Philracom requires drug testing for horses

MANILA, Philippines – Horseracing fans will now have even more confidence in the sport after the Philippine Racing Commission recently passed a resolution instituting the post-race drug testing of horses.

Resolution No. 16-16, approved last Feb. 3, gives technical specifications for Philracom’s laboratory set-up, as well as for sampling and post-race examination units that must be established within three months by the three racing clubs – Manila Jockey Club, Philippine Racing Club, and Metro Manila Turf Club.

A technical working group comprising three veterinarians – Andrew Rovie Buencamino and Alejandro Cambay of Philracom and Romy Modomo – visited the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Macau Racing Club last September to benchmark standards in laboratory facilities and protocols.

Their recommendations were adopted as the preliminary Implementing Rules and Regulations for the existing rules governing prohibited substances and procedures for drug testing, which were not implemented prior to this because of the lack of facilities and infrastructure.

“Drug testing of horses will serve to protect the public interest,” said Philracom chairman Andrew Sanchez, adding, “Having adequate drug testing facilities is a requirement for membership in the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, something that Philracom has been pursuing for years.”

Upon the implementation of drug testing as well as international quarantine protocols, the Asian Racing Federation, of which the Philippines is a member, will endorse the country’s bid for membership to IFHA.