IN THE NEWS
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NEW MEXICO HORSEMEN'S BLOG!
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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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