By Christina Bossinakis
The RMTC board approved the immediate funding of two grant projects focused on inhibiting the use of illicit substances at its Aug. 21 meeting at Del Mar Turf Club in Del Mar, California. One will study the detection of compounds called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARM) LGD-4033, which have the potential to mimic anabolic steroid effects on tissues–increasing muscle mass but lacking the androgenic effects that cause male characteristics. The goal of the second project is to improve the screening of and confirmation sensitivity for EPO-stimulating agents (ESAs) administered in very small amounts (called micro-dosing) to obtain a blood-doping effect while avoiding detection.
The RMTC board heard plans for the creation of a four-year grant program beginning in 2018 to encourage tactical research into the detection and identification of illicit substances. The RMTC will pursue contributions from other industry groups and individuals to match funds provided by the RMTC. The funding level has not been finalized but is expected to be at least $500,000.
“We want this program to provide researchers a consistent funding source for these types of tactical research projects,” said RMTC Executive Director Dr. Dionne Benson. “This initiative will enable us to make significant advances in targeting emerging threats and developing new techniques to test for them–both of which are essential to effectively regulating our sport.”
In addition, she informed the board that the University of Florida laboratory's application has been reviewed and the process of accreditation is underway. With the addition of the Florida laboratory, RMTC-accredited laboratories and those in the process of accreditation are now responsible for the testing of samples for 31 jurisdictions.
“While we are encouraged to see University of Florida's laboratory working to meet the RMTC Laboratory Accreditation standards, we urge the Delaware harness, South Dakota, Louisiana and Iowa commissions to utilize an RMTC-accredited laboratory,” said RMTC Chair Alex Waldrop. “Every laboratory across the U.S. must be RMTC-accredited so that the testing of horse racing samples can consistently and reliably detect a wide variety of substances at low concentrations.”
For more information, visit the RMTC website at www.rmtcnet.com or contact Hallie Lewis, RMTC communications and development consultant, at (859) 224-2848.
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