irwin, Team Valor)
1/29/2013
California has become the battleground in the national debate among horsemen, vets and owners over
Gagliano: Moving Lasix Debate From ''Hyperbole And Fear-Mongering'' To Facts About Competition
1/28/2013
The following letter to the editor was sent by Jim Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of the Jockey Club, in response to a Thoroughbred Daily News report on a panel earlier this month in California. The scientists invited to speak on the panel issued a consensus statement saying that
TDN Letters to the Editor, January 26, 2013 (Jim Gagliano, Jockey Club President and COO)
1/26/2013
Dear Editor: We read with great interest the article published in the January 24 edition of Thoroughbred Daily News (EIPH Takes Center Stage). The article detailed a closed two-day meeting of the Thoroughbred Owners of California this past weekend, wherein Dr. Mark Dedomenico and Dr. Wayne
RMTC Reports Overall Decrease In Bute Violations In Jurisdictions That Adopted 2 Microgram threshold
1/25/2013
RMTC REPORTS OVERALL DECREASE IN PHENYLBUTAZONE VIOLATIONS IN JURISDICTIONS THAT ADOPTED 2 MICROGRAM THRESHOLD A recent Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) review of violation records from nine states that lowered their phenylbutazone threshold from 5 micograms per milliliter of plasma
The Breeders'' Cup Forum: Racing Medication and its ''Shades of Gray''
1/25/2013
What began as a conversation with veterinarian Scott Palmer at the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at Keeneland in October evolved over the next several months into the following article by the former president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Palmer, an
NYRA Board Approves Three-Year Work Plan, Focuses on Equine Safety
1/25/2013
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) Board of Directors approved its three-year work plan, focused on equine safety, and formally began its search for a new President and CEO for the organization during its second meeting on
Oklahoma Quarter Horse trainer suspended 20 years for 10 dermorphin positives
1/25/2013
The Oklahoma Racing Commission has set penalties on the first dermorphin cases in the state, suspending trainer Roberto Sanchez-Munoz 100 years and fining him $100,000 for 10 different positives for the Class 1 drug found in horses he raced during the 2012 Quarter Horse meet at Remington Park. In
National groups press for uniform medication list and rules
1/24/2013
National regulatory officials are confident that the 38 states conducting Thoroughbred racing will soon adopt a set of uniform rules governing the use of a limited suite of therapeutic medications. Sound familiar? Similar expressions of confidence have been voiced over the last 50 years, but
N.Y. Governor: Use VLT Revenue for Equine Safety Measures
1/23/2013
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to dip into race purse accounts to take $1.5 million to $2 million per year for equine safety programs at the state's racetracks. The proposal to "redirect" 1% of video lottery terminal (VLT) purse enhancements was contained in the governor's 2013 state budget
Proposal seeks to ban Lasix in New York
1/23/2013
A New York State Senator has pre-filed a bill to the Racing, Wagering, and Gaming Committee seeking a ban on the raceday use of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide, commonly known by the brand name Lasix, and any other “performance-enhancing” drugs. Sen. Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat who
S835-2013: Prohibits the use of performance-enhancing drugs in horseracing
1/23/2013
TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to prohibiting the use of performance-enhancing drugs in horseracing PURPOSE: To prohibit the use of any performance enhancing drug, including LASIX, on horses that participate in horseracing in
Horse dope testing bill introduced in state Legislature
1/21/2013
Legislation offered in Santa Fe would create a specific fund for the drug testing of racehorses in New Mexico and provide a national standard for the testing. The bill, introduced Sen. Mary Kay Papen, D-Las Cruces, would add a new section to the state's Horse Racing Act. The racehorse testing
USEF moving to control over-use of medications in show horses
1/20/2013
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A determined initiative to curtail "permissive and excessive" use of medication in managing competition horses took shape at a productive U.S. Equestrian Federation annual meeting, with plans for a variety of ways to handle the
USEF moving to control over-use of medications in show horses
1/20/2013
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A determined initiative to curtail "permissive and excessive" use of medication in managing competition horses took shape at a productive U.S. Equestrian Federation annual meeting, with plans for a variety of ways to handle the
Regulators Issue Order on Dutrow''s License
1/17/2013
State officials at Aqueduct Racetrack told trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. not to appear on the facility's grounds Jan. 17, and the New York State Racing and Wagering Board officially notified him of the loss of his racing license in New
New Mexico Officials Seek To Spend $750,000 To Crack Down On Cheaters In Racing
1/16/2013
In response to recent negative publicity about New Mexico racing, Gov. Susanna Martinez and the Legislative Finance Committee have called for $750,000 in additional spending to reform drug testing across the state. Rob Doughty, chairman of the state's racing commission, says the funds would allow
Remington Park to begin pre-race vet exams and a new integrity policy
1/15/2013
Remington Park in Oklahoma City is instituting a pre-race veterinary examination program and refusing entries from horsemen currently serving suspensions for Class 1 or Class 2 drug violations in new policies to be launched with the start of its Quarter Horse meet March 8. The policies announced
More money slated to crack down on doping in NM horse racing
1/14/2013
After a year in which New Mexico horse racing was the target of a slew of negative stories — including the deaths of quarter horses running in high-profile races and suspensions of trainers for doping — the proposed budgets from Gov. Susana Martinez and the Legislative Finance Committee have called
Speakers Announced For 2013 Harness Racing Congress
1/14/2013
The program and roster of speakers for the 2013 Harness Racing Congress, to be convened in Fort Lauderdale Feb. 28 through Mar. 4, has been announced by the sponsoring organizations, Harness Horsemen International, Harness Track of America, the U.S. Trotting Association and U.S. Harness Writers’
Aqueduct: Racing Board orders necropsies be performed following all fatal breakdowns
1/11/2013
As a reaction to the recent rash of equine fatalities at Aqueduct, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board has mandated a necropsy be performed on each horse that suffers a racing-related fatality during Aqueduct’s inner-track
Bigger, Better Oaklawn Meet Opens Jan. 11
1/11/2013
The 2013 season at Oaklawn Park opens Jan. 11 with a scheduled record purse structure, new veterinary examination policies and claiming rules, an injury database to aid commission vets, a recently-hired track superintendant, Kevin Seymore, and a new director of gaming technical maintenance, Paul
Recent Blood-Horse article, 10 Things That Are Working in Racing: Drug Testing
1/3/2013
The article highlights drug testing in
The Jockey Club Denies Stud Book Privileges to Two Trainers for Multiple Medication Violations
12/27/2012
The Jockey Club announced today that trainers Karl M. Broberg and Steven Miyadi will be denied all privileges of The American Stud Book for a period of one year, effective January 1, 2013. This includes the privilege of registering foals born in 2013, in addition to the denial of privileges of any
RMTC Board Announces Corticosteroid Withdrawal Recommendations
12/20/2012
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) recently approved minimum withdrawal time recommendations for corticosteroids. These recommendations were based on recently completed work funded in-part by RMTC and conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, University of California-Davis
California racing board to consider changing rules for Lasix administration
12/20/2012
The California Horse Racing Board will consider amending its rules regarding the administration of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide, commonly known as Lasix, to have raceday shots given by state or track veterinarians, rather than private vets, according to a 45-day notice the racing board
RCI Making Major Modifications To Medication Rules
12/17/2012
The Board of Directors of Racing Commissions International (RCI) has voted to move forward with a major revision of the association’s model medication rules for horse racing. The RCI Board gave preliminary approval to a list of seventeen “Controlled Therapeutic Medications” with set testing
Arkansas lowers allowable bute level
12/11/2012
The Arkansas Racing Commission on Tuesday adopted an amendment that lowers the allowable level of phenylbutazone, commonly called bute, in a horse's system, according to Ron Oliver, the organization's executive director. The change will go into effect with the start of the Oaklawn Park meet on Jan.
