TRA Wants Current Uniformity Efforts Hastened

Blood-Horse

The Thoroughbred Racing Associations Board of Directors reiterated its commitment to the implementation of uniform medication policies with a sense of urgency throughout the U.S, at its Aug. 7 meeting in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

The board reviewed the progress made in the adoption of uniform rules proposed by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and approved by Racing Commissioners International since the TRA board last formally addressed the issue at a special meeting in May of 2012 in Baltimore.

Since then, the TRA has provided continuing assistance and support for the adoption of the RCI uniform rule on the controlled therapeutic substance schedule, the accreditation of testing laboratories, third-party administration of furosemide (Salix or Lasix), and uniform penalties for multiple medication violations. While progress has been made, the board agreed accelerated efforts are now required toward the ultimate goal of non-medication enhanced racing.

The TRA and its member associations pledged to work even more actively with all concerned parties pursuing the common goal of 100% uniformity in medication policies throughout the U.S., enhancing the safety of the horse and the integrity of the sport.

In particular, the TRA will offer its assistance to the American Association of Equine Practitioners Racing Committee, which has introduced a 10-point plan for racing reform. Prominent among its Prescription for Racing Reform is an initiative to identify alternatives to current raceday treatment of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.

By the end of 2016, the TRA expects at least 35 of its 38 member tracks in the U.S. will be operating under the National Uniform Medication Policy, at least 35 tracks will have testing at RMTC-accredited labs, and third-party Lasix administrations will be performed at a minimum of 30 tracks. The adoption of the multiple medication violation system is proceeding at a slower pace and TRA members will work within their respective jurisdictions to accelerate adoption and implementation.

As a means of scoring state-by-state implementation of the RMTC-recommended and RCI-adopted Uniform Medication Policy, the TRA will post the ongoing status of each state on its website. Current status may be viewed at this link.