New thresholds address drug "stacking"

"The RMTC's approval of these last few thresholds and withdrawal times from the set of 24 therapeutic substances identified by the industry represents a significant investment of resources by the RMTC and its stakeholders,” said RMTC Chairman Dr. Robert Lewis. "These guidelines will pave the way for uniform adoption of medication regulations across the country.”

In addition to the four therapeutic substances identified, the RMTC board also approved secondary thresholds for two non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) – phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine. A secondary threshold is the permissible level for a second medication where there are two medications of the same type (here phenylbutazone, flunixin or ketoprofen). The primary threshold no longer applies to the second NSAID found in a sample. Instead, a lower secondary threshold applies to the second medication.

The RMTC board also addressed a number of important issues including therapeutic medications, laboratory accreditation, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's Equine Drug Research Council's (EDRC) request to join the RMTC board. Among the other highlights were a presentation from an RMTC-sponsored research fellow and a discussion of penalty guidelines for medication violations.

• RMTC board members also granted Interim Accreditation status to the University of California – Davis' Kenneth L. Maddy Laboratory. The Maddy Laboratory is the first laboratory to achieve Interim Accreditation status under the RMTC's Laboratory Accreditation program guidelines. RMTC staff also reported that a number of laboratories have expressed significant interest in the RMTC's accreditation program since the first of the year.
  
  "We are excited to approve the Maddy Laboratory for Interim Accreditation,” said Mike Tanner, Executive Vice President for the United States Trotting Association. "Accreditation of all laboratories testing horse racing samples in the United States is an important step toward uniformity and ensuring that all laboratories are performing at the same high level of proficiency.”
•  
• The RMTC also approved the EDRC's request for a seat on the RMTC board of directors. The EDRC sponsors medication and illegal substance research in the state of Kentucky.
  
  "The addition of the EDRC will give the RMTC a powerful partner, enabling us to enhance our research capabilities,” said RMTC Executive Director Dr. Dionne Benson. "These types of partnerships allow the RMTC to work in conjunction with other groups to use limited research dollars wisely.”
•  
•  In other business, RMTC directors received an update from Dr. Mary Robinson of the University of Pennsylvania. The RMTC sponsored Dr. Robinson's post-doctoral fellowship training in the area of pharmacology and testing of medications and drugs in horse racing. Dr. Robinson presented information regarding a research study sponsored in part by RMTC on shockwave therapy. Dr. Robinson is one of two research fellows who are completing their final year of an RMTC grant.
• The board also participated in an extensive discussion of different proposals for the revision of penalties associated with medication and drug related violations.

"The RMTC and ARCI have expended significant resources for medication research and laboratory accreditation,” said RMTC board member and National Thoroughbred Racing Association President and CEO Alex Waldrop. "Penalties for violations are all that remain to be addressed and the RMTC stands ready to assist the RCI in finalizing these important deterrents.”

The RMTC consists of 24 racing industry stakeholders and organizations that represent Thoroughbred, Standardbred, American Quarter Horse and Arabian racing. The organization works to develop and promote uniform rules, policies and testing standards at the national level; coordinate research and educational programs that seek to ensure the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses and participants; and protect the interests of the racing public. (RMTC)

« Back