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An Introduction to the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium Hallie Roach Director of Communications hroach@rmtcnet.com. Mission of RMTC. Formed in 2002 as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization
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An Introduction to the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium Hallie Roach Director of Communications hroach@rmtcnet.com
Mission of RMTC • Formed in 2002 as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization • To develop, promote and coordinate, at the national level, policies, research and educational programs that seek to: • ensure fairness and integrity of racing • ensure the health and safety of racehorses and participants • protect the interests of the racing public
AAEP AQHA Arabian Jockey Club Breeders’ Cup California TB Trainers Churchill Downs Del Mar Hambletonian Society Harness Tracks of America Jockeys’ Guild Keeneland Kentucky TB Association Magna Entertainment National HBPA NTRA NYRA Oak Tree RCI THA The Jockey Club TOBA TB Owners of California TRA TRPB USTA Participating Organizations on the Board of Directors
Funding • Nearly $3.7 million from industry organizations and individuals from 2003-2008 • 2008 Contributions = $1,028,000 • Cash on Hand = $1,310,000 • 2009 Projected Funding: • $1 per start from horsemen and tracks • $700,000 from industry organizations • $500,000 in research and testing grants fromThe Jockey Club and outside funding sources • Tax-deductible donations from individuals
Research • Performance enhancers • Environmental contaminants • Threshold levels and withdrawal times for therapeutic medications • Anabolic steroids • Corticosteroids • “Unknown” acquisition and analysis
Model Medication Policies & Drug Rules Adoption of Model Rules for uniform policy on therapeutic medications in 32 of 38 states • Veterinary practices • Prohibited drugs • Prohibited practices • Lasix (the only permitted race day medication)
Penalty Guidelines • Approval of Model Rules for more severe uniform penalties for the use of prohibited drugs and practices by RCI board of directors Class A – Illegal, not approved, significant performance enhancement Lifetime: 1st Offense – Minimum 1 year & $ 10,000 Maximum 3 year & $ 25,000 3rd Offense – Minimum 5 year & $ 50,000 Maximum 10 year & $ 100,000 • Veterinarians, owners, other culpable licensees and horses can be suspended
Anabolic Steroids • Secured RCI adoption of uniform Model Rules to regulate the use of anabolic steroids • Adopted by 25 states • 8 other states have started the adoption process • These states represent over 99.96% of the total Thoroughbred pari-mutuel racing handle • RMTC and RCI have encouraged every state to complete the adoption process by their first race meet of this year
Language adopted Language in the process of being adopted Process pending administration studies Process has not been started No horse racing or harness racing commission Anabolic Steroid Model Rule
Other Accomplishments • Developed a model rule on out-of-competition drug testing approved by RCI board of directors • Established a recommended policy to eliminate “Milk Shaking” • Compiled withdrawal times for therapeutic medications in 18 states, accessible in database format at rmtcnet.com
2009-2010 Goals • Activate the five-part DTI to develop a comprehensive drug testing plan for U.S. horse racing testing labs that will advance equine drug testing to an unprecedented level • Research & develop best practices, proper procedures & model rules to regulate corticosteroids • Encourage state legislatures to provide more funding for drug testing & racing commission investigative staff • Work in close cooperation with Dr. Don Catlin’s Anti-Doping Research laboratory • Provide effective and timely communications of RMTC research and initiatives to industry organizations, media and racing fans
Questions? Dr. Scot Waterman, Executive Director (859) 224-2844 Dan Fick, CEO TJC Executive Director and Executive VP (859) 224-2700 dfick@jockeyclub.com