An official with the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) said confidentiality agreements used when the organization considers research to set thresholds and withdrawal times for medications are necessary because of scientific factors and involvement by other racing jurisdictions.

The issue came to light during the recent National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) summer convention, at which a forum on the bronchodilator clenbuterol was held. Steven Barker, MS, PhD, chemist for the Louisiana State Racing Commission, questioned the use of confidentiality agreements; he suggested the industry should know the science behind a given policy.

Thomas Tobin, MVB, MSc, PhD, MRCVS, Dipl. ABT, a scientist at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center and a National HBPA medication adviser, was on the RMTC Scientific Advisory Committee but opted not to sign a confidentiality agreement. The RMTC had decided those who didn’t sign the agreement would be removed from the committee.

The National HBPA, Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, and Thoroughbred Owners of California all have seats on the RMTC board of directors