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New York Regulators Propose Harness-Appropriate Clenbuterol RuleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Alex Dadoyan, Exec. DirectorOctober 6, 2014 (914) 968-3599 New York Regulators Propose Harness-Appropriate Clenbuterol Rule The New York State Gaming Commission announced today that it is proposing amendments to its rules and regulations governing the administration of the bronchodilator clenbuterol in harness horses. Concerns about the purported misuse of clenbuterol were highlighted during an investigation into a rash of catastrophic breakdowns at New York's Thoroughbred tracks in 2012. The drug is thought by some to have anabolic properties, and is reportedly used as a muscle building substitute for steroids in athletes. The anabolic affect of clenbuterol in racehorses has yet to be conclusively established. The rule proposal, as revised, deletes a per se rule violation whenever the Commission's laboratory detects clenbuterol in excess of 140 pg/ml in urine or any clenbuterol in plasma by testing race-day samples. The revised proposal allows clenbuterol to be administered by any means until 96 hours before the scheduled post time of the race, except if a horse has been required to qualify when not showing a current performance within 30 days or more and has not yet raced after qualifying, then such horse may not race for at least 14 days following an administration of clenbuterol. The United States Trotting Association and Standardbred Owners Association of New York actively participated in a public hearing conducted by the Commission in January 2014 and advocated for the changes proposed today. "I laud the New York Commission on today's proposal, which not only follows the science, but also does what’s right for the health of the horse," said Joseph Faraldo, SOA of New York President. "Because our horses by and large race weekly, the 14 day withdrawal rule adopted for Thoroughbreds would take clenbuterol out of the treating veterinarian's pharmacological armamentarium. The 96 hour rule ensures that horses cannot be excessively treated with the medication between races for an illicit purpose, but can still benefit from the relief it provides to horses constantly exposed to pulmonary contaminants in the environment. Mandating the 14 day withdrawal period for harness horses qualifying off a 30 day or more layoff, however, ensures integrity. There is no question that the Commission's well thought-out proposal has struck the proper balance." In addition to SOA President Faraldo, USTA President F. Phillip Langley testified at the January public hearing. Those also testifying at the request of the USTA and SOA at the January hearing included Thomas Tobin, DVM, PhD, University of Kentucky, Gluck Equine Research Center; Dr. Kenneth H. McKeever, PhD, Professor, Rutgers University, Department of Animal Sciences; Dr Peter M. Kanter, DVM, PhD, Harness Track Veterinarian; and Drs. Janet A. Durso, DVM, and Vincent DiCicco, DVM, Practicing Equine Veterinarians.  Â Â Â Â News Archives |
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