3 Del. Admin. Code § 501-8.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 501-8.0 - Veterinary Practices, Equine Health Medication

8.1 General Provisions. The purpose of this Section 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 this regulation, which shall be enforced under the authority of the Commission Veterinarian. Without limiting the authority of the Presiding Judge to enforce this regulation, the Commission Veterinarian may recommend to the Presiding Judge or the Commission the discipline which may be imposed upon a veterinarian who violates the regulation.

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 a Commission Veterinarian;

8.2.2.2.2 A non-injectable substance on the direction or by prescription of a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Delaware; 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 Board of Judges 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 Board of Judges or the Commission.

8.2.2.4 Therapeutic Electronic Devices, Shockwave Therapy/Instruments

8.2.2.4.1 The use of Therapeutic Electronic Devices or shock wave therapy shall not be permitted unless the following conditions are met:

8.2.2.4.1.1 No licensee is permitted to possess or to use Therapeutic Electronic Devices or shock wave therapy machines/instruments on association premises.

8.2.2.4.1.2 Any horse treated with shock wave therapy shall not be permitted to race for a minimum of ten (10) days following treatment (the day of treatment shall be considered the first day in counting the number of days). Any horse treated with Therapeutic Electronic Devices or shock wave therapy shall be placed on the Commission Veterinarian's list.

8.2.2.4.1.3 All Therapeutic Electronic Devices or shock wave therapy treatments must be reported by the trainer of record to the official Commission veterinarian on the prescribed form not later than the time prescribed by the official Commission veterinarian.

8.2.2.4.2 A Trainer, Veterinarian, or other person, who has been found to have violated any of the above provisions of this Rule shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the Judges or Commission.

8.2.2.4.3 Definitions: The following terms and words used in Section 8.0 are defined as:

8.2.2.4.3.1 Therapeutic Electronic Devices shall mean any device that requires electricity or battery power, including but not limited to: therapeutic ultrasound, therapeutic laser or other similar devices. Shock Wave Therapy shall mean all Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or Radial Pulse Wave Therapy treatments and any other treatments determined to pose similar risks by the Commission Veterinarian.

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 Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission shall consider the classification level of the violation as listed at the time of the violation by the DHRC Uniform Classification Guidelines found in subsection 8.3.1 of this section, and may consider the most recent recommendations by the Uniform Classification Guidelines of Foreign Substances as promulgated by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. In addition, the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission 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 Presiding Judge may impose penalties and disciplinary measures consistent with the recommendations contained in subsection 8.3.2 of this section.

8.3.1 DHRC 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 and the racing secretary entry areas.

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, certain antiallergic drugs, and the anticoagulant drugs. Cobalt is also included, along with its own accompanying penalty recommendations.

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.

8.3.2.5.1 Cobalt detected at or above 25 ppb, but below 50 ppb in blood or serum will result in placement of the effected horse on the "Vet's List" until blood or serum test results are below 25 ppb. Testing will be administered at no less than seven (7) day intervals. The cost of subsequent testing after initial finding will be conducted at owner's expense.

8.3.2.5.2 Cobalt detected at or above 50 ppb in blood or serum will result in a minimum: $500 fine and 15-day suspension for the trainer; the owner would loss any purse money gained; and, the horse would be placed on the "Vet's List" in accordance with the protocol detailed in 8.3.2.5.1 above.

8.3.2.6 In determining the appropriate penalty with respect to a medication rule violation, the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission may use discretion in the application of the foregoing penalty recommendations, and shall consult with the Commission Veterinarian 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 or disciplinary measures may be imposed than those set forth above. Specifically, if the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission determine that mitigating circumstances warrant imposition of a lesser penalty than the recommendations suggest, the Presiding Judge may impose a lesser penalty. If the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission determines that aggravating circumstances require imposition of a greater penalty, however, the Presiding Judge 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 or the amount of a fine, or both, the Board of 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 Board of Judges may impose a shorter suspension on the horse than on the trainer.