Aqueduct: New meet sees new medication rules
12/10/2012
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Several new rules regarding the usage and administration of certain medications go into effect with Wednesday’s opening of Aqueduct’s inner track that figure to have a significant impact on horsemen and handicappers alike. Beginning Wednesday, horses may not run in New York
Surprise tactics, smarts keep stewards ahead of the game
12/10/2012
It is like a scene from a Dick Francis novel. Just 12 hours ago, I was told to wait at a designated spot on the side of the Moorooduc Highway near Mornington at 9.30am sharp. No other instructions. At exactly the designated time, a Toyota pulls up and two men dressed in jeans, T-shirts and runners
Pure Fun Wins G1 Hollywood Starlet without Lasix
12/9/2012
Pure Fun, the lone shipper in this year's Hollywood Starlet Stakes (gr. I), turned in an electric performance in rallying from last at the quarter pole to win by one length Dec. 8 at Betfair Hollywood Park (VIDEO). Trained by Ken McPeek for his Magdalena Racing operation, Pure Fun took the
Taking a tough stand on drug offenders
12/7/2012
Even the most passionate of racing fans might need the help of a Google search to find out the name of the town where Sunland Park is located. Yet in recent years a once obscure southwestern track has created its fair share of
Integrity Push Continues Despite Obstacles
12/6/2012
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. Members of a panel at the University of Arizona Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming
Sunland Park: Track institutes new drug policy as 76-day meet opens
12/5/2012
Sunland Park in New Mexico will open a 76-date meet Friday with a stern new policy on drug positives, qualifying races for both the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, and a stakes named for arguably its most famous alumnus, Mine That Bird. Sunland is situated right next door to El Paso,
Writing Award Prize Benefits RMTC
12/4/2012
The prize money Team Valor International had hoped to give away as part of a new writing contest promoting bold, hard-hitting journalism in horse racing has instead been donated to the Racing Medication and Testing
Letter to the Editor, Dionne Benson, DVM
11/30/2012
As a veterinarian and executive director of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC), I would like to provide some insight into an issue addressed in a Nov. 23 Courier-Journal article (“Vet errors mar new Lasix race-day rules” by Gregory A. Hall). The article focused on the diuretic
Labs helping beat drug cheats in equine world
11/30/2012
RACING authorities believe a worldwide network of laboratories is helping to beat the drug cheats of the equine world. The good guys have been fighting the bad guys since 1903, when Britain's Jockey Club banned all drugs that could affect the speed of a horse after they became aware of heroin
NY Regulators to Adopt Shock Wave Standards
11/28/2012
New York regulators are expected to adopt a rule Nov. 29 setting new standards for the use of shock wave therapy on Thoroughbred horses, and should also make permanent an existing rule impacting claiming races that was adopted early this year on an emergency basis. The New York State Racing and
Statement From The Jockey Club
11/27/2012
The Jockey Club reiterates its support of the regulatory amendments approved and implemented by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) that the administration of the diuretic furosemide (Lasix, Salix) to horses be limited to regulatory veterinarians. This protocol was formed at the
Medication Reform at the Breeders’ Cup: ‘A Tremendous Step’
11/19/2012
There was a new goal at this year's Breeders' Cup, to offer racing that was as pure and as clean as possible in a sport where medications and drugs and the controversies that follow them everywhere they go have become a part of the fabric of the game. Was it achieved? The answers are yes, no, maybe
Conquering racing''s hurdles
11/16/2012
Racing Victoria's head veterinarian Brian Stewart answers questions about his international background - and the integrity and drug issues facing racing. GLENN ROBERTSON-SMITH: Brian, it's been 20 years since you left Melbourne to work overseas and a little over a year since you returned to the
Hovdey: Instead of usual dive, California dips toe into Lasix rule change pool
11/16/2012
The guinea pig, as every schoolchild knows, is not really a pig. It’s a rodent, and like many rodents throughout history the guinea pig has ended up on the wrong end of scientific experiments. No one is sure where the “guinea” in guinea pig came from, since they seem to be native to South America,
RMTC Board Makes Therapeutic Withdrawal Recommendations
11/15/2012
RMTC BOARD MAKES THERAPEUTIC WITHDRAWAL RECOMMENDATIONS, ANNOUNCES UPCOMING CORTICOSTEROIDS CONFERENCE At its November 13 meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) board of directors addressed a number of important initiatives including therapeutic
Simon: Deconstructing the Lasix ban
11/8/2012
It has been estimated that up to 75 percent of racehorses bleed in some manner during competition – yet approximately 95 percent of all U.S. horses perform on the diuretic Salix. The math here clearly doesn’t add up, perhaps belying the oft-defended notion that Salix, also known as Lasix, is a
All Breeders’ Cup Tests Cleared
11/6/2012
SACRAMENTO, CA – All samples collected from Breeders’ Cup horses have been cleared by the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at UC Davis, which completed testing Tuesday morning after the samples were couriered Sunday morning to UC Davis – allowing testing to begin within 24
Shanghai Bobby win points to future when Breeders'' Cup can forget Lasix
11/4/2012
Frankel has made this a memorable year for Flat racing, with able support from horses such as Camelot and Black Caviar, but, though all three were missing from the 29th Breeders' Cup here at Santa Anita, there were still several races on Saturday's main card that stand comparison with anything in
Making Racing Safer For Horses, Starting With The Surface
10/31/2012
This Friday and Saturday at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, hundreds of horses will take to the track for the Breeders’ Cup. One hundred and eighty horses have been pre-entered in 15 races, and if Dr. Mick Peterson has anything to say about it, they’ll all come home safely. Concerns
Prerace vet exams to begin at Oaklawn Park
10/30/2012
The Arkansas Racing Commission has adopted a rule requiring prerace examinations and made changes to claiming procedures in policies that will go into effect with the start of the Oaklawn Park meet in January, according to commission manager Ron Oliver. The changes were passed following a public
NM horse racing industry wants better drug control
10/29/2012
Santa Fe - Some of New Mexico's biggest drug dens are at its five horse tracks, the executive director of the state Racing Commission told legislators on Thursday. The commission is seeking a budget increase of almost $800,000, in part to test more racehorses for performance-enhancing drugs and to
Race-day medication banned in some Breeders'' Cup races this weekend
10/28/2012
The Breeders’ Cup comes to Santa Anita this weekend with a controversial mandate to begin eliminating race-day medication in its thoroughbreds at a time when sports organizations worldwide are cracking down on competitors who use performance-enhancing drugs. Much of the focus is on Lasix, a
Industry leaders present at racing medication meeting
10/27/2012
The AQHA Racing Conference on Thursday hosted a medication forum from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at host Prairie Meadows’ conference center. The meeting included informative presentations from a number of industry leaders, including Micah McKinney and Danielle Bryan of Racing Free; Mark Ludwick and
New Mexico Racing Commission pushes for more drug-testing funds
10/26/2012
SANTA FE — Some of New Mexico's biggest drug dens are at its five horse tracks, the executive director of the state Racing Commission told legislators on Thursday. The commission is seeking a budget increase of almost $800,000, in part to test more racehorses for performance-enhancing drugs and to
Remington Park stewards rule on dermorphin finding
10/26/2012
The Remington Park stewards have issued the first rulings for dermorphin in Oklahoma to trainer Roberto Sanchez-Munoz, who was cited for 10 different horses testing positive for the Class 1 drug, a painkiller, in April and May. The horses ran during Remington’s meet for Quarter Horses. The stewards
Second Salix Error Prompts Added Review
10/26/2012
After a second mistake involving the application or non-application of Salix at the current Keeneland meeting, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarians will add another step to the protocol as it attempts to eliminate such errors. The current meet is the first for a new policy that
Oaklawn notes: Notable rule proposals in Arkansas
10/25/2012
The Arkansas Racing Commission will meet Wednesday morning to consider adoption of a handful of notable proposed rules or amendments that could go into effect during the Oaklawn Park meet that opens in January. Before action is taken, the commission will hear public comment during the meeting
An Eye on the Summit - by Eric Mitchell
10/23/2012
Recently completed at Keeneland is what has become one of Thoroughbred racing’s most important annual events—the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit. The first summit held in 2006 seeded many ideas that have since matured into meaningful programs and policies. One of the most important
Santa Anita notes: Lasix change advances in California
10/19/2012
ARCADIA, Calif. - The likelihood that California’s rules regarding the administration of Lasix will be changed to allow only non-practicing veterinarians, not a horse’s personal vet, to give Lasix shots on race day moved one step closer on Thursday. The state racing board, at its monthly meeting,
Education, Communication Can Improve Safety
10/16/2012
Educating trainers about the warning signs of catastrophic injury and having committees focus on racetrack safety are two ways safety can be improved at the racetrack. Presentations on continuing education programs for trainers and safety committees at racetracks rounded out a day of talks on
Vet Inspections Important Line of Defense
10/16/2012
Kentucky Equine Medical Director Mary Scollay, DVM, believes pre-race inspections not only help improve horse safety on many levels but also communicate a message to horsemen that equine safety is a priority. Speaking at the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit on Oct. 16 at Keeneland,
Doping Would Draw Tougher Penalties Now
10/14/2012
