department of agriculture
Harness Racing Commission
final
ORDER
Pursuant to 29 Del.C. §10118 and 3 Del.C. §10005, the Delaware Harness Racing Commission issues this Order adopting proposed amendments to the Commission’s Rules. Following notice and a public hearing on September 26, 2006, the Commission makes the following findings and conclusions:
SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE
1. The Commission posted public notice of the proposed amendments in the August 1, 2006 and the September 1, 2006 Register of Regulations and for two consecutive weeks in The News Journal and Delaware State News. The Commission proposed to update Rule 2 to reflect current policies, practices and procedures and to remove outdated position titles and policy.
2. The Commission received no written comments during August or September 2006. The Commission held a public hearing on September 26, 2006 and also received no public comment on the changes.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS
3. The public was given notice and an opportunity to provide the Commission with comments in writing and by testimony at the public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Commission’s Rules.
4. In light of the lack of public comment on the rule changes as proposed, the Commission hereby adopts the rule changes as proposed. The Commission believes that these rule changes will allow the Delaware Harness Racing Commission rules to more accurately reflect current policy and procedure.
The effective date of this Order will be ten (10) days from the publication of this Order in the Register of Regulations on December 1, 2006.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 17th day of October 2006.
Robert Everett, Commissioner Beth Steele, Chair
Mary Ann Lambertson, Commissioner George P. Staats, Commissioner
ORDER
Pursuant to 29 Del.C. §10118 and 3 Del.C. §10005, the Delaware Harness Racing Commission (DHRC) issues this Order adopting proposed amendments to the Commission’s Rules. Following notice and a public hearing on September 26, 2006, the Commission makes the following findings and conclusions:
SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE
1. The Commission posted public notice of the proposed amendments in the August 1, 2006 and the September 1, 2006 Register of Regulations and for two consecutive weeks in The News Journal and the Delaware State News. The Commission proposed to change Rule 8.3.3.5 to enable trainer responsibility to apply where there is a confirmation of the presence of EPO using a post-race test. The Commission further proposed to enact a new Regulation 8.9.14.2.2, to designate that the Commission Veterinarian extract a second blood sample from a horse where a Base Excess testing protocol is used. Finally, the Commission recommended enacting a new Regulation 8.9.14.2.3, to replace Rule 8.9.15, to enable the confirmatory test for a prohibitive Base Excess concentration in the second extraction of blood to be performed at the designated Commission testing area of the racetrack.
2. The Commission received no written comments during August or September 2006. The Commission held a public hearing on September 26, 2006 and received public comments from Salvatore DiMario, Robert Collison, Hugh Gallagher, and Charles Lockhart. Mr. DiMario’s comments were as follows: He is concerned that the way that Rule 8.3.3.5 has been rewritten will not actually accomplish what was intended by the change. Mr. DiMario pointed out that this proposed change only deals with post-race testing. He feels that the rule needs to include pre-race testing for EPO (Erythropietin) as well. As to the replacement of Rule 8.9.15 with Rule 8.9.14.2.3, Mr. DiMario received clarification from the Commission that the change is just that the secondary test will no longer be sent out to an outside laboratory for confirmation.
3. Robert Collison, Chief Inspector for DHRC, relayed that currently there is only post-race testing for EPO because the confirmatory test for EPO is not yet available. He stated that he expects that it will be December 2006 or January 2007 before this test will likely be used, which is the reason that it is not provided for in the rule change.
4. Hugh Gallagher, Administrator for DHRC, confirms that Mr. DiMario is correct that Rule 8.3.3.5 does not address pre-race testing. However, Mr. Gallagher advised that future changes to Rule 8.4, once we are ready to test for EPO itself, will address Mr. DiMario’s concerns. He also stated that the laboratories are simply not able to test solely for the presence of EPO today, but likely will be in the near future. At that point, the Commission can move forward to change Rule 8.4. Because of this, Mr. Gallagher urged the Commission to go forward on making the Rule change to 8.3.3.5 that is possible today, with the understanding that pre-race testing for EPO will be dealt with in the future.
5. Charles Lockhart, vice-president of Dover Downs, concurred with Mr. DiMario’s concerns about the proposed rule change to 8.3.3.5 not mentioning pre-race testing for EPO. In response to Mr. Gallagher’s comments about a future rule change to Rule 8.4 taking care of the issue, Mr. Lockhart stated that he felt that Rule 8.4, as currently written, does not really relate to race day itself as the day of testing. Mr. Lockhart further stated that he believes that we need to enact a rule that enables testing any horse upon entering. He felt that even if the testing that the Commission is expecting to happen in the future never comes to fruition, then it would not hurt to have a rule where any horse can be tested at any time upon entering. Mr. Lockhart stated that his main concern is the time factor involved in getting Rule 8.4 changed if this testing is in fact implemented.
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS
6. The public was given notice and an opportunity to provide the Commission with comments in writing and by testimony at the public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Commission’s Rules.
7. The Commission has considered the public comments at the September 26, 2006 hearing. The Commission does not find those comments require further revisions of the proposed rules. The Commission finds that the revised rule 8.3.3.5 addresses the need for trainer responsibility involving positive post-race testing for EPO. The Commission further finds that as there is not a test currently available to confirm the presence of EPO alone, it is inappropriate to incorporate such language in a rule today. The Commission concludes that concerns involving pre-race testing for EPO will be addressed with an anticipated rule change in the future and that at this time, such language would be premature.
The effective date of this Order will be ten (10) days from the publication of this Order in the Register of Regulations on December 1, 2006.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 17th day of October 2006.
Robert Everett, Commissioner Beth Steele, Chair
Mary Ann Lambertson, Commissioner George P. Staats, Commissioner
501 Harness Racing Rules and Regulations
(Break in Continuity of Sections)
2.0 Commission
2.1 Purpose
2.1.1 The Delaware Harness Racing Commission, created by the Act, Title 4, Chapter 100, of the Delaware Code, is charged with implementing, administering and enforcing the Act. It is the intent of the Commission that the rules of the Commission be interpreted in the best interests of the public and the State of Delaware.
2.1.2 Through these Rules, the Commission intends to implement its statutory mandate to promulgate and prescribe such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper for the purpose of regulating and overseeing the sport of harness racing, as defined in the Act, within the State of Delaware in the public interest, including the regulation of the conduct of all grooms, drivers and owners and their employees, and the regulation of all harness racing horses entered or to be entered in any harness racing meet authorized by the Commission pursuant to the Act.
2.2 General Authority
2.2.1 The Commission shall regulate each race meeting and the persons who participate in each race meeting.
2.2.2 Pursuant to the authority granted in the Act the Commission may delegate to the State Steward and the judges Board of Judges all powers and duties necessary to fully implement the purposes of the Act.
2.3 Membership And Meetings
2.3.1 The Commission consists of 5 members appointed as prescribed by the Act. No member of the Commission shall be licensed or regulated, directly or indirectly, by the Commission, nor shall any member of the Commission have any legal or beneficial interest, direct or indirect, pecuniary or otherwise, in any firm, association or corporation so licensed or regulated or which participates in pari-mutuel meetings in any manner. No member of the Commission shall be a person not of good moral character, nor shall a member of the Commission be a person convicted of, or under indictment for, a felony under the laws of Delaware or any other state, or the United States.
2.3.2 The Chairman of the Commission shall be elected by majority vote of the members of the Commission.
2.3.3 The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairman or of a majority of the members. The Commission shall establish and maintain offices on each aAssociation grounds, and at such other places as the Commission deems appropriate, and shall meet at least monthly during the period when any aAssociation is conducting a harness horse racing meet, and at such other times as deemed necessary. Notice of the meetings must be given and the meetings must be conducted in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del.C. Ch. 100.
2.3.4 A majority of the Commission constitutes a quorum. When a quorum is present, a motion before the Commission is carried by an affirmative vote of the majority of the Commissioners present at the meeting.
2.3.5 To the extent required by 29 Del.C. Ch. 101 or by the Act, the Commission rules and orders shall be subject to the Administrative Procedures Act.
2.3.6 A Commission member may not act in the name of the Commission on any matter without a majority vote of a quorum of the Commission.
2.4 Annual Report
2.4.1 The Commission shall submit an annual report as prescribed by the Act.
2.5 Employees/Officials
2.5.1 The Commission may appoint a State Steward and such other officers, clerks, stenographers, inspectors and officials or employees as it deems necessary to implement, administer and enforce the Act. No person shall be appointed to or hold any such office or position who holds any official relation to any aAssociation or corporation engaged in or conducting harness horse racing within the State of Delaware, or whose parent, child or sibling is so engaged during the meeting at which such person is so appointed. Regardless of who pays the salary of such officials or employees, the Commission shall determine and insure that such officials or employees perform their duties in the public interest.
