New MRC Safety and Welfare Regulations Now In Effect

Horsemen are reminded that four new Maryland Racing Commission regulations are now in effect.

No non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs  (NSAIDs) can be administered within 48 hours of  a horse’s race.

The presence of more than one NSAID in a test sample (called stacking) will constitute a violation.

The administration of any intra-articular injection is restricted to 14 days before a horse is anticipated to run. The attending veterinarian must report the injection to Equine Medical Director Dr. Libby Daniel, and the horse will not be permitted to run for 14 days from the date of the injection. (The horse may be entered to run at the conclusion of the 14-day stand-down.  The reporting forms for intra-articular injections are available at the MRC website (https://bit.ly/2uW9TrP) and must be timely sent to Dr. Daniel.