Bisphosphonates treated horses - press release

Lexington, KY – The Association of Racing Commissioners International issued the following notice regarding the use of bisphosphonate drugs on race horses or horses intended to be raced:

Bisphosphonate use in a racing environment is already prohibited and, if found, the trainer is subject to significant fine and suspension and the horse will be excluded from competition for at least thirty days to one year.

The extra label use in any horse younger than four years of age of any bisphosphonate is prohibited.

The ARCI is considering and accepting input from the industry on adoption and implementation of a Regulatory Policy that would disallow any horse from being entered in a race that has been treated with bisphosphonates prior to age four or for reasons not specifically cited by the US Food and Drug Administration as appropriate use.

Owners and potential buyers of young horses are advised to insist on complete disclosure of any bisphosphonate treatments administered to horses they are considering for purchase.

Comments on this issue may be submitted to rules@arci.com .

 

Rebecca Shoemaker

Assistant to the President & CEO

Association of Racing Commissioners International