Chapter 180. Medication
11VAC10-180-10. Definitions.
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Bleeder" means a horse that has been diagnosed as suffering from exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage based on external or endoscopic examination by a commission veterinarian or a practicing veterinarian who is a permit holder in the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other jurisdiction.
"Bleeder list" means a tabulation of all bleeders to be maintained by the stewards.
"Commission" means the Virginia Racing Commission.
"Controlled substance" means a drug, substance, or immediate precursor in Schedules I through VI of the Virginia Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) or any substance included in the five classification schedules of the federal Uniform Controlled Substances Act (21 USC § 301 et seq.).
"Furosemide list" means a tabulation of horses permitted to use the medication of furosemide on race day by declaration to the stewards, in addition to horses on the bleeder list.
"Injectable substance" means a liquid or solid substance that may require the addition of a liquid via a needle and syringe to change the substance from a solid into a liquid, contained in a vial that can be accessed and administered only via a needle and syringe.
"Licensed veterinarian" means a veterinarian who holds a valid license to practice veterinary medicine and surgery under the applicable laws of the jurisdiction in which such person's practice is principally conducted.
"Milkshaking" or "bicarbonate loading" means administering a bicarbonate or other alkalinizing substance to a horse that elevates the horse's total carbon dioxide level or pH level above those existing naturally in the untreated horse at normal physiological concentrations as determined by the commission, regardless of the means of administration.
"Permitted race day substances" means only substances approved by the commission that are (i) administered solely for the benefit and welfare of the horse, (ii) nonperformance altering, (iii) of no danger to riders or drivers, and (iv) unlikely to interfere with the detection of prohibited substances.
"Prescription substance" means any substance that is administered or dispensed or labeled for use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian for the purpose of medical treatment of an animal patient when a bona fide doctor-patient relationship has been established.
"Primary laboratory" means a facility accredited by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and designated by the commission for the testing of test samples.
"Prohibited substance" means any drug, medication, or chemical foreign to the natural horse, whether natural or synthetic, or a metabolite or analog thereof, the use of which is not expressly permitted by the regulations of the commission.
"Race day" means the 24-hour period before post time for the race in which the horse is entered to start.
"Reference laboratory" means a facility accredited by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and designated by the commission for the testing of split samples.
"Ship-in meet" means a limited meet, generally one, two, or three consecutive days of racing, to which the preponderance of horses ship in to race, leave after racing, and do not remain for daily training.
"Substance" means any drug, medication, or chemical foreign to the natural horse or human being, whether natural or synthetic, or a metabolite or analog thereof.
"Test sample" means any sample of blood, urine, saliva, or tissue obtained from a horse or person for the purpose of laboratory testing for the presence of substances.
"Tubing" means the administration to a horse of any substance via a naso-gastric tube.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 1996; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 22, eff. August 20, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 23, eff. July 10, 2000; Volume 18, Issue 19, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005; Volume 23, Issue 20, eff. May 18, 2007; Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008; Volume 25, Issue 17, eff. May 27, 2009; Volume 31, Issue 18, May 1, 2015; Volume 35, Issue 22, eff. July 8, 2019.
11VAC10-180-20. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 1996; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 22, eff. August 20, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 23, eff. July 10, 2000; Volume 18, Issue 19, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. March 31, 2003; Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005; Volume 23, Issue 20, eff. May 18, 2007; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008.
11VAC10-180-25. Veterinary practices.
A. Veterinarians under authority of commission veterinarian. Veterinarians holding valid veterinarian permits issued by the commission and practicing at any location under the jurisdiction of the commission are under the authority of the commission veterinarian and the stewards. The commission veterinarian shall recommend to the stewards the discipline that may be imposed upon a veterinarian who violates these regulations.
B. Treatment restrictions.
1. Only licensed trainers, licensed owners, or their designees shall be permitted to authorize veterinary medical treatment of horses under their care, custody, and control at locations under the jurisdiction of the commission.
2. Except as otherwise provided in the regulations, no person other than a licensed veterinarian holding a valid permit issued by the commission may administer a prescription or controlled medication, drug, chemical, or other substance to a horse at any location under the jurisdiction of the commission.
3. This section does not apply to the administration of the following substances unless the quantity administered results in detection in post-race samples or interferes with post-race testing:
a. A recognized noninjectable nutritional supplement approved by a commission veterinarian;
b. A noninjectable, nonprescription medication or substance approved by a commission veterinarian; and
c. A noninjectable medication or substance on the direction or by prescription of a licensed veterinarian.
4. No person, except a veterinarian holding a valid veterinarian's permit or an assistant under his immediate supervision, shall have in his possession within the enclosure any hypodermic syringe or needle or any instrument capable of being used for the injection of any substance.
5. No person, except a veterinarian holding a valid veterinarian's permit or an assistant under his immediate supervision, shall have in his possession within the enclosure any injectable substance.
6. Notwithstanding these regulations, a veterinarian or other permit holder may possess within the enclosure of a horse racing facility a hypodermic syringe and needle for the purpose of administering to himself a substance, provided that the permit holder has documentary evidence that the substance can only be administered by injection and that the substance to be administered by injection has been prescribed for him.
