RCI committee adopts model rules on race-day medications

Several changes were recently adopted by the Association of Racing

Commissioners International (RCI) Model Rules Committee, including rules

limiting who can administer race-day furosemide and the reporting of changes to

the condition of a horse on race day.

The modified rules prohibit veterinarians and/or veterinarian technicians who

work privately with participating licensees from administering race-day

furosemide, also known as Salix or Lasix, which officials believe will lead to

increased protection of the betting public.

"This change is designed to restrict private veterinarians from administering

any medication to a horse on race day," RCI President Ed Martin said.

The proposal was presented to regulators by NTRA President Alex Waldrop on

behalf of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium.

The RCI Board also reiterated its opposition to the race day use of adjunct

bleeder medications and urged all member regulatory commissions to adopt the

model rules. The only therapeutic treatment allowed on race day is furosemide

under strictly regulated terms. This policy is currently under review at the

request of several RCI Member regulators.

Newly adopted changes to the Model Rules also stress the importance of all

racing officials to report to the Stewards or Judges "any perceived issues" with

a horse that may significantly affect the running of the race.

The rule changes were approved on Thursday, December 8, at the RCI Model

Rules Committee Meeting, which was held at the Omni Tucson National Resort in

Tucson, Arizona. The RCI Board of Directors gave their final approval on Friday.

The Model Rules Committee also adopted changes that clarified the Jockey

Scale of Weights, allowing more flexibility of the rules when three-year-old

horses are competing against older horses. Jockey insurance issues were also

addressed with new rules that require more disclosure of on-track jockey

insurance policies.

Other Model Rules amendments were made that include the finalization of

changes to the RCI Tote Standards, alternations to the Superfecta wager, the

implementation of Model Rules concerning the Pentafecta or "Super High Five"

wager, and additions to rules concerning Instant Racing.

Representatives from 18 North American racing jurisdictions were in

attendance, as well as industry groups such as the Jockeys' Guild, the National

HBPA, the American Quarter Horse Association, the United State Trotting

Association and several racing associations.