Tracks reverse ban decision

The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has released a joint statement indicating that while investigations will continue, Ontario racetracks have reversed their decision to ban entries from those trainers named in a recent rash of Aminorex positives. The Woodbine Entertainment Group, however, will require those trainers with aminorex positives to race their horses out of the detention/retention barn.

One exception is trainer Anthony Montini, who had an aminorex positive but is also serving a separate suspension.

In addition, Rick Zeron will be permitted to drive horses as well at Woodbine.

The following notice was released by the ORC, in conjunction with the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Western Fair Association and Woodbine Entertainment Group, early Tuesday:

Due to the unprecedented number of positive tests for the Class I drug Aminorex received in Ontario in the past weeks, and in an effort to restate and clarify what has been undertaken to protect the best interests of racing, this joint statement is released. It will confirm the reliability of the tests, indicate the importance of ongoing investigations, and clarify the eligibility status of affected trainer entries at racetracks.

Reliability of the tests

While earlier media reports quoted some sources who doubted the accuracy of the tests and the presence of the drug, leading industry scientists are convinced testing procedures like those used in Ontario by the CPMA can correctly identify the presence of Aminorex.

The ORC and Ontario racetracks have full confidence in the CPMA testing procedures and are pleased with the federal agency's cooperation with the efforts to determine the means by which it was administered or got into the horses' systems.

Ongoing ORC Investigations

As noted in previous Industry Notices, the ORC follows a long-standing protocol of action when notified of a positive test by CPMA. John Blakney, executive director of the ORC points out that Ontario's horse racing industry is significant. Due to the sheer size of the market and the number of racetracks and licensees within the community, the ORC must act fairly, prudently and in the best interests for the health of the horse and integrity of the industry.

"The evidence to date and the pattern of events suggest we have a unique situation. We need time to get to the root cause and are concentrating our investigative efforts to determine the source of the Aminorex, how it was administered, and the person or persons responsible for its distribution. As there is no therapeutic benefit to this drug, it is imperative that more be learned about such things as how long it will take for the Aminorex to dissipate from the systems of the horses that have tested positive." In Competition testing under the CPMA's Drug Control Program will continue. The ORC will also add any additional Aminorex positives identified to the ongoing investigations. Out of Competition testing may be part of these investigations.

Blakney reminded all licensees, especially those directly responsible for the care of the horse, only to use medications or products that have been prescribed by a licensed veterinarian or obtained from a distributor or supplier licensed or authorized to sell these products.

Racetracks to allow named trainers to race

Ontario racetracks have fully supported the ORC in its Medication Control efforts. As they are entitled to do under provincial legislation, when news of these positive tests surfaced, some have taken additional steps to protect the integrity of their racing product.

In the interests of supporting ORC efforts to determine the source of the positives and in recognition of the fact that the regulator considers this to be an unprecedented and extraordinary case, the racetracks have reversed their decision to ban entries from the named trainers.

The following racetracks have indicated they will now accept entries from the trainers who receive a positive test for Aminorex: Flamboro Downs, Georgian Downs, Mohawk Raceway, Woodbine Raceway, Western Fair. (ORC)

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