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Drug Testing in the U.S. Racing Industry. Scot Waterman, DVM Executive Director RMTC. Drug Testing Statistics. Results from two surveys sent in 2001 by the NTRA and 2008 by the RMTC Surveys were substantially similar and very detailed
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Drug Testing in the U.S. Racing Industry Scot Waterman, DVM Executive Director RMTC
Drug Testing Statistics • Results from two surveys sent in 2001 by the NTRA and 2008 by the RMTC • Surveys were substantially similar and very detailed • Able to draw conclusions as to how drug testing is changing • Some statistics will be presented without identifying jurisdiction
RMTCDrug Testing Initiatives • Post-race testing in the United States: • Currently 18 laboratories conducting testing in US…too many labs chasing too few dollars • Only 5 labs ISO 17025 accredited • Funding is state-by-state and many times is under state procurement laws which reward low bidder or is statutorily directed • No industry standards for US testing labs
RMTCDrug Testing Initiatives • Creation of Industry Standards for Labs: • Starting point is Lab Standards document created by the World Anti-Doping Association • WADA labs must be ISO 17025 accredited • WADA conducts an external proficiency program with severe consequences for failure • WADA mandates that laboratories spend a percentage of their annual budget on research • WADA stick…Olympic Games, Horse Racing stick…????? Funding also a key issue
RMTCDrug Testing Initiatives • Post-doctoral and graduate student recruitment: • Our Laboratory Directors are aging…who replaces them? • Those with research programs that are racing related could do more with capable students • Developing a comprehensive program to target individuals with pharmacology/veterinary backgrounds to place in research positions and will also utilize racing laboratories and possibly U of A RTIP for broad racing education • Initial cost $100,000-200,000
RMTCDrug Testing Initiatives • Business Plan for US Drug Testing Infrastructure: • What is the most efficient system? • The Jockey Club has been tasked with this project • Sample Collection and Frozen Sample Strategies • Going back to McKinsey report on sample collection • Frozen sample program underway
RMTCDrug Testing Initiatives • Pleased with progress in a short period • Will need broad industry support to implement • Incremental funding will be needed • Industry needs to support commissions at legislative level • Will need industry organizations with sticks to use them
RMTC: Contact Us • www.rmtcnet.com