7. Unless granted approval by the commission veterinarian, practicing veterinarians shall not have contact with an entered horse on race day. Any unauthorized contact may result in the horse being scratched from the race in which it was scheduled to compete and may result in further disciplinary action by the stewards.
C. Veterinarian treatment reports.
1. Practicing veterinarians must maintain complete records of all treatments, including date, time, and proper identification of each horse. The record shall contain the name of the trainer, the name of the horse, all medications and dosages administered, and all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed on the horse.
2. At the request of the commission veterinarian or stewards, practicing veterinarians shall produce within 24 hours the billing and treatment records and other information for any horse treated by the veterinarian.
3. A medication report that is consistent with analytical results of a positive test and is filed prior to post time for the race in question may be used as a mitigating factor in determining the nature and extent, if any, of a rules violation.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 8, eff. January 1, 2014; Volume 31, Issue 18, May 1, 2015.
11VAC10-180-30. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 1996; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 22, eff. August 20, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 23, eff. July 10, 2000; Volume 18, Issue 19, eff. May 10, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005.
11VAC10-180-35. Prohibited practices.
A. No trainer shall allow a horse to appear in a race, qualifying race, or official timed workout when the horse contains in its system any prohibited substance, as determined by testing of blood, saliva, or urine, or any other reasonable means.
B. No person shall administer any prohibited substance to a horse on race day. Furosemide is the only substance specifically permitted for use in approved horses on race day.
C. No veterinarian or permit holder shall, without good cause, possess or administer any substance to a horse stabled within the enclosure or at any facility under the jurisdiction of the commission if the substance:
1. Has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any use (human or animal) or by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Veterinary Biologics;
2. Is on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's Schedule I or Schedule II of controlled substances as prepared by the Attorney General of the United States pursuant to 21 USC §§ 811 and 812;
3. May endanger the health and welfare of the horse or endanger the safety of the rider or driver, or may adversely affect the integrity of racing; or
4. Does not have a recognized laboratory analytical method to detect and confirm its administration.
D. No person, except a veterinarian holding a valid veterinarian's permit or an assistant under the veterinarian's immediate supervision, shall have in his possession within the enclosure of a horse racing facility any prescription substance for animal use unless:
1. The person actually possesses within the enclosure of the horse racing facility documentary evidence that a prescription has been issued to him for the substance by a licensed veterinarian;
2. The prescription substance is labeled with a dosage for the horse to be treated with the prescription substance; and
3. The horse or horses named in the prescription are then under the care and supervision of the permit holder and are then stabled within the enclosure of the horse racing facility.
E. The possession or administration of equine growth hormone, venoms, erythropoietin (Epogen), darbepoietin, oxyglobin, Hemopure, or any analogous substance that increases oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is prohibited. Furthermore, should the analysis of a test sample detect the presence of antibodies of erythropoietin or darbepoietin or any analogous substance in the horse's blood that indicates a history of use of these substances, the horse shall be prohibited from racing and placed on the veterinarian's list until the horse tests negative for the presence of such antibodies.
F. The use of androgenic and anabolic steroids is prohibited in racing horses as stipulated in 11VAC10-180-75.
G. The use of an extracorporeal shockwave therapy device or radial pulse wave therapy device is prohibited on the racetrack premises and at any site that falls under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Racing Commission unless:
1. The therapy device is registered with the commission veterinarian;
2. The therapy device is used by a veterinarian who is a permit holder; and
3. Each use of the therapy device is reported to the commission veterinarian by the treating veterinarian within 24 hours of treatment.
Notwithstanding the provisions in this subsection, whether on or off the premises, a shockwave therapy device or radial pulse wave therapy device shall not be used on a racehorse fewer than 10 days before the horse is to race or train at racing speed. For the purposes of this calculation, the day of treatment shall be considered day one. Furthermore, the horse that was treated shall be placed on the veterinarian's list for 10 days from the date of treatment.
H. Tubing of horses prohibited. The tubing or dosing of any horse for any reason on race day is prohibited unless administered for medical emergency purposes by a licensed veterinarian in which case the horse shall be scratched. The practice of administration of any substance via a tube or other method into a horse's stomach on race day is considered a violation of this chapter.
1. Using or possessing the ingredients or the paraphernalia associated with forced feeding to a horse of any alkalinizing agent with or without a concentrated form of carbohydrate, or administering any substance by tubing or other method on race day shall be considered a violation of this chapter.
2. Under the provisions of this subsection, endoscopic examination by a licensed veterinarian shall not be considered a violation of this chapter.
I. Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, no substance of any kind may be administered to a horse within four hours, or three hours for a ship-in meet, of the scheduled post time for the race in which the horse is entered. To ensure uniform supervision and conformity to this this chapter, the trainer shall have each horse programmed to race stabled in its assigned stall within the enclosure of the horse race facility no fewer than five hours, or four hours for a ship-in meet, prior to post time for the respective race.
