Note for Horsemen
Notes for Horsemen:
Re: NMRC Meeting of January 20, 2010
Dear Horsemen:
The NMRC met in open session at its offices in Albuquerque on January 20, 2010. A number of Horsemen were in attendance;
The following was discussed:
Clenbuterol: The NMRC set temporary levels for clenbuterol testing at 5 nanograms in the urine/ 25 pico-grams in the blood. This follows the recommendation of the Medication Committee which recently met at Sunland Park a couple of weeks ago. Most of the private vets attended the Medication Committee and voiced their opinion that they could live with these levels which are now in effect. Contact your vet for dosage information and withdrawal information.
Discussion took place over limits to the number of starts that a horse could make in any given year. The NMHA took the position that the question of the number of starts that a horse will make over a given time must be left to the owner and trainer of the horse. To set an arbitrary number for starts in a year would serve no purpose as all horses are individual athletes.
The NMRC discussed funding for an autopsy program (necropsy) to confirm the cause of death of a horse in certain situations. The NMHA stated that it would look at assisting with the program but more details would have to be presented including cost, method for selection of the horse(s) to undergo the procedure and plans for the information gained. If the program were purely for scientific reasons, The NMHA would probably support the program. If the program was designed for purely disciplinary reasons, the NMHA would not support the program. Many horsemen’s group across the country are becoming involved in such programs.
The NMHA reported that it has commenced an initiative at the state legislature regarding the setting of a minimum number of live race days in state statute to run per year at each racetrack which has a gaming license in NM. The proposed minimum number of race days per track with gaming would be 60 days. Currently the NM horse racing statute provides for a minimum of 17 live race days to be run per track. A minimum of 60 days of live racing per track set in statute would ensure that each track would run its fair share of races each year.
The NMHA also is proposing legislation that would permit advanced deposit wagering by fans from their home via computer or telephone. The reality is that this kind of activity is occurring presently in NM through betting shops located throughout the nation and the Horsemen receive nothing to purses from this activity. As proposed all account wagering would be accomplished through the existing racetracks in New Mexico. Money for purses would increase by permitting such wagers to take place. The State and the race tracks would also benefit if account wagering becomes a reality in NM.
Racing at Raton (La Mesa Park) provided a report:
Racing at Raton management stated that the tent structure for simulcast and gaming is progressing. The NMHA has viewed photos of the progress at Raton and can confirm that the tent is indeed being built on a concrete slab. All utilities plumbing etc. have been stubbed out. Rick Hansen has been named GM of La Mesa Park. He stated that he wants to meet with the Breeders and the NMHA to discuss purse structure in the next several weeks.
The NMRC placed the following conditions on the Raton License:
1. By 2/25/10 the simulcast venue at Raton must be operational.
2. By 2/25/10 contracts for barns are to be signed. (the NMHA will ensure that the Racing Commission rules regarding specs for the barns are met prior to any contract being signed.)
3. By 2/25/10 Raton must have signed simulcast agreements in hand.
4. By 2/25/10 construction plans for the grandstand and the paddock must be approved by the NMRC (with input from the Horsemen)
5. By 2/25/10 a schedule for building the racing surface and backside must be presented to the NMRC (with input from Horsemen).
The NMRC provided an update on its work toward an improved audit policy for all parties including the racetracks. New policies and procedures should be forthcoming in the near future. The NMHA will stay on top of this.
Prorata payments to Horsemen who had horses entered at ZIA on 12/7 and 12/8:
As you know, races were cancelled at ZIA on the 7th and 8th and could not be made up at another time. The Horsemen recommended that the purses be paid those who entered at ZIA for the 7th and the 8th on a prorata basis. After much discussion the NMRC could not decide the issue. The issue will be raised again at the next NMRC meeting to be held 2/25 down at Sunland Park. Horsemen should plan on attending this meeting. We all need everybody’s participation.
As usual call me with any questions regarding this note.
Thanks to all the Horsemen who attended the NMRC meeting. Express your opinions by e-mail at
kirsten.nmha@yahoo.com. For latest NMHA information please go to our website at www.newmexicohorsemen.com and click on the “blog” link.Thanks for your time.
Pat Bingham
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