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Archived Announcements

March 22, 2023 the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has released recommendations for withdrawal times on common therapeutics for thoroughbreds under HISA. We are providing this for informational purposes only. No standardbred racing state has opt-ed harness racing into HISA as-of this date, but this is what racing under HISA would look like for medication and testing purposes.

March 15, 2023 the Ohio State Racing Commission submitted two rules for approval with the Common Sense Initiative. If that process proceeds normally the rules will be effective in about 90 days. We will update with an effective date after the CSI process concludes. Rule 3769-14-34 is being changed to require a Judge that doesn't agree with a majority ruling to write the minority opinion report and submit it to the Racing Commission. Rule 3769-16-29 provides direction on a new safety protocol for a three-light warning system, when a race is to be declared a no-contest, and horses are to stop racing for safety purpose effective July 2023.

March 3, 2023 The Ohio Revised Code bases eligibility for resulting foals in a breeding season ONLY for stallions that are registered before breeding a mare, have stood the entire season in Ohio, and remained in Ohio for the entire season under RC 3769.085. In pertinent part: "Colts and fillies eligible to the races shall be only those sired by a standardbred stallion that was registered with the state racing commission and stood in the state the entire breeding season of the year the colt or filly was conceived.”

The Ohio State Racing Commission has concluded that any Flex the Muscle 2023 foals are not eligible for Ohio Sired stakes events due to the invalidation of his Ohio Stallion Registration upon leaving the State in May 2022.

February 15, 2023 All Ohio tracks transfer purse funds via direct deposit. Forms are here, MGM Northfield Park, Hollywood Gaming at Dayton, Caesars Scioto, Miami Valley Gaming. Miami Valley Gaming, is returned to [email protected] or fax, (513) 409-5094. For prior years at Miami Valley, check this list, and contact Tina to close-out prior years.

November 21, 2022 Ohio has a new void claim rule that will be effective on December 1, 2022. The new rule can be found here. If a horse dies on the racetrack or is euthanized by the regulatory veterinarian, any claim is void.

November 8, 2022 Recent shortages of several common veterinary pharmaceuticals like Flunixin and Meloxicam (injectable) have been resolved according to the FDA. However, current shortages have Marquis available on allocation only through 2022 and unavailable ingredients leading to a penicillin shortage. You can check up-to-date information on common animal drug shortages here.

September 9, 2022 We are looking for a full-time, outgoing and friendly, Publications, Marketing, and Outreach Assistant to join Ohio's dynamic PR and Marketing team. Submit your resume and salary expectations to: [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on September 30, 2022. Submissions must include salary expectation for consideration.

September 8, 2022 Complete eligibility and details for all Ohio 2022 Stakes Finals and Consolations can be found here.

September 4, 2022 MGM Northfield will host an Ohio Fair Consolation Late Closer on October 29, 2022 for horses that were nominated to the Ohio Fair Championships, raced in at least one fair, and is not eligible for, scratched or has raced in the Ohio Fairs Championship. The divisional races will go for $12-15,000 depending on field size, no entry fee. Divisions must have six entries to go, with no more than two entries per owner or trainer. Top nine and one also-eligible for each division will be drawn. One clean charted line within 45 days of October 29th with a time at or below Northfield Park's qualifying times.

September 1, 2022 update from February's notice, Ohio Lasix and Aminocaproic Acid (Amicar) changes go into effect on October 1, 2022. No more Aminocaproic acid therapeutic use in Ohio, moved to level of detection for a violation. The new rule is here, the permitted therapeutics list is found here.

August 1, 2022 Ohio Breeder's Select Sale September 15-16, 2022. Sale Preview Day September 15th with complimentary food and beverages from 4-6:00 p.m. Sale starts at 10:00 a.m. on September 16th. Catalog available online, here.

July 25, 2022 A new medication rule in Ohio that prohibits Amicar use and changes requirements for qualifying on or off lasix or being forced off lasix for a race or in another state is working its way through the legislative process. The final rule language is here. Projected effective date is October 1, 2022. As soon as we have the actual effective date for the new rule we will provide an update.

