AUSTIN, TX—AUGUST 20, 2018—The Texas Racing Commission has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on Clenbuterol, according to a spokesman for the agency. He said the "prohibition" of the bronchodilator goes into effect September 10.

• Effective September 10, 2018, in accordance with rule § 319.3, clenbuterol shall be prohibited in use in race horses of ALL breeds.

• The maximum permissible concentration for the drug clenbuterol in Texas will change from 140pg/ml of urine to level of detection in urine. The level in serum or plasma shall remain at level of detection. Therefore, any post-race sample submitted to the TVMDL for drug testing shall be reported as positive if there is ANY LEVEL of clenbuterol detected in the sample.

The Louisiana Racing Commission recently adopted a similar policy for Quarter Horses. It goes into effect October 3.

Clenbuterol is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved for treating reversible bronchospasm in horses. The drug is commonly used to treat horses with inflammatory airway disease and recurrent airway obstruction (or heaves). It is also sometimes administered to racehorses during the racing season, however some researchers have questioned the side effects of this routine use.

Horse racing jurisdictions across the United States make their own rules about what substances can be lawfully administered to horses competing in races at their tracks.

The Lone Star Park 2018 Quarter Horse meet will begin September 21st and turn through November 10. Among stakes to be run during the meet are the Grade 1 $75,0000-Guaranteeed Refrigerator Handicap, Grade 2 $400,000-est. Dash For Cash Futurity, Grade 3 $200,000-est. Dash For Cash Derby, Grade 1 $400,000 Texas Classic Futurity and Grade 1 $1 million-est. Texas Classic Futurity.

To download a copy of the TRC Notice in English and Spanish CLICK HERE.

Horsemen or women who have any questions are asked to contact the Texas Racing Commission at 512.833.6699.