Transcript Slide 1

RACING MEDICATION AND
TESTING CONSORTIUM
Hallie Roach
Communications Coordinator
Purpose and Mission
“Strengthening the Integrity of Racing”
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Established in 2002 to address the lack of uniform
regulation in racing medication rules and drug
testing procedures
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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 welfare of racehorses and
participants
– protect the interests of the racing public
Stakeholder Organizations
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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
RMTC Model of Operation
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Goals:
– Uniform regulation
– Level playing field
– Welfare and safety of participants
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Implementation Strategy:
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Review existing research
New research
Scientific Advisory Committee
Consensus of directors
Model Rules Phase 1 (2005)
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Recommended veterinary practices
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Prohibited practices
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Drug classification system
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Restricted use of therapeutic medications:
– Lasix and adjuncts on race day pending research
– One anti-inflammatory at 24 hours before the race
– Other therapeutic medications at 72-96 hours
Model Rules Adoption Progress
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
Model Rules Phase 2 (2006)
Uniform Penalties
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Three-tiered grid system
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Increased penalties for illegal and performanceenhancing drugs, and lesser penalties for therapeutic
medication mistakes
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Re-defines trainer responsibility with extenuating
circumstances “checklist” for judges
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Added penalties for other responsible licensees:
veterinarians, owners and grooms
Uniform Penalties
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Class A – Illegal, not approved, significant performance enhancement
– Lifetime:
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1st Offense –
Minimum
Maximum
1 year & $10,000
3 year & $ 25,000
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3rd Offense –
Minimum
Maximum
5 year & $ 50,000
10 year & $100,000
Class C – Therapeutic medications at less than performance
enhancing levels
– 365 Days:
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1st Offense –
2nd Offense –
3rd Offense –
Minimum
Minimum
Minimum
$ 500
15 day & $ 1,000
30 day & $ 2,500
Model Rules Phase 3 (2007)
Anabolic Steroids
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Eliminates anabolic steroids from racing competition
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Thresholds for FDA-permitted anabolics
Stanozolol
 Boldenone (Equipoise)
 Nandrolone
 Testosterone
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45-60 days withdrawal time
Model Rule on Anabolic
Steroids
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Contains internationally accepted urinary threshold limits
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Plasma thresholds will be added once the University of
Florida administration studies are completed and data is
analyzed in early December
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Recommendations for implementation approved by RMTC
and RCI in March 2008
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RMTC, RCI and other industry groups are encouraging
every state to complete the adoption process by 12/31 or
the first race meet in 2009
Model Rule on Anabolic
Steroids
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RMTC Board recommends:
– 90-day grace period on penalty enforcement when rule is
introduced
– Notification to owner/trainer for overage
– No fine or loss of purse absent aggravating circumstances
– After 90 days, jurisdictions should follow the penalty
guidelines in the model rules $500 and loss of purse for
1st violation
– Pre-entry testing must be made available in some form
Model Rule on Anabolic
Steroids
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RMTC Board recommends:
– Should not be administered within 45 days of a race
– If needed outside of 45 days, must be documented by
veterinarian, must include diagnosis and be filed with
regulatory body
– Horse should then test negative before being allowed to
enter
– Claimed horses may be tested on request and at the cost
of claimant. If positive, claim can be voided and testing
cost borne by original owner
Anabolic Steroid Model Rule
Adoption Progress
Language adopted
Language in the process of being adopted
Process pending completed administration
Process has not been started
No horse racing or harness racing commission
Drug Testing Initiative Phase
4 (2008-2009)
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Standard operating procedures, best practices and
uniform testing protocols
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Quality assurance & blind sample programs
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Laboratory accreditation to international standards
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Standards for sample collection and frozen samples for
future testing as a deterrent
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National research & reference laboratories
Research Program
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Research grants - $965,000 to date
– Performance enhancers
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Erythropoietin, Ethanol and Cone Snail Venom
– Therapeutics
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Procaine Penicillin, Flunixin, Clenbuterol and Amicar
– Environmental contaminants
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Morphine and Cocaine
– Unknowns from backstretch contacts
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25-horse research training stable
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Dr. Don Catlin – Anti-Doping Research Lab
Research Program
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Developing tests for “designer” drugs
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“Unknown” acquisition and analysis:
– RMTC works with sources and purchases products being
marketed as “performance enhancing”
– Over a dozen vials and syringes have been analyzed over
the past 2 years
– Majority contain over-the-counter products with food
coloring and have minimal effect
– In 2007, one unknown led to a federal investigation and
prosecution of a “race-day medication” website
Withdrawal Times
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Identify and prioritize drugs with legitimate uses
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Collect previous studies
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If science is insufficient, then perform administrations on a minimum
of 20 horses
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Research costs of administration, collection and analysis are
$20,000-$40,000 depending on drug
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Plasma is preferred, but will collect both urine and plasma
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Ultimate goal: uniform administration, threshold level and
withdrawal time
Withdrawal Times
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Research complete on:
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Aminocaproic Acid
Carbazochrome
Clenbuterol
Procaine Penicillin
Cimetidine
DMSO
Flunixin
Furosemide
Ketoprofen
Omeprazole
Phenylbutazone
Ranitidine
Withdrawal Times
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Priority Group 1
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Acepromazine
Butorphanol
Detomidine
Glycopyrrolate
Lidocaine
Mepivacaine
Methocarbamol
Pyrilamine
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Anabolic Steroids
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Boldenone
Nandrolone
Stanozolol
Testosterone
Withdrawal Times Database
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Withdrawal times posted for 18 jurisdictions and over
70 drugs
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Database is searchable by drug and by jurisdiction
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Over 10,000 unique users in first year
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“Withdrawal Times” link on rmtcnet.com
September 2008 Board Meeting
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Endorsed NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance
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Committed $300,000 over 2 years to support comprehensive review and
research for the development of best practices, proper procedures and
model rules on the use of corticosteroids
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Scientific Advisory Committee to design research project for Dantrolene
and Fluphenazine, and establish thresholds and withdrawal times
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Approved proposal to support and fund the continuation of TIP and IDTA
programs in 2009
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Approved hiring of assistant director
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Next meeting in conjunction with TRA/HTA meeting and Harness Congress
in Las Vegas on February 8
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www.rmtcnet.com