2008 ROAP Conference on Officiating Horse Racing Mission

2008 ROAP Conference on Officiating Horse Racing

Mission of RMTC n Formed in 2002 as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization n 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 n n n 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 n n n Magna Entertainment National HBPA NTRA NYRA Oak Tree RCI THA The Jockey Club TOBA TB Owners of California TRA TRPB USTA

Funding n Nearly $3. 7 million from industry organizations and individuals from 2003 -2008 n 2008 Contributions = $895, 000 n Cash on Hand = $1, 200, 000 n 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 n Performance enhancers n Environmental contaminants n Threshold levels and withdrawal times for therapeutic medications n Anabolic steroids n Cortico-steroids n “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 n 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: 1 st Offense – Minimum 1 year & $ 10, 000 Maximum 3 year & $ 25, 000 3 rd Offense – Minimum 5 year & $ 50, 000 Maximum 10 year & $ 100, 000 n Veterinarians, owners, other culpable licensees and horses can be suspended.

Mitigating Circumstances n n n 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; Whethere 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 n n n 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; Whethere was any suspicious betting pattern in the race, and; Whether the licensed trainer was acting under the advice of a licensed veterinarian.

Anabolic Steroids n 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 n Developed a model rule on out-ofcompetition drug testing approved by RCI board of directors n Established a recommended policy to eliminate “Milk Shaking” n Compiled withdrawal times for therapeutic medications in 18 states

Withdrawal Times Database n 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 (ISO 17025) – 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 n Research and develop best practices, proper procedures and model rules to regulate corticosteroids n Encourage state legislatures to provide more funding for drug testing and racing commission investigative staff n Work in close cooperation with Dr. Don Catlin’s Anti. Doping Research laboratory n Provide effective and timely communications of RMTC programs, research and initiatives to racing industry organizations, media and racing fans