Strict Horse Racing Regulations Proposed

The chairman of the New Mexico Racing Commission says the state will consider adopting model regulations developed by an international organization that promotes uniform, strict standards for racing and pari-mutuel wagering to help ensure the integrity of the sport.

At today’s regular Racing Commission meeting, chairman Rob Doughty III is expected to announce a May 2 public hearing to solicit comment on possible adoption of the Association of Racing Commissioners International’s “model rules.”

Although there have been prior discussions about adopting the regulations, Doughty said Wednesday that recent news stories ascribing the worst horse safety record in the United States to New Mexico adds urgency to the issue.

A report published in the New York Times based on its investigation of illegal doping of racehorses and subsequent breakdowns that can kill or severely injure both horse and its rider was highly critical of New Mexico’s horse racing industry.

The article published last month said New Mexico’s five racinos collectively have the worst safety record in the nation, and that lax rules allow trainers to illegally drug their horses with near impunity.

Though state racing officials say the Times article portrayed the state unfairly, they admit that New Mexico has been inconsistent in its enforcement and sanctions.

Doughty, appointed to the commission by Gov. Susana Martinez 13 months ago, said adopting ARCI’s well-researched regulations would be a wise step toward national standards for an industry in dire need of bolstering its image.

The Lexington, Ky.-based ARCI comprises governmental regulators of horse and greyhound racing in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

The association’s “model rules,” developed over decades by racing and gaming regulators, the public and the racing industry, set high standards for many facets of racing, from the conduct of races and licensing to veterinarian care and testing for illegal substances in race animals.

Although most states now set their own racing and gaming rules, some lawmakers, including Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., are pushing for national standards.

Proponents of national standards, including Doughty and Racing Commission executive director Vince Mares, say adoption of ARCI’s model rules by all racing jurisdictions would provide uniform national regulations — and sanctions — for the racing industry.

“Instead of us coming up with our own guidelines — which someone will find a problem with — I think the better way to do it is to go with ARCI,” Doughty said Wednesday.

In cases where New Mexico’s regulations or sanctions are stricter than ARCI’s, he said, he would favor keeping the tougher standards.

For example, ARCI rules allow limited use of clenbuterol in racehorses, a drug that dilates bronchial tubes and aids respiration but can also build muscle as a steroid.

As of Friday, the Racing Commission has banned clenbuterol for a year, citing widespread abuse at the state’s racinos. Some commission members have said they would like to see the ban become permanent.

On the other hand, New Mexico now allows horses to race as long as they have less than 50 nanograms of Flunixin — a powerful painkiller that can mask injuries — in their system. Trainers who overmedicate their horses with the drug suffer no consequences for the first violation, a $200 fine on the second and a $400 fine on the third.

Under ARCI’s model rules, a trainer whose horse tests positive for 20 to 100 nanograms of Flunixin could be fined $500 on a first offense, $750 on a second offense and $1,000 on a third offense. If the horse tests higher than 100 nanograms, those fines can double and carry suspensions of up to 30 days. The offending horse’s owner can also be sanctioned.

The five-member Racing Commission is responsible for regulating New Mexico’s pari-mutuel horse racing industry.

Today’s meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the commission’s board room, 4900 Alameda NE.
— This article appeared on page A1 of the Albuquerque Journal