Guidelines that would fundamentally change some aspects of penalties for violations of the California Horse Racing Board’s (CHRB) medication rules–including stricter sanctions for some violations, extending accountability to horse owners, veterinarians, and other licensees, and allowing for the consideration of both aggravating and mitigating factors in each case–will be the principal item of business Jan. 9 at a public meeting of the CHRB Medication Committee.

“This is an effort to adopt a set of penalty guidelines for a far-ranging set of prohibited substances,” said Rick Arthur, DVM, CHRB equine medical director. “The goal is to have penalties as consistent as possible across the state, and, eventually, across the country.

“Trainers and other licensees will be able to understand the penalties they face for any violation, and they will be offered the opportunity to offer mitigating circumstances. The hearing officers will be given the discretion of imposing no penalty if the case so warrants.

“On the other side, the state has the ability to present aggravating factors, which could increase the penalty within the limits of the guidelines. The intent is to implement a fair but firm disciplinary program for drug violations in California