Banamine withdrawal time may change in New York

ELMONT, N.Y. - The organization representing New York horsemen will recommend to the state Gaming Commission to adopt a rule that will advise the recommended withdrawal time for flunixin, a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory commonly referred to as Banamine, be 32 hours from a race rather than the current 24.

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, in a press release issued on Friday, said that the 24-hour recommended withdrawal time “does not provide the horsemen and veterinarians with sufficient safe harbor from possible positive tests. As a result, a New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association study, followed by a NYTHA-funded research project with the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, has led to a new recommended withdrawal time for flunixin.”

According to the release, the 32-hour withdrawal time (based upon a single IV dose of 1 milligram per kilogram) was adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International upon recommendation from the RMTC, and implemented as part of a new national uniform medication program.

Trainer Rudy Rodriguez had two positive tests for Banamine in 2012 that led to a suspension of 40 days that was reduced to 20 provided he did not have another one in a calendar year. In March 2013, another Rodriguez horse tested positive for Banamine a case that is still being adjudicated.