8.3.2.9 At the discretion of the Presiding Judge 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 Presiding Judge 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 Section 8.0 of this regulation, 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 veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Delaware, 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 Chief DHRC Veterinarian of the name of the horse for placement on the Veterinarian's List, pursuant to subsection 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.

8.3.4 Medical Labeling

8.3.4.1 No person on association grounds where horses are lodged or kept, excluding veterinarians licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Delaware, 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 labeled 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 veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Delaware, 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 Aminocaproic Acid (Amicar)

8.3.5.1 General. Furosemide (Salix) and Aminocaproic 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 Aminocaproic Acid shall be permitted only after the Commission Veterinarian has placed the horse on the Bleeder List or to facilitate the collection of a post-race urine sample.

8.3.5.2 Method of Administration. Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid shall be administered intravenously (IV) by the licensed Bleeder Medication Veterinarian, unless he determines that a horse cannot receive an intravenous administration of Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid. Permission for an intramuscular (IM) administration must be authorized by the Presiding Judge or his representative; provided, however, that once Furosemide or Furosemide with Aminocaproic Acid is administered intramuscularly, the horse shall remain in a testing area under the supervision of a Commission representative until it races. IM administration can only be given if the horse has exhibited negative reactions to IV administration within this jurisdiction as witnessed by a Commission Veterinarian or Bleeder Medication Veterinarian. If a horse who has received IM administration in this jurisdiction subsequently receives IV administration in another jurisdiction, then that horse can no longer receive IM administration in this jurisdiction. A trainer's representative must be present for IM administration, and attend the horse until moved to the paddock stall.

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 Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician shall possess equipment or any substance for injectable administration in any area under the jurisdiction of the Commission, 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 subsection 8.3.5.2; or

8.3.5.7.1.2 Exceeded 500 milligrams as provided in subsection 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 subsection 8.3.5.2 or exceeded 500 milligrams as provided in subsection 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 or Veterinary Technician 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 horse is a bleeder. Such endoscopic examination must be done by a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Delaware, at the owner's or trainer's expense. 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 a commission or commission licensed Bleeder Medication 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 (EPIH) based on the criteria set forth in subsection 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 - 6 days suspension from racing;

8.3.5.9.4.2 2nd time within 365 day period - the horse must serve a 30 day(s) suspension from racing, provided that the horse must be added to or remain on the Bleeder List, and must complete a satisfactory qualifying race before resuming racing, after the mandatory 30-day rest period; after 365 days without another incident of EPIH all horses revert back to a first time bleeder status;

8.3.5.9.4.3 3rd time within 365 day period - the horse must serve a 30 day(s) suspension from racing, 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; after 365 days without another incident of EPIH all horses revert back to a first time bleeder status and

8.3.5.9.4.4 4th time within 365 day period - 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. A horse may also discontinue the use of Aminocaproic Acid, provided that, once a horse discontinues the use of Aminocaproic Acid, it is prohibited from using said medication for 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 Chief DHRC Veterinarian, 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 subsection 8.3.5.9.1. 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 subsection 8.3.5.9.4.

8.3.5.9.9 The 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.

8.3.7 Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids

8.3.7.1 With respect to nandrolone, boldenone, stanozolol and testosterone in fillies, mares, and geldings (testosterone and nandrolone in stud horse samples are treated separately in 8.3.7.2):

8.3.7.1.1 Any test result at plasma concentrations below 100 picograms per milliliter will be considered a negative test.

8.3.7.1.2 Any test result at plasma concentration levels at or above 100 picograms per milliter will be considered a positive test result and subject to sanctions as described in subsection 8.3.7.3.

8.3.7.2 With respect to nandrolone and testosterone levels determined in intact male horses:

8.3.7.2.1 Nandrolone

8.3.7.2.1.1 Any test result at plasma concentrations below 500 picograms per milliliter will be considered a negative test.

8.3.7.2.1.2 Any test result at and above plasma concentrations of 500 picograms per milliliter will be considered a positive test and subject to sanctions as described in subsection 8.3.7.3.

8.3.7.2.2 Testosterone

8.3.7.2.2.1 Any test result at plasma concentrations below 2000 picograms per milliliter will be considered a negative test.

