New rules restricting certain medications for qualifiers

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced on Tuesday, Dec. 5 that new rules restricting certain medications for horses participating in harness racing qualifiers or workouts will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

As part of its continued commitment to protect Ontario racehorses and strengthen the integrity of racing, the AGCO introduced changes to the Rules of Racing on June 5, 2023, to promote the welfare of equine athletes.

After continued consultations with industry stakeholders, the AGCO paused implementation of SB 6.54.01 and TB 15.40.01, which restrict certain medications for horses participating in qualifiers or official workouts, on Aug. 4, 2023.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, rules SB 6.54.01 and TB 15.40.01 will take effect.

Horses participating in qualifiers and workouts must not test positive for any substance that is a corticosteroid, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or local anaesthetic (anesthetic) including, but not limited to, substances that have a Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) Elimination Guideline.

The regulated medications can mask pain associated with injuries and/or have been linked to an increased risk of injuries and fatalities. In line with AGCO’s continued focus on equine welfare, the implementation of these rules aims to protect horses and ensure they are only training at high speeds when they are well enough to do so.

Supporting Guidance Documents

The AGCO committed to providing additional guidance ahead of the effective date. The below information aims to provide licensees more clarity about the new requirements:

• Tip Sheet: Your Responsibility to be Familiar with CPMA Elimination Guidelines and Medications Regulated in Official Workout and Qualifier Testing
  • Provides additional clarity on rules SB 6.54.01 and TB 15.40.01 testing requirements, examples of regulated substances not included in the CPMA Elimination Guidelines but falling under the restricted categories, and guidance on navigating the CPMA Elimination Guidelines website.
• Q&As: Out of Competition Testing for Licensees
  • Provides answers to specific questions about the implementation of rules SB 6.54.01 and TB 15.40.01, licensee expectations, and the impacts to racing.

Licensees can also submit specific questions about the new rule requirements via the iAGCO portal.

Changes to the Standardbred Rules of Racing

As of Jan. 1, 2024, new rule being added in Chapter 6: Violations, Penalties and Expulsions, of the Standardbred Rules of Racing stating:

6.54.01 No horse participating in a qualifier shall test positive for any substance that is a corticosteroid, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or local anaesthetic, including but not limited to, those substances that Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency has listed an Elimination Guideline.

All other rules outlined in Information Bulletin No. 90 — Restricting the Use of Certain Medications for Horses Participating in Workouts or Qualifiers are in effect.

All AGCO licensees are expected to stay up to date with Standardbred and Thoroughbred Rules of Racing on the AGCO website.

From the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario