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Minnesota Racing Commission legislation requires new therapeutic medication limits21 May 2012ST. PAUL, Minnesota -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC), which regulates horse racing and card clubs at race tracks in the state, announces the passage and signing into law of MRC sponsored legislation facilitating the establishment of therapeutic drug threshold limits for race horses. “This legislation is critically important to assure race horses are given proper medication therapy while preventing any potential abuse” The sophistication of new drug testing technologies can now detect drugs to minuscule levels. Often these trace levels of drugs have no pharmacological impact or performance enhancing benefit to the race horse but are the residue from legitimate drug treatment. The MRC will complete within a month the rule making process to establish the new therapeutic drug threshold limits based on the latest science, testing technology and veterinarian expertise. “This legislation is critically important to assure race horses are given proper medication therapy while preventing any potential abuse,” states Jesse Overton, Chair of the Minnesota Racing Commission. “The MRC uses highly regarded and accredited drug testing laboratories who have leading-edge technology that can, for the first time, detect trace levels of drugs. It is imperative that we reexamine the medication thresholds and establish new levels which prevent any performance enhancing benefits but still assure the horses get their needed treatments.” Additionally, an amendment to the bill allows additional card playing tables at the state horse racing tracks and permits pari-mutuel betting at the tribal casinos. The additional tables will benefit the purses and encourage the breeding and racing of more quality horses. About Minnesota Racing Commission The Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) was established in 1983 to regulate horse racing and in 1999 to regulate card clubs at the Class A race tracks in the state. The legislative charge is to ensure the integrity of racing and card playing, and promote the breeding of race horses to stimulate agriculture and rural agribusiness. Currently the MRC regulates Canterbury Park and Running Aces Harness Park. |