Four horse trainers slapped with the maximum sanctions available to the New Mexico Racing Commission when their horses tested positive for illegal drugs in May could have faced even harsher penalties, had those infractions occurred six weeks later. For the worst offenders, their fines would have
IFHA Applauds Jockey Club Reform Efforts
10/11/2012
International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) chairman Louis Romanet has applauded the continued efforts of The Jockey Club to prohibit race-day medication in U.S. racing. During closing remarks at the IFHA annual international conference Oct. 8 in Paris, Romanet praised The Jockey
NY Set to Act on Task Force Findings
10/10/2012
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 expected action Oct. 11 by the state New York State Racing and Wagering Board comes a couple weeks after the
American Quarter Horse Association imposes sanctions on trainers for dermorphin use
10/10/2012
The American Quarter Horse Association on Tuesday announced sanctions against 11 trainers who received suspensions for positives for the Class 1 drug dermorphin in Louisiana and New Mexico. The horsemen listed in a press release issued by the AQHA are Alvin Smith Jr., John D. Soileau, Lamont
Horse safety is first step in racing revamp
10/9/2012
With 21 horses dead between Nov. 30, 2011 and March 18, 2012 after racing at the Aqueduct Race Track, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has made improving the health and safety of racehorses the first of many steps to be taken during the reorganization of the New York Racing Association. "New York is
New Lasix rule starts at Keeneland
10/4/2012
Starting today, Kentucky Horse Racing Commission staff will be the only veterinarians allowed to give racehorses anti-bleeding shots four hours before they race under a new rule the state hopes will help lift confidence in the sport’s integrity. Private veterinarians, normally hired by the
This is how we give a shot
10/4/2012
We just posted a story about the new rule taking effect on Keeneland Race Course’s opening day where Kentucky Horse Racing Commission veterinarians will be giving the day-of furosemide shots instead of private practitioners. Here are some of the details provided by KHRC Equine Medical Director
Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit IV will Focus on Prevention vs. Reaction
10/3/2012
The fourth edition of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will feature a “Prevention vs. Reaction” theme when it is held at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., on Tuesday, October 16, and Wednesday, October 17, 2012. The summit, which is underwritten and coordinated by the
Louisiana State Racing Commission imposes harsh penalties upon demorphin trainers
10/2/2012
On what Louisiana State Racing Commission chairman Jerry Meaux called "one of the darkest days in Louisiana horse racing," the commission took a hard stance against eight trainers whose horses tested positive for demorphin at Louisiana racetracks this summer. The commission handed out
NTRA Prepares To Start Spot Checks After NY Report
10/2/2012
Days after a task force released a report on how to make New York racing safer, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance has announced that it will be performing spot checks at accredited racetracks. The checks will ensure that the tracks are following the NTRA’s
Reed Suspended 21 Years For Frog Juice In New Mexico
10/2/2012
Quarter horse trainer Jeffrey Heath Reed has been suspended 21 years and fined $23,000 by New Mexico stewards after four horses in his stable tested positive for the Class 1 drug dermorphin in futurity trials at Ruidoso Downs in May. Another trainer, Carlos Sedillo, received a 10-year suspension
Statement Regarding New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety Report
9/30/2012
James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club, today issued the following statement: “The implementation of recommendations outlined in the report produced by the New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety will significantly enhance the safety of
New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and Safety
9/29/2012
New York Task Force on Racehorse Health and
Louisiana State Racing Commission hears testimony from three trainers in demorphin cases
9/27/2012
The Louisiana State Racing Commission heard the testimony Thursday of three trainers whose horses tested positive for the powerful painkiller demorphin at Louisiana racetracks. The commission will hear the cases of five more trainers Friday to conclude a two-day meeting. Trainer Steve Garrison,
Quarter Horse Trainer Bassett Banned 10 Years For Frog Juice
9/23/2012
John H. Bassett, a past American Quarter Horse Association champion trainer and two-time winner of the sport’s premier event, the All-American Futurity, has been suspended a total of 10 years and fined $10,000 after two horses in his care tested positive for the prohibited Class 1 drug dermorphin.
Racing Economics Collide With Veterinarians’ Oath
9/22/2012
Only after Bourbon Bandit broke a leg racing last November did his owner, Susan Kayne, learn the full extent of prescription drugs that veterinarians had given him at Belmont Park on Long Island. Until then, Ms. Kayne had believed that Bourbon Bandit was “sound and healthy,” because that is what
CHRB Examines New Approach to Voiding Claims
9/21/2012
The California Horse Racing Board, looking to improve upon a rule it approved last year, is considering a change that would void the claim of a horse that is later placed on the official veterinary list for being unsound or lame. The board, meeting at a hotel conference center next to Fairplex
Following Up on the Pledge
9/19/2012
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 (also known as Lasix) on race day. Several trainers managing the medication-free horses say
WV Begins Long Process of Examining Salix
9/18/2012
The West Virginia Racing Commission heard the pros and cons of race-day furosemide use Sept. 17 and pledged to examine the steps necessary to implement mandatory administration of the anti-bleeding drug by regulatory or third-party veterinarians. The about three-hour meeting served as a
CCES and Ontario Racing Commission join forces to fight doping
9/17/2012
(Ottawa, Ontario – September 12, 2012) – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) is pleased to announce its new alliance with the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC). Through this collaboration, both organizations will share information and resources of common interest to help build intelligence
No Lasix for Juveniles? It Can Be Done
9/12/2012
Excellent piece of research by Saratogian columnist Jeff Scott. Last year, 58 two-year-olds, or eight percent of total juvenile starters, raced without Lasix. This year there were 141, or 20 percent of juvenile starters. The 141 Lasix-free two-year-olds ran in 71 races and of the 141, nine were
Racing commission to meet late this month on dermorphin cases
9/11/2012
The Louisiana State Racing Commission will meet Sept. 27-28 to hear cases against nine trainers cited by stewards for alleged rules violations stemming from 11 positives for dermorphin at Louisiana tracks, Executive Director Charlie Gardiner said Tuesday. Dermorphin is a powerful, pain-killing
Arlington ''Super Testing'' Leads to Positives
9/11/2012
"Super testing" conducted early in this year's Arlington Park meet resulted in 26 positives for prednisone but found no evidence of other prohibited substances, according to the Illinois Racing Board. No horses were disqualified and no purse money was redistributed, IRB executive eirector Marc
Zia Park: New ''code of conduct'' in place for 54-day meet
9/7/2012
Less than a week after a fellow New Mexico track announced plans to rule off any trainer who has a horse test positive for a major drug, Zia Park in Hobbs will open its meet on Saturday with a new “code of conduct” in place. Penn National Gaming, which owns Zia, has issued the policy as part of a
Commentary: Science on both sides of Salix argument
9/7/2012
Humane treatment of the horse is often viewed from different perspectives. The differences create friction. Friction leads to divisiveness. Divisiveness leads to impasse. And nothing changes, which is how some horsemen seem to like it when it comes to race-day medication. This bipolar approach
Los Alamitos Continues Medication Crack Down
9/6/2012
Los Alamitos Race Course is maintaining its hard-line stance against the illegal drugging of racehorses, track owner Dr. Ed Allred told the Q-Racing Journal this morning. According to Allred, horsemen found using illegal drugs such as dermorphin (“frog juice”), or illegally administering otherwise
One NM track cracks down on drugging horses, at least one more may follow UPDATE: ABQ Downs joins in
9/5/2012
After a season marred by accusations that some trainers drugged horses to deadly levels, one quarter horse track in New Mexico says it will institute harsher fines and penalties and another track may soon follow
One Step Forward - by Eric Mitchell
9/5/2012
Too often conducting the people’s work results in sneaky business. We saw an example of this Aug. 27 when the Interim Joint Committee of Licensing and Occupations, a Kentucky legislative subcommittee, discussed and voted down nine regulation amendments that had been endorsed by the Kentucky
Ruidoso to ban major medication violators
9/4/2012
A trainer who has a horse test positive for a Class 1 or Class 2 drug during the 2013 meet at Ruidoso Downs will have his stalls revoked and will not be able to enter horses at the New Mexico track, Ruidoso announced on Monday. R.D. Hubbard, majority owner of Ruidoso, said he has informed the
Racino expansion fuels debate over drugs in horse racing
9/4/2012
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Casino gambling at Ohio horse tracks will fatten racing purses and could rejuvenate the sport in the state, but the higher stakes also will give trainers more of a reason to cheat. Horse racing has long faced questions about whether trainers use medication to gain an unfair
BC officials pushing for raceday medication ban
9/3/2012
USA: Breeders' Cup officials have underlined their determination to move towards banning all raceday medication by revealing that Santa Anita's ability willingness to host a Lasix-free event in 2013 was a major factor in the California track being granted the event for a second year
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission: State-vet administered Lasix shots to start at Keeneland
8/31/2012
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission this morning issued an advisory that the change in regulation that now will require only state-employed or contracted veterinarians to administer race-day Lasix shots will start Friday, Oct. 5 — opening day at Keeneland. The change goes into effect after Gov.
