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

An Introduction to the
Racing Medication and
Testing Consortium
Hallie Roach
Director of Communications
[email protected]
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
Participating 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 = $1,028,000
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Cash on Hand = $1,310,000
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2009 Projected Funding:
– $1 per start from horsemen and tracks
– $700,000 from industry organizations
– $500,000 in research and testing grants from
The Jockey Club and outside funding sources
– Tax-deductible donations from individuals
Research
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Performance enhancers
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Environmental contaminants
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Threshold levels and withdrawal times for
therapeutic medications
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Anabolic steroids
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Corticosteroids
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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)
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 –
3rd Offense –
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Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
1 year & $ 10,000
3 year & $ 25,000
5 year & $ 50,000
10 year & $ 100,000
Veterinarians, owners, other culpable licensees
and horses can be suspended
Anabolic Steroids
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Secured RCI adoption of uniform Model Rules to
regulate the use of anabolic steroids
– Adopted by 25 states
– 8 other states have started the adoption process
– These states represent over 99.96% of the total
Thoroughbred pari-mutuel racing handle
– RMTC and RCI have encouraged every state to
complete the adoption process by their first race
meet of this year
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, accessible in
database format at rmtcnet.com
2009-2010 Goals
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Activate the five-part DTI to develop a comprehensive drug
testing plan for U.S. horse racing testing labs that will advance
equine drug testing to an unprecedented level
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Research & develop best practices, proper procedures & model
rules to regulate corticosteroids
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Encourage state legislatures to provide more funding for drug
testing & racing commission investigative staff
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Work in close cooperation with Dr. Don Catlin’s Anti-Doping
Research laboratory
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Provide effective and timely communications of RMTC research
and initiatives to industry organizations, media and racing fans
Visit Us!
Questions?
Dr. Scot Waterman, Executive Director
(859) 224-2844
Dan Fick, CEO
TJC Executive Director and Executive VP
(859) 224-2700
[email protected]