News for Horsemen

 

October 30, 2009

 

The  New Mexico Racing Commission’s Medication Committee met on October 28, 2009.  The Committee voted to amend the rule governing the post race test levels for  Clenbuterol to make the test level in urine and blood zero. This would mean that a race  horse with a test level amount of Clenbuterol over zero would be in violation of NMRC rules.  A  positive  test for Clenbuterol would be a class 3 violation with severe penalties that would include up to 180 day suspension, $1,500 fine and loss of purse.    The action is being taken because of alleged misuse of the drug by some in the New Mexico racing community.   The Medication committee recommendation  will now go to the NMRC Rules Committee for further action.   A final Commission vote to reduce the test levels of Clenbuterol to zero (0)  is expected to take place at the upcoming November 19, 2009 racing commission meeting with enforcement by the NMRC shortly thereafter.  The NMHA will take all efforts necessary to ensure that there is an appropriate grace period before the rule change becomes effective.   Make sure that you contact your vet about this anticipated change.

 

Marty Cope, Chairman of the NMRC announced her  plans for the Commission for the upcoming year.  She said that she would like to see more communication and cooperation between the tracks, horsemen, breeders, vets and the Commission.   She stated that she is most concerned about safety for the horses and the riders at the tracks in New Mexico.   Chairman Cope also said that she would like to see New Mexico be a leader on racing issues.  The Horsemen are looking forward to working with Chairman Cope and the Commission during the upcoming year.

Sunland Park’s request for an 8% purse reduction for its upcoming meet was approved.  The purse reduction will affect higher level purses proportionately more than the purses of  horses that run at the lower levels.

Dr. England has been selected by the NMRC to be the State Vet at Sunland based on the bid process.  Dr. Unruh is to be congratulated for the fine work he has done over the years and will be missed. Best wishes  to Dr. England.

The principals at Raton (La Mesa Park) provided a report. They reported that construction and plans were on schedule for a January 31, 2010 opening of a temporary casino simulcast center.  They also reported that   plans were on schedule for racing to begin on Memorial Day, 2010. 

Nominations blanks for the Sunray Park Four Corners Futurity  and the New Mexico Breeders Futurity (both for 2 year old quarter horses) were approved .  The nomination blanks will be out very shortly. Contact Lonnie  Barber, Director of Racing for Sunray Park for more information.  His number is 505.566.1200.

The NMRC will hold its next meeting in Albuquerque on November 19,2009. (Time and agenda will be provided when available) The NMHA State Board will meet on November 18, 2009 also in Albuquerque. Start time will be 9:30 AM. Please call Pat Bingham, Executive Director of the NMHA at 505.266.7056 if you have questions or comments.  You can also reach us at www.newmexicohorsemen.com.  Click on the “blog” for up to date information.

Thanks to all the Horsemen who attended the NMRC meetings.