No backtrack on race-day drug ban: Governor must override panel''s vote
8/30/2012
Gov. Steve Beshear must move quickly and decisively to undo the damage inflicted on Kentucky horse racing Monday by a committee of the legislature. The committee rejected proposed regulations to restrict administration of anti-bleeding medications and limit other drugs on race days for
Webb: Legislators Had No Warning On Medication Reform Vote
8/30/2012
Turns out the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and supporters of medication regulation reform in Kentucky weren’t the only ones blind-sided on Monday when the state legislature’s Licensing and Occupations Committee rejected rules designed to change how Lasix is administered on race-day, eliminate
More Groups Urge KY to Enact Drug Regulations
8/30/2012
Two more national organizations have called on Kentucky to move forward with medication reform regulations shot down by a legislative committee Aug. 27. On Aug. 30 the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and National Thoroughbred Racing Association joined The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred
Beshear overrides 19-1 legislative committee vote striking down new medication changes
8/30/2012
Gov. Beshear Implements Regulations to Enhance Horse Racing Integrity, Safety of Horses and Jockeys FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 30, 2012) – In order to protect the integrity of horse racing and the safety of the horses and jockeys in the Commonwealth, Governor Steve Beshear announced today that he
Tests Confirm Use of Dermorphin
8/30/2012
Independent lab tests have confirmed that all nine race horses that tested positive in May for a potent exotic painkiller – including a now deceased qualifier for the $2.4 million All American Futurity – had been drugged with dermorphin. Vince Mares, executive director of the New Mexico Racing
Grove Horse Tests Positive For Class 1 Drug In West Virginia
8/29/2012
Maryland-based trainer Christopher Grove is awaiting confirmation from the drug-testing laboratory at Louisiana State University that a horse in his care running at Charles Town races in West Virginia recently tested positive for the Class 1 stimulant drug nikethemide (former trade name
Tracy Farmer: Horse Racing''s Medication Choices
8/29/2012
A persistent effort by some trainers and veterinarians to continue running racehorses on pain-killing and performance enhancing drugs – even if well-intentioned – is sadly a misguided path to the destruction of the Sport of Thoroughbred racing and Kentucky’s signature horse breeding
Oaklawn Vet Procedures Could Be Enhanced
8/28/2012
Though it is only in the discussion stages, there is a strong likelihood that all horses racing at Oaklawn Park in 2013 will undergo a pre-race examination. During a recent meeting, the Arkansas State Racing Commission discussed adding another state veterinarian during the Oaklawn race meet so
WV Sets Salix Meeting Updated Rules Filed
8/28/2012
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. The WVRC is currently extending invitations to organizations and individuals asking if they
Joint Statement from the Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and The Jockey Club
8/28/2012
On behalf of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and The Jockey Club, we found it disappointing that individual members of the Kentucky HBPA and racetrack veterinarians, fearful of any changes in the use of the race-day drug Lasix, are attempting to hold hostage new Kentucky racing
CHRB committee endorses race-day Salix restrictions
8/28/2012
During a two-hour public meeting on Friday, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) Medication and Track Safety Committee endorsed a proposal that would restrict administration of race-day Salix (furosemide) to official veterinarians, association veterinarians, and non-practicing third-party
Medication Reform Stymied By Kentucky Vote, HBPA
8/28/2012
Much can be said – none of it good – about Monday’s shocking vote by the Kentucky legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on Licensing and Occupations meeting, when new medication rules recently adopted by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission were rejected.
Progress on the Race Day Medication Front?
8/28/2012
Are we are making progress in addressing the issue of race day medication in the United States? That’s a question I hear a lot these days. My answer to that question is a qualified “yes.” You see, in June of 2011, the NTRA -- together with the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC)
Sign wins at Saratoga by 11 3/4 lengths, without Lasix! (Results, Video Reply)
8/27/2012
Courtesy of BloodHorse.com, the chart, video replay
Nicholson: Compromise key to progress in racing
8/27/2012
After 13 years guiding one of the more celebrated operations in the industry, Nick Nicholson is retiring as president of Keeneland effective Sept. 1. In the second and final part of an interview he gave to the Herald-Leader, Nicholson shares his views on some of Thoroughbred racing's hot-button
Heidi''s Holiday wins at Saratoga by 8 1/4 lengths, without Lasix! (Results, Video Reply)
8/27/2012
Courtesy of BloodHorse.com, the chart, video replay
KY Race-Day Drug Rules Will Change Sept. 4
8/23/2012
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. Adjunct bleeder medications such as Amicar, Tranex, Estrone, and Kentucky Red will no
Barry Irwin - Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Team Valor International
8/22/2012
Barry Irwin, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Team Valor International, was the featured guest on the “Talkin’ Horses with The Blood-Horse” live podcast Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012. A Turf writer who later found success as a bloodstock agent and horse owner, Irwin and then-partner Jeff Siegel
State senator looks to crack down on NM horse racing cheats
8/21/2012
Mary Kay Papen says she’s had enough with reports of race horse doping in New Mexico. The state Senator who has served in the Roundhouse for 11 years says she plans to introduce a bill in the next legislative session calling for tougher penalties against trainers and owners who violate rules
Bayrir overcomes slow start to win Secretariat Stakes (Story, video courtesy of DRF.Com)
8/19/2012
A big day of racing at Arlington Park, Jackleberry won the American St Leger without Lasix, and that was followed up by Bayrir who took the G1 Secretariat Stakes without Furosemide. Horses winning at the highest level without race-day
Illegal ''frog juice'' use suspected in horse-racing investigation
8/19/2012
Insiders at horse-racing tracks call it frog juice, and concerns about its use as a performance-enhancing drug in Louisiana, Oklahoma and other states have spread to Nebraska. The Nebraska Racing Commission is investigating a case in which a urine sample drawn from a horse in the July 15 field
Elusive Rumour, 3rd in the Yaddo Stakes at Saratoga (Video courtesy of NYRA)
8/18/2012
Racing without Lasix, Elusive Rumour was 3rd against older horses in the Yaddo Stakes at
Kentucky Attempting to Reduce Fatalities
8/16/2012
The veterinary staff of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has added some additional protocols to its operations in an effort to cut down on the number of equine fatalities at the state's tracks. The changes came about after eight racing fatalities occurred during the month of May at Churchill
Dominant maiden win for Off My Cloud at Delaware Park, trained by Graham Motion (No Lasix)
8/16/2012
Courtesy of BloodHorse.com, the chart, video replay are
TDN Q&A with Bill Casner
8/15/2012
Owner Bill Casner is leading the charge to rid the sport of legal race day medications. While several major owners have vowed to run their 2-year-olds Lasix free, Casner races all of his horses without Lasix or
The continuing horse doping saga
8/15/2012
The New Mexico Racing Commission is compiling a list of known and untested illegal drugs that might be used to enhance horse racing performance, the executive director of the commission said last week. "And we're also trying to collect suspicious substances and information - first- and
Commentary: Claiming rules that potentially punish owners who claim horses need to be changed
8/15/2012
There are some aspects of claiming rules that need to be changed. That was reinforced at Del Mar when a horse was claimed, suffered a fatal injury on the track, and the new owner had to pay the previous owner $12,500 for the horse, plus vet bills and expenses associated with euthanasia. That is not
After scandal, Ruidoso Downs is moving forward
8/14/2012
RUIDOSO -- In recent months, horse racing in New Mexico has taken some major blows, including Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, home of the prestigious All American Futurity. But as the summer racing season winds down, including the All American Futurity on Labor Day, optimism still remains
Horse racing turns to United States Anti-Doping Agency for help policing sport
8/13/2012
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Horse racing has asked the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for help on how to deal with drugs in the sport. Travis Tygart, the chief executive officer of the USADA, spoke Sunday at the annual Round Table of how horse racing can clean up its industry and
Olympics Faced Same Integrity Issue as Racing
8/13/2012
Fourteen years ago Olympic committees worldwide were saddled with integrity issues similar to what Thoroughbred racing faces today. Doping among elite athletes was tarnishing the Olympic Games' image, chasing away TV viewership, and hurting sponsorship
Revised Drug Rules Have Provision for Salix
8/13/2012
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 as jurisdictions consider phasing out use of the
Tygart: Racing Could Follow Example of Olympic Movement to Preserve Integrity of Competition
8/13/2012
Programs centered on the uniformity of rules, drug testing and drug testing research as well as intensive investigative and educational initiatives have enabled the Olympic movement to better protect the rights of athletes and preserve the integrity of competition and could be an example for
AQHA teaming with The Jockey Club to address medications in horse racing.
