Industry Notice: Temporary Revision to the Rules of Racing Regarding Equine Blood Sample Collection


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Horse Racing

The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is temporarily amending a rule in the Standardbred and Thoroughbred Rules of Racing, effective immediately. The rule regarding blood sample collection from a horse for TCO2 testing will no longer specify the number or type of test tubes used for collection.

This change will not result in an increase to the sample amount collected.

Please see the changes to the Thoroughbred and Standardbred Rules of Racing below.

Effective Date: August 28, 2023

The AGCO is making this temporary change in response to supply chain issues of the specific test tubes. The revision will allow greater flexibility in the manner in which samples are collected and ensure that there is no disruption to TCO2 testing while maintaining the safety of Ontario racehorses.

There is no other change to licensee obligations. TCO2 testing samples will continue to be collected by an AGCO-authorized person for an approved laboratory, as required by the Rules of Racing.

This change will be effective until further notice. The AGCO will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as they become available.

 

Additional Resources

 

Revised Rule in the Thoroughbred and Standardbred Rules of Racing