Racehorse Drug Rules, Out-of-Competition Testing Discussed

International uniform medication rules and out-of-competition drug testing were discussed at the Asian Racing Conference, currently taking place in Hong Kong.
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Brian Kavanagh, chairman of the European Pattern Committee, called for international uniform medication rules during an address at the Asian Racing Conference, currently taking place in Hong Kong. Officials also agreed to newly drafted 'best practice principles' of out-of-competition drug testing.

Kavanagh, said, "I believe that the IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) must move to a single worldwide set of rules relating to medication and we simply must find a way of ensuring that these rules can be enforced in all member countries. I realize that this is not straightforward in some countries, but in order to have value and integrity for our global rankings and our black-type system in sales catalogues, it is simply where we must go."

A live electronic poll of delegates attending the session revealed that 82% were in favor of standard medication rules being linked to the pattern system. (Pattern races are also known as "group" or "graded" races in some jurisdictions and represent the highest level of Thoroughbred racing world wide. Examples of pattern races include the Kentucky Derby, Breeders' Cup races, the Epsom Derby, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Read more about the pattern race discussion at BloodHorse.com.)

Also at the Asian Racing Conference, attendees of the IFHA's executive council unanimously agreed to newly drafted 'best practice principles' of out-of-competition drug testing

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The Blood-Horse is the leading weekly publication devoted to international Thoroughbred racing and breeding. Since 1916, the staff of The Blood-Horse has served the Thoroughbred community with the highest standards of journalistic excellence to provide comprehensive and timely editorial coverage and analysis.

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