8/13/2012
The American Quarter Horse Association today announced its endorsement of The Jockey Club’s proposed Reformed Racing Medication Rules. The rules, announced a year ago by The Jockey Club and updated recently, address the issue of permitted race-day medications, illegal doping of horses, uniform
Round Table: USADA chief suggests unified, top-down medication enforcement
8/13/2012
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The racing industry’s effort to police and enforce its medication rules could benefit by the adoption of a top-down structure employed by the countries that participate in the Olympic Games, the chief executive of the United States Anti-Doping Agency said Sunday at the
Can Jockey Club Reforms Overcome ''Confederacy of Dunces''?
8/13/2012
Just because a situation looks hopeless doesn’t mean you should give up. That philosophy, apparently, is what is driving The Jockey Club and other supporters of medication reform in horse
Jockey Club to renew its push for tougher rules
8/10/2012
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Jockey Club is expected to make an additional push for the adoption of a proposed set of tougher medication rules and penalties as part of its presentations Sunday during the organization’s Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to
The Jockey Club to Provide Live Webcast of Sunday''s 60th Annual Round Table Conference
8/9/2012
The Jockey Club will provide a live webcast of its 60th Annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing on Sunday, August 12. The two-hour conference at the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., will be streamed at jockeyclub.com beginning at 10 a.m.
Salix Ban Will Extend to 2YO Listed Stakes
8/8/2012
Beginning this year, the American Graded Stakes Committee will evaluate and rate the quality of listed stakes. The new rating system would also extend to listed stakes for 2-year-olds the ban on race-day Salix use that will be applied to graded stakes for 2-year-olds in
New York regulator will publicize vet records of Travers horses
8/8/2012
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board (NYSRWB) plans enhanced security measures for the $1-million Travers Stakes (G1) on August 25 at Saratoga Race Course that will include publicizing the veterinary records of participating horses. In plans announced Wednesday, the NYSRWB said it would
Veterinary company seeking Thoroughbreds for EIPH study
8/7/2012
Nouvelle Veterinary Research Inc. is currently enrolling Thoroughbred racehorses into a study evaluating the impact of inflammation on overall performance and incidence of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), or "bleeding." Nouvelle, based in Jonesville, North Carolina, is seeking
Cheaters Prosper at Calder Race Course
8/7/2012
One by one, horses strut into the stadium for the second race of the day. Each is a sleek machine shining under the sweltering midday sun. Their sinewy legs sway under muscular torsos rippling with veins like river deltas. Portly Jamaicans and aging sailors with faded forearm tattoos stand in a
West Virginia Wants to Have Dialogue on Salix
8/6/2012
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.
Enforcing drug penalties may need help from outside agencies
8/3/2012
A proposal to crack down on cheating in racing would refer some drug violations to law-enforcement agencies and subject veterinarians to sanctions by state licensing boards, though the effort may face significant hurdles as the rules are discussed
A big Endorsement for drug-free racing a Saratoga
8/2/2012
SARATOGA SPRINGS – While the debate over the use of therapeutic medications continues to divide the racing industry, Endorsement continues to thrive without them. On Saturday, the 5-year-old will try to win the biggest race of his career in the Grade I Whitney on hay, oats and water. “He
Weight for Salix - by Eric Mitchell
8/1/2012
By Eric Mitchell Forty-two prominent Thoroughbred owners and partnerships turned their philosophical opposition to race-day medication into action and made a laudable commitment July 19 not to run their 2-year-olds this year on Salix. If everyone stays true to the pledge, the racing industry
Olympics taunt won''t aid racing focus on getting clean, competitive
8/1/2012
Focus on getting clean, competitive Horse racing has a long, long history of blaming others for its declining popularity. But even within that context, Ed Martin, president of Racing Commissioners International in Lexington, made us stand up and take notice last
One and Done
7/31/2012
DEEP in the rainforests of South America, a small frog crouches quietly in the moist understory, as he has done for centuries. A world away, journalists and bloggers type frenetically about dermorphin, and the atrocities of this poison at the hand of man. In our community, we are angry with the
RCI to Consider “One Strike, You’re Out”
7/26/2012
RCI Press Release 7/26/12 SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - The Board of Directors of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) has voted to direct its committees to develop a “One Strike, You’re Out” proposal for those licensees found to be responsible for putting substances in horses that endanger the
Major Issues Discussed at RCI Board Meeting
7/25/2012
By Teresa Genaro While many of racing’s major issues were discussed at the July 25 meeting of the board of directors of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, the agenda called for few decisions to be made. Up for discussion at the Saratoga Springs, N.Y., meeting were race-day
RCI Tightens Model Rule on Shock Wave Therapy
7/25/2012
By Teresa Genaro Given the current climate of Thoroughbred racing, it’s no surprise that health, safety, and medications were the primary topics of discussion at a meeting of the Association of Racing Commissioners International Rules Committeee in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., July
Board Revokes Farias'' License For Two Years
7/25/2012
CHRB NEWS RELEASE SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Horse Racing Board revoked trainer Adan Farias’ license for two years and fined him $25,000 after the Maddy Laboratory at U.C. Davis reported the urine samples collected from six horses in his care contained zilpaterol – a beta-2 agonist
Lasix Pledge Represents Step Forward, Sacrifice
7/24/2012
The word “hypocrite” has been thrown around a great deal lately on the divisive issue of race-day medication in American horseracing. How, ask supporters of the status quo, can members of The Jockey Club and directors of the Breeders’ Cup or Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association push to
Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit IV Scheduled for October 16-17, 2012, at Keeneland
7/24/2012
The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced today that a fourth Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will be held Tuesday, October 16, and Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in Lexington,
A Promise to Avoid Race-Day Drugs
7/20/2012
Some of the most prominent members of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Thursday that they would immediately stop using race-day medications on their 2-year-old horses and called for their fellow owners to do the same. The move was an effort to restore public confidence
Racing officials want drugs cleaned up
7/20/2012
When it comes to preventing horse doping at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, CEO R.D. Hubbard said this week that, it comes down to increasing the number of horses tested and a more sophisticated means of
USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart to Deliver Keynote Address at Round Table Conference
7/20/2012
Travis T. Tygart, chief executive officer of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), will share insights on the mission, policies and practices employed by the USADA and the Partnership for Clean Competition to combat the use of performance-enhancing drugs when he delivers the keynote address
Lasix, The Third Rail of American Racing
7/19/2012
SARATOGA SPRINGS, July 18, 2012--Barry Irwin can have an edge sometimes but he’s at his best when he speaks truth to power. His successful theory on medication free racing and the breeding and purchasing of Thoroughbreds need no introduction here: Irwin said what everybody says, except he said
NY Court Upholds Dutrow''s License Revocation
7/19/2012
A New York appeals court has unanimously upheld the revocation of trainer Rick Dutrow's license by state racing regulators—a major setback for the colorful trainer's ability to keep working in the
Owners Pledge to Race 2-Year-Olds of 2012 without Race-Day Medications
7/19/2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) today released a broad-based list of Thoroughbred owners who have pledged to race their 2-year-olds of 2012 without race-day medications. Horses owned by these individuals will race their entire 2-year-old season without
Security rules due for horse racing
7/18/2012
The state gambling commission will impose accreditation requirements on horse-racing officials and insist that all applicants for racing licenses be fingerprinted for security, as part of a regulatory overhaul in anticipation of a flood of cash into the racing industry from casino
Deja Vu All Over Again - by Eric Mitchell
7/18/2012
“The medication issue has been a major one in racing for more than 20 years. Knee-jerk reaction...will not answer the public reaction aspect, nor solve the basic problem. It cries for more research, more reason, less ignorance, no
Time to Rewrite the Rules
7/17/2012
By Ned Bonnie Thirty-eight separate racing commissions with limited budgets, staff, and experienced attorneys have resulted in poor drug enforcement in racing. When there is money to be made in any industry and there are few rules and limited investigatory staff with no skilled and experienced
New clenbuterol rules in effect in California
7/17/2012
DEL MAR, Calif. – Beginning Wednesday for all of California racing, threshold levels for clenbuterol have been eliminated, so trainers have been alerted, in publications like the Del Mar condition book, to be mindful of withdrawing horses from the medication at least 21 days from a