J. Intra-articular injections prohibited. Injecting any substance or inserting a needle into a joint space is prohibited within 14 days prior to the horse's race for flat and steeplechase racing and within seven days for harness racing. All intra-articular injections shall be reported by the treating veterinarian to the commission veterinarian within 24 hours of treatment. Horses treated shall be ineligible to race for a period of 14 days for flat and steeplechase racing and for seven days for harness racing. For the purposes of this calculation, the day of treatment shall be considered day one.
K. Peri-neural injections prohibited. Injecting a local anesthetic or other chemical agent adjacent to a nerve is prohibited within three days prior to the horse's race.
L. Hyperbaric oxygen chamber prohibited. Subjecting a horse to therapy utilizing a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is prohibited within four days prior to the horse's race.
M. Stacking coriscosteroids prohibited. The detection of two or more corticosteroids in a horse's post-race biological samples shall constitute a stacking violation and is prohibited.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 17, eff. May 27, 2009; Volume 26, Issue 19, eff. May 29, 2010; Volume 30, Issue 8, eff. January 1, 2014; Volume 31, Issue 18, eff. May 1, 2015; Volume 35, Issue 22, eff. July 8, 2019; Volume 36, Issue 25, eff. July 27, 2020.
11VAC10-180-60. Medications and prohibited substances.
A. Medications and prohibited substances are divided into five classes. The classes are:
1. Class 1. Substances found in this class have no generally accepted medical use in the racehorse and have a very high pharmacological potential for altering the performance of a racehorse. These substances should never be found in the horse's system through post-race testing or in the possession of any holder of a permit within the enclosure of a horse racing facility licensed by the commission. Such substances are potent stimulants of the nervous system including opiates, opium derivatives, synthetic opioids, psychoactive drugs, amphetamines and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Schedules I and II controlled substances.
2. Class 2. Substances in this class have a high potential to affect the outcome of a race. Most are not generally accepted as therapeutic agents in the racehorse. Many are products intended to alter consciousness or the psychic state of humans and have no approved or indicated use in the horse. Some, such as injectable local anesthetics, have legitimate uses in equine medicine but should not be found in a racehorse through post-race testing. The following groups of substances are in this class:
a. Opiate partial agonists or agonist-antagonists;
b. Nonopiate psychotropic drugs, which may have stimulant, depressant, analgesic or neuroleptic effects;
c. Miscellaneous substances that might have a stimulant effect on the central nervous system (CNS);
d. Drugs with prominent CNS depressant action;
e. Antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs, with or without prominent CNS stimulatory or depressant effects;
f. Muscle-blocking substances that have a direct neuromuscular blocking action;
g. Local anesthetics that have a reasonable potential for use as nerve-blocking agents (except procaine);
h. Other biological substances and snake venoms or chemicals that may be used as nerve-blocking agents; and
i. Erythropoietin (Epogen), darbepoietin, oxyglobin, hemopure, or other blood-doping agents.
3. Class 3. Substances found in this class may or may not have an accepted therapeutic use in the horse but have a potential to enhance performance, and their presence in the horse's system is prohibited on race day. The following groups of substances are in this class:
a. Substances affecting the autonomic nervous system that do not have prominent CNS effects, but that do have prominent cardiovascular and respiratory system effects (bronchodilators are included in this category);
b. Local anesthetics that have nerve-blocking potential but also a high potential for producing urine residue levels from a method of use not related to the anesthetic effect of the substance (procaine);
c. Miscellaneous substances with mild sedative action, such as the sleep-inducing antihistamines;
d. Primary vasodilating/hypotensive agents;
e. Potent diuretics affecting renal function and body fluid composition; and
f. Anabolic and/or androgenic steroids and/or growth hormones other than boldenone, stanozolol, nandrolone, and testosterone, which are classified elsewhere in this section.
4. Class 4. Substances in this class are primarily therapeutic medications routinely used in racehorses. These may influence performance, but generally have a more limited ability to do so. The following groups of drugs are in this class:
a. Nonopiate substances that have a mild central analgesic effect;
b. Substances affecting the autonomic nervous system that do not have prominent CNS, cardiovascular or respiratory effects:
(1) Substances used solely as topical vasoconstrictors or decongestants;
(2) Substances used as gastrointestinal antispasmodics;
(3) Substances used to void the urinary bladder; and
(4) Substances with a major effect on CNS vasculature or smooth muscle of visceral organs.
(5) Antihistamines that do not have a significant CNS depressant effect (this does not include H1 blocking agents, which are listed in Class 3).
c. Mineral corticoid substances;
d. Skeletal muscle relaxants;
e. Anti-inflammatory substances that may reduce pains as a consequence of their anti-inflammatory actions, which include:
(1) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
(2) Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids); and
(3) Miscellaneous anti-inflammatory agents;
f. Boldenone, stanozolol, nandrolone, and testosterone, individually but not in combination, at levels stipulated in 11VAC10-180-75;
g. Less potent diuretics;
h. Cardiac glycosides and anti-arrhythmics including:
(1) Cardiac glycosides;
(2) Anti-arrhythmic agents (exclusive of lidocaine, bretylium and propranolol); and
(3) Miscellaneous cardiotonic drugs;
i. Topical anesthetics agents not available in injectable formulations;
j. Antidiarrheal agents; and
k. Miscellaneous substances including:
(1) Expectorants with little or no other pharmacologic action;
(2) Stomachics; and
(3) Mucolytic agents.
