Proposed medication rules move forward; NYTHA to review

Posted: Jan. 23, 2017

The New York State Gaming Commission, with little discussion, on Jan. 23 moved multiple equine medication-related rules to the public comment period, including one that puts in place broader parameters for out-of-competition testing.

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association said it will review the proposals during the public comment period.

The NYSGC unanimously approved proposals dealing with a reporting requirement for repeated exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage; adoption of the updated Multiple Medication Violation Penalty System, one of four components of the National Uniform Medication Program; the out-of-competition rule; and another on medication administration reporting by trainers.

The Association of Racing Commissioners International in December approved national model rules for the MMV Penalty System and out-of-competition testing rule updates. NYSGC Executive Director Robert Williams said New York and New Jersey in some cases impose stricter penalties for medication violations.

“We need to closely look at the changes and understand the goals, and make sure they are in lockstep with the uniform policy moving forward across the country,” NYTHA and Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Rick Violette Jr. said Jan. 23.

Williams during the meeting noted the MMV Penalty System modifications and the out-of-competition testing rule both received widespread support from ARCI and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium.

More information on the proposals is available here.