Clean Horse Racing e-Newsletter 07/16/2012
7/16/2012
Welcome to the inaugural e-Newsletter of Clean Horse Racing, a national movement of veterinarians, breeders, trainers, owners, bettors, and fans who oppose drugs in racing and favor fair and safer competition. As information, news, and other media content becomes available towards medication
Penn National Tightens Race-Day Salix Policy
7/16/2012
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is the first of three Pennsylvania Thoroughbred tracks to require administration of race-day furosemide by third-party
George Strawbridge: the drugs don’t work
7/13/2012
George Strawbridge, who celebrated his first Royal Ascot winner last month with homebred colt Gatewood, has launched a stinging attack on racing authorities in America over their attitude towards drug use in the
Senate Committee Wraps Up Testimony On Drugs In Horse Racing
7/13/2012
The U.S. Senate's Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation heard statements and responses from two panels of witnesses Thursday in Washington. The witnesses who testified on "Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing" included Team Valor CEO Barry Irwin, Florida Horsemen's
Q. and A.: Understanding Joint Injections
7/13/2012
According to veterinary records obtained by The New York Times from New York State racing authorities, the Triple Crown contender I’ll Have Another was injected with two powerful painkillers as well as a synthetic joint fluid two days before the Belmont Stakes. X-rays after his victory in the
Federal Regulation Gets Push, With Caveats
7/13/2012
The Jockey Club isn't opposed to federal regulation of medication and penalties in horse racing but it would prefer Congress not tinker with the Interstate Horse Racing Act, an organization official said July 12 during a congressional hearing on performance-enhancing drugs. The hearing, held by
Gagliano supports federal help in setting medication rules and penalties
7/12/2012
The Jockey Club would support a “federal mechanism” to gain adoption of national rules governing medication use and penalties that the organization proposed earlier this year, James Gagliano, the Jockey Club president, told a U.S. Senate hearing Thursday. The proposed rules contain stricter
Udall sees Interstate Horseracing Act as hammer
7/12/2012
Senator Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) believes the federal government can use the Interstate Horseracing Act as the needed hammer to oversee horse racing. Udall, who with Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Kentucky) sponsors proposed legislation for the federal government to oversee drug and medication policies in
Rash Of Dermorphin Positives In Ruidoso Futurity Qualifying
7/11/2012
The highly publicized scandals of 2012 over illegal drug use in horse racing – particularly in Quarter horses – may have reached their zenith at Ruidoso Downs on May 25 when eight of the winners of 25 qualifying heats for the Grade 1 Ruidoso Futurity tested positive for the powerful pain-killing
KHRC: No Dermorphin Found in Tested Samples
7/11/2012
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said July 11 that no dermorphin, a pain-killer more powerful than morphine, was found in samples tested from some horses that raced in this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Kentucky Oaks (gr.
Ruidoso Downs: Nine horses positive for banned medication
7/11/2012
Nine horses who raced at Ruidoso Downs this spring have tested positive for three banned medications, including the powerful painkiller dermorphin, an official with the New Mexico Racing Commission said on Tuesday. The names of the nine horses and their trainers have not been released because
Just Do It - by Eric Mitchell
7/10/2012
Before the end of 2012, Thoroughbred racing jurisdictions across the U.S. could dramatically change the regulatory landscape and send a strong message that medication abuse won’t be tolerated. No venomous public hearings. No action stymied by widespread protests and threats. The change could be
Senate Committee Unveils Witness List For Hearing On Horse Racing
7/9/2012
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the witnesses testifying at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing this week on “Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing.” This hearing will examine the prevalence and use of medications and
Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing
7/6/2012
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing next week on “Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing.” This hearing will examine the prevalence and use of medications and performance enhancing drugs in horse
U.S. Senate To Examine Drugs in Horse Racing
7/6/2012
"Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing" will be in the spotlight next Thursday in Washington, D.C., when the United States Senate's Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation conducts a hearing that will bring together both opponents and proponents of the horse racing
When punishment don''t fit the crime
7/5/2012
According to reports in the Daily Racing Form, two Quarter Horses trained by Alvin Smith tested positive for Aramine in 1999. Aramine, a powerful stimulant, is considered a Class 1 drug, meaning its usage is among the most serious offenses a trainer can
Recent dermorphin outbreak leads to two more rulings against trainers
7/5/2012
Evangeline Downs stewards on Wednesday issued two more rulings stemming from the recent outbreak of positive tests in Louisiana for the powerful, pain-killing drug dermorphin. The stewards suspended trainer Anthony Agilar for six months because Lapile Creek, who won the fourth race May 31,
New generation of problems
7/3/2012
They may be wanting of ethics, human decency, integrity, morals and common sense, but you cannot deny the ingenuity of those who would discover a powerful drug excreted by a tropical amphibian and bring it to the racetrack. And you thought cobra venom was pushing the
Evangeline Downs stewards issue ruling stemming from dermorphin positive
7/2/2012
An Evangeline Downs thoroughbred trainer is the fifth horseman facing a suspension stemming from the recent outbreak of positive tests at Louisiana tracks for the powerful, pain-killing drug dermorphin. In a ruling dated Saturday, Evangeline Downs stewards suspended trainer Anthony Agilar for
The History of Drugs in America
7/2/2012
All the inconsistencies in drug policy that we’re experiencing now are nothing new to the sport. With race-day medication rules about to go through a major change, it is a good time to go back and look at its
Jockey Club''s Gagliano calls for stiffer penalties on drug violations
6/30/2012
James Gagliano, the president and chief operating officer of the Jockey Club, said in an open letter Friday that recent positives for the powerful painkiller dermorphin have demonstrated the industry’s need to adopt stricter enforcement and harsher penalties for drug violations. Alluding to the
NY Horsemen Donate $100k To Advance Research And Drug Testing
6/29/2012
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association is donating $100,000 to the New York State Racing & Wagering Board’s Drug Testing and Research Program to advance research that will strengthen testing for illegal medications in the state. Dr. George Maylin, director of the Drug Testing and Research
AQHA calls for industry action on medication use
6/29/2012
In November 2010, the American Quarter Horse Association gathered together a group of industry experts, including horsemen, officials and medication experts, to discuss the state of medication use in American Quarter Horse racing. Since then, the Association has worked with industry leaders to
Reformed Racing Medication Rules Would Enhance Integrity of Sport
6/29/2012
By James L. Gagliano “There’s no legitimate use for dermorphin in racing. This drug in horses is an abuse of the horse. This puts the horse’s life in danger. It puts the jockey’s life in danger. This is an attempt to cheat. This is bad stuff. This is doping." That is how Charles Gardiner, the
Ruidoso Downs increasing drug tests
6/28/2012
RUIDOSO DOWNS, N.M. (AP) — Ruidoso Downs officials are increasing drug testing at the track. Track officials say they upped the number of horses tested during opening weekend, and they are proposing additional testing for next week's Rainbow Futurity and Rainbow Derby
KY Derby, Oaks Samples Tested for Dermorphin
6/27/2012
Test samples taken from some runners in this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) are among those that are now being tested for dermorphin, a powerful painkiller that has been detected in more than 30 horses in recent weeks. According to Dr. Mary
Dexamethasone Administration Routes in Horses Compared
6/26/2012
Researchers recently evaluated and compared the absorption rate of the common equine anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing corticosteroid drug dexamethasone (DXM), finding the drug behaves similarly regardless of how enters the equine body. Dexamethasone is prescribed to treat a variety of
Five Minutes with John T Ward (Thoroughbred Times)
6/26/2012
Kentucky Derby-winning trainer John T. Ward Jr. assumed his new duties as executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission this spring with an overflowing agenda of issues facing the regulatory organization and the Commonwealth’s horse industry in general. On June 13, the KHRC voted to
Louisiana Downs stewards issue ruling stemming from dermorphin positive
6/26/2012
A thoroughbred trainer is the second horseman facing a suspension stemming from the recent outbreak of positive tests in Louisiana for the powerful, pain-killing drug dermorphin. In a ruling dated Friday, Louisiana Downs stewards suspended trainer Keith Charles for six months because Cold
Trainer Janks: It''s Fraud And It''s A Felony
6/22/2012
Reading yet again of a new illegal drug, dermorphin, I wonder when racing officials and owners will ever get it. Racing like other sports is serious business and people who illegally medicate horses are not cheats - they are criminals. They are committing fraud, and yet there are virtually no
