Horsemen's Note February 24, 25 NMRC meetings, Sunland Park
Note for Horsemen
Re: New Mexico Racing Commission Meetings, February 24, 25, 2010
New Mexico Racing Commission Medication Committee met in public session on February 24, 2010. The following topics were addressed:
Clenbuterol testing: Formal limits were set on Clenbuterol. The levels are 5 nanograms in urine and 25 picograms for blood testing. These levels are the same as currently in place and become effective immediately. Consult with your vet for dosage and withdrawal times.
Equine Ambulance: A rule requiring a backup horse ambulance was discussed. No action was taken and the matter will be brought up again at the March medication meeting.
Out of competition testing was discussed. The NMRC would like to start an out of competition testing program that would test horses that are not in competition for non-therapeutic class 1, 2 and 3 drugs. An example of a non therapeutic drug is EPO and Equine Growth Hormone (Equigen) among others. These drugs are not allowed in racing at any level. More discussion will follow at the March meeting to be held in Albuquerque.
The Committee discussed the creation of a post mortem examination program for horses that perish in competition, on the backside or during training where no apparent causes for the death are present.
A recommendation that the Trainer of a horse keep a record of medication administered to the horse was also discussed.
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The NMRC Rules Committee met on February 24 and 25 and the following was addressed:
Formally passed Clenbuterol level set at 5 nanograms in urine and 25 picograms in blood plasma. Exceeding either level is a positive drug test for clenbuterol. Rule adopted at the NMRC meeting on Feb. 25.
Passed a rule that all haul in horses must be logged through the premises gate and be on the grounds 4 hours before the race in order to ensure that lasix is given at the three hour limit as provided in the rules. This rule was also adopted by the NMRC at its meeting on the 25th and becomes effective after notice and publication as provided by New Mexico Law. The NMHA recommends that effective immediately, that all horses be on the racetrack's grounds within 4 hours of the race even though the rule will probably become effective at a later date.
A proposal for a uniform jock mount fee scale was discussed. The matter was tabled as being outside of the scope of the NMRC jurisdiction. Jock weight adjustments to reflect the accumulation of mud, rain etc. on clothing and equipment was discussed. This matter was tabled to the next Rules Committee meeting.
The Rules Committee amended the trainers’ test rule to state that oral tests may continue to be given to candidates. Test by interview will not be an acceptable means of being tested.
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Racing Commission Met on February 25.
An update on proposed race track audit procedures was presented by the NMRC contract auditor. He recommended that the audit process be conducted at all tracks year round instead of concentrating on the live meet. He stated that the procedures that are currently in place have been in place over the last 30 years. Much has changed over this time as full card multi track year round simulcascting is now the norm and gaming is now the major contributor to purses as opposed to the live handle of 30 years ago. He stated that more emphasis should be placed on Horsemen’s depository and the horsemen’s bookkeeper account with monthly reviews and reconciliations of the horsemen’s purse related bank accounts being performed. He recommended more specificity in the procedures that would be followed. The idea is to have the proper checks and balances in place so that all purse money is secure and accounted for. A final process will be discussed at the March NMRC meeting.
The NMRC voted to amend the lasix rule to provide that Horsemen must be on the premises 4 hours before race time to ensure that lasix is timely given. Rule 15.2.6.9.
The NMRC voted to formally set the level for Clenbuterol at 5 Nanograms in the urine or 25 picograms in the blood. If either level is exceeded a Class 3 positive is found. Contact your vets for more information. Rule 15.2.6.9.
La Mesa Park (Raton) provided a very limited report stating that it had simulcast agreements in place and planned to forward with simulcasting and gaming in its temporary simulcast/gaming / facility (the facility is not completed as of this time). It also reported that it had signed contracts in hand for barns for the backside. The NMHA has contacted Raton management for information on the planned barns and the track and backside build in general. We will take all steps to ensure that all barns are built according to NMRC specifications and that the backside and track is constructed with health, sanitation and safety to all in mind. The Gaming Control Board has granted Raton until May 1 to have its casino operational.
Condition books for Sunray Park (10 races a day) and racing officials were approved. Sunray Park will open to receive horses and equipment on March 29. The Racetrack will be open for gallops and works on April 8. Racing is to start on April 22. Sunray Park has agreed to remain open for training at no cost to Horsemen from the end of its meet until August 1, 2010. The Arabian horse show will be completed by July 31, 2010 at the DAA.
Condition books, stakes schedule and stall apps for Ruidoso were approved. Due to the economy the first Ruidoso Downs condition book will reflect a 12 % purse cut.
Sunland Park received approval to revert to it original purse structure for the balance of its race meet. Purses will be increased by 8% commencing March 7. Sunland Park has agreed to a similar retroactive payment to those who ran for the first 51 days of racing at Sunland Park this year.
As always please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments regarding the above or any other issue of importance to you.
Very truly yours,
Pat Bingham, Executive Director, NMHA 505.266.7056, 505.205.6650 (cell)
binghampe@yahoo.com Visit our website at www.newmexicohorsemen.com and double click on the blog for current information.
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