NEW MEXICO RACING COMMISSION

Quoted from New Mexico Horsemen’s Association

February/March Newsletter

Steroid Prohibition

On Wednesday, February 18, 2009 the NMRC took steps to further restrict the use of all anabolic steroids in horses that race in New Mexico.  The following rule was enacted and affirmed by the full Commission at its regular called meeting on February 19, 2009:

Effective March 1, 2009 NMRC rule 15.2.6.0 C (4) is amended to ban to the use of  all anabolic steroids in horses that race in New Mexico except for testosterone, Winstrol, Equipoise and Nandrolone.  Winstrol, Equipoise, Testosterone and Nandrolone will be subject to post race testing by the NMRC at established threshold levels.  The threshold  levels for Winstrol shall be 1ng/ml  of urine;  the level for Equipoise shall be 15ng/ml of urine; the test level for Nandrolone (Durobolin)  is set at 1ng/ml urine and the test level of testosterone is set at 20ng/ml for geldings and 55ng/ml for fillies and mares.

All other anabolic steroids have been completely banned from use in all horses racing in New Mexico.

Violation of the rule will be a Class 3 violation.  Class 3 medication violations provide for  loss of purse, a $1,500 fine and a 6 month license suspension to the Trainer.

The formal penalty phase for violation of the rule will commence on May 31, 2009.   From March 1 until May 31 any trainer whose horse tests over the limit shall receive a warning from the stewards. Beginning May 31, 2009 actual discipline as called for under a Class 3 medication violation will apply.

A trainer who claims a horse or accepts a horse from another jurisdiction will be able to have the horse tested for steroid levels before the horse is run.  The horse would be taken to the test barn where a sample of urine will be taken to send off for testing.  The voluntary test for the steroid levels will cost $125.00.  The money shall be paid in advance and results will be furnished to the trainer or designee within 7 to 10 days from the date that the sample is taken.  THE NMHA IS SEARCHING FOR A LAB THAT WILL DO THE TEST FOR LESS THAN THE $125.00 FEE THAT HAS BEEN QUOTED BY IOWA STATE.  A standard form is being developed for this procedure and will be available shortly.  The procedure would follow chain of custody standards and would provide for optional split testing.

PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR VET ABOUT THIS NEW RULE.

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