Articles + Updates

The Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering (“Division”) is statutorily mandated to test for and prosecute the use of prohibited levels of permitted substances and of prohibited medications and substances which can cause injury or death to racing horses as well as compromise the integrity of the races conducted. On February 25, 2021, the Division received a 30-day notice letter alleging that an unadopted rule challenge would be filed for the Division’s alleged failure to promulgate testing methodologies and measurement uncertainties for the testing of biological specimens collected from racing horses. Although the Division rejects the allegation that it has failed to comply with statute by promulgating testing methodologies and measurement uncertainties, the Division believes that the immediate promulgation of an emergency rule that provides clarification as to the University of Florida Racing Laboratory’s testing methodologies and measurement uncertainties is necessary to ensure the continued safety of racing horses and the integrity of the racing industry.