2.5.2 The Director of the Division of Poultry and Animal Health Administrator of Harness Racing (Administrator) within the Department of Agriculture shall maintain the records of the Commission and shall perform other duties as required by the Commission. Except as otherwise provided by a rule of the Commission, if a rule of the Commission places a duty on the Director of Poultry and Animal Health, the Director Administrator, the Director Administrator may delegate that duty to another employee of the Department of Agriculture or of the Commission. The Commission may not employ or continue to employ, and the Director of Poultry and Animal Health may not delegate a Commission duty to, any person who:
2.5.2.1 Owns a financial interest in an association in the State of Delaware;
2.5.2.2 Accepts remuneration from an association in the State of Delaware;
2.5.2.3 Is an owner, lessor or lessee of a horse that is entered in a race in the State of Delaware; or
2.5.2.4 Accepts or is entitled to a part of the purse or purse supplement to be paid on a horse in a race held in the State of Delaware.
2.5.3 No Commissioner, racing official, State Steward, judge or employee of the Commission whose duty it is to insure that the rules and regulations of the Commission are complied with shall wager in any pari-mutuel pool at any facility or through any pari-mutuel system subject to the jurisdiction of this Commission, or otherwise bet on the outcome of any race regulated by the Commission or have any financial or pecuniary interest in the outcome of any race regulated by the Commission.
2.6 Power of Entry
2.6.1 A member or employee of the Commission, the State Steward or a judge, a peace officer or a designee of such a person may enter any area on aAssociation grounds regulated by the Commission, or any other place of business of an aAssociation regulated by the Commission, at any time to enforce or administer the Act or Commission rules, including the requirements set forth in Rule 4 of these Rules pertaining to Associations.
2.6.2 An aAssociation or an officer, employee or agent of an aAssociation may not hinder a person who is conducting an investigation under or attempting to enforce or administer the Act or Commission rules.
2.7 Subpoenas
2.7.1 A member of the Commission, the Director of Poultry and Animal Health Administrator, the State Steward or judges, the Commission Investigator, the presiding officer of a Commission proceeding or other person authorized to perform duties under the Act may require by subpoena the attendance of witnesses and the reproduction of books, papers and documents. Subpoenas as authorized by such persons shall be issued in blank under the hand of any Commissioner and over the seal of the Commission to any party.
2.7.2 A member of the Commission, the Director of Poultry and Animal Health Administrator, a presiding officer of a Commission proceeding or other person authorized by the Commission may administer an oath or affirmation to a witness appearing before the Commission or a person authorized by the Commission.
2.7.3 If any person refuses to obey any subpoena requiring the person to appear, to testify, or to produce any books, papers and documents, the Commission may apply to the Superior Court of the county in which the Commission is sitting, and, thereupon, the Court shall issue its subpoena requiring the person to appear and to testify, or to produce the books, papers and documents.
2.8 Records
2.8.1 Except as otherwise provided by the Act, Commission records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, Title 29, Del.C., Ch. 100.
2.8.2 Except as otherwise authorized by statute, all original records of the Commission shall be maintained in the main offices of the Commission at the Department of Agriculture in Dover, Delaware. No person may remove an original record from the offices of the Commission without the approval of the Director of Poultry and Animal Health Administrator.
2.8.3 To inspect Commission records, a person must make a written request to the Commission in conformity with 29 Del.C. Ch. 100, and must pay all costs including preparing or copying the record and postage, if applicable. The Commission shall determine the costs involved in preparing or copying the record as provided by the Freedom of Information Act.
2.9 Allocation of Race Dates and Permits
2.9.1 The Commission shall allocate race dates and permits to each aAssociation in accordance with the Act. An aAssociation shall apply to the Commission not later than August 15 of each year for race dates to be conducted in the next calendar year. The application must contain the information required by the Act and Commission licensing procedure. After the request is filed, the Commission may require the association to submit additional information.
2.10 Commission’s Powers
The Commission shall promulgate administrative regulations for effectively preventing the use of improper devices, the administration of drugs or stimulants or other improper acts for the purpose of affecting the speed or health of horses in races in which they are to participate. The Commission is also authorized to promulgate administrative regulations for the legal drug testing of licensees. The Commission is authorized to contract for the maintenance and operation of a testing laboratory and related facilities, for the purpose of saliva, urine, or other tests for enforcement of the Commission’s drug testing rules and regulations. The licensed persons or aAssociations conducting harness racing shall reimburse the Commission for all costs of the drug testing programs established pursuant to this section. Increases in costs of the aforementioned testing program shall be reasonable and related to expansion in the number of days of racing and the number of races held, the need to maintain competitive salaries, and inflation. The Commission may not unreasonably expand the drug testing program beyond the scope of the program in effect as of June 30, 1998. Any decision by the Commission to expand the scope of the drug testing program that occurs after an administrative hearing, at which the persons or aAssociations licensed under 3 Del.C. §10022 consent to such expansion, shall not be deemed an unreasonable expansion for purposes of this section. The Commission, in addition to the penalties contained in 3 Del.C. §10026, may impose penalties on licensees who violate the drug testing regulations including imposition of fines or assessments for drug testing costs.
(Break in Continuity of Sections)
8.0 Veterinary Practices, Equine Health Medication
8.1 General Provisions
The purpose of this Rule is to protect the integrity of horse racing, to ensure the health and welfare of race horses and to safeguard the interests of the public and the participants in racing.
8.2 Veterinary Practices
8.2.1 Veterinarians Under Authority of Commission Veterinarian
Veterinarians licensed by the Commission and practicing at any location under the jurisdiction of the Commission are subject to these Rules, which shall be enforced under the authority of the Commission Veterinarian and the State Steward. Without limiting the authority of the State Steward to enforce these Rules, the Commission Veterinarian may recommend to the State Steward or the Commission the discipline which may be imposed upon a veterinarian who violates the rules.
8.2.2 Treatment Restrictions
8.2.2.1 Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, no person other than a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this jurisdiction and licensed by the Commission may administer a prescription or controlled medication, drug, chemical or other substance (including any medication, drug, chemical or other substance by injection) to a horse at any location under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
8.2.2.2 This subsection does not apply to the administration of the following substances except in approved quantitative levels, if any, present in post‑race samples or as they may interfere with post‑race testing:
8.2.2.2.1 a recognized non‑injectable nutritional supplement or other substance approved by the official veterinarian;
8.2.2.2.2 a non‑injectable substance on the direction or by prescription of a licensed veterinarian; or
8.2.2.2.3 a non‑injectable non‑prescription medication or substance.
8.2.2.3 No person shall possess a hypodermic needle, syringe or injectable of any kind on association premises, unless otherwise approved by the Commission. At any location under the jurisdiction of the Commission, veterinarians may use only one‑time disposable needles, and shall dispose of them in a manner approved by the Commission. If a person has a medical condition which makes it necessary to have a syringe at any location under the jurisdiction of the Commission, that person may request permission of the State Steward, judges and/or the Commission in writing, furnish a letter from a licensed physician explaining why it is necessary for the person to possess a syringe, and must comply with any conditions and restrictions set by the State Steward, judges and/or the Commission.
8.3 Medications and Foreign Substances
Foreign substances shall mean all substances, except those which exist naturally in the untreated horse at normal physiological concentration, and shall include all narcotics, stimulants, depressants or other drugs or medications of any type. Except as specifically permitted by these rules, no foreign substance shall be carried in the body of the horse at the time of the running of the race. Upon a finding of a violation of these medication and prohibited substances rules, the State Steward or other designee of the Commission shall consider the classification level of the violation as listed at the time of the violation by the Uniform Classification Guidelines of Foreign Substances as promulgated by the Association of Racing Commissioners International and shall consider all other relevant available evidence including but not limited to: i) whether the violation created a risk of injury to the horse or driver; ii) whether the violation undermined or corrupted the integrity of the sport of harness racing; iii) whether the violation misled the wagering public and those desiring to claim the horse as to the condition and ability of the horse; iv) whether the violation permitted the trainer or licensee to alter the performance of the horse or permitted the trainer or licensee to gain an advantage over other horses entered in the race; v) the amount of the purse involved in the race in which the violation occurred. The State Steward may impose penalties and disciplinary measures consistent with the recommendations contained in subsection 8.3.2 of this section.
8.3.1 Uniform Classification Guidelines
The following outline describes the types of substances placed in each category. This list shall be publicly posted in the offices of the Commission Veterinarian and the racing secretary.
8.3.1.1 Class 1
Opiates, opium derivatives, synthetic opiates, psychoactive drugs, amphetamines and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) scheduled I and II drugs. Also found in this class are drugs which are potent stimulants of the nervous system. Drugs in this class have no generally accepted medical use in the race horse and their pharmacological potential for altering the performance of a race is very high.
8.3.1.2 Class 2
Drugs in this category have a high potential for affecting the outcome of a race. Most are not generally accepted as therapeutic agents in the race horse. 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 use in equine medicine, but should not be found in a race horse. The following groups of drugs are in this class:
8.3.1.2.1 Opiate partial agonist, or agonist‑antagonists;
8.3.1.2.2 Non‑opiate psychotropic drugs, which may have stimulant, depressant, analgesic or neuroleptic effects;
8.3.1.2.3 Miscellaneous drugs which might have a stimulant effect on the central nervous system (CNS);
8.3.1.2.4 Drugs with prominent CNS depressant action;
8.3.1.2.5 Antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs, with or without prominent CNS stimulatory or depressant effects;
8.3.1.2.6 Muscle blocking drugs which have a direct neuromuscular blocking action;
8.3.1.2.7 Local anesthetics which have a reasonable potential for use as nerve blocking agents (except procaine); and
8.3.1.2.8 Snake venoms and other biologic substances which may be used as nerve blocking agents.
8.3.1.3 Class 3
Drugs in this class may or may not have an accepted therapeutic use in the horse. Many are drugs that affect the cardiovascular, pulmonary and autonomic nervous systems. They all have the potential of affecting the performance of a race horse. The following groups of drugs are in this class:
8.3.1.3.1 Drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system which do not have prominent CNS effects, but which do have prominent cardiovascular or respiratory system effects (bronchodilators are included in this class);
8.3.1.3.2 A local anesthetic which has nerve blocking potential but also has a high potential for producing urine residue levels from a method of use not related to the anesthetic effect of the drug (procaine);
8.3.1.3.3 Miscellaneous drugs with mild sedative action, such as the sleep inducing antihistamines;
8.3.1.3.4 Primary vasodilating/hypotensive agents; and
8.3.1.3.5 Potent diuretics affecting renal function and body fluid composition.
8.3.1.4 Class 4
This category is comprised primarily of therapeutic medications routinely used in race horses. These may influence performance, but generally have a more limited ability to do so. Groups of drugs assigned to this category include the following:
8.3.1.4.1 Non‑opiate drugs which have a mild central analgesic effect;
8.3.1.4.2 Drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system which do not have prominent CNS, cardiovascular or respiratory effects
8.3.1.4.2.1 Drugs used solely as topical vasoconstrictors or decongestants
8.3.1.4.2.2 Drugs used as gastrointestinal antispasmodics
8.3.1.4.2.3 Drugs used to void the urinary bladder
8.3.1.4.2.4 Drugs with a major effect on CNS vasculature or smooth muscle of visceral organs.
8.3.1.4.3 Antihistamines which do not have a significant CNS depressant effect (This does not include H1 blocking agents, which are listed in Class 5);
8.3.1.4.4 Mineralocorticoid drugs;
8.3.1.4.5 Skeletal muscle relaxants;
8.3.1.4.6 Anti‑inflammatory drugs‑‑those that may reduce pain as a consequence of their anti-inflammatory actions, which include:
8.3.1.4.6.1 Non‑Steroidal Anti‑Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)‑‑aspirin‑like drugs;
8.3.1.4.6.2 Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids); and
8.3.1.4.6.3 Miscellaneous anti‑inflammatory agents.
8.3.1.4.7 Anabolic and/or androgenic steroids and other drugs;
8.3.1.4.8 Less potent diuretics;
8.3.1.4.9 Cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmics including:
8.3.1.4.9.1 Cardiac glycosides;
8.3.1.4.9.2 Antiarrhythmic agents (exclusive of lidocaine, bretylium and propanolol); and
8.3.1.4.9.3 Miscellaneous cardiotonic drugs.
8.3.1.4.10 Topical Anesthetics‑‑agents not available in injectable formulations;
8.3.1.4.11 Antidiarrheal agents; and
8.3.1.4.12 Miscellaneous drugs including:
8.3.1.4.12.1 Expectorants with little or no other pharmacologic action;
8.3.1.4.12.2 Stomachics; and
8.3.1.4.12.3 Mucolytic agents.
8.3.1.5 Class 5
Drugs in this category are therapeutic medications for which concentration limits have been established as well as certain miscellaneous agents. Included specifically are agents which have very localized action only, such as anti‑ulcer drugs and certain antiallergic drugs. The anticoagulant drugs are also included.
8.3.2 Penalty Recommendations
The following penalties and disciplinary measures may be imposed for violations of these medication and prohibited substances rules:
8.3.2.1 Class 1 ‑ in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a minimum license revocation of eighteen months and a minimum fine of $5,000, and a maximum fine up to the amount of the purse money for the race in which the infraction occurred, forfeiture of the purse money, and assessment for cost of the drug testing.
8.3.2.2 Class 2 ‑ in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a minimum license revocation of nine months and a minimum fine of $3,000, and a maximum fine of up to the amount of the purse money for the race in which the violation occurred, forfeiture of the purse money, and assessment for cost of the drug testing.
8.3.2.3 Class 3 ‑ in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a minimum license revocation of ninety days, and a minimum fine of $3,000, and a maximum fine of up to the amount of the purse money for the race in which the violation occurred, forfeiture of the purse money, and assessment for cost of the drug testing.
8.3.2.4 Class 4 - in the absence of extraordinary circumstances, a minimum license revocation of thirty days, and a minimum fine of $2,000, and a maximum fine of up to the amount of the purse money for the race in which the violation occurred, forfeiture of the purse money, and assessment for the cost of the drug testing.
8.3.2.5 Class 5 - Zero to 15 days suspension with a possible loss of purse and/or fine and assessment for the cost of the drug testing.
8.3.2.6 In determining the appropriate penalty with respect to a medication rule violation, the State Steward or other designee of the Commission may use his discretion in the application of the foregoing penalty recommendations, and shall consult with the Commission veterinarian and/or the Commission chemist to determine the seriousness of the laboratory finding or the medication violation. Aggravating or mitigating circumstances in any case should be considered and greater or lesser penalties and/or disciplinary measures may be imposed than those set forth above. Specifically, if the State Steward or other designee of the Commission determine that mitigating circumstances warrant imposition of a lesser penalty than the recommendations suggest, he may impose a lesser penalty. If the State Steward or other designee of the Commission determines that aggravating circumstances require imposition of a greater penalty, however, he may only impose up to the maximum recommended penalty, and must refer the case to the Commission for its review, with a recommendation for specific action. Without limitation, the presence of the following aggravating circumstances may warrant imposition of greater penalties than those recommended, up to and including a lifetime suspension:
8.3.2.6.1 Repeated violations of these medication and prohibited substances rules by the same trainer or with respect to the same horse;
8.3.2.6.2 Prior violations of similar rules in other racing jurisdictions by the same trainer or with respect to the same horse; or
8.3.2.6.3 Violations which endanger the life or health of the horse.
8.3.2.6.4 Violations that mislead the wagering public and those desiring to claim a horse as to the condition and ability of the horse;
8.3.2.6.5 Violations that undermine or corrupt the integrity of the sport of harness racing.
8.3.2.7 Any person whose license is reinstated after a prior violation involving class 1 or class 2 drugs and who commits a subsequent violation within five years of the prior violation, shall absent extraordinary circumstances, be subject to a minimum revocation of license for five years, and a minimum fine in the amount of the purse money of the race in which the infraction occurred, along with any other penalty just and reasonable under the circumstances.
8.3.2.7.1 With respect to Class 1, 2 and 3 drugs detect in a urine sample but not in a blood sample, and in addition to the foregoing factors, in determining the length of a suspension and/or the amount of a fine, or both, the State Steward or judges may take in consideration, without limitation, whether the drug has any equine therapeutic use, the time and method of administration, if determined, whether more than one foreign substance was detected in the sample, and any other appropriate aggravating or mitigating factors.
8.3.2.8 Whenever a trainer is suspended more than once within a two-year period for a violation of this chapter regarding medication rules, any suspension imposed on the trainer for any such subsequent violation also shall apply to the horse involved in such violation. The State Steward or judges may impose a shorter suspension on the horse than on the trainer.
8.3.2.9 At the discretion of the State Steward or other designee of the Commission, a horse as to which an initial finding of a prohibited substance has bee made by the Commission chemist may be prohibited from racing pending a timely hearing; provided, however, that other horses registered under the care of the trainer of such a horse may, with the consent of the State Steward or other designee of the Commission be released to the care of another trainer, and may race.
8.3.3 Medication Restrictions
8.3.3.1 Drugs or medications in horses are permissible, provided:
8.3.3.1.1 the drug or medication is listed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International's Drug Testing and Quality Assurance Program; and
8.3.3.1.2 the maximum permissible urine or blood concentration of the drug or medication does not exceed the limit established in theses Rules or otherwise approved and published by the Commission.
8.3.3.2 Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, a person may not administer or cause to be administered by any means to a horse a prohibited drug, medication, chemical or other substance, including any restricted medication pursuant to this chapter during the 24‑hour period before post time for the race in which the horse is entered. Such administration shall result in the horse being scratched from the race and may result in disciplinary actions being taken.
8.3.3.3 A finding by the official chemist of a prohibited drug, chemical or other substance in a test specimen of a horse is prima facie evidence that the prohibited drug, chemical or other substance was administered to the horse and, in the case of a post‑race test, was present in the horse's body while it was participating in a race. Prohibited substances include:
8.3.3.3.1 drugs or medications for which no acceptable levels have been established in these Rules or otherwise approved and published by the Commission.
8.3.3.3.2 therapeutic medications in excess of acceptable limits established in these rules or otherwise approved and published by the Commission.
8.3.3.3.3 Substances present in the horse in excess of levels at which such substances could occur naturally and such prohibited substances shall include a total carbon dioxide level of 37 mmol/L or serum in a submitted blood sample from a horse or 39 mmol/L if serum from a horse which has been administered furosemide in compliance with these rules, provided that a licensee has the right, pursuant to such procedures as may be established from time to time by the Commission, to attempt to prove that a horse has a naturally high carbon dioxide level in excess of the above-mentioned levels; and provided, further, that an excess total carbon dioxide level shall be penalized in accordance with the penalty recommendation applicable to a Class 2 substance.
8.3.3.3.4 substances foreign to a horse at levels that cause interference with testing procedures. The detection of any such substance is a violation, regardless of the classification or definition of the substance or its properties under the Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances.
8.3.3.4 The tubing, dosing or jugging of any horse for any reason within 24 hours prior to its scheduled race 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 naso-gastric tube or dose syringe into a horse's stomach within 24 hours prior to its scheduled race is considered a violation of these rules and subject to disciplinary action, which may include fine, suspension and revocation or license.
8.3.3.5 A finding by the official chemist that Erythropietin (EPO) darbopoietin (DPO) or their antibodies was present in a post-race test specimen of a horse shall be promptly reported in writing to the judges. The judges shall notify the owner and trainer of the positive test result for EPO, DPO or their antibodies. The judges shall notify the Commission Veterinarian of the name of the horse for placement on the Veterinarian's List, pursuant to Rule 8.6.1.1, if the positive test result indicates that the horse is unfit to race. Any horse placed on the Veterinarian's List pursuant to this Rule shall not be permitted to enter a race until the owner or trainer, at their own expense, provides proof of a negative test result for EPO, DPO or their antibodies from a laboratory approved by the Commission, provided said test sample is obtained under collection procedures acceptable to the Commission or its designee under these Rules.
Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of this Rule, a horse shall not be subject to disqualification from the race and from any share of the purse in the race and the trainer of the horse shall not be subject to application of trainer's responsibility based on the finding by the laboratory that EPO, DPO or their antibodies was present in the sample taken from that horse.
8.3.4 Medical Labeling
8.3.4.1 No person on association grounds where horses are lodged or kept, excluding licensed veterinarians, shall have in or upon association grounds which that person occupies or has the right to occupy, or in that person's personal property or effects or vehicle in that person's care, custody or control, a drug, medication, chemical, foreign substance or other substance that is prohibited in a horse on a race day unless the product is labelled in accordance with this subsection.
8.3.4.2 Any drug or medication which is used or kept on association grounds and which, by federal or Delaware law, requires a prescription must have been validly prescribed by a duly licensed veterinarian, and in compliance with the applicable federal and state statutes. All such allowable medications must have a prescription label which is securely attached and clearly ascribed to show the following:
8.3.4.2.1 the name of the product;
8.3.4.2.2 the name, address and telephone number of the veterinarian prescribing or dispensing the product;
8.3.4.2.3 the name of each patient (horse) for whom the product is intended/prescribed;
8.3.4.2.4 the dose, dosage, duration of treatment and expiration date of the prescribed/dispensed product; and
8.3.4.2.5 the name of the person (trainer) to whom the product was dispensed.
8.3.5 Furosemide (Salix) and Aminiocaproic Acid (Amicar)
8.3.5.1 General
Furosemide (Salix) and Aminiocaproic Acid (Amicar)
may be administered intravenously to a horse on the grounds of the association at which it is entered to compete in a race. Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminiocaproic Acid shall be permitted only after the Commission Veterinarian has placed the horse on the Bleeder List or to facilitate the collection of a pot-race urine sample.
8.3.5.2 Method of Administration
Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid shall be administered intravenously by the licensed Bleeder Medication Veterinarian, unless he/she determines that a horse cannot receive an intravenous administration of Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid. Permission for an intramuscular administration must be authorized by the Presiding Judge or his/her representative; provided, however, that once Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid is administered intramuscularly, the horse shall remain in a detention area under the supervision of a Commission representative until it races.
8.3.5.3 Dosage
Aminocaproic Acid shall be administered to a horse on the Bleeder List only by the licensed Bleeder Medication Veterinarian, who will administer not more than 7.5 grams or less than 2.5 grams intravenously. Furosemide shall be administered to horses on the Bleeder List only by the licensed Bleeder Medication Veterinarian, who will administer not more than 500 milligrams nor less than 100 milligrams, subject to the following conditions:
8.3.5.3.1 Not more than 750 milligrams may be administered if (1) the Commission veterinarian grants permission for a dosage greater than 500 milligrams, and (2) after the administration of such greater dosage, the horse remains in a detention area under the supervision of a Commission representative until it races; and
8.3.5.3.2 The dosage administered may not vary by more than 250 milligrams from race to race without the permission of the Commission Veterinarian.
8.3.5.4 Timing of Administration
Horses must be presented at their assigned stalls in the paddock for Aminocaproic Acid treatment. Aminocaproic Acid will be administered not more than 90 minutes (1 1/2 hours) and not less than 60 minutes (1 hour) prior to post time of their respective races and must be treated prior to going on the track the first time. Failure to meet this time frame will result in scratching the horse and the trainer may be fined. Horses must be presented at the Furosemide stall in the paddock, and the Furosemide administered, not more than three hours and 30 minutes (3-1/2 hours) nor less than three hours (three hours) prior to post time of their respective races. Failure to meet this time frame will result in scratching the horse, and the trainer may be fined.
8.3.5.5 Veterinary Charges
It is the responsibility of the owner or trainer, prior to the administration of the medication, to pay the licensed Bleeder Medication veterinarian at the rate approved by the Commission. No credit shall be given without approval of the Bleeder Medication Veterinarian.
8.3.5.6 Restrictions
No one except a licensed practicing veterinarian shall possess equipment or any substance for injectable administration on the race track complex, and no horse is to receive furosemide in oral form.
8.3.5.7 Post-Race Quantification
The presence of Aminocaproic Acid in a horse following the running of the race in which it was not declared or reported, may result in the disqualification of the horse or other sanctions being imposed upon the trainer and the administering veterinarian.
Conversely, the absence of a bleeder medication following the running of a race, which was declared and reported may result in the disqualification of the horse and other sanctions being imposed upon the trainer and the bleeder Medication Veterinarian
8.3.5.7.1 As indicated by post-race quantification, a horse may not carry in its body at the time of the running of the race more than 100 nanograms of Furosemide per milliliter of plasma in conjunction with a urine that has a specific gravity of less than 1.01, unless the dosage of Furosemide:
8.3.5.7.1.1 Was administered intramuscularly as provided in 8.3.5.2; or
8.3.5.7.1.2 Exceeded 500 milligrams as provided in 8.3.5.3.1.
8.3.5.7.2 If post-race quantification indicates that a horse carried in its body at the time of the running of the race more than 100 nanograms of furosemide per milliliter of plasma in conjunction with a urine that has a specific gravity of less than 1.01, and provided that the dosage of furosemide was not administered intramuscularly as provided in 8.3.5.2 or exceeded 500 milligrams as provided in 8.3.5.3.1, then a penalty shall be imposed as follows:
8.3.5.7.2.1 If such overage is the first violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $250 fine and loss of purse.
8.3.5.7.2.2 If such overage is the second violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $1,000 fine and loss of purse.
8.3.5.7.2.3 If such overage is the third violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $1,000 fine and up to a 15-day suspension and loss of purse.
8.3.5.7.2.4 If in the opinion of the official chemist any such overage caused interference with testing procedures, then for each such overage a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and a suspension of from 15 to 50 days may be imposed.
8.3.5.8 Reports
8.3.5.8.1 The Bleeder Medication Veterinarian who administers Aminocaproic Acid or Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid to a horse scheduled to race shall prepare a written certification indicating the time, dosage and method of administration.
8.3.5.8.2 The written certification shall be delivered to a Commission representative designated by the Judges within one (1) hour of the last scheduled race for that day.
