RCI talks tough with proposed one strike and you’re out rule

Remember just a day or so ago I made sport with RCI (Racing Commissioners International) President Ed Martin for his statements comparing the drugging of Olympic athletes to the drugging of racehorses? What a difference a day (or two) makes. If sincere, the policies outlined in the press release below would be a start to…

RCI tightens model rule on shock wave therapy treatment of racehorses

One of the primary topics of discussion at the meeting of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) Rules Committee in Saratoga Springs, New York, July 24th, was extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). ESWT treatment provides not only relief for strained muscles and tendons but also promotes healing and has an analgesic, or pain-killing, effect.…

Racing Commissioners meet to discuss medications and rules regulating veterinarians

The Ray Paulick Report features an article on the annual conference hosted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) taking place in Oklahoma City. The topics dominating the meeting are medications administered to racehorses and the rules regulating veterinarians. This quote caught my eye: “Our current enforcement is focused on ensuring that no horse…