5. Class 5. Drugs in this class are therapeutic medications for which concentration limits have been established as well as certain miscellaneous agents. Included specifically are agents that have very localized action only, such as anti-ulcer drugs and certain anti-allergenic drugs. The anticoagulant drugs are also included.
B. Disciplinary actions.
1. In issuing penalties against individuals found guilty of medication and drug violations a regulatory distinction shall be made between the detection of therapeutic medications used routinely to treat racehorses and those drugs that have no reason to be found at any concentration in the test sample on race day.
2. The stewards or the commission may use the most recent revision of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances and the Multiple Violations Penalty System as the guideline in the penalty stage of the deliberations for a rule violation for any prohibited substance.
3. If a licensed veterinarian is administering or prescribing a drug not listed in the RCI Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances, the identity of the drug shall be forwarded to the commission veterinarian to be forwarded to RCI for classification.
4. Any drug or metabolite thereof found to be present in a pre-race or post-race sample that is not classified in the most recent RCI Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances may be assumed to be an RCI Class 1 Drug and the trainer and owner may be subject to those penalties as set forth in schedule "A" unless satisfactorily demonstrated otherwise by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, with a penalty category assigned.
5. Any permit holder of the commission, including practicing veterinarians, found to be responsible for the improper or intentional administration of any drug resulting in a positive test may be subject to the same penalties set forth to the trainer.
6. Any veterinarian found to be involved in the administration of any drug carrying the penalty category of "A" shall be referred to the respective state licensing board of veterinary medicine for consideration of further disciplinary action and/or license revocation. This is in addition to any penalties issued by the stewards or the commission.
7. Any person who the stewards or the commission believe may have committed acts in violation of criminal statutes shall be referred to the appropriate law-enforcement agency. Administrative action taken by the stewards or the commission in no way prohibits a prosecution for criminal acts committed, nor does a potential criminal prosecution stall administrative action by the stewards or the commission.
8. Pursuant to 11VAC10-60-70 E, all horses in the care of a trainer who is suspended for more than 10 days must be transferred to another trainer approved by the stewards. During the period of suspension the suspended trainer shall have no communication with the new trainer, the new trainers' staff, or the horse owner; shall not benefit financially from transferred horses in his stable during the time of suspension; and shall not be permitted on the grounds except with the permission of the stewards.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 1996; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 22, eff. August 20, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 23, eff. July 10, 2000; Volume 18, Issue 19, eff. May 10, 2002; Errata, 18:20 VA.R. 2681 June 17, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. March 31, 2003; Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005; Volume 23, Issue 20, eff. May 18, 2007; Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008; Volume 26, Issue 19, eff. May 29, 2010; Volume 28, Issue 15, eff. April 16, 2012; Volume 30, Issue 8, eff. January 1, 2014.
11VAC10-180-70. (Repealed.)
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 1996; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 22, eff. August 20, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 23, eff. July 10, 2000; Volume 18, Issue 19, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005; Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008; Volume 25, Issue 17, eff. May 27, 2009; Volume 28, Issue 15, eff. April 16, 2012; Volume 29, Issue 13, eff. March 1, 2013; Volume 30, Issue 8, eff. January 1, 2014; Volume 31, Issue 18, eff. May 1, 2015; Volume 35, Issue 22, eff. July 8, 2019; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 25, eff. July 27, 2020.
11VAC10-180-72. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) shall be governed by the following conditions:
1. The administration of NSAIDS at less than 48 hours to the scheduled post of a horse's race, qualifying race, or official timed workout is prohibited.
2. The presence of one of the following does not constitute a violation:
a. Phenylbutazone at a concentration of less than 0.3 micrograms per milliliter of plasma or serum;
b. Flunixin at a concentration less than 5.0 nanograms per milliliter of plasma or serum; or
c. Ketoprofen at a concentration less than 2.0 nanograms per milliliter of plasma or serum.
3. The detection of two or more NSAIDS in blood or urine constitutes NSAIDS stacking violation and is prohibited.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 25, eff. July 27, 2020.
11VAC10-180-73. Clenbuterol.
A. Clenbuterol use is prohibited in racing and training unless the following conditions are met:
1. The prescription for clenbuterol is made for a specific horse based upon a specific diagnosis. The prescription and volume dispensed cannot exceed a treatment period of 30 days.
2. The veterinarian must provide a copy of the prescription and diagnosis to the Equine Medical Director for review and approval. The horse may not receive clenbuterol before this approval is issued.
3. Trainers must make daily notification to the Equine Medical Director of horses in their custody having been administered clenbuterol. Notification shall be in writing as specified by the Equine Medical Director.
4. A horse administered clenbuterol shall be placed on the Veterinarian's List. The horse must meet all conditions for removal from the Veterinarian's List including a timed workout and blood and urine sampling. Both samples must have no detectable clenbuterol.
