Note for Horsemen

Re: NMRC Meeting of March 18, 2010

Dear Horsemen, the following was discussed at the NMRC meeting held yesterday, March 18, 2010:

Racing at Raton: Racing at Raton were encouraged to meet with the Horsemen and the Breeders to go over the nuts and bolts including purse structure, barns, racing surface etc., that are required to conduct the race meet. Racing at Raton has NOT pulled its license for racing or gaming. We are preparing a comprehensive list of those requirements that must be fulfilled in order for racing to happen at Raton. The Breeders are also compiling information that is important from their end. These Horsemen’s requirements will be presented to the NMHA Board of Directors for approval and after approved will be submitted in writing to Racing at Raton. A meeting between Horsemen, Breeders and Racing at Raton will take place in the next 14 or so days to go over the requirements.

NMRC Medication Meeting of March 17, 2010, the following was discussed:

1. Necropsy of horses that die at or on the racetrack. The NMRC is developing a program to take samples on a random or reasonable suspicion basis from horses that die on the race track or on the backside. The purpose of the program is to determine cause of death and whether illicit substances played a part in the death. The discussion will be ongoing until a suitable rule is developed. There are hurdles to the proposal including cost and the logistics of moving the horse to a location where the exam can be done. More on this later.

2. Out of competition testing: Discussion occurred regarding the testing for class 1, 2 and 3 non therapeutic substances in horses that are out of competition but whose papers are in the racing office. Mitigation circumstances such as medication use in surgery recovery will apply. This proposal is also in the discussion stage. Please weigh in with your opinions by e-mail binghampe@yahoo.com , by phone 505.266.7056 or by fax 505.266.0643.

3. NTRA compliance for milkshake testing TCO2 levels. There is no testing for TCO2 levels in New Mexico. The NTRA recently noted this after its review of Sunland Park which is a member of the NTRA. Discussion was held regarding what would have to be done in order to test for milkshakes in New Mexico. More on this as it develops.

4. Banamine and other Non Steroidal Anti Inflamatories: The NTRA brought up  the New Mexico level for banamine during its review of Sunland Park. Our test level is considerably greater than what the Racing Commissioner International recommends. The NM level is  approximately 20 time greater than the level in California. Discussion of this topic will continue.

The NMRC Rules Committee met on March 17 as well.

In addition to the above topics the following was  discussed:

1. Permitting gate approvals at licensed training facilities where a licensed starter and assistants are present to do gate approvals. This may become a rule in the very near future. Please comment.

2. Safety vests and helmets for anyone who rides a horse on the backside or on the track. Trainers and other personnel who have been licensed prior to 1/1/00 would be excluded. Still being discussed, please comment.

3. Trainers test: A proposal was made to allow for only oral and written trainer’s tests to be done. The interview process could no longer be used in testing for the NMRC trainers’ test.

4. Jock mount fees: Tabled. The NMRC has no jurisdiction over jock mount fees. They must be negotiated between the jockeys and the Horsemen.

5. Weighing in and weighing out by jockeys. Amend the rule to permit additional weight (3 pounds) on the weigh in after the race during rainy and muddy days. Apparently, between rain and mud a jockey can gain up to 3 pounds of weight. Still in discussion. Any change to the weigh out /weigh in rule would also have to be announced in the race program as notice for the fans.

As always, contact Pat Bingham with any questions. E-mail, binghampe@yahoo.com. Phone 505.266.7056 or 505.205.6650, Fax 505.266.0643.

Sincerely, Pat Bingham,Executive Director, NMHA