Page 76 - August 2015

NEW MEXICO’S RACING COMMISSION SUSPENDS AUTHORIZATION OF CLENBUTEROL
Shaun Hubbard Comments on the Ban’s Effects at Ruidoso Downs
by Diane Rice
Clenbuterol, available as Ventipulmin
Syrup in its only FDA-approved form but also available in compounded forms, is normally prescribed in horses for breathing problems. However, it can also act as an anabolic steroid to build muscle and thus possibly give horses (as well as humans) a competitive edge.
In response to concerns about the abuse
of clenbuterol in the horse racing industry, effective July 23, 2015, the New Mexico Racing Commission (NMRC) voted to suspend the use of clenbuterol in Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds entered to race at all New Mexico tracks for a period of one year.1
A 28-day adjustment period (July 23 through Aug. 19) is projected to allow clenbuterol to clear all horses’ systems. During this adjustment period, post-race samples containing 140 picograms/mL or less in urine, or out-of-competition samples not exceeding 300 picograms/mL in serum/plasma, will incur no disciplinary action; however, the trainer will be notified. (Note: a picogram is one trillionth of a gram.) Following the adjustment period, any traces of clenbuterol will be considered a violation and prosecuted by the NMRC.
The decision comes on the heels of the Jan. 2015 announcement by the American Quarter Horse Association of a new zero-tolerance policy, banning clenbuterol in any form from use in any AQHA race, effective Jan. 1, 2016.
Here, Speedhorse talks with Ruidoso Downs’ general manager Shaun Hubbard about what the ban means for New Mexico Quarter Horse racing.
Q: Is this something you knew was coming, Shaun?
A: I didn’t know, but it came as no surprise. It’s been very prevalent on everybody’s mind for quite some time. I try to stay in close contact with the Commission and we’ve had discussions. I’m glad the Commission is willing to listen to our recommendations since we’re here in the middle of it all the time.
Q: What’s your reaction to the sus- pension of clenbuterol?
A: I’m thrilled that the racing commission here in New Mexico has done its due diligence on the subject and that they’ve taken proper steps and secured additional testing funds from the state of New Mexico to do the out-of-competition testing. A lot of states have gone with the pressure and scrutiny and tried to get things
implemented immediately, and haven’t gone that extra step. Everything I’ve learned in the past few years indicates that that’s a necessity.
Q: What exactly is out-of-competition testing?
A: Clenbuterol can be administered and then withdrawn for a short period before a race
and not be detected in post-race tests. Out-of- competition testing allows random testing at any time — not only during competitions, but also during training and layups.
Q: What testing methods will Ruidoso use?
A: I commend other jurisdictions for what they’ve done, and New Mexico has taken it one step further with the out-of-competition test. To my knowledge, the hair testing [implemented
by Los Alamitos in California due to its ultra- sensitivity] isn’t used by the state of New Mexico.
Q: How much confidence can owners & trainers have that test results are accurate? A: The Commission, our state jurisdiction, does the testing. They’re committed to the “super testing” [which measures substance levels to the nanogram level — one billionth of a gram] and use the most influential and accredited labs at the University of California at Davis. They’re second to none.
Q: How will the decision affect Ruidoso Downs?
A: I see nothing but positive effects. I spoke to one of our owners from California yesterday who has a prominent 3-year-old gelding out there and is so excited that she plans to send her horse out here and possibly supplement for our $2.3 million [est.] All American Derby. I’ve heard nothing but good things, and I don’t see anything but participation going up. There’s
no better place to be than at Ruidoso, in these beautiful mountains, running with these purses that are absolutely great! I give thanks in large part to our horsemen and those who support our racing program. It’s reassurance, just like our nominations being up so dramatically, that Ruidoso is doing what they feel is best to better the program in its entirety. I think it’s exciting!
Q: How will the ban affect horsemen at Ruidoso?
A: I think it’s a relief to the horsemen. The vast majority of our horsemen just want to know
what they can and cannot do when it comes to therapeutics and medications for their equine athletes. And, they’re glad to see the playing field leveled. Now, they don’t have to worry about administering or withdrawal time. And now we can talk about our passion — what we truly love — rather than about the drugs.
Q: How will trainers and owners be notified of the changes?
A: The Commission has posted its letter on their website1 and we’ve also posted notice on the Ruidoso website.2 Plus, word of mouth travels very fast. Since yesterday, we’ve reached out to various media groups and have talked to countless owners and trainers. Annelle Reynolds, our nominations secretary; Johnny Montes, our racing secretary; and our entire staff here speak with our horsemen on a daily basis. We’re blessed to have such a great group that works so well and so hard here.
Q: What do you see for the future of racing at Ruidoso?
A: I always say Ruidoso is still the best-kept secret of the Southwest. Obviously, at Ruidoso, we have the biggest Quarter Horse races in the world. When you have a great Quarter Horse, this is where you want to race. These purses are second to none. The purse for the All American Futurity is $3 million this year, and for the All American Derby it’s $2.3 million [est.]. Not many people could ever have seen that
as possible. When racing has been declining, it’s amazing how resilient our Quarter Horse world has been. We intend on doing everything in our power to better Quarter Horse racing here. It’s the love and the passion of my grandfather, R.D. Hubbard, and of mine. The Commission’s suspending the use of clenbuterol is a step in helping us do what’s best for racing right now in New Mexico. That’s our intention and our goal.
1 Letter from the New Mexico Racing Commission dated July 23, 2015, accessed on July 23, 2015, at http://nmrc.state.nm.us/ uploads/PressRelease/7d08736a630a419bb 0586721c0954fb2/Alltracks_Clenbuterol_ amendment.pdf.
2 “Ruidoso Hails Clenbuterol Suspension By New Mexico Racing Commission,” accessed on July 23, 2015, at www.raceruidoso.com/ racingblog/clenbuterol-suspended-by-new- mexico-racing-commission.
74 SPEEDHORSE, August 2015