5. A horse may not enter to race until it has completed all the requirements in subdivision 4 of this subsection.
B. If clenbuterol is detected in a horse's post-race or out-of-competition sample and appropriate notification, as outlined in subdivision A 1 or A 2 of this section, was not completed, the horse shall immediately be placed on the Veterinarian's List pending the outcome of an investigation. The horse shall be required to meet all conditions for removal from the Veterinarian's List outlined in subdivision A 4 of this section.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. July 19, 2021.
11VAC10-180-75. Androgenic and anabolic steroids.
A. All androgenic and anabolic steroids, natural or synthetic, are prohibited in racing horses, except as provided in this section.
B. Residues of the major metabolite of stanozolol, nandrolone, boldenone, and testosterone at concentrations less than the thresholds indicated in this section are permitted in test samples collected from racing horses.
C. Concentrations of these substances identified in subsection B of this section shall not exceed the following threshold concentrations:
1. Stanozolol – 100 pg/ml in serum or plasma for all horses regardless of gender.
2. Boldenone – 100 pg/ml in serum or plasma for all horses regardless of gender.
3. Nandrolone.
a. 100 pg/ml in serum or plasma in geldings, fillies, and mares.
b. Male horses other than geldings will not be tested for nandrolone.
4. Testosterone.
a. 100 pg/ml in serum or plasma in geldings, fillies, and mares.
b. Male horses other than geldings will not be tested for testosterone.
D. The presence of more than one of the four substances identified in subsection B of this section at concentrations greater than the individual thresholds indicated in subsection C of this section or a combination of any two or more substances recognized as androgenic or anabolic is prohibited.
E. The gender of each horse must be so identified for test samples submitted to the laboratory.
F. Any horse administered an androgenic or anabolic steroid to assist in the recovery from illness or injury may be placed on the veterinarian's list in order to monitor the concentration of the drug in serum or plasma. After the concentration has fallen below the designated threshold, the horse is eligible to be removed from the list.
G. The stewards may take disciplinary actions for reports of quantitative testing by the primary testing laboratory indicating the presence of one or more androgenic or anabolic steroid at concentrations above the individual thresholds indicated in subsection C of this section and may use the most recent revision of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances and the Multiple Violations Penalty System as a guide.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 19, eff. May 29, 2010; Volume 28, Issue 15, eff. April 16, 2012; Volume 29, Issue 13, eff. March 1, 2013; Volume 30, Issue 8, eff. January 1, 2014; Volume 31, Issue 18, eff. May 1, 2015; Volume 35, Issue 22, eff. July 8, 2019.
11VAC10-180-80. Permitted race day substances.
A. Generally. Furosemide shall be the only medication permitted to be administered on race day and only to those horses eligible for furosemide treatment as designated by the bleeder list and furosemide list described in subsection B of this section.
B. Bleeder medications. By this regulation, the Virginia Racing Commission specifically permits the use of bleeder medications in only those horses that:
1. Have been placed on the bleeders list by the stewards;
2. Have raced on furosemide in another jurisdiction on the last previous start in a pari-mutuel race, as indicated by the past performance chart or by verification by the commission veterinarian from that racing jurisdiction, or both; or
3. Have been placed on the furosemide list by the stewards. A horse is eligible for inclusion on the furosemide list if the licensed trainer and a licensed veterinarian determine it is in the horse's best interest to race with furosemide, and the prescribed commission form is presented to the commission veterinarian prior to the close of entries for the horse's race. A horse placed on the furosemide list without demonstrating an episode of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage is not restricted from racing for the usual recovery period described in 11VAC10-180-85 D. However, any future episode of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage shall be considered a reoccurrence of bleeding for the purpose of determining restrictions from racing, as provided in this chapter.
a. A trainer or owner may discontinue the administration of furosemide to his racehorse only with the permission of the stewards. The request must be submitted in writing on forms prescribed by the commission and prior to entering the horse in a race.
b. A horse removed from the furosemide list may not be placed back on the furosemide list for a period of 60 calendar days unless the horse suffers an external bleeding incident witnessed by the commission veterinarian or his designee. In such case, the horse shall be placed on the bleeders list as though that bleeding incident was a reoccurrence of bleeding and subjected to a minimum 30-day or 90-day restriction for recovery as provided in this chapter.
C. Furosemide.
1. Procedures for usage. The use of furosemide on race day is permitted by the commission only in horses eligible to receive bleeder medications and under the following circumstances:
a. Furosemide shall be administered by a single dose intravenously no less than four hours, or three hours for a ship-in meet, prior to post time within the enclosure of the horse race facility by a veterinarian who shall be specifically designated by the commission to administer furosemide.
b. The furosemide dosage administered shall not exceed 6.0 ml (300 mg) and shall not be less than 3.0 ml (150 mg). At a ship-in meet, the minimum dosage shall be not less than 2.0 ml (100 mg).
c. The veterinarian administering the furosemide shall be an employee of the commission or otherwise observed by an employee of the commission who shall deliver a furosemide treatment report to the commission no later than two hours prior to post time. The furosemide treatment report shall contain the following:
(1) The trainer's name, date, horse's name, and horse's identification number;
(2) The time furosemide was administered to the horse;
(3) The dosage level administered for this race;
(4) The barn and stall number; and
(5) The signature of the veterinarian, who is a permit holder and is specifically designated by the commission to administer furosemide.
