Official Statement from Edward Martin,
President and CEO, The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI):
RCI continues to rely on the scientific
review process at the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium involving key
regulatory advisors who are actively involved with the regulation of both
Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing as well as the American Association of
Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Unfortunately the United States Trotting
Association has removed itself from discussions involving those recommendations
before they are sent to the RCI.
We understand that there is a debate over
Clenbuterol, but note that there are alternatives to treat a Standardbred horse
post-race that will better accommodate the Standardbred business model without
creating a back door to steroidal-type effects. We have also heard that some
are advocating a liberalization of the recommended policy pertaining to
corticosteroid use. The AAEP has advised that the use of these drugs in a
limited way can be helpful to the horse but the overuse may be detrimental. The
policy we have recommended recognizes this.
