CPMA restricting certain meds for qualifiers

Effective June 5, 2023, certain medications and substances will be restricted in horses participating in an Official Workout (Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse) or in a Qualifying Race (Standardbred).

This change is aligned with a continued focus on equine welfare, ensuring that only healthy, unmedicated horses are fit to qualify and work out.

Horses may be tested for the following substances including, but not limited to, substances that the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) has listed in the Elimination Guidelines:

• Analgesic  
  • A drug that relieves pain.
• Anti-inflammatory  
  • A drug that relieves local swelling, redness and pain caused by an injury or infection.
• Local Anesthetic
  • A drug producing reduced sensations (e.g., touch, pain) in a restricted area of the body.
• NSAID  
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
• Corticosteroid  
  • A drug producing an action similar to that of a steroid hormone of the adrenal cortex, but which is chemically distinguishable from natural hormones.

Consult with your AGCO licensed veterinarian when considering whether to administer medications. 

For full details, please click here.

From the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario