THA Explains Penalty Guidelines Under HISA’s Anti-Doping And Medication Control Program

Trainers are reminded that violations of the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program that went into effect on May 22 can carry penalties that are significantly heavier than those imposed previously by state commissions.

All Anti-Doping violations, which include the Presence of, Use or Attempted Use of, Possession of, or Administration or Attempted Administration of a Banned Substance carry a 2-year suspension and a fine of up to $25,000. Click here for a list of Banned Substances under the ADMC Program. Provisional suspensions for these violations are imposed immediately and can only be lifted through a provisional hearing.

Dr. Mary Scollay, Chief of Science for the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, advises trainers to give the barn, tack room and feed room a regular thorough cleaning. Ensure that all medications are properly labeled and stored, and remove any banned substances or expired medications from the premises. Contact Dr. Scollay if you have a question about any supplements you may be using – you can text her a photo of the label to (859) 489-7677 to help determine if it is considered a banned substance. Click here for more information about dietary supplements.

The Use or Attempted Use or Administration or Attempted Administration of a Controlled Medication Method, such as milk-shaking, carries the following penalties:

1st Offense, 60 days, up to $5,000 fine or 5% of the purse, loss of purse

2nd Offense within a 2-year period, 90 days, up to $10,000 fine or 10% of the purse, loss of purse

3rd Offense within a 2-year period, 120 days, up to $25,000 or 25% of the purse, loss of purse

All Controlled Medication Violations result in the loss of the purse. Class A and Class B violations result in a suspension for a first offense, and more than one Class C offense in a two-year period will also result in a suspension. Click here for a list of Controlled Therapeutic Medications.

Penalties for Controlled Medication violations:

Class C

1st Offense, up to $500 fine, loss of purse

2nd Offense within a 2-year period, 15 days, up to $1,000 fine, loss of purse

3rd Offense within a 2-year period, 30 days, up to $2,500 fine, loss of purse

Class B

1st Offense, 15 days, up to $1,000 fine, loss of purse

2nd Offense within a 2-year period, 30 days, up to $2,500 fine, loss of purse

3rd Offense within a 2-year period, 60 days, up to $5,000 fine, loss of purse

Class A

1st Offense, 60 days, up to $5,000 fine or 5% of purse, loss of purse

2nd Offense within a 2-year period, 90 days, up to $10,000 fine or 10% of purse, loss of purse

3rd Offense within a 2-year period, 120 days, up to $25,000 fine or 25% of purse, loss of purse