8.3.5.9 Bleeder List
8.3.5.9.1 The Bleeder Medication Veterinarian shall maintain a Bleeder List of all horses which have demonstrated external evidence of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) or the existence of hemorrhage in the trachea post exercise upon:
8.3.5.9.1.1 visual examination wherein blood is noted in one or both nostrils either:
8.3.5.9.1.1.1 during a race;
8.3.5.9.1.1.2 immediately post-race or post-exercise on track; or
8.3.5.9.1.1.3 within one hour post-race or post-exercise in paddock and/or stable area, confirmed by endoscopic examination; or
8.3.5.9.1.2 endoscopic examination, which may be requested by the owner or trainer who feels his or her horse is a bleeder. Such endoscopic examination must be done by a practicing veterinarian, at the owner's or trainer's expense, and in the presence of the Commission Veterinarian. Such an examination shall take place within one hour post-race or post-exercise; or
8.3.5.9.1.3 presentation to the Commission Veterinarian, at least 48 hours prior to racing, of a current Bleeder Certificate from an official veterinarian from any other jurisdiction, which show the date, place and method -- visual or endoscopy -- by which the horse was determined to have bled, or which attests that the horse is a known bleeder and receives bleeder medication in that jurisdiction, provided that such jurisdiction's criteria for the identification of bleeders are satisfactory to the Commission Veterinarian.
8.3.5.9.2 The confirmation of a bleeder horse must be certified in writing by the Commission Veterinarian and entered on the Bleeder List. Copies of the certification shall be issued to the owner of the horse or the owner's designee upon request. A copy of the bleeder certificate shall be attached to the horse's eligibility certificate.
8.3.5.9.3 Every confirmed bleeder, regardless of age, shall be placed on the Bleeder List, and furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid, if applicable must be administered to the horse in accordance with these rules prior to every race, including qualifying races, in which the horse starts.
8.3.5.9.4 A horse which bleeds based on the criteria set forth in 8.3.5.9.1 above shall be restricted from racing at any facility under the jurisdiction of the Commission, as follows:
8.3.5.9.4.1 1st time - 10 days;
8.3.5.9.4.2 2nd time - 30 days, provided that the horse must be added to or remain on the Bleeder List, and must complete a satisfactory qualifying race before resuming racing;
8.3.5.9.4.3 3rd time - 30 days, and the horse shall be added to the Steward's List, to be removed at the discretion of the Commission Veterinarian following a satisfactory qualifying race after the mandatory 30-day rest period; and
8.3.5.9.4.4 4th time - barred for life.
8.3.5.9.5 An owner or trainer must notify the Commission Veterinarian immediately of evidence that a horse is bleeding following exercise or racing.
8.3.5.9.6 A horse may be removed from the Bleeder List at the request of the owner or trainer, if the horse completes a 10-day rest period following such request, and then re-qualifies. A horse may discontinue the use of Aminocaproic Acid without a ten (10) day rest period or having to reliquary provided the horse was on Aminocaproic Acid for thirty (34) days or more. In addition, once a horse discontinues the use of Aminocaproic Acid, it is prohibited from using said medication for ninety (90) days from the date of its last administration for Aminocaproic Acid.
8.3.5.9.7 Any horse on the Bleeder List which races in a jurisdiction where it is not eligible for bleeder medication, whether such ineligibility is due to the fact that it does not qualify for bleeder medication in that jurisdiction or because bleeder medication is prohibited in that jurisdiction, shall automatically remain on the Bleeder List at the discretion of the owner or trainer, provided that such decision by the owner or trainer must be declared at the time of the first subsequent entry in Delaware, and the Furosemide and Aminocaproic Acid symbols in the program shall appropriately reflect that the horse did not receive Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid its last time out. Such an election by the owner or trainer shall not preclude the Commission Veterinarian, State Steward or Presiding Judge from requiring re-qualification whenever a horse on the Bleeder List races in another jurisdiction without bleeder medication, and the integrity of the Bleeder List may be questioned.
8.3.5.9.8 Any horse on the Bleeder List which races without Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid in any jurisdiction which permits the use of Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid in any jurisdiction which permits the use of Lasix shall automatically be removed from the Bleeder List. In order to be restored to the Bleeder List, the horse must demonstrate EIPH in accordance with the criteria set forth in subdivision 8.3.5.9.1 above. If the horse does demonstrate EIPH and is restored to the Bleeder List, the horse shall be suspended from racing in accordance with the provisions of 8.3.5.9.4 above.
8.3.5.9.9 The State Steward or Presiding Judge, in consultation with the Commission Veterinarian, will rule on any questions relating to the Bleeder List.
8.3.5.10 Medication Program Entries
It is the responsibility of the trainer at the time of entry of a horse to provide the racing secretary with the bleeder medication status of the horse on the entry blank, and also to provide the Commission Veterinarian with a bleeder certificate, if the horse previously raced out-of-state on bleeder medication.
8.3.6 Phenylbutazone (Bute)
8.3.6.1 General
8.3.6.1.1 Phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone may be administered to horses in such dosage amount that the official test sample shall contain not more than 2.5 micrograms per milliliter of blood plasma.
8.3.6.1.2 If post-race quantification indicates that a horse carried in its body at the time of the running of the race more than 2.0 but not more than 2.6 micrograms per milliliter of blood plasma of phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone, then warnings shall be issued to the trainer.
8.3.6.1.3 If post-race quantification indicates that a horse carried in its body at the time of the running of the race more than 2.6 micrograms per milliliter of blood plasma of phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone, then a penalty shall be imposed as follows:
8.3.6.1.3.1 For an average between 2.6 and less than 5.0 micrograms per milliliter:
8.3.6.1.3.1.1 If such overage is the first violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $250 fine and loss of purse.
8.3.6.1.3.1.2 If such overage is the second violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $1,000 fine and loss of purse.
8.3.6.1.3.1.3 If such overage is the third violation of this rule within a 12-month period: Up to a $1,000 fine and up to a 15-day suspension and loss of purse.
8.3.6.1.3.1.4 For an overage of 5.0 micrograms or more per milliliter: Up to a $1,000 fine and up to a 5-day suspension and loss of purse.
8.3.6.1.4 If post-race quantification indicates that a horse carried in its body at the time of the running of the race any quantity of phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone, and also carried in its body at the time of the running of the race any quantity of any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, including but not limited to naproxen, flunixin and meclofenamic acid, then such presence of phenylbutazone or oxyphenbutazone, shall constitute a violation of this rule and shall be subject to a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and up to a 50-day suspension and loss of purse.
8.4 Testing
8.4.1 Reporting to the Test Barn
8.4.1.1 Horses shall be selected for post-racing testing according to the following protocol:
8.4.1.1.1 At least one horse in each race, selected by the judges from among the horses finishing in the first four positions in each race, shall be tested.
8.4.1.1.2 Horses selected for testing shall be taken to the Test Barn or Test Stall to have a blood, urine and/or other specimen sample taken at the direction of the State veterinarian.
8.4.1.2 Random or extra testing, including pre‑race testing, may be required by the State Steward or judges, or by the Commission, at any time on any horse on association grounds.
8.4.1.3 Unless otherwise directed by the State Steward, judges or the Commission Veterinarian, a horse that is selected for testing must be taken directly to the Test Barn.
8.4.2 Sample Collection
8.4.2.1 Sample collection shall be done in accordance with the RCI Drug Testing and Quality Assurance Program External Chain of Custody Guidelines, or other guidelines and instructions provided by the Commission Veterinarian.
8.4.2.2 The Commission veterinarian shall determine a minimum sample requirement for the primary testing laboratory. A primary testing laboratory must be approved by the Commission.
8.4.3 Procedure for Taking Specimens
8.4.3.1 Horses from which specimens are to be drawn shall be taken to the detention area at the prescribed time and remain there until released by the Commission Veterinarian. Only the owner, trainer, groom, or hot walker of horses to be tested shall be admitted to the detention area without permission of the Commission Veterinarian.
8.4.3.2 Stable equipment other than equipment necessary for washing and cooling out a horse shall be prohibited in the detention area.
8.4.3.2.1 Buckets and water shall be furnished by the Commission Veterinarian.
8.4.3.2.2 If a body brace is to be used, it shall be supplied by the responsible trainer and administered only with the permission and in the presence of the Commission Veterinarian.
8.4.3.2.3 A licensed veterinarian shall attend a horse in the detention area only in the presence of the Commission Veterinarian.
8.4.3.3 One of the following persons shall be present and witness the taking of the specimen from a horse and so signify in writing:
8.4.3.3.1 The owner;
8.4.3.3.2 The responsible trainer who, in the case of a claimed horse, shall be the person in whose name the horse raced; or
8.4.3.3.3 A stable representative designated by such owner or trainer.
8.4.3.4
8.4.3.4.1 All urine containers shall be supplied by the Commission laboratory and shall be sealed with the laboratory security seal which shall not be broken, except in the presence of the witness as provided by (subsection (3)) subsection 8.4.3.3 of this section.
8.4.3.4.2 Blood sample receptacles will also be supplied by the Commission laboratory in sealed packages as received from the manufacturer.
