Arcadia, CA, May 21, 2013 – Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) will join with the regulators of eight states in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast by committing to implement the Mid Atlantic Uniform Medication Program as of January 1, 2014. Spearheaded by the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (THA), the agreement represents the most dramatic change in medication regulation and testing in the last 50 years and could pave the way for national uniformity.
The other participating states are Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The program includes a two-category drug classification system – controlled therapeutic medications and prohibited substances. Furosemide (Lasix) will be the only medication permitted to be administered on race day. Additionally, regulatory thresholds and withdrawal guidelines will be spelled out for 24 controlled therapeutic medications.
The testing laboratories of the participating states will perform uniform testing utilizing the same state-of-the-art technology and detection levels. To ensure that the laboratories are working uniformly and to the highest standards, each will be committed to accreditation by the recently enacted RMTC Code of Standards for Drug Testing Laboratories.
“We look forward to working through the process with the CHRB and horsemen to begin this program on January 1,” said TOC President, Joe Morris. It is vitally important to help bring together a national effort and uniformity when it comes to medication.”
“Implementing the mid-Atlantic Uniform medication program was an easy decision for the TOC since their regulations practically mirror what we’ve been doing for the past year,” said Dr. Mark Dedomenico, TOC Medication Chair.
“Horsemen have been asking for this for years,” said THA Chairman, Alan Foreman. “The time has come, and we are finally in a position to do it. Many horsemen race in more than one state and, in some instances, on the same day,” continued Foreman. “ We are extremely grateful to the TOC for their support of this very important program.”
TOC is the official organization serving new, veteran and future Thoroughbred owners in the state. It represents, advances, and protects owners’ interests and rights in legislative, administrative and business matters. |