New Mexico Commission Limits Drug Use in Horse Racing
6/22/2012
The New Mexico Racing Commission voted unanimously Thursday to limit the use of drugs in the state’s horse racing industry and to impose tougher penalties on those who run afoul of its drug
TRA Endorses Policy Implementing Uniform Regulations
6/22/2012
The TRA Board of Directors, after meeting in Baltimore in late May, has endorsed a number of safety measures intended to ensure only sound horses participate in North American Thoroughbred races. This policy calls for the implementation of uniform regulations regarding more restrictive use of a
Delta Downs stewards make first ruling stemming from dermorphin outbreak
6/20/2012
Racing regulators have issued the first ruling stemming from a recent outbreak of positive tests for the powerful, pain-killing drug dermorphin at Louisiana tracks. In a ruling issued Saturday, stewards at Delta Downs suspended quarter horse trainer Alvin Smith Jr. for six months because Dashin
Stronger Medicine for What Ails Horse Racing
6/18/2012
Regulators in Kentucky, the heart of the horse breeding industry, have taken a significant step against the widespread doping that is putting horses’ lives and the sport’s credibility at risk at racetracks across the nation. A diuretic drug routinely used on race days to shed water weight and boost
John Clay: Recent rulings good for horse racing
6/18/2012
So you thought the Triple Crown was the end of horse racing news for another year. Not so fast my equine-loving friend. The game that often seems stuck in the past has begun thinking ahead via one major ruling and one major
Warning, change in test led to spate of Dermorphin positives
6/15/2012
Industrial Labs, a drug-testing company in Denver, Colo., was told by state racing regulators six months ago to be on the lookout for a potent opiate painkiller, dermorphin, according to the lab’s director, an alert that has led to a spate of post-race positives for the drug in at least two
Ten horses test positive for powerful painkiller in Louisiana
6/14/2012
Ten horses in Louisiana have tested positive over the past week for a highly potent opiate painkiller after a testing lab in the state put in place a method to detect the drug, the director of the laboratory, Dr. Steven Barker, said on Thursday. The horses have all tested positive for
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approves Lasix ban for juvenile stakes starting in 2014
6/14/2012
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Wednesday approved a regulation that would prohibit the raceday administration of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide beginning with 2-year-old stakes races in 2014, but the rule is likely to face additional challenges as it wends its way through the
IFHA Chairman applauded Lasix Ban in Kentucky, US
6/14/2012
Following the decision of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) on 13th June to phase out the use of raceday Lasix in all graded and listed races for 2-year-old from 2014, for 3-year-old from 2015 and for all ages from 2016, IFHA Chairman, Louis ROMANET applauded the decision and reiterated
HKJC backs Kentucky’s historic move to ban raceday Lasix use
6/14/2012
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), as a member of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), today applauded the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s historic decision taken on Wednesday 13 June, 2012 to eliminate the use of the anti-bleeder drug furosemide, commonly known as
Kudos to the Kentucky Racing Commission for Lasix vote
6/13/2012
I say hear, hear to the Kentucky Racing Commission for passing, by a 7-5 margin, its ban on race-day medications, including Lasix, on race days, as part of a three-year program to phase in the new rules for stakes races, etc. Finally, Kentucky takes the lead in something. I know the horsemen are
Reader Letter Phase out race-day medication in graded contests
6/13/2012
LOUISVILLE — I have been an owner and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses for 35 years and am chair of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association’s (TOBA) American Graded Stakes Committee (AGSC). Our committee supports the proposal from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to phase-out the
The Jockey Club Announces Project to Identify At-Risk Horses
6/13/2012
The Jockey Club today announced plans to develop a statistics-based system that would notify track officials and regulatory veterinarians when a horse that has been entered in a race is facing a heightened risk of injury. Dr. Tim Parkin, a noted epidemiologist from the University of Glasgow who
Race-day drugs: Integrity of industry at stake
6/12/2012
It is hard to think of an issue in the Thoroughbred racing industry that has been more contentious or long lasting than the use of drugs. Most recently, the battle has centered on the use of race-day drugs; and two of racing's most important states, Kentucky and New York, are considering changes to
AGSC Restates Desire for Salix Ban in Stakes
6/12/2012
In advance of an expected vote by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission June 13, the American Graded Stakes Committee reaffirmed its desire to ban all race-day medication in graded stakes for 2-year-olds. The KHRC already has prepared a draft regulation that will be discussed and most likely
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission poised to phase out Lasix from stakes
6/11/2012
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on Wednesday is expected to approve a regulation that would phase out the raceday use of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide before stakes races beginning in 2013. If approved, horses in the 2014 Kentucky Derby would be prohibited from receiving an
Lasix was centerpiece of controversy in Alysheba''s Triple Crown bid
6/7/2012
In early June 1987, the name Alysheba was a nonstop sports-page headline. He had won the Kentucky Derby (G1) in dramatic fashion after being knocked to his knees midstretch, returned triumphant in the Preakness Stakes (G1), and was training boldly in quest of a Triple Crown sweep. Alysheba was
The last horseman
6/5/2012
Time was, the only way to properly celebrate a momentous win at Belmont Park was to raise a glass -- or several -- at Esposito's Tavern, a neighborhood pub located across from the track's stable gate on Plainfield Avenue. Esposito's was the racetrack's answer to "Cheers," a place where everybody
US Crown slips due to blinkered drugs issue
6/4/2012
TIPPING POINT: The Triple Crown once defined American racing but the shadow of drug use makes it harder to view as the sporting achievement it once was, writes BRIAN O'CONNOR THE TRIPLE Crown is one of the great totems of American sport, an easy-to-understand definition of excellence for a
Special security planned for Belmont Stakes entrants
5/31/2012
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board will implement comprehensive protocols for horses running in the Belmont Stakes (G1) in order to "ensure the safety of horses and riders, and to ensure that the integrity of the sport is upheld." The plans include provisions to house all entrants in a
Race-Day Medication: the View from Overseas
5/30/2012
The debate on the use of Lasix and other medications on race day in the United States has an inevitable “us vs. them” tone because most other racing jurisdictions around the world prohibit such drug use. In the heat of the argument, one comment keeps popping up: The Europeans are hypocritical
Alkalinization, Lasix and Milkshaking: A Veterinarian’s View
5/25/2012
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s hearing on race-day medication last November revealed that Lasix alkalinizes horses, elevating their racing TCO2 values. The more Lasix, and the closer it is administered to the race, the more intense the alkalinization effect of Lasix, according to the
California Horse Racing Board votes to restrict clenbuterol use
5/24/2012
The California Horse Racing Board voted on Thursday to restrict the use of the bronchodilator clenbuterol in the state this summer, extending the suggested withdrawal time from four days to 21. The new guideline will take effect with the start of the Del Mar meeting, on July
Speaker Guidelines set for Town Hall Discussion of Proposed Phaseout of Furosemide Use on Race Day
5/24/2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – (May 24, 2012) –Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Executive Director John T. Ward today outlined the speaking guidelines for those wishing to present information and points-of-view at the June 5, 2012 town hall meeting on a proposed phaseout of the use of Furosemide on race day in
California Horse Racing Board to discuss clenbuterol ban
5/22/2012
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Clenbuterol, a bronchodilator sometimes used to build muscle mass, may be prohibited to appear in post-race tests for Thoroughbreds in California as early as this summer. The California Horse Racing Board is scheduled to discuss the issue at its monthly meeting at Betfair
Kentucky Sets Town Hall Meeting on Salix
5/21/2012
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has scheduled a town hall meeting for June 5 to discuss the proposed three-year phase-out of the race-day drug furosemide. The meeting will be held in Room 169 of the Capitol Annex in Frankfort from 1-4 p.m. EDT, the commission said May 21. The meeting is open
Minnesota Racing Commission Legislation Requires New Therapeutic Medication Limits
5/21/2012
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC), which regulates horse racing and card clubs at race tracks in the state, announces the passage and signing into law of MRC sponsored legislation facilitating the establishment of therapeutic drug threshold limits for race
The Case Against Using Lasix
5/18/2012
In response to “The Case for Using Lasix,” I’d like to make a few points. – The effort to bar Lasix has gained momentum in Kentucky and New York and is far from stalled. The presentation of documents from supporters does not prove anything, other than the information was tendered and received.
