Regulators offer updated guidance on joint-injection rule
The Anti-Doping and Medication Control standing committee of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has re-considered the intra-articular injection rule and has issued new guidance regarding its enforcement.
HISA ADMC Rule 4222 prohibits intra-articular injections on race day, within 14 days prior to post time and within seven days prior to any timed and reported workout. Effective July 16, 2023, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit will sanction the responsible person of any covered horse that violates the prohibition on intra-articular injections within seven days prior to a timed and reported workout as follows (within a 365-day rolling period):
- 1st violation: $3,000 fine
- 2nd violation: $6,000 fine, 10-day suspension
- 3rd violation: $10,000 fine, 30-day suspension
- 4th violation: $20,000 fine, 60-day suspension
- 5th violation: $25,000 fine, 120-day suspension
Until this new guidance takes effect Sunday, in accordance with guidance previously announced on June 26, the prohibition on intra-articular injections within 7 days prior to any timed and reported workout will continue to be enforced only against the covered horse through the imposition of a period of ineligibility of 30 days. The sanctions associated with the prohibition on intra-articular injections within 14 days prior to post time have not been modified, other than the fact that the covered horse may not be suspended.
The full language of today’s issued guidance, which was approved by the HISA ADMC standing committee and the HISA board, can be found on HISA’s website.
Under Rule 4222, the day of administration is considered day 1. A horse may breeze on day 8 following administration and may enter to race at any time, provided the race is on day 15 or later.