IMPORTANT NEWS...

DBPR's Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering Holds Workshop on Steroids Model Rules

August 12, 2008

WHO:         Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering
WHAT:       Rule Workshop on Adopting Steroids Model Rules
WHEN:       Monday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE:    Room 203, North Broward Regional Service Center, 1400 W. Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

                   
The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering will hold a rule workshop on Monday, Aug. 25, to solicit public comments on its proposal to adopt and implement the Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) Model Rules on the regulation of anabolic steroids in horse racing. 

The adoption of the model rules will enable the regulation of anabolic androgenic steroids, which are illegal performance enhancing drugs, by effectively prohibiting their use in horses while racing at pari-mutuel facilities in Florida.  The proposed rule will enable the Racing Laboratory at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, to test for steroids in urine under its current contract with the Division.

The Division will also consider rule language proposed by The Jockey Club that would prohibit the use of toe grabs, a form of toe calk used for gripping, with a height greater than two millimeters worn on the front horse shoes of thoroughbred horses while racing. 

The workshop will also address proposed rules regarding the use of whips in all pari-mutuel horse racing events.  A copy of the proposed rule language can be found on the Division’s Web site at www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pmw/index.html.

The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering is statutorily charged with regulating the pari-mutuel industry and licensing those individuals participating in pari-mutuel events. 

The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  The Department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.  For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.