Saratoga Springs, NY - Proposals to
modify the regulatory policy concerning clenbuterol and betamethasone use in
standardbred racing will be one of the major topics considered at the upcoming
meeting of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) when it
meets April 3-5, 2019 in Arcadia, California.
The proposed changes were submitted
late last year to standardbred regulatory commissions directly from the Harness
Racing Medication Collaborative
(HRMC), a subcommittee of the United States Trotting Association (USTA),
chaired by Joe Faraldo of New York. Several commissions have deferred
action on the proposed change pending a recommendation from the ARCI, the
umbrella group of the racing regulatory authorities throughout North America
and parts of the Caribbean.
The ARCI racing regulatory standards
are embodied in its Model Rules of Racing, which form the foundation for the
regulation of horse and greyhound racing in North America and, in some cases,
beyond.
Several ARCI Committees will consider
the proposal, which would liberalize the current policy for these two drugs if
adopted. The current policy was adopted by the ARCI upon recommendations
that had come from the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium several years
ago.
The proposals to change the point at
which a violation occurs for each of these drugs if found in a standardbred
horse post race will be reviewed by the RCI Scientific Advisory Group, the RCI
Standardbred Committee, the Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee, the
Model Rules Committee, and ultimately the entire Membership at the April
meeting.
Representatives from the USTA as well
as Mr. Faraldo have been invited to attend and have been included on the
various agendas to afford them the opportunity to make the case for the
proposed policy changes, which would represent breed specific rules for
standardbred races.
In the past the ARCI has adopted more
stringent breed specific policies for quarter horse races where clenbuterol and
albuterol are both considered prohibited at any level. The USTA is
requesting a more lenient approach for clenbuterol and betamethasone than what
currently exists in the Model Rules.
“The regulators are very interested in
hearing what they have to say, including why this policy change is necessary
and in the best interest of the horse as well as ensuring the integrity of the
race,” said RCI President Ed Martin.
“I think it important to note that
standardbred races in Indiana, New Jersey, California, Kentucky, Minnesota,
Maryland, and Florida occur consistent with the current Model Rules while other
jurisdictions have made exceptions, which is their right. In those
jurisdictions that have adopted the Model Rules or are required by statute or
rule to implement the Model Rules, compliance has not posed a problem to those
who race. That being said, we continually strive to consider any and all
information in assessing the appropriateness and applicability of the standards
we embody in the Model Rules and are never adverse to modifying a standard if
the facts warrant it,” he said.
Information concerning the proposals
are posted online at www.arcimodelrules.online.
