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HIWU will oversee testing, educate stakeholders, accredit laboratories, investigate potential violations, and prosecute any such violations.

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) is the independent enforcement agency of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program

Substances

HISA Controlled & Banned Substances Lookup

Cases

Latest Resolutions

Date of ResolutionCovered personCovered horseStatus
Date of Resolution3/27/2024Covered personRandy PrestonCovered horseSharp LifeStatus
Date of Resolution3/27/2024Covered personGary HouseCovered horseCallasStatus
Date of Resolution3/27/2024Covered personRohan CrichtonCovered horseFighter in the WinStatus

News

Latest News and Developments from the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit in the Thoroughbred Industry.

0Z84271-min
Outreach

Advisory: Dexamethasone Acetate

Advisory: Dexamethasone Acetate • Please be aware that dexamethasone acetate is being used in some compounded products. It is important to note that it is different from dexamethasone. • In humans, dexamethasone acetate has a much longer half-life than dexamethasone alone and thus is eliminated more slowly than dexamethasone. However, the exact effect of the addition of acetate on slowing the elimination of dexamethasone from the horse has not been studied. • Consequently, there is an unknown risk for a positive test result in a Post-Race, Vets’ List, or Post-Work Sample when dexamethasone acetate is used. • There is no commercially available, FDA-approved formulation of dexamethasone acetate; it is only available as a compounded medication. • Should a horse require treatment: • It is advisable to administer dexamethasone. Dexamethasone has been extensively researched through administration studies, and the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium has recommended Withdrawal Guidance for its use. OR • If dexamethasone acetate is determined to be the drug of choice for a given horse’s condition, Clearance Testing through HIWU is recommended.

Advisory: Dexamethasone Acetate

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Outreach

Dietary Supplements Alert: Prohibited Substances in Herbal Products

HIWU recommends caution when administering any kind of dietary supplements to Covered Horses. While the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program permits the possession and use of dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and homeopathic products, Covered Persons should be aware that dietary supplements are not regulated or evaluated by the FDA for safety, purity, stability, potency, or efficacy prior to their sale. For example, HIWU recently received notice that an herbal product sold under the name “Yunnan Paiyao” tested positive for the presence of ephedrine, a Class A Controlled Medication. Ephedrine is not listed in the product’s ingredients. A positive test result stemming from the presence of a Prohibited Substance in a supplement will be prosecuted by HIWU as an ADMC Program violation regardless of whether or not the product label listed the Prohibited Substance as an ingredient. Covered Persons are reminded that HISA and HIWU do not approve, certify, or endorse dietary supplements or other feed products as being permitted under the ADMC Program.

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0Z84294-min
Outreach

Enforcement of Rule Modification Regarding Iron Dextran Begins December 27, 2023

Following the Federal Trade Commission’s approval to add iron dextran to the Banned Substances list under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program rules, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) announced today that it will use the next 30 days as an educational period to give Covered Persons time to adapt to the new rule. Enforcement of the iron dextran rule will begin on December 27, 2023. As a reminder, the use/attempted use, administration/attempted administration, possession, or trafficking of a Banned Substance constitutes an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under the ADMC Program. HIWU urges Covered Persons to remove iron dextran from their barns, offices, trucks, and other areas connected to their business with Covered Horses. HISA recommended the designation of iron dextran and products containing iron dextran as Banned Substances due to the substance’s potential to compromise equine welfare. Questions related to iron dextran and the respective rule update should be directed to sciencesupport@hiwu.org

Enforcement of Rule Modification Regarding Iron Dextran Begins December 27, 2023

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