2. Furosemide quantification. Furosemide levels must not exceed 100 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of serum or plasma and urine specific gravity measuring 1.010 or lower. If a urine sample is unavailable for specific gravity measurement, serum or plasma concentration may not exceed 100 nanograms per milliliter. Furosemide must be present in the serum or plasma or urine of any horse that has been designated in the program as being treated with furosemide.
D. Disciplinary actions.
1. For the first violation of the regulation pertaining to furosemide quantification (subdivision C 2 of this section), the stewards shall issue a written reprimand to the trainer and to the practicing veterinarian, if applicable.
2. For the second violation of the regulation pertaining to furosemide quantification (subdivision C 2 of this section), the stewards shall fine the trainer, practicing veterinarian, or both an amount not to exceed $500.
3. For the third violation of the regulation pertaining to furosemide quantification (subdivision C 2 of this section) within a 365-day period, the stewards shall suspend or fine the trainer, practicing veterinarian, or both not to exceed $1,000 and 15 days.
4. The stewards, in their discretion, may impose other more stringent disciplinary actions against trainers or other permit holders who violate the provisions under which furosemide is permitted by the commission, regardless of whether or not the same horse is involved.
E. Adjunct bleeder medications. The Virginia Racing Commission prohibits the use of bleeder adjunct medication on race day.
F. Program designation. The licensee shall be responsible for designating in the program those horses racing on furosemide. The designation shall also include those horses making their first start while racing on furosemide. In the event there is an error, the licensee shall be responsible for making an announcement to be made over the public address system and taking other means to correct the information published in the program.
G. Discontinue use of furosemide. A trainer or owner may discontinue the administration of furosemide to his horse only with the permission of the stewards and prior to entering the horse in a race.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 1996; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 22, eff. August 20, 1998; Volume 16, Issue 23, eff. July 10, 2000; Volume 18, Issue 19, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. March 31, 2003; Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005; Volume 23, Issue 20, eff. May 18, 2007; Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008; Volume 25, Issue 17, eff. May 27, 2009; Volume 29, Issue 13, eff. March 1, 2013; Volume 30, Issue 8, eff. January 1, 2014; Volume 31, Issue 18, eff. May 1, 2015; Volume 35, Issue 25, eff. August 5, 2019.
11VAC10-180-85. Bleeders.
A. Examination of bleeders. A horse that is alleged to have bled in Virginia must be physically examined by the commission veterinarian or a practicing veterinarian who is a permit holder in order to confirm the horse's inclusion on the bleeder list. The veterinarian may conclude a horse is a bleeder under the following circumstances:
1. If the examination takes place immediately following the race or exercise and before the horse leaves the racing surface or test barn, a veterinarian may conclude the horse is a bleeder and an endoscopic examination is not required for inclusion on the bleeder list; or
2. If the examination takes place after the horse leaves the racing surface but within 90 minutes following the finish of a race or exercise in which the horse participated, a veterinarian shall require an endoscopic examination for inclusion on the bleeder list.
B. Confirmation of a bleeder. The commission veterinarian or practicing veterinarian who is a permit holder shall decide, based upon the standard of care a reasonable veterinarian should exercise in similar circumstances, whether the horse suffers from exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and should be placed on the bleeder list. The confirmation of a bleeder shall be certified in writing by the commission veterinarian or practicing veterinarian, and the horse shall be placed on the bleeder list. The confirmation of a bleeder shall be filed with the commission within three days of the confirmation. Upon request, a copy of the certification shall be provided to the owner of the horse or his agent.
C. Posting of bleeder list. The bleeder list shall be maintained by the stewards, with the assistance of the commission veterinarian, and shall be made available upon request. No horse shall be removed from the bleeder list without the approval of the stewards.
D. Recovery period. If it is determined that a horse has bled as determined by this chapter, the horse shall be placed on the bleeders list and may not be permitted to race for at least 14 days. If a horse is determined to have bled within 365 days of the first occurrence, or if the horse bleeds externally on the track or in the test barn while on furosemide, the horse may not race for the following periods of time:
1. 30 days after the first reoccurrence;
2. 90 days after the second reoccurrence; and
3. The horse shall be barred from racing forever at the race meetings licensed by the commission after the third reoccurrence.
For the purpose of counting the number of days a horse is not permitted to race in meetings licensed by the commission, the day the horse bled is the first day of the recovery period, and the horse shall be permitted to race in meetings licensed by the commission when the last day of the recovery period under this chapter expired.
E. Bleeders from other jurisdictions. The commission veterinarian may designate a horse as a bleeder from another jurisdiction based upon information received from that jurisdiction confirming that the horse is a bleeder and that the requirements for inclusion on the bleeder list in Virginia have been satisfied.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008; Volume 31, Issue 18, eff. May 1, 2015.
11VAC10-180-90. Bicarbonate testing.
A. Generally. The feeding or administration to a horse on race day of any bicarbonate-containing substance or other alkalinizing substance that effectively alters the serum or plasma pH or concentration of bicarbonates or carbon dioxide in the horse is prohibited.
B. Test values. A serum or plasma total carbon dioxide level exceeding 37.0 millimoles per liter constitutes a positive test.
