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

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The modified rules prohibit veterinarians and/or veterinarian technicians who work privately with participating licensees from administering race-day furosemide, 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, AZ. 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 eighteen 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 thoroughbred and harness racing associations.

(RCI)