New Drug Rules for California Horse Racing

Newsdate: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 - 09:50 am
Location: ARCADIA, California

Among new drug rule considerations, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has approved a 45-day public comment period for a rule change that would allow the agency to suspend an authorized medication if it appears it is being misused.

The national American Quarter Horse Association, Los Alamitos Race Course and the Pacific Quarter Horse Racing Association are considering requesting jurisdictions to prohibit the use of the approved bronchodilator clenbuterol in Quarter Horse racing. CHRB has confiscated illicit forms of the drug from Mexico that are being used for muscle building rather than to aid airway passages.

The board also approved for the 45-day public comment period random drug testing of jockeys and apprentice jockeys and making such testing mandatory in physical examinations. The Jockeys' Guild dropped its opposition to the rule change after getting assurance from the board that the riders would not have to pay for the testing.

"This is for jockey safety," board member John Harris said. "It brings more professionalism to the sport.

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About the Author

Flossie Sellers

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As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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