C. Testing procedure. The stewards or commission veterinarian may, at their discretion and at any time, order the collection of test samples from any horse present within the enclosure for determination of serum or plasma pH or concentration of bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, or electrolytes. Preracing testing or post-race testing may be done at a time and manner directed by the commission veterinarian. Whether prerace or post-race, the sample shall consist of blood taken from the horse to determine the serum or plasma total carbon dioxide concentration. If the chief racing chemist finds that the total carbon dioxide levels in the sample exceed the standard test values of 37.0 millimoles per liter, then he shall inform the commission veterinarian of the positive test results.
D. Split samples prohibited. The procedures for split sample testing shall not apply to bicarbonate testing procedures.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 1996; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 22, eff. August 20, 1998; Volume 18, Issue 19, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. March 31, 2003; Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005; Volume 26, Issue 19, eff. May 29, 2010; Volume 29, Issue 13, eff. March 1, 2013; Volume 31, Issue 18, eff. May 1, 2015; Volume 35, Issue 22, eff. July 8, 2019.
11VAC10-180-100. Collection of samples.
A. Test barn. Test samples shall be collected in the test barn under the supervision of the commission veterinarian or his designee. The commission veterinarian may, at his discretion, permit test samples to be collected in the horse's stall or any other location the commission veterinarian deems appropriate. Under these circumstances, the commission veterinarian shall maintain a written record of his decision.
B. Horses to be tested. The stewards or commission veterinarian may, at any time, order the taking of test samples from any horse stabled within the enclosure of the horse racing facility, prior to racing or after racing including qualifying races and official timed workouts for the stewards or commission veterinarian. However, the stewards shall designate at least one horse from each race for the collection of test samples.
C. Collection procedure.
1. The trainer or a permit holder designated by the trainer shall accompany the horse to the test barn and witness the collection and splitting of the samples. The trainer or permit holder designated by the trainer shall cooperate with the commission veterinarian and the commission's veterinary technicians in the performance of their duties. The trainer or permit holder designated by the trainer must remain with the horse until the horse is released from the test barn.
2. Horses from which samples are to be collected shall be escorted following the race directly to the test barn by the commission's veterinary technicians, and the horses shall remain in the test barn until released by the commission veterinarian, his designee, or the test barn supervisor.
3. Stable equipment, other than common necessities for washing and cooling out a horse, is prohibited in the test barn. A practicing veterinarian may attend a horse in the test barn only in the presence of the commission veterinarian or the commission's veterinary technicians.
4. During the collection of test samples, the owner or trainer, or an assistant designated by the owner or trainer, shall be present and witness the collection of the test sample, the splitting of the sample, and sealing of containers. In the case of a claimed horse, the owner or trainer, or an assistant designated by the owner or trainer in whose name the horse started, shall be present to witness the collection of the test samples.
5. The test and split samples collected from a horse shall have identification tags affixed. One portion of the tag, bearing a printed identification number, shall remain with the sealed test and split samples, and the other portion of the tag bearing the same printed identification numbers shall be detached in the presence of the witness. The commission veterinarian or his designee shall on the detached portion of the tags identify the horse from which the test and split samples were collected, the race and date, and other information deemed appropriate. The detached portion of the tag shall be witnessed by the trainer or a permit holder designated by the trainer and shall be retained by the commission veterinarian for safekeeping.
6. A horse's identity shall be confirmed by examining its lip-tattoo, digital tattoo, microchip, or freeze brand number. A horse that has not been properly identified using any of these methods shall be reported immediately to the stewards.
7. If, after a horse remains for a reasonable time in the test barn, a test sample of urine cannot be collected from the horse, the commission veterinarian may, at his discretion, collect a test sample of blood or permit the horse to be returned to its barn where a test sample may be collected under the supervision of the commission veterinarian or the commission's veterinary technicians.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005; amended, Volume 26, Issue 19, eff. May 29, 2010; Volume 35, Issue 22, eff. July 8, 2019.
11VAC10-180-110. Laboratory findings and reports.
A. Primary testing laboratory. The commission shall designate a primary testing laboratory for the analysis of test samples collected under the supervision of the commission veterinarian. The commission shall designate a chief racing chemist within the primary testing laboratory who shall have the authority to report his findings to the executive secretary of the commission, the stewards, and the commission veterinarian.
B. Reference laboratories. The commission shall designate one or more laboratories, other than the primary testing laboratory, as references laboratories. These laboratories will conduct confirmatory analysis of split samples. Any reference laboratory must be willing to accept split samples for confirmatory testing. Any reference laboratory shall send results to both the person requesting the testing and the commission.
C. Chief racing chemist's responsibilities. The chief racing chemist shall be responsible for (i) safeguarding and analyzing the test samples delivered to the primary testing laboratory, (ii) proper maintenance of equipment, (iii) adequate staffing, and (iv) acceptable procedures to thoroughly and accurately analyze test samples submitted to the primary testing laboratory.
D. Reporting procedures. The chief racing chemist shall submit to the commission veterinarian a written report as to each test sample analyzed, indicating by identification tag number whether the test sample was negative or there was a chemical identification. All confirmed positive identifications shall be submitted to the executive secretary, the stewards, and the commission veterinarian.
