A. Brief Description of the Issue
Many of the jockeys tests were showing false positives on their drug tests forcing them to be taken off their mounts.
B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
Faulty tests where jockeys were taken off their mounts due to a false positive. Many jockeys have had this problem this year.
Who does the issue affect?
First the jockeys, they work so hard to try and make weight and it’s a slap in the face when you face a false positive knowing that you did not do any drugs prior to racetime
Second, the trainers. Although this may not be every case but I know of trainers being very upset that their jockey who has spent countless hours with their horses not being able to ride it because of a false positive drug test
Third, the owners. Owners are trusting their trainers they have picked the best jockey for their horses. And when a jockey is scratched from their mount that close to race time, sometimes the trainers are forced to scratch their horses due to no jockeys available. The owners lose out on potential purse money and leaves a bad taste in their mouth with their jockey even when it was not their fault for the faulty test.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
Until the results of the confirmation test are provided to the *judges/stewards board, a *jockey or *driver will be required to undergo testing with a Security Investigator prior to recommencing work.
Should a subsequent test be negative, the *jockey or *driver will be permitted to return to their duties until the confirmation test results are provided to the *judges/stewards board.
Should any subsequent test be non-negative, the *jockey or *driver will be immediately removed from all mounts or drives until the confirmation test results are provided to the *judges/stewards board.
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
Test ALL jockeys before race day. Many times only a few have been selected to test which is unfair when using faulty tests. You guys need to bring in a RELIABLE third party testing that specializes in testing.
How will the solution fix the problem?
This provides fairness to ALL jockeys, trainers, and owners
As well as a professional drug testing company can provide security to the racetrack, the owners, and jockeys.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
Entities and Stakeholders will benefit greatly as their chosen jockey will have fairness and accountability for their tests done by trained professionals with the correct equipment that does not provide false positives.
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
Not as many jockey changes, jockeys will feel more confident in providing a drug test when using correct equipment, trainers may not need to scratch their horses when no other jockey is available
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
Cost of bringing in a professional company to do the proper testing
D. Please identify any affected stakeholder groups that expressed support or opposition.
(These stakeholders may include the racetracks, breed registries, owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, or others.)
For those stakeholder groups that have expressed an opinion, please list the points on which they agree or disagree, and the arguments they have expressed.
-agrees on getting proper drug testing equipment
-agrees on the fact that they may not need to scratch their horse if professional tests has been performed
-agrees to fairness to ALL participants
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been consulted on this proposal?
N/A
Please attach any formal letters of support or opposition by stakeholder groups. Files must be .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .txt format and under 3072k for the system to accept the submission. You can add a maximum of 3 attachments.
E. Attach the rule language you are proposing. Please show new language in a new paragraph below the current wording. If you are proposing that current rule language be eliminated, please indicate the text to be deleted with [delete: sample deleted copy]
ALL jockeys must undergo a drug/alcohol testing prior to the first race. ALL drug testing will be performed by a certified professional and will have access to results right away. If negative tests occur, the jockey or driver will be taken off mounts for the day.
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
No, the drug testing is NOT performed by a professional. The drug tests that they use are very unreliable.
G. Review the Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta and identify any other Rules this change would affect and submit proposed amendments to those rules to comply with changes that would be made by this proposal.
This rule will affect the rules regarding the drug/alcohol section in the rules. But given this content, this will amend the rules to benefit the jockeys, trainers, and owners because this will provide fairness to all as well as a sense of security to the jockeys, knowing that their drug tests are relevant because they’re done by professionals who have professional equipment
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