On June 1, 2021, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will implement the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency’s (CPMA) recommendation to lower the thresholds for total carbon dioxide (TCO2).
The AGCO will lower the thresholds for TCO2 from 37mmol/L to 36mmol/L, and from 39mmol/L to 38mmol/L for horses registered in the Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) program.
In addition, the AGCO is updating the impacted Rules to enhance the effectiveness of the TCO2 program and clarify that when a sample is not collected, the horse may be scratched at the discretion of the Racing Officials. The Rules will also be updated to reflect the ban on race day medication, which prohibits the administration of medications, drugs and substances to any horse starting 24 hours prior to the post time of the first race of the day they are scheduled to race.
For more information see the May 3 Industry Notice Revision to the Rules of Racing to Lower TCO2 Thresholds Starting June 1, 2021