8.3.7.2.2.2 Any test result at and above plasma concentrations of 2000 picograms per milliliter will be considered a positive test and subject to sanctions as described in subsection 8.3.7.3.

8.3.7.3 Sanctions

8.3.7.3.1 First Offense: The horse will be placed on the Vets List and cannot race again until it tests below 100 picograms for Boldenone, Stanozolol, Nandrolone and Testosterone in fillies, mares and geldings and 2000 picograms for Testosterone and 500 picograms for Nandrolone in intact males. Any and all purse money is forfeited. The trainer is notified for a hearing and a fine not to exceed $1,500.00 and 15 days full suspension will be assessed absent mitigating circumstances.

8.3.7.3.2 Second Offense: All sanctions for First Offense, plus trainer may be fined not in excess of $2,500.00 and subject to 30 days full suspension absent mitigating factors.

8.3.7.3.3 Third Offense: All sanctions for First Offense, plus trainer may be fined $10,000.00 or up to the amount of the purse of the race and subject to revocation of their DHRC License absent mitigating factors.

8.3.7.3.4 Should a horse be claimed from a race where positive findings are confirmed, the claimant has the right to void the claim.

8.4 Testing

8.4.1 Reporting to the Test Barn

8.4.1.1 Horses shall be selected for pre-racing or 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 testing area to have a blood, urine or other specimen sample taken at the direction of the Commission Veterinarian.

8.4.1.2 Random or for cause testing may be required by the Commission, at any time on any horse that has been entered to race at a Commission licensed Association.

8.4.1.3 Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Judges or the Commission Veterinarian, a horse that is selected for testing must be taken directly to the Test Barn or testing area.

8.4.1.4 Trainers shall fully comply with the instructions of the Commission, which may include, but not be limited to the following: Trainers shall present their horses for testing at the specified time and place mandated by the Commission. Testing procedures may be performed on the grounds of any Commission licensed Association, at the trainer's training facility, or any other location under Commission jurisdiction. Failure to comply shall result in the horse being scratched, and shall be considered a violation equivalent to a Class 1 positive.

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 or Veterinary Technician. Only the owner, trainer or groom 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 veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Delaware 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 Sample Containers/Receptacles.

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 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 or Veterinary Technician 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 Shall comply with all identification protocols and ensure delivery of the appropriate sample identification paperwork to the judges.

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 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.

8.4.3.5.8 Two (2) blood samples shall be collected in sample receptacles approved by the Commission, one for the "primary" and one for the "secondary" sample.

8.4.3.5.9 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.

8.4.3.5.9.1 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.

8.4.3.5.9.2 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.

8.4.3.5.10 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.

8.4.3.5.10.1 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.

8.4.3.5.10.2 The referee laboratory shall be informed of the initial findings of the Commission chemist prior to making the test.

8.4.3.5.10.3 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.

8.4.3.5.11 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.

8.4.3.5.12 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 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 regulation. 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 inability to be in attendance with the horse on the day of the race, or for any other reason, the principal trainer shall be responsible for the condition of the horse should the horse test positive and the substitute trainer may also be held responsible as mitigating and aggravating circumstances are considered; 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 paddock 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 grounds under the jurisdiction of the Commission;

8.5.5 Additionally, with respect to horses in his 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 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 grounds under the jurisdiction of the DHCA;

8.5.5.5 Immediately reporting the alteration of the sex of a horse to the Program/Charter coordinator, and the United States Trotting Association;

8.5.5.6 Promptly reporting to the Program/Charter coordinator 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 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 a Commission Veterinarian, the DHRC Administrator, 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 Board of 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 and promptly requesting a scratch from Board of Judges if an entered horse becomes unfit to race (sick, lame, injured or deceased);

8.5.5.12 Ensuring that every horse he 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 Administrator of Racing and to the Commission Veterinarian, the death of any horse drawn in to race in this jurisdiction provided that the death occurred within 60 days of the date of the draw. Reports must be received as soon as practically possible and horses may not be disposed of until clearance is given by the Administrator of Racing or a Commission Veterinarian. Trainers should check Commission's website for appropriate contact information.

