Page 44 - NM Spring 2019

RACING COMMISSION
Makes Strides Toward Zero Tolerance for Albuterol
By Michael Cusortelli
The New Mexico Racing Commission Rules and Medication Committee on January 16 passed a rule that will make the drug albuterol a zero-tolerance drug in the state.
The new rule is intended to go into effect on or around May 1, 2019. The rule is not breed specific, meaning that it would apply to both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. The zero tolerance will be utilized for post-race testing and the out-of-competition testing program used by the commission.
Since the NMRC began clamping down on the abuse of clenbuterol, there have
been allegations that trainers have shifted their focus to albuterol to obtain an unfair advantage. That has been the focus of concern for those participating with integrity at New Mexico’s racetracks.
“Consider this an official warning to those trainers who have been using albuterol to win races in New Mexico,” said NMRC executive director Ismael “Izzy” Trejo. “We owe it to those who play the game fair and square and to those who bet on our races to continue the mission of cleaning up the racing product in our state.”
When it came to a vote of making the rule breed specific to Quarter Horses, only three of the 19 committee members present voted to make the rule breed specific. The committee also voted to adopt version 14.0 of the Uniform Classification Guidelines and Recommended Penalties Model Rule.
“Consider this an
official warning to those trainers who have been using albuterol to win races in New Mexico.”
42 New Mexico Horse Breeder
The new rule is intended to go into effect on or around May 1, 2019.