July 12, 2022 Our current employee is moving onward and upward into a new role, leaving an open position! We are looking for a, Publications, Marketing, and Outreach Assistant to join Ohio's dynamic PR and Marketing team. Submit your resume and salary expectations to: [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on July 22, 2022. Submissions must include salary expectation for consideration.

June 21, 2022 Ohio State Racing Commission has removed the therapeutic medication, isoxsuprine from the OSRC Therapeutic Substance List effective September 1, 2022. The FDA withdrew approval and the Association of Racing Commissioners International established isoxsuprine as a non-approved substance. Being non-approved results in a violation at the level of detection. The updated OSRC Therapeutic Substance list is here. Note, isoxsuprine can be detected in post-race samples for a variable time period, if in use consult with your racetrack veterinarian for guidance on out-time for the September 1st effective date.

May 19, 2022 Ohio Worker's Compensation Informational session. Click this link for a video playback of the meeting, and click this link for the meeting materials.

August 1, 2022 Ohio Breeder's Select Sale September 15-16, 2022. Sale Preview Day September 15th with complimentary food and beverages from 4-6:00 p.m. Sale starts at 10:00 a.m. on September 16th. Catalog available online, here.

July 25, 2022 A new medication rule in Ohio that prohibits Amicar use and changes requirements for qualifying on or off lasix or being forced off lasix for a race or in another state is working its way through the legislative process. The final rule language is here. Projected effective date is October 1, 2022. As soon as we have the actual effective date for the new rule we will provide an update.

July 12, 2022 Our current employee is moving onward and upward into a new role, leaving an open position! We are looking for a, Publications, Marketing, and Outreach Assistant to join Ohio's dynamic PR and Marketing team. Submit your resume and salary expectations to: [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on July 22, 2022. Submissions must include salary expectation for consideration.

June 21, 2022 Ohio State Racing Commission has removed the therapeutic medication, isoxsuprine from the OSRC Therapeutic Substance List effective September 1, 2022. The FDA withdrew approval and the Association of Racing Commissioners International established isoxsuprine as a non-approved substance. Being non-approved results in a violation at the level of detection. The updated OSRC Therapeutic Substance list is here. Note, isoxsuprine can be detected in post-race samples for a variable time period, if in use consult with your racetrack veterinarian for guidance on out-time for the September 1st effective date.

May 19, 2022 Ohio Worker's Compensation Informational session. Click this link for a video playback of the meeting, and click this link for the meeting materials.

February 23, 2022, New Lasix rule announced in Ohio. Must go through time-line on Ohio administrative code rule process, so no effective date yet. Effective date is expected in the fourth quarter of 2022. Major changes. Once furosemide certified in Ohio there will be no waiting period to race. On and off furosemide is up to the trainer with the advice of their veterinarian. After furosemide certification, the 90-day and 30-day rules continue to apply. If leaving Ohio for a no-Lasix race or no-Lasix jurisdiction you can return to Ohio and race without being re-certified and no 90 or 30-day violations. No qualifying to go off or on furosemide. No more Aminocaproic acid therapeutic use in Ohio, moved to level of detection for a violation. Advice is not to train on Amicar due to the risk of a positive test. Positive tests have been seen at longer out-times (8 days) in at least four other jurisdictions that moved to Level of Detection in the last year. Pending Rule is here.

