Cobalt Limit for Racehorses Now in Effect in California

The CHRB adopted the limit of 25 ng/ml in blood serum with increasing penalties for cobalt in excess of 50 ng/nl.
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A cobalt limit went into effect Oct. 5 in California horse racing following the Office of Administrative Law’s (OAL) approval of a regulatory amendment adopted by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) in August.

Cobalt is an essential trace element naturally occurring at low levels in horses, but is believed to be a potential blood-doping agent and horse welfare issue when administered at higher levels. Accordingly, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) has recommended a threshold level for cobalt in racehorses. The CHRB’s Rule 1843.2 now conforms to the RMTC recommendation by establishing an authorized limit of 25 ng/ml in blood serum with increasing penalties for cobalt in excess of 50 ng/nl.

Virtually all racehorses in California already are in compliance with the new legal limit. The 25ng/ml threshold has been administered as a nonregulatory “house” rule at Cal Expo harness meets since 2014.

The CHRB has monitored cobalt in all breeds for over one year, with more intensive monitoring since July. No Thoroughbreds or Quarter Horses in California have come close to exceeding the 25ng/ml cobalt threshold during that time

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