RMTC Board Updates CTS List

During an Oct. 13 meeting in Atlanta, the Board of Directors of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) approved recommendations from the RMTC’s scientific advisory committee to add four medications to the current list of 26 Controlled Therapeutic Substances (CTS). The RMTC voted to add these four medications at the urging of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). The medications are:

● Ranitidine (anti-ulcer medication)
● Cimetidine (anti-ulcer medication)
● Cetirizine (anti-histimine)
● Guaifenesin (anti-histimine)

The RMTC will present these four medications to the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) and lobby for their addition to the RCI model rules.

“AAEP is most appreciative of the efforts of the RMTC to complete the appropriate research to allow for the addition of four important therapeutic medications to the Controlled Therapeutic Substances List,” said AAEP Past President Dr. Jeff Blea. “AAEP requested the addition of these particular medications to allow practitioners to maintain a high standard of care in a regulatory environment, and it’s gratifying to witness the industry synergistically working together to accomplish what is best for the horse and for racing.”

During the meeting, RMTC Executive Director Dr. Dionne Benson updated the Board on the progress being made towards the adoption of the National Uniform Medication Program. Benson reported that 17 states have adopted both the CTS and Third-Party Administration of Furosemide policies, while 12 states have adopted the Multiple Medication Violations Penalty System, and 27 states are now receiving testing services from RMTC-accredited laboratories. Noteworthy additions to the list of racing jurisdictions now actively pursuing the Program are Florida, Louisiana and Illinois.

The RMTC also unveiled its new website at the meeting. The website is designed to make it easier to find information about the National Uniform Medication Program, including the research projects of the RMTC that support the Program, as well as current information regarding RMTC’s additional efforts to strengthen the health and safety of horses and the integrity of racing. The website is now available to the public at www.rmtcnet.com.