January 31, 2022- March 1, 2022 Ohio on-track mandatory safety vest update. Two manufacturers and Big Dees are available for members at a discount. Tipperary Competitor vests can be purchased direct from the manufacturer https://tinyurl.com/OHHAs for $270 shipped using Code: OHA10. Big Dees will price-match. Australian Manufactured Vipa II vests https://tinyurl.com/OHHAm are limited availability through the OHHA for $270 (pickup only until sold out). The OHHA will have samples at the February 8th Blooded Horse Sale.December 15, 2021 Ohio State Racing Commission Directive modifies effective date for mandatory safety vest use effective March 1, 2022. Anyone on the track with a horse must wear one, including outriders. When driving or warming up horses the vest must be worn underneath racing colors. Horse racing certified safety vest manufacturer Tipperary Equestrian will provide OHHA Members a discount and free shipping, details to follow on discount. See below the various standards that are recommended:

Safety Vests must comply with one of the following minimum standards or later revisions:

(a) British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA):2000 Level 1

(b) Euro Norm (EN) 13158:2000 Level 1

(c) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F2681-08 or F1937.

(d) Shoe and Allied Trade Research Association (SATRA) Jockey Vest Document M6 Issue 3

(e) Australian Racing Board (ARB) Standard 1.1998

A safety helmet or a safety vest shall not be altered in any manner nor shall the product marking be removed or defaced.

December 9, 2021 Ohio State Racing Commission announces effective January 1, 2022 Head numbers will be eliminated at pari-mutuel racetracks. Fairs can retain head numbers by application. Also announced effective as-of January 1, 2022 Safety vests are mandatory when seated behind a horse on the racetrack.

May 24, 2022 Our current employee is moving onward and upward with OHHA in a new role, so here we grow again! We are looking for a, Publications, Marketing, and Outreach Assistant to join Ohio's dynamic PR and Marketing team. Submit your resume and salary expectations to: [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on June 10, 2022. Submissions must include salary expectation for consideration.

March 8, 2022 Ohio is looking for a Public Relations Ambassador a joint project with Ohio's racetracks to promote Ohio's harness racing. Are you a passionate outgoing personality, with a drive and love for harness racing, and on-air experience? If so, this opportunity may be for you. Submit your resume and salary expectations to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. April 1, 2022. Submissions must include salary expectations for consideration.

March 1, 2022 Love harness racing and want to join our dynamic outreach and public-relations team full-time? We are looking for a, Video Production and Media Content Creator Submit your resume and salary expectations to: [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on March 11, 2022. Submissions must include salary expectation for consideration.

December 8, 2021 MGM Northfield Conditioned Mini Series announced for classes written weekly from December 18, 2021 to January 5, 2022, full details here.

November 25, 2021 Hollywood Dayton Mini Series announced for all classes written weekly from December 2-23, 2021, full details here.

November 17, 2021 Ohio State Racing Commission Agenda Item 9, Caesars Grandstand Update.

October 25, 2021. Love harness racing and want to join our dynamic outreach and public-relations team full-time? We are looking for another, Publications, Marketing, and Outreach Assistant. Submit your resume and salary expectations to: [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on November 12, 2021. Submissions must include salary expectation for consideration.

October 20, 2021 Ohio State Racing Commission meeting Caesars Eldorado Grandstand Update.

September 20, 2021 Ohio Attorney General David Yost has filed an Amicus Brief into the Kentucky Horseracing Integrity and Safety case, Oklahoma v. United States (5:21-cv-00104-JMH). Yost joins the USTA, HBPA, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, and Nebraska in opposing the constitutionality of HISA.

September 8, 2021 Ohio State Racing Commission meeting Caesars Eldorado Grandstand Update.

August 18, 2021 Eldorado live racing update. Thursday live racing (8.19.21) canceled. Modifications are underway for Friday (8.20.21) live racing to go forward. Eldorado management is optimistic that the modifications will be completed in time for Friday’s races. Any difficulties in completing the modifications by post-time may result in the cancellation of Friday’s card. If canceled the Ohio Sires Stakes races scheduled for Friday will be contested at 4:15 p.m. as non-betting races prior to the Saturday live racing card.

We are optimistic that racing will continue at Eldorado's to the end of the regularly scheduled live meet without any more disruption. But then again, this is Ohio…wait five minutes the weather changes and that gets us more cancellations than we would like too!

August 3, 2021 Be aware that the Ohio rules regarding Lasix use and certification are being strictly enforced by the Racing Commission for horses leaving the state, racing in no Lasix states or races, and returning.

