B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
The HRA rules currently prohibit the use of shockwave therapy a minimum of 10 days prior to an event. This is not aligned with other Canadian horse racing jurisdictions including Ontario and BC. All of these racetracks allow the use of shockwave therapy up to 4 or 5 days prior to an event, acknowledging the therapeutic value of the tool. It's critical that Alberta rules are aligned with other jurisdictions with whom we competed for horses and trainers.
This discrepancy puts Alberta at a competitive disadvantage in attracting new trainers and, consequently, horses to the province. Aligning Alberta's standardbred racing rules with those of other jurisdictions is essential.
Specifically, shockwave therapy increases the blood flow to affected areas — leading to the development of new blood vessels —, stimulates collagen, and dissolves calcium build-up to treat the root cause of injury.
Who does the issue affect?
The issue primarily effects equine athletes. The current rule imposes too much limitation on the use of this therapeutic tool that can potentially improve the longevity of our racehorses. Specifically, shockwave therapy increases the blood flow to affected areas — leading to the development of new blood vessels —, stimulates collagen, and dissolves calcium build-up to treat the root cause of injury.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
Shock Wave Therapy (amended 03/20) The use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or Radial Pulse Wave Therapy is not permitted unless the following conditions are met:
Must be reported within 24-hours prior to treatment on the prescribed form to the Official Veterinarian. (a) (b) (c) Any treated horse is not permitted to race, breeze and/or train for a minimum of 10 days following treatment;
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
Solution: align with other major Canadian jurisdictions and allow for use of shockwave therapy within 4 to 5 days prior to an event.
How will the solution fix the problem?
It provides more flexibility to use the therapeutic tool, while imposing a reasonable rest period between treatment and racing.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
Equine athletes will have extended access to a valuable, non-invasive, drug-free therapeutic tool that can help with injury recovery and potentially improve longevity.
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
There are no possible drawbacks. The proposed change still requires a reasonable amount of time - 4 to 5 days between the use of the tool and racing events.
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.
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been consulted on this proposal?
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]
Shock Wave Therapy (amended 03/20) The use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or Radial Pulse Wave Therapy is not permitted unless the following conditions are met:
Must be reported within 24-hours prior to treatment on the prescribed form to the Official Veterinarian. (a) (b) (c) Any treated horse is not permitted to race, breeze and/or train for a minimum of 10 days following treatment;
New language proposed:
Any treated horse is not permitted to race, breeze and/or train for a minimum of 4 days following treatment;
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
Yes.
AGCO Standardbred Rule
6.52 No person, other than a veterinarian licensed by the Commission, shall have or use Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or Radial Pulse Wave Therapy on any race horse and the following conditions of use must be met:
a. Be used only for a valid diagnostic or therapeutic treatment or procedure;
b. No treatment or procedure is allowed within 4 days (96 hours) prior to competing in a race, which includes a qualifying race; and
c. Any treatment or procedure must be recorded, including the date and time, and maintained as part of the record of the horse.
AGCO Thoroughbred Racing Rule
15.37 No person, other than a veterinarian licensed by the Commission, shall have or use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, Radial Pulse Wave Therapy on any race horse and the following conditions of use must be met:
Be used only for a valid diagnostic or therapeutic treatment or procedure;
No treatment or procedure is allowed within 4 days (96 hours) prior to competing in a race, or an official workout; and
Any treatment or procedure must be recorded, including the date and time, and maintained as part of the record of the horse.
British Columbia Horse Racing Policy: Shock Wave Therapy (Thoroughbred and Standardbred) All policies regarding this matter dated prior to the date on this document are void. 1. The use of any form of Shock Wave Therapy shall not be permitted within 5 days (120 hours) of a horse's race.
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.
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