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IN
THE NEWS
Be sure to check out the blog for
daily updates and information!
NEW MEXICO HORSEMEN'S BLOG!
http://blog.newmexicohorsemen.com
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
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.
NMRC
Medication Committee: Update
The Medication Committee of the NMRC voted to adopt the Oklahoma
Racing Commission test levels that apply to contaminant levels
that may found during the testing process. This decision by the
Medication Committee sets in motion the process to adopt a NMRC
rule that will cover contamination levels for certain
substances. The proposed rule will be require a full and
complete airing in the NMRC Rules Committee before it can
forwarded to the full NMRC for action.
What to do with horses under the care of a trainer that has been
ruled off was discussed. This is a problem that Racing
Commissions across the country are wrestling with. The
discussion ranged from removal of the horses from the track’s
premises to a procedure where the horse that tests positive
would be disallowed from racing for a period of time (jail
process). No consensus was reached and the matter will be
addressed at future NMRC meetings.
The Medication Committee discussed whether video cameras should
be placed at receiving barns and in test barns throughout the
State. Presently, Sunland Park has the cameras installed. The
placement of video cameras in the test barn was generally
acceptable. The placement of cameras in the haul in barns is
more problematic given the layout of the receiving barns at the
racetracks other than Sunland Park.. This topic will be
discussed in more detail at future NMRC meetings.
The subject of out of competition testing of race horses was
discussed. Several racetracks in the Midwest now do out of
competition testing and the substance EPO has been discovered in
several race horses in Kentucky. Privacy issues as well and
practical/money issues were discussed as was the cost/benefit of
performing the out of competition testing.
NMHA State Board Meeting
The Horsemen’s medical fund is being utilized at a significantly
greater rate than in years past. The NMHA will step up its
efforts to negotiate with providers in an attempt to save
money. Our effort in this regard will have no affect on our
members eligibility for the benefit that the NMHA provides.
Members are encouraged to fill their prescriptions at Wal-Mart,
Walgreens and Target Stores. Each of these stores offer a
greater cost savings than do smaller pharmacies. In some
cases, generic versions of medications can be had for as low as
$4.00 per month at Wal-Mart and Target.
AFLAC insurance representatives met recently (Feb. 18 to Feb.
22) with horsemen at Sunland Park regarding HBPA sponsored
accident and dental insurance.
The Breeders’ supplement to purses at Sunray Park will increase
dramatically from $2,000 a race in 2008 to $3,500 per race for
the upcoming meet (starting April 17, 2009).
Stall Apps for Ruidoso are due on March 23, 2009.. Please
make sure that you get your stall apps in on time. Visit our
website at
www.newmexicohorsemen.com for a link to Ruidoso Downs
Racetrack and Casino (as well as all tracks) for stall apps,
stakes closing, futurity payments etc.. Our website also has a
link to the NMRC website where current racing rule information
and NMRC meeting information including minutes of past meetings
are posted.
NMHA Awards Banquet
The annual NMHA awards banquet took place on February 19, 2009.
Congratulations to all the award winners. The following
Horsemen received awards at the banquet.
H. Armando Orozco: Leading Owner
Alejandro Medellin: Leading Jockey
Henry Dominguez: Leading Trainer
Stan Fulton: Lifetime Achievement
Congratulations also to the connections of:
Blue Eyed Bella : 2 year old TB Filly
Lefty Who: 2 Year old TB Colt or Gelding
Askmetodance: 3 Year old TB Filly
Cape Time: 3 Year Old TB Colt or Gelding
Goodbye Norma Jean: Aged TB Mare
Cattleman Prospect: Aged TB Horse-Sprint
One Lucky Buck: Aged TB Route
Cattleman Prospect: TB Horse of The Year
Brenda Beautiful: 2 Year Old QH Filly
Stolis Winner: 2 Year Old QH Colt or Gelding
Heartswideopen: 3 Year Old QH Filly
First Moonflash: 3 Year Old QH Colt or Gelding
Heavenly Trip: Aged Mare
Mr. Perry Dash: Aged QH
Devons Easy Lane: Aged QH or TB Distance 870-1000 YD
Devons Easy Lane: Quarter Horse of the Year
Pictures of the banquet will be posted as soon as they arrive.
Check the blog at
blog.newmexicohorsemen.com
Phone: 505 266 0243; 505 205 6650
Fax: 505 266 0243
Website:
www.newmexicohorsemen.com
E mail:
Kirsten.nmha@yahoo.com
Sincerely,
The New Mexico
Horsemen’s Association
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Please send us your
announcements! Pictures too if you have them.
web@newmexicohorsemen.com

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