8.4.3.5 Samples taken from a horse, by the Commission Veterinarian or his assistant at the detention barn, shall be collected and in double containers and designated as the “primary” and “secondary” samples.
8.4.3.5.1 These samples shall be sealed with tamper-proof tape and bear a portion of the multiple part “identification tag” that has identical printed numbers only. The other portion of the tag bearing the same printed identification number shall be detached in the presence of the witness.
8.4.3.5.2 The Commission Veterinarian shall:
8.4.3.5.2.1 Identify the horse from which the specimen was taken.
8.4.3.5.2.2 Document the race and day, verified by the witness; and
8.4.3.5.2.3 Place the detached portions of the identification tags in a sealed envelope for delivery only to the stewards.
8.4.3.5.3 After both portions of samples have been identified in accordance with this section, the “primary” sample shall be delivered to the official chemist designated by the Commission.
8.4.3.5.4 The “secondary” sample shall remain in the custody of the Commission Veterinarian at the detention area and urine samples shall be frozen and blood samples refrigerated in a locked refrigerator/freezer.
8.4.3.5.5 The Commission Veterinarian shall take every precaution to ensure that neither the Commission chemist nor any member of the laboratory staff shall know the identity of the horse from which a specimen was taken prior to the completion of all testing.
8.4.3.5.6 When the Commission chemist has reported that the “primary” sample delivered contains no prohibited drug, the “secondary” sample shall be properly disposed.
8.4.3.5.7 If after a horse remains a reasonable time in the detention area and a specimen can not be taken from the horse, the Commission Veterinarian may permit the horse to be returned to its barn and usual surroundings for the taking of a specimen under the supervision of the Commission Veterinarian.
8.4.3.5.8 If one hundred (100) milliliters (ml.) or less of urine is obtained, it will not be split, but will be considered the “primary” sample and will be tested as other “primary” samples.
8.4.3.5.9 Two (2) blood samples shall be collected in sample receptacles approved by the Commission, one for the “primary” and one for the “secondary” sample.
8.4.3.5.10 In the event of an initial finding of a prohibited substance or in violation of these Rules and Regulations, the Commission chemist shall notify the Commission, both orally and in writing, and an oral or written notice shall be issued by the Commission to the owner and trainer or other responsible person no more than twenty-four (24) hours after the receipt of the initial finding, unless extenuating circumstances require a longer period, in which case the Commission shall provide notice as soon as possible in order to allow for testing of the “secondary” sample; provided, however, that with respect to a finding of a prohibited level of total carbon dioxide in a blood sample, there shall be no right to testing of the “secondary sample” unless such finding initially is made at the racetrack on the same day that the tested horse raced, and in every such circumstance a “secondary sample” shall be transported to the Commission laboratory on an anonymous basis for confirmatory testing.
8.4.3.5.10.1 If testing of the “secondary” sample is desired, the owner, trainer, or other responsible person shall so notify the Commission in writing within 48 hours after notification of the initial positive test or within a reasonable period of time established by the Commission after consultation with the Commission chemist. The reasonable period is to be calculated to insure the integrity of the sample and the preservation of the alleged illegal substance.
8.4.3.5.10.2 Testing of the “secondary” samples shall be performed at a referee laboratory selected by representatives of the owner, trainer, or other responsible person from a list of not less than two (2) laboratories approved by the Commission.
8.4.3.5.11 The Commission shall bear the responsibility of preparing and shipping the sample, and the cost of preparation, shipping, and testing at the referee laboratory shall be assumed by the person requesting the testing, whether it be the owner, trainer, or other person charged.
8.4.3.5.11.1 A Commission representative and the owner, trainer, or other responsible person or a representative of the persons notified under these Rules and Regulations may be present at the time of the opening, repackaging, and testing of the “secondary” sample to ensure its identity and that the testing is satisfactorily performed.
8.4.3.5.11.2 The referee laboratory shall be informed of the initial findings of the Commission chemist prior to making the test.
8.4.3.5.11.3 If the finding of the referee laboratory is proven to be of sufficient reliability and does not confirm the finding of the initial test performed by the Commission chemist and in the absence of other independent proof of the administration of a prohibited drug of the horse in question, it shall be concluded that there is insubstantial evidence upon which to charge anyone with a violation.
8.4.3.5.12 The Commission Veterinarian shall be responsible for safeguarding all specimens while in his possession and shall cause the specimens to be delivered only to the Commission chemist as soon as possible after sealing, in a manner so as not to reveal the identity of a horse from which the sample was taken.
8.4.3.5.13 If an Act of God, power failure, accident, strike or other action beyond the control of the Commission occurs, the results of the primary official test shall be accepted as prima facie evidence.
8.5 Trainer Responsibility
The purpose of this subsection is to identify responsibilities of the trainer that pertain specifically to the health and well-being of horses in his/her care.
8.5.1 The trainer is responsible for the condition of horses entered in an official workout or race and is responsible for the presence of any prohibited drug, medication or other substance, including permitted medication in excess of the maximum allowable level, in such horses. A positive test for a prohibited drug, medication or substance, including permitted medication in excess of the maximum allowable level, as reported by a Commission‑approved laboratory, is prima facie evidence of a violation of this rule. In the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary, the trainer shall be responsible. Whenever a trainer of a horse names a substitute trainer for program purposes due to his or her inability to be in attendance with the horse on the day of the race, or for any other reason, both trainers shall be responsible for the condition of the horse should the horse test positive; provided further that, except as otherwise provided herein, the trainer of record (programmed trainer) shall be any individual who receives any compensation for training the horse.
8.5.2 A trainer shall prevent the administration of any drug or medication or other foreign substance that may cause a violation of these rules.
8.5.3 A trainer whose horse has been claimed remains responsible for any violation of rules regarding that horse's participation in the race in which the horse is claimed.
8.5.4 The trainer is responsible for:
8.5.4.1 maintaining the assigned stable area in a clean, neat and sanitary condition at all times;
8.5.4.2 using the services of those veterinarians licensed by the Commission to attend horses that are on association grounds;
8.5.5 Additionally, with respect to horses in his/her care or custody, the trainer is responsible for:
8.5.5.1 the proper identity, custody, care, health, condition and safety of horses;
8.5.5.2 ensuring that at the time of arrival at locations under the jurisdiction of the Commission a valid health certificate and a valid negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test certificate accompany each horse and which, where applicable, shall be filed with the racing secretary;
8.5.5.3 having each horse in his/her care that is racing, or is stabled on association grounds, tested for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in accordance with state law and for filing evidence of such negative test results with the racing secretary;
8.5.5.4 using the services of those veterinarians licensed by the Commission to attend horses that are on association grounds;
8.5.5.5 immediately reporting the alteration of the sex of a horse to the clerk of the course, the United States Trotting Association and the racing secretary;
8.5.5.6 promptly reporting to the racing secretary and the Commission Veterinarian when a posterior digital neurectomy (heel nerving) has been performed and ensuring that such fact is designated on its certificate of registration;
8.5.5.7 promptly notifying the Commission Veterinarian of any reportable disease and any unusual incidence of a communicable illness in any horse in his/her charge;
8.5.5.8 promptly reporting the serious injury and/or death of any horse at locations under the jurisdiction of the Commission to the State Stewards and judges, the Commission Veterinarian, and the United States Trotting Association;
8.5.5.9 maintaining a knowledge of the medication record and status;
8.5.5.10 immediately reporting to the State Steward, judges and the Commission Veterinarian knowledge or reason to believe, that there has been any administration of a prohibited medication, drug or substance;
8.5.5.11 ensuring the fitness to perform creditably at the distance entered;
8.5.5.12 ensuring that every horse he/she has entered to race is present at its assigned stall for a pre‑race soundness inspection as prescribed in this chapter;
8.5.5.13 ensuring proper bandages, equipment and shoes;
8.5.5.14 presence in the paddock at least one hour before post time or at a time otherwise appointed before the race in which the horse is entered;
8.5.5.15 personally attending in the paddock and supervising the harnessing thereof, unless excused by the Paddock Judge;
8.5.5.16 attending the collection of a urine or blood sample or delegating a licensed employee or the owner to do so; and
8.5.5.17 immediately reporting to the State Steward or other Commission designee, or to the State Veterinarian or Commission Veterinarian if the State Steward or other Commission designee is unavailable, the death of any horse drawn in to start in a race in this jurisdiction provided that the death occurred within 60 days of the date of the draw.
8.6 Physical Inspection of Horses
8.6.1 Veterinarian's List
8.6.1.1 The Commission Veterinarian shall maintain a list of all horses which are determined to be unfit to compete in a race due to physical distress, unsoundness, infirmity or medical condition.
8.6.1.2 A horse may be removed from the Veterinarian's List when, in the opinion of the Commission Veterinarian, the horse has satisfactorily recovered the capability of competing in a race.
