The Association of Racing Commissioners International’s (ARCI) Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee (DTSP) has voted to call for public comment on draft rule language that would create a new paradigm for drug prosecutions and impose a 10-year exclusion for those guilty of the most egregious violations.

Under the draft rule commissions would question the trainer and veterinarian of a horse found to have been “excessively” administered any substance, as shown typically by the amount detected in the horses’ system as a result of a biological sample test, regardless of whether it was in or out of competition.

The trainer or veterinarian would be required to prove, as a defense, that any particular administration of a substance in an “excessive” amount did not actually endanger the welfare of the horse or affect racing performance.

Levels indicating an administration of a medication far in excess of the recommended dosage consistent with generally accepted veterinary care could be considered “excessive” and an overdose. Extremely high levels of endogenous substances indicative of an independent administration beyond consumption of dietary supplements or vitamins consistent with recommended levels could also be questioned