from the Association of Racing Commissioners International

Lexington, KY — RCI President Ed Martin said today that despite claims to the contrary, racing regulatory jurisdictions are proceeding with adoption of the model rule regulating and limiting the use of anabolic steroids in racehorses.

RMTC (Racing Medication and Testing Consortium) has not requested any delay in enactment of the Model Rule which they recommended to RCI based on research done in England, France, Japan and Australia.

Dan Fick, CEO of the RMTC said, “The RMTC supports those states that have moved forward and we understand rule promulgation is different from state to state. It is our hope that the rule is universal no later than the end of this year, but we support every state that is moving expeditiously on this issue.”

“RCI believes that the regulation and limiting of the use of anabolic steroids is the right thing to do for the horse and racing in general,” Martin said, noting that the first wave of key racing states will continue to move forward with the regulation of steroids, particularly Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Indiana, California, Washington, and Arkansas, among others. Maryland has indicated that adoption of a rule will occur this year as well. He noted that the process has also begun in a number of other states, including Ohio and Kentucky.

Martin said that some states believe existing substance prohibitions are adequate and no new rule promulgation is necessary. Texas, for example, is presently taking steps and conducting research to support testing in this area.

“These states are all doing the right thing, despite those who spread misinformation in an attempt to stall and buy time,” he said.

Martin said he agrees with calls for a uniform implementation date, but noted it was not practical and called upon horsemen instead to “come clean to the races on a voluntary basis starting April 1st.”

Martin said it is not the intention of the rule to eliminate anabolic steroid use for injured or recovering horses consistent with the FDA approvals, but only to address horses well enough to race.

“If the horsemen want a uniform date, they can voluntarily comply today with the Model Rule knowing that regulators will be implementing it over the coming months. They can set their own voluntary compliance date and to the extent that they adhere to it they will be addressing many of their concerns and lead the industry through positive action,” he said.