8.6.2 Postmortem Examination
8.6.2.1 The Commission may conduct a postmortem examination of any horse that is injured in this jurisdiction while in training or in competition and that subsequently expires or is destroyed. In proceeding with a postmortem examination the Commission or its designee shall coordinate with the trainer and/or owner to determine and address any insurance requirements.
8.6.2.2 The Commission may conduct a postmortem examination of any horse that expires while housed on association grounds or at recognized training facilities within this jurisdiction. Trainers and owners shall be required to comply with such action as a condition of licensure.
8.6.2.3 The Commission may take possession of the horse upon death for postmortem examination. The Commission may submit blood, urine, other bodily fluid specimens or other tissue specimens collected during a postmortem examination for testing by the Commission‑selected laboratory or its designee. Upon completion of the postmortem examination, the carcass may be returned to the owner or disposed of at the owner's option.
8.6.2.4 The presence of a prohibited substance in a horse, found by the official laboratory or its designee in a bodily fluid specimen collected during the postmortem examination of a horse, which breaks down during a race constitutes a violation of these rules.
8.6.2.5 The cost of Commission‑ordered postmortem examinations, testing and disposal shall be borne by the Commission.
8.7 Prohibited Practices
8.7.1 The following conduct shall be prohibited for all licensees:
8.7.1.1 The possession and/or use of a drug, substance, or medication, specified below for which a recognized analytical method has not been developed to detect and confirm the administration of such substance including but not limited to erythropoietin, darbepoietin, and perfluorcarbon emulsions; or the use of which may endanger the health and welfare of the horse or endanger the safety of the driver; or the use of which may adversely affect the integrity of racing.
8.7.1.2 The possession and/or use of a drug, substance, or medication that has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States
8.8 Prohibited Substances Protests; Testing
8.8.1 Protest-Request for Super Test
8.8.1.1 If a licensed owner, trainer, driver, or claimant has a reasonable belief that a competing or claimed horse has, or may have an unfair competitive advantage due to a violation of the Commission Rules, that owner, trainer, driver, or claimant may file a "Prohibited Substances Protest" with the Commission.
8.8.1.2 A "Prohibited Substances Protest" empowers the owner, trainer, driver, or claimant to request that any horse or horses he or she competes against or claims in a specified race have a blood and urine sample collected and then tested at an official Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) approved laboratory of his or her choice. The designated laboratory shall employ state-of-the-art testing methods when testing these protested samples, which shall include, but not be limited to, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCM-S), Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMSMS), and Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) tests.
8.8.1.3 The owner, trainer, driver, or claimant must file a verbal protest with either the starter or paddock judge before the race has been made official. The starter or paddock judge must notify the Presiding Judge immediately, who shall order a veterinary assistant to escort and remain with the horse in accordance with established policy for obtaining a blood and urine sample. Within fifteen (15) minutes after the official sign has been posted for the race in which the protested horse competed, the protesting party shall file a written protest with the paddock judge and post a deposit of $1,000 which shall be used to offset the following costs:
8.8.1.3.1 The collection of sufficient blood and urine samples, including the costs of the State veterinary assistant and State veterinarian and all necessary collection apparatus;
8.8.1.3.2 The packing of and transportation of these samples by bonded courier to the selected laboratory; and
8.8.1.3.3 All costs incurred by the state-of-the-art testing methods employed by the ARCI laboratory.
8.8.1.4 In the event the costs exceed the $1,000 deposit, the protesting party shall be required to post additional monies to cover such costs.
8.8.1.5 The owner and/or trainer of the protested horse shall have the right to be present during the collection, packaging and shipping of these test samples.
8.8.1.6 Upon completion of all testing, the laboratory shall notify the Commission of the results. The Commission shall immediately notify the trainer of the protested horse as well as the protesting party of these test results.
8.8.1.7 If the test results substantiate a violation of the Commission rules in effect on the date of the race, the trainer of the tested horse shall be afforded the same rights every trainer receives when charged with any rules violation. This shall include the right to request a split sample test at a designated ARCI laboratory that has agreed to accept split samples from the Commission.
8.8.1.8 Penalties shall be assessed in accordance with the Commission penalty recommendations for a violation of the rules in effect on the date of the race. In no case, however, shall the penalty imposed for a medication violation be less than a $500 fine. If the test results substantiate the presence of antibodies to erythropoietin (EPO), darbepoietin, or any EPO analogues, in addition to any DHRC penalties, the horse shall immediately be placed on the Steward's List and shall not be permitted to enter a race until the horse tests negative for the presence of EPO, darbepoietin, or any EPO analogue antibody(ies) previously detected. All testing must be performed by the DHRC official lab.
8.8.1.9 If the test results substantiate a violation of the Commission rules in effect on the date of the race, a successful claimant may void the claim in accordance with Commission Rules.
8.8.1.10 Any monies remaining from the protest deposit after costs shall be returned to the protesting party even if a violation of the Commission Rules is not detected. If a violation is detected, costs shall be assessed against the trainer of the protested horse and the Commission shall reimburse the protesting party upon receipt thereof.
8.8.1.11 The owner, trainer, driver, or claimant who files a Prohibited Substances Protest pursuant to this Section shall be immune from civil liability for filing the protest.
8.8.2 Routine Post Race Testing
8.8.2.1 Routine Post Race Testing shall include but not be limited to screening for antibodies to erythropoietin (EPO), darbepoietin, or any EPO analogues.
8.8.2.2 Any claimed horse not otherwise selected for testing by the racing officials shall be tested if requested by the claimant at the time the claim form is submitted in accordance with the Commission Rules.
8.8.2.3 The successful claimant shall have the right to void the claim should the forensic analysis be positive for any prohibited substance, illegal level of a permitted medication, or presence of antibodies to erythropoietin (EPO), darbepoietin, or any EPO analogues.
8.8.2.4 If the test results substantiate the presence of antibodies to erythropoietin (EPO), darbepoietin, or any EPO analogues, in addition to assessing penalties in accordance with the DHRC rules, the horse shall immediately be placed on the steward's list and shall not be permitted to enter a race until the horse tests negative for the presence of EPO, darbepoietin, or any EPO analogue antibody(ies) previously detected and said horse is removed from the Steward's List. All testing must be performed by the DHRC official lab.
8.8.3 This Rule enacts the provisions of 74 Del. Laws c. 236 (2004) which amended 28 Del.C. §706 in its entirety, and this Rule shall apply in the event these provisions conflict with or are otherwise inconsistent with any other Commission Rule.
8.9 Prerace Testing by Blood Gas Analyzer or Similar Equipment
8.9.1 Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Rules to the contrary, the Commission may conduct prerace and postrace testing with the use of any accepted, reliable testing instrument, including but not limited to a blood gas analyzer for measuring excess carbon dioxide in blood samples.
8.9.2 The Presiding Judge shall announce the selected races or horses for testing and the appropriate time and location.
8.9.3 All horses shall be brought to the paddock or other secure, designated area for the prerace testing before its first warm up, based on the Commission published paddock times.
8.9.4 Each horse entered to compete in the racing program shall be present in his or her designated paddock stall with a groom for the purpose of having a blood sample drawn by the Commission Veterinarian.
8.9.5 The order and number of horses which shall have blood drawn for prerace testing shall be at the discretion of the Commission and the presiding judge.
8.9.6 The Commission Veterinarian will be responsible to verify with the testing machine technician that the blood gas analyzer test is completed for the specific horse in question. The Commission Veterinarian or his designee will inform the trainer or groom if their horse will be retested or can be given permission to leave the paddock.
8.9.7 Refusal-Failure or refusal by a licensee to present a selected horse under his care, custody, or control for blood gas analyzer testing, or who refuses in any other way, shall result in an automatic scratch of the horse from the racing program, and any other appropriate disciplinary action in the discretion of the judges. The Commission Veterinarian shall document the name of the trainer or person who refuses to have blood drawn from the horse, and shall file a report with the Commission.
8.9.8 Exercise Prior to Testing-In the event that the horse has exercised prior to testing and the horse tests below the Commission standard for a high blood gas test, the horse can be retested upon the discretion of the Commission Veterinarian or presiding judge, or tested post race.
8.9.9 Post Race Testing-The blood gas analyzer machine or similar testing equipment may be used for the post-race blood gas testing on selected horses. The collection of samples will be pursuant to Rule 8.4.3 and testing of split samples will be pursuant to Rule 8.4.3.5.10.
8.9.10 The Commission Veterinarian will provide documentation reflecting the tattoo or name of the horse from which the blood was drawn, the date and time the blood was drawn, and any other identifying information.
8.9.11 Trainer Observation of Testing-The trainer or other designated representative is permitted to observe the testing procedure, but not to question the technician or otherwise disrupt the testing.
8.9.12 The Presiding Judge, Commission Veterinarian, and blood gas technician will ensure that the blood gas analyzer or other testing equipment is calibrated in compliance with the recommended calibration and maintenance procedures for the machine, and that the testing machine is in proper working order.
