The delegation of authority to obtain biological samples has closed a gap in the out-of-competition testing conducted by the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC)
.
Animal Health Technicians – who are professionally trained and work under the supervision of ORC Official Vets – have been granted the authority under the Rules of Racing (SB 37.02; TB 39.02).
A copy of the letter to all licensees from ORC Supervisor of Official Veterinarians Dr. Bruce Duncan is published below.
Previously, ORC Racing Officials (Judges/Stewards), acting on a review of a horse’s change of performance, would contact the Supervisor of Official Veterinarians to request the taking of a sample. The amount of time between the request and the actual taking of the sample could vary.
With this delegation, ORC Racing Officials can request that a sample be taken the same day of the race by the Animal Health Technicians. Perhaps more familiar to horse people as ‘the TC02 techs’, the technicians are employed by Official Veterinarians or by Racing Forensics, the company contracted to provide testing services.
Out-of-competition testing is a key component of the effort to ensure fair racing in Ontario. The program was initiated in 2008 as part of the overall effort to curb the use of illegal and non-therapeutic drugs and medications. It is hoped that this change will improve the efficiency of the out-of-competition testing program and further benefit the integrity of racing and the welfare of the horse.
November 1, 2011
To All ORC Licensees:
This document relegates permission for Animal Health Technicians employed by Racing Forensics, Official Veterinarians (as defined by the Rules of Standardbred and Thoroughbred Racing) as well as technicians employed by them at Ontario racetracks to obtain biological samples from horses as ordered by the Director pursuant to the Rules of Standardbred and Thoroughbred Racing.
This authorization is granted under the authority of Rule 37.02 of the Rules of Standardbred Racing, and Rule 39.02 of the Rules of Thoroughbred Racing and shall remain in force until such time as it is revoked.
(original signed)
D B Duncan DVM
Supervisor of Official Veterinarians
Ontario Racing Commission
(ORC)