Transcript Drug testing: what’s coming in the next mellinium

2008
ROAP Conference
on Officiating Horse Racing
Mission of RMTC
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Formed in 2002 as a 501 (c) (3) charitable
organization
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To develop, promote and coordinate, at the
national level, policies, research and educational
programs that seek to:
– ensure fairness and integrity of racing
– ensure the health and safety of racehorses and
participants
– protect the interests of the racing public
Participation Organizations
on the Board of Directors
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AAEP
AQHA
Arabian Jockey Club
Breeders’ Cup
California TB Trainers
Churchill Downs
Del Mar
Hambletonian Society
Harness Tracks of America
Jockeys’ Guild
Keeneland
Kentucky TB Association
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Magna Entertainment
National HBPA
NTRA
NYRA
Oak Tree
RCI
THA
The Jockey Club
TOBA
TB Owners of California
TRA
TRPB
USTA
Funding
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Nearly $3.7 million from industry organizations and
individuals from 2003-2008
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2008 Contributions = $895,000
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Cash on Hand = $1,200,000
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2009 Projected Funding:
– $1 per start from horsemen and tracks
– $700,000 from industry organizations
– $500,000 research and testing grants from
Jockey Club and outside funding sources
– Tax-deductible donations from individuals
Research
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Performance enhancers
Environmental contaminants
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Threshold levels and withdrawal times for therapeutic
medications
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Anabolic steroids
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Cortico-steroids
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“Unknown” acquisition and analysis
Model Medication Policies
& Drug Rules
Adoption of Model Rules for uniform policy on
therapeutic medications in 32 of 38 states
– Veterinary practices
– Prohibited drugs
– Prohibited practices
– Lasix – the only permitted race day medication
Model Rules Phase 1
Language adopted
Language in the process of being adopted
Process require significant legislative action
Process has not been started
No horse racing or harness racing commission
Penalty Guidelines
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Approval of Model Rules for more severe uniform
penalties for the use of prohibited drugs and
practices by RCI board of directors
Class A – Illegal, not approved, significant performance
enhancement
Lifetime:
1st Offense –
Minimum
1 year & $ 10,000
Maximum
3 year & $ 25,000
3rd Offense – Minimum
5 year & $ 50,000
Maximum
10 year & $ 100,000
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Veterinarians, owners, other culpable licensees
and horses can be suspended.
Mitigating Circumstances
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The past record of the trainer, veterinarian
and owner in drug cases;
The potential of the drug(s) to influence a
horse’s racing performance;
The legal availability of the drug;
Whether there is reason to believe the
responsible party knew of the
administration of the drug or intentionally
administered the drug ;
The steps taken by the trainer to
safeguard the horse;
Mitigating Circumstances
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The probability of environmental
contamination or inadvertent exposure due
to human drug use;
The purse of the race;
Whether the drug found was one for which
the horse was receiving a treatment as
determined by the Medication Report Form;
Whether there was any suspicious betting
pattern in the race, and;
Whether the licensed trainer was acting
under the advice of a licensed veterinarian.
Anabolic Steroids
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Secured RCI adoption of uniform Model Rules to
regulate the use of anabolic steroids
– Adopted by 20 states
– At least 13 other states have started the adoption
process
– These states represent over 96% of the total
Thoroughbred pari-mutuel racing handle
– RMTC and RCI have encouraged every state to
complete the adoption process by
December 31, 2008 or before racing begins in 2009
Anabolic Steroid Model Rule
Language adopted
Language in the process of being adopted
Process pending administration studies
Process has not been started
No horse racing or harness racing commission
Other Accomplishments
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Developed a model rule on out-ofcompetition drug testing approved by RCI
board of directors
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Established a recommended policy to
eliminate “Milk Shaking”
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Compiled withdrawal times for therapeutic
medications in 18 states
Withdrawal Times Database
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www.rmtcnet.com
2009-2010 Goals
Drug Testing Initiative:
– WADA style uniform testing protocols & best practices
– Proficiency, blind & double-blind sample quality assurance
program
– International laboratory accreditation standards
(ISO17025)
– National system of research and reference laboratories
– Frozen sample retroactive testing program
– Refined selection of horses for sample collection
– Recruitment program for grad student & post doctoral
internships & research positions at U.S. racing labs
2009-2010 Goals
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Research and develop best practices, proper
procedures and model rules to regulate corticosteroids
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Encourage state legislatures to provide more funding
for drug testing and racing commission investigative
staff
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Work in close cooperation with Dr. Don Catlin’s AntiDoping Research laboratory
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Provide effective and timely communications of
RMTC programs, research and initiatives to racing
industry organizations, media and racing fans