Kentucky commission to hold ‘town hall’ on Lasix
5/16/2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission plans to press ahead with a discussion over the possible phase-out of the raceday use of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide in stakes races with a town-hall style meeting in early
TOBA Releases Letter to New York State Racing and Wagering Board
5/15/2012
It is the belief of the American Graded Stakes Committee and the trustees of TOBA that the integrity of the Grades is compromised if horses are competing under the influence of performance-enhancing
Debate Swirls Around Race-Day Medication
5/15/2012
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board received an overwhelming response to its call for public comment as it weighs whether to pursue a ban on race-day
The Jockey Club Releases Letter to New York State Racing and Wagering Board
5/15/2012
The Jockey Club today released a copy of an eight-page letter it submitted to the New York State Racing and Wagering board on Monday, May 14, 2012. The letter, signed by Ogden Mills Phipps, the chairman of The Jockey Club, describes the services The Jockey Club provides to the Thoroughbred
Three Belmont Trainers, Horses, Don’t Need No Stinking Lasix
5/14/2012
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, May 13, 2012—In the wake of Saturday’s Peter Pan Stakes, it’s like that comparisons will be made between the tactics of Right To Vote in the local prep for the Belmont and Bodemeister’s attempted heist of the Kentucky Derby. Each set an excruciating, enervating pace, and
Trainer calls for tighter control of medication in racing
5/14/2012
David Prine, who trains for Pucker Ridge Racing — the racing arm of Pucker Ridge Farm in Warrensburg — feels that as long as there is obviously going to be some change at NYRA, now is also the time to address
New York prepares to study massive volume of comments on Lasix issue
5/14/2012
A public-comment period on potential changes to rules in New York allowing for the raceday administration of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide was set to close on Monday after supporters and opponents had already submitted a “substantial” amount of commentary, according to an official with
G1 Placed Right to Vote Runs 2nd In the G2 Peter Pan Without Bute or Lasix
5/13/2012
Proving you can compete at the highest levels without Bute or Lasix® on race-day, G1 placed Right To Vote, owned by Casner Racing, LP and Sam B. Pollock was 2nd in the G2 Peter Pan
Conditioning and Winning, Lasix-Free
5/11/2012
Horses evolved as social grazers of the plains, group survivalists moving and grazing together most all of the time. During their 60-million-year evolution, horses came to require near-constant forage, friends and locomotion to maintain health and vigor of wind and
Join The AGSC In Challenging State Regulators To Ban Race-Day Meds in Two Year Old Graded Stakes
5/10/2012
The AGSC is determined to educate the Thoroughbred racing industry on the benefits of clean competition on race-day, and work with others in the industry to implement positive change. The AGSC believes two-year-old Graded Stakes races run without raceday medication would be positive
The Jockey Club and TOBA Launch Advocacy Website for Medication Reform
5/10/2012
The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) today announced the launch of an advocacy website, cleanhorseracing.org, that is dedicated to the reform of medication
New York State Racing and Wagering Board Seeking Comments Concerning Lasix
5/9/2012
To Whom it May Concern, The New York State Racing and Wagering Board is seeking comments concerning the use and regulation of Lasix for racehorses and equine drug policy in general. Please submit any comments no later than close of business May 14, 2012 by electronic mail to
Racing, not journalism, needs to change
5/8/2012
Slings and arrows. Name-calling. Finger-pointing. For the most part, that has been Thoroughbred racing’s response to recent New York Times pieces on the sport. The investigative journalism pointed out deficiencies, gaps, out-and-out ugliness on the topic of safety for horses and
Further Discussion of Phase-Out of Furosemide Use on Race Day on Tap for May Commission Meeting
5/7/2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – (May 7, 2012) – The chairman of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), Robert M. Beck, Jr., said today the KHRC will continue its discussion of a phase-out of the use of furosemide on race day at its May 16, 2012 meeting. The proposal to be discussed at the meeting includes
Regulator’s plan would ban Salix from 2014 Kentucky Derby
5/7/2012
At its May 16 meeting, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) will discuss a plan that would phase in a ban of race-day medication in all graded and listed stakes races in the state by 2015. A month after failing to pass a rule that would have completely phased out the use of race-day
Race-day rules proposed
5/7/2012
The chairman of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission released a proposal Monday to limit the use of race-day anti-bleeding medication in graded stakes races. Bob Beck’s proposal, which would be phased in over three years starting next year, will be for discussion only at the May 16 meeting. No vote
Horse racing industry backs New Mexico reforms
5/2/2012
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The horse racing industry Wednesday lined up behind a proposal to adopt tougher oversight and penalties at New Mexico's tracks, which were recently identified as having the worst safety record in the nation. Horse and track owners and a jockey's union were among those who
New York Taking Public Comments on Salix Use
5/1/2012
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has begun soliciting comments on whether a rule change regarding the race-day use Salix is required. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to change the rule. It doesn’t mean we are going to ban Lasix,” said John Sabini, chairman during a regular meeting of
New Model Needed for Race-Day Treatment, a Veterinarian Says
4/29/2012
The white horse emerged late last year representing promise to restore a limping game; a new age of clean racing, race-day-medication-free racing; but the white horse hung coming down the lane. Too much Lasix, it seems; resulting in an inability to hold
Breeders'' Cup Revises Medication Policy
4/5/2012
The Breeders’ Cup has revised its “Convicted Trainer Rule” and will impose a minimum one-year suspension from this year’s World Championships on any trainer with a Class 2, Category A, violation during the 12 months preceding the races. Trainers who are repeat offenders will face up to a
The Jockey Club Unveils Updated Version of Reformed Racing Medication Rules
3/30/2012
The Jockey Club today released an updated version of the Reformed Racing Medication Rules that features a new categorization of medications, more clearly defined regulatory limits and dramatically remodeled penalties. The organization is encouraging all Thoroughbred racing jurisdictions to
Breeders'' Cup: No Change in Medication Policy
2/28/2012
Breeders’ Cup Ltd. has reaffirmed its plan to ban race-day medications in World Championships races for 2-year-olds this year, despite recent action by the American Graded Stakes Committee to delay implementation of such a ban in juvenile graded stakes races run in
Horseplayers Vote Overwhelmingly For Race Day Medication Ban
7/28/2011
Recently, Jim Gagliano of the Jockey Club called HANA, asking for support of the RCI's initiative on race day medication. We agreed we would ask you, the horseplayers of HANA, what you thought via a member survey. The results are as
The Jockey Club Commends Breeders'' Cup and Urges Further Reform on Medication and Penalties
7/16/2011
The Jockey Club today released a statement commending Breeders’ Cup Limited for its decision to eliminate race-day medication in its championship events, and further encouraged the Thoroughbred industry to take steps to reform medication policies and impose stronger penalties on those who violate
Drug Ban Pledged by Breeders’ Cup
7/15/2011
The Breeders’ Cup pledged on Thursday that its annual two-day event would be free of race-day medication by 2013, bringing its drug rules more into line with those in the rest of the world. “The time has come to modify our medication policies to be consistent with international practices,” said Tom
Statement From The Jockey Club
4/28/2011
In the atmosphere of today’s sports world, where the acronym PED (Performance Enhancing Drugs) regularly litters reports on baseball, football, cycling, etc., no sport should expect its public, or its honest participants, to embrace a philosophy of performance enhancement. The public is our
TOBA Supports Proposed Initiative On Medication
4/14/2011
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association supports the recent proposal by the leaders of the Association of Racing Commissioners International to develop a plan to eliminate the use of medications in Thoroughbred racehorses in
The Jockey Club Applauds RCI Initiative on Medication
4/11/2011
Ogden Mills Phipps, the chairman of The Jockey Club, today applauded the recent Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) initiative to formulate a plan that would eliminate the use of medication in horses competing in races. “We have often voiced concern and we sincerely believe
