Michigan to begin out-of-competition testing

Since there are certain substances that are difficult to detect in post-race testing, the ORC will conduct out of competition testing on qualified horses, horses with a current timed workout or who have raced within 60 days.

Only qualified horses will be in the potential pool of horses selected for out-of-competition testing. Selection of horses will be through routine investigation monitoring with consideration of performance variances. The drugs and prohibited substances that the ORC will test for are Class I substances and Erythropoietin and Darbepoietin, as these substances have no generally accepted medical use for a racehorse.

Any owner and/or trainer identified as trainer of record according to license by the State of Michigan, Office of Racing Commissioner is required to make the horse(s) available to have a blood sample taken. The ORC will conduct out-of-competition testing during normal and reasonable business hours. In addition, upon arrival at the facility, ORC staff will provide the trainer with a notice explaining the intended testing and show their credentials.

If a qualified horse selected for out-of-competition testing is not made available for testing by the ORC, be advised that:

• The selected horse will be scratched;
• The trainer’s and/or owner’s licenses will be summarily suspended; and
• The person’s involved are subject to additional investigation.

This policy is effective immediately. Those who have any questions or concerns regarding the newly established out of competition testing, should not hesitate to contact the ORC office at (517) 335-1420. (MORC)

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