New clenbuterol restrictions to take effect March 1

A regulation that greatly restricts use of the bronchodilator clenbuterol in racing and training will take effect March 1, according to the Maryland Racing Commission, which approved it in late 2020.

The regulation stemmed from the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan, a document designed to enhance the health, safety and welfare of racehorses. Other states in the region are in the process of adopting the new clenbuterol language.

As of March 1, clenbuterol will not have a permissive threshold, MRC Executive Director Mike Hopkins said. The presence of the substance in a blood or urine sample—at any detectable level—will constitute a violation. A horse found with clenbuterol in its system will be disqualified and the trainer subject to disciplinary action.