8.9.13 In addition to the provisions of Rule 8.3 and unless otherwise permitted by these Rules, no foreign substance shall be carried in the body of a horse when the horse is on the grounds of the licensed racetrack; it shall be a violation of this rule for a horse to test positive in a pre-race test result using a blood gas analyzer or other testing equipment.
8.9.14 The penalties for post-race positive tests contained in Rule 8.3.2, may apply to pre-race test samples that are positive for a prohibited substance.
8.9.14.1 A positive test result from a pre-race sample tested on the blood gas analyzer machine is subject to the recommended penalty in Rules 8.3.2 and 8.3.3.3. For pre-race testing the Commission may use a testing machine that uses the Commission standard in Rule 8.3.3.3--substances present in a horse in excess of levels at which such substances could occur naturally and such prohibited substances shall include a total carbon dioxide level of 37 mmol/L or serum in a submitted blood sample from a horse or 39 mmol/L if serum from a horse which has been administered furosemide in compliance with these rules.
8.9.14.2 The Commission may alternatively use a testing machine that measures carbon dioxide levels in pre-race samples using a Base Excess testing protocol.
8.9.14.2.1 Under this alternative protocol, the prohibitive Base Excess concentrations are as follows: Base Excess level of 10.0 mmol/l (mEq/l) or higher for non-furosemide (Lasix) treated horses and Base Excess (BE) level of 12.0 mmol/l (mEq/l) or higher for furosemide (Lasix) treated horse. The level of uncertainty will be included before it is considered a violation of these Rules. The level of uncertainty is 0.4 mmol/l (mEq/l) and a positive test report must include this level of uncertainty. A horse must show a Base Excess (BE) level of 10.4 mmol/l (mEq/l) or higher for non-furosemide (Lasix) treated horse and Base Excess (BE) level of 12.4 mmol/l (mEq/l) or higher for furosemide (Lasix) treated horse, in order for a violation to be reported under this Rule.
8.9.14.2.2 A commission representative will notify the trainer or licensed designee and the primary blood sample of the horse in question shall be immediately retested. In the event that a second blood gas analyzer test is necessary, the Commission Veterinarian or his designee will take a rectal temperature of said horse. The horse's temperature will be recorded on the veterinarian's control sheet. A second blood sample shall be extractedf from the horse by the Commission Veterinarian.
8.9.14.2.23 With respect to a finding of a prohibited level of carbon dioxide in a blood sample the second extraction obtained from a prerace blood gas analyzer test result, there shall be no right to testing of the "secondary sample extraction” by the licensee,. provided that a "secondary sample" shall be transported to the designated Commission laboratory on an anonymous basis for confirmatory testing. In the event that the initial blood gas analyzer test result is confirmed by the test results of the official Commission laboratory, second extraction in the designated Commission testing area at the racetrack, such test results shall be prima facie evidence that the prohibited drug a prohibitive base excess concentration was present in the horse at the time it was scheduled to participate in a race. and is prima facie evidence.
8.10 Quarantine Procedure For Carbon Dioxide Positive Tests (Prerace Or Postrace)
8.10.1 Detention/Quarantine of Horses: The owner or trainer must request use of the quarantine procedure by sending written notice to the presiding judge within forty-eight (48) hours of notification of the positive carbon dioxide test report. The owner or trainer will then be permitted, totally at his/her own expense, to make the necessary scheduling arrangements with the Judges and the Commission Veterinarian. The horse in question will be quarantined on the grounds for periodic blood gas testing by the DHRC (up to three days) at the trainer's expense. All caretaker activities for the horse in question will be the responsibility of the horse's trainer.
8.10.2 Procedure: The owner or trainer will be responsible for providing the DHRC with a minimum check for $1,500.00 to cover the costs for the quarantine. A professionally trained Track Security Officer must be with the horse at all times, and the Security Officer must be knowledgeable about the importance of monitoring all activity pertaining to the quarantined horse.
8.10.3 The quarantine of a horse is subject to the following mandatory requirements:
8.10.3.1 The owner or trainer will be required to deposit sufficient funds with the DHRC Presiding Judge to cover the costs of the quarantine of the horse. The minimum quarantine cost will be $1,500, and this figure may be higher if additional special circumstances are required for a particular horse. None of these procedures will be initiated until the Commission has in its possession a certified check or other method of payment acceptable to the Commission. The owner or trainer is responsible for all costs for the quarantine, including but not limited to, the costs of: stall bedding, daily cleaning of the stall, feed and hay, stall rent, hourly guard salary, portable toilet rental, veterinary charge, courier or shipping charges to the laboratory, laboratory analysis costs. Unused funds will be returned to the trainer.
8.10.3.2 The expected period of the quarantine will be seventy-two hours.
8.10.3.3 The owner or trainer is required to execute a reasonable liability waiver form if requested to do so by the track for the quarantine of the horse on track grounds.
8.10.3.4 The owner or trainer is obligated to reimburse the track if the racing association is required to purchase additional insurance to cover risks from the quarantine of the trainer's horse. The owner or trainer is also responsible for any additional costs required by the track to pad or otherwise specially equip the quarantine stall.
8.10.3.5 All activity of the quarantined horse is observed, documented, and recorded by security officers for the track and the DHRC.
8.10.3.6 The Commission will be responsible for arranging for and providing for bedding, feed, water, and daily cleaning of the stall, all of which are at the owner's expense. Feed for the horse will be purchased by DHRC officials as specified by the owner or trainer. Samples of the feed will be retained by the DHRC designated official.
8.10.3.7 Each bale of hay/straw will be intact and uncut for inspection of contraband. Four small samples of hay are to be taken from the bale of hay used to feed the animal (one from each end of the bale of hay and two from the middle of the bale of hay). These samples with the ingredient tags from the bag of feed used by the horse will be retained by the DHRC designated official.
8.10.3.8 Every trainer, groom, or caretaker is subject to continuous observation and may be searched when with the horse for contraband.
8.10.3.9 Horses may be trained, but if leg paints or salves are used, they must be new and in unopened containers, and the track Security Officer must monitor the preparation of the horse.
8.10.3.10 A Security Officer must observe the horse during training and ensure that it does not leave the track except to return to the quarantine stall.
8.10.3.11 A sick horse must only be determined ill by the Commission Veterinarian and the quarantine of the horse will be terminated. Any bills incurred for the quarantine of the horse prior to the illness and termination of the detention will be prorated.
8.10.3.12 Stalls for the quarantine of horses are designated by the Presiding Judge of the DHRC, in cooperation with the racetrack.
8.10.3.13 Trainers can restrict water based on previous pre-race preparation schedules.
8.10.3.14 Trainers are expected to train their horse in the same manner as the horse was trained on previous racing events. The horse will be equipped with all the items that it would normally carry, taken to the paddock, and handled in a manner similar to previous racing events.
8.10.3.15 Blood samples will be taken from the quarantined horse by the Commission Veterinarian, as he or she deems appropriate and necessary during the quarantine period. A blood sample should be taken when the horse first enters the quarantine stall and again at the pre-arranged time between sixty (60) and seventy-two (72) hours. At the discretion of the Commission, another sample may be taken between the initial sample and the sample taken at the cessation of the quarantine period. Blood samples will only be taken from the horse that is at rest for a period of time approved by the Commission Veterinarian. The owner or trainer or his/her representative must be present and witness the collection of the blood samples. Blood samples will be shipped promptly to the Commission's designated testing laboratory, pursuant to the Commission's standard chain-of-custody procedures.
8.10.3.16 At the conclusion of the quarantine period, the party requesting the quarantine will be provided timely notice of the test results from the DHRC. The trainer may present such evidence at a hearing before the Judges if he or she attempts to prove that the horse has a naturally high carbon dioxide level.
1 DE Reg. 505 (11/01/97)
1 DE Reg. 923 (1/1/98)
3 DE Reg 1520 (5/1/00)
4 DE Reg. 6 (7/1/00)
4 DE Reg. 336 (8/1/00)
5 DE Reg. 832 (10/1/01)
5 DE Reg. 1691 (3/1/02)
6 DE Reg. 862 (1/1/03)
7 DE Reg. 1512 (5/1/04)
8 DE Reg. 329 (8/1/04)
8 DE Reg. 698 (11/01/04)
8 DE Reg. 1108 (02/01/05)
9 DE Reg. 1066 (01/01/06)
9 DE Reg. 1367 (03/01/06)
9 DE Reg. 1951 (06/01/06)
* Please note that no changes were made to the regulation as originally proposed and published in the September 2006 issue of the Register at page 393 (10 DE Reg. 393). Therefore, the final regulation is not being republished. Please refer to the September 2006 issue of the Register or contact the Harness Racing Commission for more information.
A complete set of the rules and regulations for the Harness Racing Commission is available at: http://www.state.de.us/research/AdminCode/title3/500/index.shtml#TopOfPage
