61D-6.0051. Procedures for Collecting Samples from Racing Horses

(1) Identification of Horses for Sampling:

(a) Any horse the judges, stewards, division, or track veterinarian designate, shall be sent immediately after the race to the detention enclosure for examination by the authorized representative of the division and for the taking of urine, or blood specimens as shall be directed for the monitoring and detection of both permissible and impermissible substances.

(b) The division veterinarian and veterinarian assistant or authorized division representative shall verify the identity of the horse to be sampled by checking the horse’s lip tattoo, freeze-brand, microchip, or physical description on its registration papers.

(2) Collection of Specimens:

(a) Urine specimens shall be collected only by authorized representatives of the division. If representatives of the division are unable to collect a urine specimen from a horse which has remained in the detention enclosure for up to ninety minutes, they have the option to accompany the horse to its own barn for additional attempts at collecting a specimen. The owner, trainer of record, groom, or other authorized person shall accompany the horse and division personnel to its barn and shall remain with the horse until a specimen is collected, and is permitted to accompany the division personnel and specimen back to the detention enclosure for sealing of the specimen container(s).

(b) Blood specimens shall be collected only by a Florida licensed veterinarian or designee and witnessed by the horse’s trainer of record, owner, or designee. The veterinarian or designee shall obtain at least four, but not more than six, full blood tubes from each horse sampled.

1. When four full blood tubes are obtained, three of the full blood tubes shall be considered the primary or “A” sample. The other full blood tube shall be considered the secondary, or “B” portion of the specimen.

2. When more than four full blood tubes are obtained, a single blood tube shall be considered the secondary or “B” portion of the specimen, and the other tubes shall be considered the primary or “A” portion.

(c) At the time of collection, the authorized representative of the division responsible for collecting the urine specimen shall wear gloves provided by the division.

(3) After collection, blood specimen tubes shall be sealed and labeled. The sealing and labeling process for blood specimens shall include:

(a) Assigning and affixing a sample number, unique to each horse sampled, to the blood specimen tubes;

(b) Assigning an “A” and “B” designation to the appropriate tubes; and,

(c) Affixing evidence tape to the tubes.

(4) Centrifuging of Blood Specimens:

(a) Once collected, a blood specimen shall rest for at least 30 minutes.

(b) Blood specimens shall be centrifuged at the detention barn facility to separate serum from the blood specimen in preparation of refrigeration for shipment to the testing laboratory.

(5) Pouring of Urine Specimens:

(a) After collection, the urine specimen shall be brought into the detention barn office where it shall be poured directly into two containers, one designated as the primary or “A” sample, and one designated as the secondary or “B” sample.

(b) The containers shall be sealed before securing and freezing for shipping.

(c) Only authorized representatives of the division shall pour urine specimens.

(d) At least one authorized representative of the division shall be present to observe the pouring of the urine specimens.

(e) Once transferred, the containers shall be sealed and a sample number shall be affixed to the containers.

(f) Evidence tape shall be affixed to the containers before securing and freezing for shipping.

(6) Failure of an owner, trainer of record or other authorized person to witness and/or sign a sample tag shall not preclude the division from proceeding with sample analysis.

(7) Securing and Shipping of Specimens:

(a) Urine shall be stored in a lockable freezer in the detention enclosure.

(b) Centrifuged blood specimens shall be stored in a lockable refrigerator in the detention enclosure.

(c) Specimens shall be shipped to the laboratory under contract with the division via common carrier in a locked, tamper proof container maintained in a manner to preserve the integrity of the specimens.

(d) Primary and secondary samples shall be packed, labeled, and secured in separate, segregated, sealed packaging within a shipping container for shipment to the primary laboratory.

(e) Secondary samples shall remain unopened while at the primary laboratory and shall be stored in a freezer or refrigerator separate from the primary samples until they are shipped for secondary analysis if requested or destroyed by the primary laboratory.

(8) Authorized division personnel must record the horse’s name and tattoo number; time of collection; name of the trainer or owner’s witness, if any; specimen ID number; the time that centrifuging of blood begins; and the time urine is decanted for each specimen collected and processed.

(9) Authority of the division:

(a) The division veterinarian or division investigator is authorized to confiscate any legend or proprietary drugs, medications, unlabeled medication, medication with altered labels, medicinal compounds (natural or synthetic) or other materials which are found in the stable area or elsewhere on race tracks, or in the possession of any person participating in or connected with racing, including veterinarians and trainers, and which are suspected of containing improper legend or proprietary drugs, medications, medicinal compounds (natural or synthetic) or other materials which are illegal or impermissible under these rules. Such legend or proprietary drugs, medications, unlabeled medication, medication with altered labels, medicinal compounds (natural or synthetic) or other materials shall be delivered to the laboratory under contract with the division for analysis.

(b) The division is authorized to confiscate any evidence that an illegal or impermissible legend or proprietary drug, medication, or medicinal compound (natural or synthetic) may have been administered to a racing animal.

(c) Any licensee who threatens to or interferes with, or fails to allow the taking of urine, blood or other specimens authorized by Chapter 550, F.S., is subject to any disciplinary action authorized by Chapter 550, F.S., or the rules promulgated thereunder.

Rulemaking Authority 550.0251(3), 550.2415(12) FS. Law Implemented 120.80(4)(a), 550.0251, 550.1155, 550.2415 FS. History–New 12-4-17.