AGCO To Lower TCO2 Thresholds

In News by COSA

On June 1, 2021, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will implement the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency’s (CPMA) decision to lower the thresholds for total carbon dioxide (TCO2).

The AGCO will lower the thresholds for TCO2 from 37mmol / L to 36mmol / L, and from 39mmol / L to 38mmol / L for horses registered in the Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) program.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) occurs naturally in the blood of horses at varying concentrations. This natural level can be anywhere from 26 / 27mmol / l to 31 / 32mmol / l.

An elevated TCO2 level is an indicator of the use of alkalizing agents, which may compromise the welfare of the horse when provided in excess, and the integrity of racing by artificially enhancing a horse’s performance.

Lowering thresholds will help to enhance horse welfare, improve public perception, and uphold the integrity in racing.

In addition to lowering thresholds, the AGCO is updating the impacted Rules to enhance the effectiveness of the TCO2 program and clarify that when a sample is not collected, the horse may be scratched at the discretion of the Racing Officials.

The Rules will also be updated to reflect the ban on race day medication, which prohibits the administration of medications, drugs and substances to any horse starting 24 hours prior to the post time of the first race of the day they are scheduled to race.

Revisions to the rules related to the above are outlined in the Information Bulletin – Revision to the Rules of Racing to Lower TCO2 Thresholds Starting June 1, 2021 .

Helpful Resources

CPMA website
Rules of Racing and Directives
Equine Drug Program
Info Bulletin: Ban on Race Day Medication

To speak to an on-duty Race Official, please see the AGCO Race Day Contact List .


Revision of the Racing Rules to lower TCO2 thresholds from June 1, 2021

On June 1, 2021, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will implement the decision of the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CMPA) to lower the thresholds for total carbon dioxide (TCO2).

The AGCO will lower the thresholds for TCO2 from 37 mmol / L to 36 mmol / L, and from 39 mmol / L to 38 mmol / L for horses registered in the exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage control program ( LHPIE).

Carbon dioxide (CO2) occurs naturally in the blood of horses in varying concentrations. This natural level can be between 26/27 mmol / l and 31/32 mmol / l.

A high level of TCO2 is an indicator of the use of alkalinizing agents, which can compromise the welfare of the horse when given in excess, and the integrity of the races by artificially improving a horse’s performance.

Lowering the thresholds will help improve horse welfare, improve public perception and preserve the integrity of races.

In addition to lowering thresholds, AGCO is updating relevant rules to improve the effectiveness of the TCO2 program and to clarify that when a sample is not taken, the horse may be scratched at the officials’ discretion. shopping.

The rules will also be updated to reflect the race day medication ban, which prohibits the administration of medications, drugs and substances to any horse from 24 hours before the start time of the race. first race of the day he has to run.

The rule revisions related to the above are described in Information Bulletin – Revision of the Racing Rules to lower TCO2 thresholds from June 1, 2021 .

Useful Resources

CMPA Website
Racing Rules and Guidelines
Horse Anti-Doping Control Program
Information Bulletin # 70 – Prohibition of Medication on Race Days

To speak to a race official on duty on race day, see the Race Officials Schedule .

(AGCO / CAJO)