E. Chemical identifications. If the chief racing chemist determines that a substance foreign to the natural horse, except those specifically permitted by the regulations of the commission, is present in the test sample, the chief racing chemist shall submit a report of chemical identification to the executive secretary of the commission, the stewards, and the commission veterinarian. In a report of chemical identification, the chief racing chemist shall submit evidence acceptable in the scientific community and admissible in court in support of his determination.
F. Review of chemical identifications. Upon receipt of a report of a chemical identification from the chief racing chemist, the stewards shall conduct a review of the chemical identification, which shall include the chief racing chemist and the commission veterinarian. During the review, the following procedures shall apply:
1. All references to the report of a chemical identification shall be only by the identification tag number of the sample collected from the horse;
2. The chief racing chemist shall submit his written report of the chemical identification and the evidence supporting his finding;
3. The commission veterinarian shall submit a written statement to the stewards including the class of the substance, the concentration level detected in the sample, if determined, and its probable effect on a racehorse;
4. The stewards may ask questions at any time and request further documentation as they deem necessary;
5. After receiving the appropriate information on the identified substance, the stewards shall determine whether the chemical identification constitutes a violation of the regulations of the commission and whether it should be deemed a positive test result. In doing so, the stewards shall consider, among other things, the concentration level reported, its likely effect on the horse, and whether environmental contamination may have contributed to the test result;
6. In the event of a positive test result, the stewards shall notify the trainer and the owner of the horse of the right to send the split sample collected from the horse to one of the reference laboratories designated by the commission for confirmatory testing;
7. If the trainer or the owner elects to send the split sample to a reference laboratory, the stewards shall take no disciplinary action against any permit holder until the results from the reference laboratory are received, and the findings shall be a part of the record of any subsequent hearing;
8. The chief racing chemist's report of a chemical identification, the commission veterinarian's written statement, the results of confirmatory testing, and any other documentation submitted to the stewards shall become part of the record of any subsequent proceedings; and
9. Should the split sample not be tested by the reference laboratory due to any reason out of the commission's control, then the stewards shall hear the case based on the results of the primary testing laboratory.
G. A horse from which a positive test sample was collected may be placed on the steward's list until the stewards have made a final determination in the matter. The horse shall not be immune from resulting disciplinary action by the stewards or the commission.
H. Frozen samples. Unconsumed portions of all test samples tested by the primary testing laboratory shall be maintained in a frozen state until cleared by the chief racing chemist and permission for their disposal is obtained from the senior Commonwealth steward, the Equine Medical Director, or the Executive Secretary.
I. Split samples. The commission veterinarian or his designee shall determine a minimum test sample requirement for the primary testing laboratory. If the test sample collected is less than the minimum requirement, then the entire test sample shall be sent to the primary laboratory.
If the sample collected is greater than the minimum sample requirement but less than twice that amount, the portion of the test sample that is greater than the minimum test sample requirement shall be secured as the split sample.
If the test sample collected is greater than twice the minimum test sample requirement, a portion of the sample approximately equal to the test sample shipped to the primary testing laboratory shall be secured as the split sample.
J. Storage of split samples. Split samples shall be shipped to the testing laboratory with the primary samples. The testing laboratory shall maintain the split samples in a secure and frozen state and when requested by the commission, make the split samples available for further testing, in accordance with standard protocols for maintaining the chain of evidence. Split samples shall be so maintained at the testing laboratory until permission for their release and disposal is obtained from the senior Commonwealth steward, the Equine Medical Director, or the Executive Secretary.
K. Shipment of split samples. The trainer or owner of the horse having been notified of a positive test result may request that the split sample be shipped to one of the reference laboratories designated by the commission. The request must be made in writing and received by the commission not later than three business days after the trainer of the horse receives notification of the positive findings. The split sample shall be shipped to the requested reference laboratory by the testing laboratory. The owner, trainer, or designee shall travel to the storage facility of the testing laboratory to witness the removal, packaging, and shipping procedure unless he has waived this opportunity in writing. Failure of the trainer, owner, or designee to appear at the designated time and place, or otherwise attempting to interfere with the shipment of the split sample or payment of the costs, shall constitute a waiver of all rights to the testing of this split sample. The cost of shipment and additional testing shall be paid in a manner satisfactory to the commission by the permit holder requesting the testing of the split sample. Upon the expiration of this three-day period, the trainer or owner relinquishes his right to request a split sample.
Statutory Authority
§ 59.1-369 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 16, eff. May 18, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 16, eff. April 14, 2008; Volume 25, Issue 17, eff. May 27, 2009; Volume 26, Issue 19, eff. May 29, 2010; Volume 28, Issue 15, eff. April 16, 2012; Volume 31, Issue 18, eff. May 1, 2015; Volume 35, Issue 22, eff. July 8, 2019.
Forms (11VAC10-180)
Chain of Custody Form (eff. 2/10)
Test Barn Daily Log (eff. 2/10)
Request to Add Horse to the Furosemide List (rev. 12/13)
Request to Remove Horse from the Furosemide Program (eff. 9/09)