REFORMED RACING MEDICATION RULES -To bring forward much-needed uniformity to the medication rules and penalties in horse racing, there needs to be a streamlined set of regulations that is on par with international standards and creates a new enforcement scheme with stronger penalties and deterrents. The adoption of The Reformed Racing Medication Rules would do just that.
- Horses should be allowed to compete only when free from the influences of medication
- Medications permitted in the race horse are subjected to stricter regulatory thresholds with increased recommended withdrawal times
- Only RMTC-accredited laboratories are to be permitted to test samples, with results available to the public
- Medication violations result in points that accumulate to trigger stronger sanctions for repeat violations; up to lifetime suspensions
- Medication histories for all horses available for review
- Contact with a horse within 24 hours of post time of the race shall be subject to surveillance; certain regulations and track ship-in policies may be subject to adjustment
- Expansion of regulatory authority to include all jurisdictions where official "workouts" are conducted
- Administration and withdrawal guidelines are published for all approved therapeutic medication subject to regulatory control
- Best practices for improved security and monitoring of "in today" horses are provided for guidance to racing associations