The rules appear in R.C. 3769-18-01, interpreted by the OSRC as follows. If you have a horse certified for Lasix and race on Lasix, they must remain on Lasix for 90 days before being taken off. If you take a horse off of Lasix after 90 days, the removal is to be reported to the Presiding Judge at the racetrack you are entering at to race off of Lasix. If you want to put the horse back on Lasix after removal, the 30 day rule to race without Lasix remains in effect, and you must re-certify the horse for Lasix after the 30 day period. The 30 days from removal off Lasix are counted from the day after the horse raced off Lasix. If your horse raced July 1st off Lasix you must race off Lasix until July 31st. The fine for violators is up-to $1,000 depending on the factors at play.

May 27, 2021 Ohio State Racing Commission COVID-19 Racing Rules and Protocols will expire at midnight on June 2, 2021. From June 3, 2021 horse racing will resume under normal and customary OSRC Rules in all restricted areas. Thank you for your cooperation, your adherence to the protocols and widespread vaccinations have helped get racing back to its normal state of operation.

May 14, 2021, download the updated Ohio Spring Matinée Schedule and Information sheet, here.

May 4, 2021 OSRC issues new Possession and Use Policy for Shock Wave Therapy and Radial Pulse Wave Therapy Equipment.

April 26, 2021 Mandatory direct deposit for horseman's purse payments is being put in place at MGM Northfield Park. Please complete the form at this link, and return by June 15, 2021.

April 23, 2021. Per Board Directive, clarifying the sulky insurance program rules. The owner of a sulky must register the sulky prior to an accident for sulky coverage to apply. If the sulky is not listed on the registry, with complete details, prior to an accident, a sulky insurance claim will not be accepted.

April 23, 2021 OSRC issues New Ohio COVID Racing Protocol, here.

March 15, 2021 National Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association files suit over the Constitutionality of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. Full details on the lawsuit found here.

March 11, 2021 County Fair COVID Protocols amended with a new Health Order.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was amended into S7877 on December 20, 2020 and was passed out of the Senate December 21, 2020 as part of the omnibus COVID-19 Bill, President Trump signed into law December 27, 2020. OHHA HISA Information Page can be found here.

On December 16, 2020, the Ohio State Racing Commission passed and released a new endogenous, dietary, and environmental substances classification list. Effective Date: March 1, 2021. The list of substances and threshold levels is linked, here.

December 8, 2020 ARCI Board of Directors added eighteen (18) substance classifications and recommended penalties to the ARCI Uniform Classification document effective immediately. ARCI release notice, here.

1, 2021.

Ohio State Racing Commission Licensee COVID-19 Notice requirement. All OSRC Licensed personnel are required to report COVID -19 Positive tests. For specific details the Resolution 2020-17 can be found here.October 12, 2020. OSRC provides RMTC Bulletin for Aservo EquiHaler containing ciclesonide and detection time. OSRC specific release, here.

October 7, 2020, OHHA Opposition to H.R. 1754 and S.B. 4547, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act can be found at this link.

September 11, 2020. We are deeply saddened to notify Members of the passing of, Vivian Farrington, Harness Racing's Mom to "The Horse That God Loved", Rambling Willie. Condolences to her family as she rests peacefully in Heaven with her beloved Horse and Husband Bob.

2020 Notice and Petition for the 2021 OHHA Election was mailed to all Members by September 1, 2020. If you did not receive your Notice click here, or please contact the office at 614-221-3650 and we will provide you with one by mail. Any Petitions to run for any seat must be returned to the OHHA Office no later than 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

2020 Ohio Selected Jug Sale: Online Bidding Instructions- Friday, September 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Bid Online with CCI.live. Not sure how to set up an account, click this link to watch a short video.

OSRC Selective Testing Submission Form & Testing Thresholds Effective Date 1-1-20

OSRC Fine Violation Fee Amounts- Effective Date 1-1-20