- (1) The Commission may require a postmortem examination of any horse that dies or is euthanized on association grounds.
- (2) The Commission may require a postmortem examination of any horse that dies or is euthanized at recognized training facilities within this jurisdiction.
- (3) If a postmortem examination is to be conducted, the Commission shall take possession of the horse upon death for postmortem examination. All shoes shall be left on the horse.
- (4) If a postmortem examination is to be conducted, the Commission or its representative shall collect blood, urine, bodily fluids, or other biologic specimens immediately, if possible before euthanization. The Commission may submit blood, urine, bodily fluids, or other biologic specimens collected during a postmortem examination for analysis. The presence of a prohibited substance in a specimen collected during the postmortem examination may constitute a violation.
- (5) All licensees shall be required to comply with postmortem examination requirements as a condition of licensure. In proceeding with a postmortem examination, the Commission or its designee shall coordinate with the owner or the owner's authorized agent to determine and address any insurance requirements.
(6) Mortality Review. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission Director of Racing shall conduct a review for the purpose of gathering information surrounding the death of each racehorse and to have an open communication between the following listed individuals regarding issues which may have led to the incident and to ultimately arrive, if possible, at conclusions and recommendations to the appropriate entity or person. The Director of Racing shall consult the following:
- (a) the racetrack's Director of Racing or a designee;
- (b) the Association Judge and a Massachusetts Gaming Commission Judge;
- (c) the Chief Commission Veterinarian or a designee;
- (d) the on-track Association Veterinarian;
- (e) the trainer of the deceased horse;
- (f) the driver of the deceased horse;
- (g) the attending veterinarian;
- (h) the track superintendent;
- (i) the horseperson's representative; and
- (j) any other person the Director of Racing determines is necessary to adequately examine the death.