NY proposes NSAID rule modification based on comments

Posted: Nov. 19, 2017

The New York State Gaming Commission has revised a proposed rule on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on comments submitted by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium.

A previous rule proposal, published last fall, called for a ban on the use of more than one NSAID within one week of a race. The reasoning, according to the NYSGC, was that “NSAIDs can be administered in combinations that increase the potency and duration of effect of the drugs, and can also be detrimental to the health and welfare of horses.”

In a Nov. 16 notice to the industry, the NYSGC said comments from NYTHA and the RMTC led it to revise the previous rulemaking proposal to permit up to two NSAIDs within one week of racing “provided that one is not used within 96 hours of the race and the other is not used within the current 48-hour restricted period.” The revision “would preserve the intent of the initial proposal while addressing a legitimate concern raised” by the two organizations.

The NYSGC is now accepting comments on the proposal, which will be published in the State Register Nov. 22. Comments must be received no later than Dec. 22.

More information on the use of NSAIDs can be be found under the Medication Alerts tab.