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.

8.6.1.3 A horse may be placed on the Veterinarians List by the Commission Veterinarian for a prescribed number of days and then be allowed to race after those days have elapsed.

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 euthanized. 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 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 will conduct postmortem examinations of any horse which expires while located on grounds under the jurisdiction of the Commission. Trainers and owners shall be required to comply with such action as a condition of licensure.

8.6.2.4 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.

8.6.2.5 The Commission may conduct mandatory post mortem conferences with trainers upon receipt of post mortem examination results. Trainers must attend, and owners may attend, such conferences, which will be called and facilitated by the Commission Veterinarian. The Presiding Judge and the Administrator of Racing (and other Commission staff as determined necessary by the Commission Veterinarians) may attend.

8.6.2.6 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.

8.6.2.7 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 or use of a drug, substance, or medication, specified below for which a recognized analytical method has 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 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.

8.7.1.3 The possession or use of Blood Doping Agents including but not limited to: EPO, DPO, Oxyglobin, Hemopure or any other substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of equine body tissue is considered a prohibited practice that endangers the health and welfare of a horse or the safety and welfare of a driver.

8.7.2 Testing

8.7.2.1 Horses may be tested for EPO, DPO, Oxyglobin, Hemopure or any other substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of equine body tissue as follows:

8.7.2.1.1 Once a horse is entered to race;

8.7.2.1.2 Any horse that was entered or raced within sixty (60) days of entry or race;

8.7.2.1.3 Any horse showing the presence of EPO, DPO or like antibodies;

8.7.2.1.4 Any horse in the care, custody and control of a trainer having a horse that has tested positive for EPO, DPO and like substances through a screening test;

8.7.2.1.5 Any horse that expires; consistent with subsections 8.6.2.1-8.6.2.5.

8.7.2.2 Two blood samples shall be collected in DHRC approved sample receptacles; one is the primary sample; and the other is the secondary sample.

8.7.2.3 In the event that the presence of EPO, DPO or any EPO analogues is determined to be present in a primary sample, the primary sample shall be sent to a DHRC approved laboratory for a confirmation test.

8.7.2.4 The trainer or owner of any horse that tests positive for the confirmed presence of EPO, DPO, Oxyglobin, Hemopure or any other substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of equine body tissue has the right to request a testing of the secondary sample consistent with subsections 8.4.3.5.10 - 8.4.3.5.13.

8.7.2.5 Upon positive notification from the confirmatory laboratory of the primary sample, if uncontested by the trainer; or notification of confirmation in the secondary sample, the trainer shall be summarily suspended and any/all horses entered, by the trainer, to race shall be scratched. Notice of a hearing shall be delivered to the trainer within twenty-four (24) hours.

8.7.2.6 Any of the following penalties and disciplinary measures may be imposed for the confirmed presence of EPO, DPO, Oxyglobin, Hemopure or any other substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of equine body tissue:

8.7.2.6.1 In the absence of extraordinary circumstances:

8.7.2.6.1.1 A minimum penalty of $10,000;

8.7.2.6.1.2 A 10 year suspension;

8.7.2.6.1.3 Forfeiture of the purse money and assessment for cost of the drug testing.

8.7.2.6.2 The Board of Judges may consider possible violations including, but not limited to subsections 5.1.7 and 5.1.16.1.10.

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 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 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 Commission veterinary assistant and Commission 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 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 antibodies 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 antibodies 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 regulations 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 designated paddock stall with a groom for the purpose of having a blood sample drawn by the Commission Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician.

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 or Veterinary Technician 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 Administrator of Racing 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 subsection 8.4.3 and testing of split samples will be pursuant to subsection 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 subsection 8.3 and unless otherwise permitted by these regulations, 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 subsection 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 subsection 8.9.15. For pre-race testing the Commission may use a testing machine that uses the Commission standard in subsection 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 horses. 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 a non-furosemide (Lasix) treated horse and a Base Excess (BE) level of 12.4 mmol/l (mEq/l) or higher for a 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 extracted from the horse by the Commission Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician.

