As part of its continued commitment to protect Ontario racehorses and strengthen the integrity of racing, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) introduced changes to the Rules of Racing on June 5, 2023 to promote the welfare of equine athletes.
After continued consultations with industry stakeholders, the AGCO paused implementation of TB 15.40.01 and SB 6.54.01, which restrict certain medications for horses participating in Official Workouts or Qualifiers, on August 4, 2023 .
Starting January 1, 2024, rules TB 15.40.01 and SB 6.54.01 will take effect.
Horses participating in Workouts and Qualifiers must not test positive for any substance that is a corticosteroid, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or local anaesthetic (anesthetic) including, but not limited to, substances that have a Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) Elimination Guideline.
The regulated medications can mask pain associated with injuries and/or have been linked to an increased risk of injuries and fatalities. In line with our continued focus on equine welfare, the implementation of these rules aims to protect horses and ensure they are only training at high speeds when they are well enough to do so.
Supporting Guidance Documents
The AGCO committed to providing additional guidance ahead of the effective date. The below information aims to provide licensees more clarity about the new requirements:
- Tip Sheet: Your Responsibility to be Familiar with CPMA Elimination Guidelines and Medications Regulated in Official Workout and Qualifier Testing
- Provides additional clarity on rules TB 15.40.01 and SB 6.54.01 testing requirements, examples of regulated substances not included in the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency’s (CPMA) Elimination Guidelines but falling under the restricted categories, and guidance on navigating the CPMA Elimination Guidelines website.
- Q&As: Out of Competition Testing for Licensees
- Provides answers to specific questions about the implementation of rules TB 15.40.01 and SB 6.54.01, licensee expectations, and the impacts to racing.
Licensees can also submit specific questions about the new rule requirements using our iAGCO portal.
Changes to the Thoroughbred Rules of Racing
As of January 1, 2024, new rule being added in Chapter 15: Misconduct, Needles, Syringes and Searches, of the Thoroughbred Rules of Racing stating:
15.40.01 No horse participating in a workout shall test positive for any substance that is a corticosteroid, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or local anaesthetic, including but not limited to, those substances that Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency has listed an Elimination Guideline.
Changes to the Standardbred Rules of Racing
As of January 1, 2024, new rule being added in Chapter 6: Violations, Penalties and Expulsions, of the Standardbred Rules of Racing stating:
6.54.01 No horse participating in a qualifier shall test positive for any substance that is a corticosteroid, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or local anaesthetic, including but not limited to, those substances that Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency has listed an Elimination Guideline.
All other rules outlined in Information Bulletin No. 90 — Restricting the Use of Certain Medications for Horses Participating in Workouts or Qualifiers are in effect.
All AGCO licensees are expected to stay up to date with Thoroughbred and Standardbred Rules of Racing on the AGCO website.
Background Information
- Information Bulletin No 92. – Implementation Paused for Rules Restricting the Use of Certain Medications for Horses Participating in Workouts or Qualifiers
- Industry Notice — Four Racehorse Welfare Initiatives Now in Effect