The Association of Racing
Commissioners International issued the following notice regarding the use of
bisphosphonate drugs on race horses or horses intended to be raced:
Bisphosphonate
use in a racing environment is already prohibited and, if found, the trainer is
subject to significant fine and suspension and the horse will be excluded from
competition for at least thirty days to one year.
The
extra label use in any horse younger than four years of age of any
bisphosphonate is prohibited.
The
ARCI is considering and accepting input from the industry on adoption and
implementation of a Regulatory Policy that would disallow any horse from being
entered in a race that has been treated with bisphosphonates prior to age four
or for reasons not specifically cited by the US Food and Drug Administration as
appropriate use.
Owners
and potential buyers of young horses are advised to insist on complete
disclosure of any bisphosphonate treatments administered to horses they are
considering for purchase.
