On October 1, 2012, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency released a memorandum to the Canadian racing industry regarding its review of practices associated with the release of residue from official samples.

The CPMA attached a Policy Paper (P006) to the memo which clarifies the procedure by which a trainer/owner is given the opportunity to send his/her sample for independent analysis in order to confirm the findings of a positive analysis.

The paper also sets out the roles and responsibilities of each party involved and the sequence of events to be followed in the residue release process. With respect to the selection of a ‘referee laboratory,’ the CPMA recommends that such laboratories be selected from those accredited by a recognized national body. A list of acceptable referee laboratories is provided.

To view a copy of this CPMA Memorandum and the Policy Paper, click on the links below.

The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has an established practice of advising all Ontario racing industry licensees that they have a responsibility to closely review all memos released by the CPMA, and to keep up to date on the Schedule of Prohibited Drugs.

• CPMA Memorandum- October 1, 2012
• CPMA Policy Paper P-006

(ORC)