8.9.14.2.3 With respect to a finding of a prohibited level of carbon dioxide in the second extraction obtained from a prerace blood gas analyzer test result, there shall be no right to testing of the second extraction by the licensee. In the event that the initial blood gas analyzer test result is confirmed by the test results of the second extraction in the designated Commission testing area at the racetrack, such test results shall be prima facie evidence that a prohibitive base excess concentration was present in the horse at the time it was scheduled to participate in a race.

8.9.15 Absent aggravating or mitigating findings of fact, the following penalties and disciplinary measures may be imposed for positive test result from a pre-race sample tested on the blood gas analyzer machine:

8.9.15.1 First offense:

8.9.15.1.1 Horse to be placed on Stewards List for 14 days, must pass a requalifying test and requalify to compete in purse events;

8.9.15.1.2 Trainer to be assessed $1,000 fine;

8.9.15.2 Second offense within two years of first offense:

8.9.15.2.1 Horse to be placed on Stewards List for 30 days, must pass a requalifying test and requalify to compete in purse events;

8.9.15.2.2 Trainer to be assessed $2,000 fine and suspended for ten days;

8.9.15.3 Third offense within two years of second offense:

8.9.15.3.1 Horse to be placed on Stewards List for 90 days, must pass a requalifying test and requalify to compete in purse events;

8.9.15.3.2 Trainer to be assessed $3,500 fine and full suspension for one hundred and fifty days and license made probationary;

8.9.15.4 Fourth offense within two years of third offense:

8.9.15.4.1 Horse to be prohibited from racing in Delaware;

8.9.15.4.2 Trainer to be assessed $5,000 fine and full suspension for three hundred and sixty five days and required to reapply for licenses following completion of suspension;

8.9.15.5 In determining the appropriate penalty with respect to a positive test result from a pre-race sample tested on the blood gas analyzer machine, the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission may use his discretion in the application of the foregoing penalty recommendations, and may consult with the Commission veterinarian or the Commission chemist to determine the seriousness of the test result. Aggravating or mitigating circumstances in any case should be considered and greater or lesser penalties or disciplinary measures may be imposed than those set forth above. Specifically, if the Presiding Judge or other designee of the Commission determines that mitigating circumstances warrant imposition of a lesser penalty than the recommendations suggest, he may impose a lesser penalty. If the Presiding Judge 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;

8.9.15.6 A requalifying test with respect to a particular offense shall not give rise to a subsequent offense. A trainer shall be subject to the increased penalties and disciplinary measures in subsection 8.9.15 for second, third and fourth offenses with respect to any horse trained by the trainer.

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 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 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 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 attempts to prove that the horse has a naturally high carbon dioxide level.

3 Del. Admin. Code § 501-8.0

1 DE Reg. 505 (11/01/97)
1 DE Reg. 923 (01/01/98)
3 DE Reg 1520 (05/01/00)
4 DE Reg. 6 (07/01/00)
4 DE Reg 336 (08/01/00)
5 DE Reg. 832 (10/01/01)
5 DE Reg. 1691 (03/01/02)
6 DE Reg. 862 (01/01/03)
7 DE Reg. 1512 (05/01/04)
8 DE Reg. 329 (08/01/04)
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)
10 DE Reg. 980 (12/01/06)
10 DE Reg. 1424 (03/01/06)
11 DE Reg. 1050 (02/01/08)
12 DE Reg. 324 (09/01/08)
14 DE Reg. 1339 (06/01/11)
15 DE Reg. 58 (07/01/11)
15 DE Reg. 1322 (03/01/12)
16 DE Reg. 282 (09/01/12)
16 DE Reg. 1169 (5/1/2013)
17 DE Reg. 1059 (5/1/2014)
18 DE Reg. 782 (4/1/2015)
19 DE Reg. 189 (9/1/2015)
21 DE Reg. 971 (6/1/2018)
22 DE Reg. 48 (7/1/2018)
24 DE Reg. 942 (4/1/2021)
26 DE Reg. 831 (4/1/2023)
27 DE Reg. 967 (6/1/2024) (Final)