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The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is temporarily amending a rule in the Standardbred and Thoroughbred Rules of Racing, effective immediately (Aug. 28, 2023). The rule regarding blood sample collection from a horse for TCO2 testing will no longer specify the number or type of test tubes used for collection.
This change will not result in an increase to the sample amount collected.
Please see the changes to the Standardbred and Thoroughbred Rules of Racing below.
The AGCO is making this temporary change in response to supply chain issues of the specific test tubes. The revision will allow greater flexibility in the manner in which samples are collected and ensure that there is no disruption to TCO2 testing while maintaining the safety of Ontario racehorses.
There is no other change to licensee obligations. TCO2 testing samples will continue to be collected by an AGCO-authorized person for an approved laboratory, as required by the Rules of Racing.
This change will be effective until further notice. The AGCO will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as they become available.
Additional resources are available by clicking the following links:
Revised Rule in the Standardbred and Thoroughbred Rules of Racing
There will be a revision to rule 22.38.05 a., Chapter 22: Racing Rules of the Standardbred Rules of Racing, stating:
SB 22.38.05 a. Collecting blood samples, by an authorized person (veterinarian or RVT – Registered Veterinary Technician, or other person approved by the Registrar) from each selected horse into two plasma separator;
There will be a revision to rule 37.06 a., Chapter 37: TCO2 Testing Program of the Thoroughbred Rules of Racing, stating:
TB 37.06 a. Collecting blood samples, by an authorized person (veterinarian, RVT- Registered Veterinary Technician or other person approved by the Registrar) from each selected horse into two plasma separator;
