N.M. Code R. § 15.2.6.9
The classification guidelines contained within the "Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances and Recommended Penalties and Model Rule", December 2024 version 18.1 and “Association of Racing Commissioners International Controlled Therapeutic Medication Schedule for Horses”, version 4.2.1, - December, 2020 update are incorporated by reference. Any threshold herein incorporated by reference by inclusion in one of the documents above shall not supersede any threshold or restriction adopted by the commission as specified by this section.
A. Penalties:
(5) The penalty categories and their related schedules, if applicable, shall be based on the following criteria:
(8) When the penalty assessed against a licensee for a medication or drug violation in a trial race results in a disqualification and loss of purse, the licensee is subject to the same penalties for any race for which the trial race was conducted.
(13) Procedures shall be established to ensure that a licensed trainer is not able to benefit financially during the period for which the individual has been suspended. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that horses are not transferred to or entered on behalf of a licensed person within the first degree of affinity (marriage relationship) or first degree of consanguinity (blood relationship):
(d) The spouse or domestic partner of any licensee that has had their license suspended, revoked or summarily suspended by the commission, or any other recognized regulatory organization may be suspended as well to assure that the suspended licensee does not benefit from horse racing in any way during their suspension. If the license of a jockey has been suspended for a routine riding offense and given a suspension of less than 15 days, the spouse or domestic partner may continue to participate in racing at the discretion of the stewards. The assistant trainer of a trainer that has had their license suspended, revoked or summarily suspended by the commission, or any other recognized regulatory organization may be suspended as well to assure that the suspended licensee does not benefit from horse racing in any way during their suspension.
(14) Aggravating and Mitigating Factors:
(b) Mitigating circumstances and aggravating factors, which must be considered, include but are not limited to:
(c) The stewards shall consider the classification of a drug substance and the "uniform classification guidelines for foreign substances" if a determination is made that an official test sample from a horse contained;
B. Penalty recommendations:
(1) Category A penalties will be assessed for violations due to the presence of a drug carrying a category A penalty. Recommended penalties for category A violations are as follows:
Licensed trainer:
1st offense:
A minimum one-year suspension absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum three-year suspension. A minimum fine of $10,000 or ten percent of the total purse (greater of the two) absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum fine of $25,000 or twenty-five percent of the total purse (greater of the two) and may be referred to the commission for any further action deemed necessary by the commission.
2nd lifetime offense in any jurisdiction:
A minimum three-year suspension absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum of license revocation with no reapplication for a three-year period. A minimum fine of $25,000 or twenty-five percent of the total purse (greater of the two) absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum fine of $50,000 or fifty percent of the total purse (greater of the two), and may be referred to the commission for further action deemed necessary by the commission.
3rd lifetime offense in any jurisdiction:
A minimum five-year suspension absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum of license revocation with no reapplication for a five-year period. A minimum fine of $50,000 or fifty percent of the total purse (greater of the two) absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum fine of $100,000 or one hundred percent of the total purse (greater of the two), and may be referred to the commission for any further action deemed necessary by the commission.
Licensed owner:
1st offense:
Disqualification and loss of purse. Horse shall be placed on the veterinarian’s list for 180 days and must pass a commission-approved examination before becoming eligible to be entered.
2nd lifetime offense in owner’s stable in any jurisdiction:
Disqualification and loss of purse. Horse shall be placed on the veterinarian’s list for 180 days and must pass a commission-approved examination before becoming eligible to be entered.
3rd lifetime offense in owner’s stable in any jurisdiction:
Disqualification, loss of purse, $50,000 fine. Horse shall be placed on the veterinarian’s list for 180 days and must pass a commission-approved examination before becoming eligible to be entered and referral to the commission with a recommendation of a suspension for a minimum of 90 days.
(2) Category B penalties will be assessed for violations due to the presence of a drug carrying a category B penalty and for the presence of more than one NSAID in a plasma or serum sample in accordance with Paragraph (5) of Subsection N of 15.2.6.9 NMAC. Recommended penalties for category B violations are as follows:
Licensed trainer:
1st offense:
A minimum 15-day suspension absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum 60-day suspension. A minimum fine of $500 absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a $1,000 fine.
2nd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction:
A minimum 30-day suspension absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum 180-day suspension. A minimum fine of $1,000 absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum fine of $2,500.
3rd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction:
A minimum 60-day suspension absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum of a one year suspension. A minimum fine of $2,500 absent mitigating circumstances or the presence of aggravating factors could be used to impose a maximum $5,000 fine or five percent of the total purse (greater of the two) and may be referred to the commission for any further action deemed necessary by the commission.
Licensed owner:
1st offense:
Disqualification, loss of purse (in the absence of mitigating circumstances)* and horse must pass a commission-approved examination before becoming eligible to be entered.
2nd offense (365-day period) in owner’s stable in any jurisdiction:
Disqualification, loss of purse (in the absence of mitigating circumstances)* and horse must pass a commission-approved examination before becoming eligible to be entered.
3rd offense (365-day period) in owner’s stable in any jurisdiction:
Disqualification, loss of purse, and in the absence of mitigating circumstances a $5,000 fine* and horse must be placed on the veterinarian’s list for 45 days and must pass a commission-approved examination before becoming eligible to be entered.
(3) Category C penalties will be assessed for violations due to the presence of a drug carrying a category C penalty.
(d) penalty class C drugs.
Recommended penalties for category C violations are as follows:
Licensed trainer:
1st offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum fine of $1,000 absent mitigating circumstances.
2nd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum fine of $1,500 and 15 day suspension absent mitigating circumstances.
3rd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum fine of $2,500 and a 30 day suspension absent mitigating circumstances.
Licensed owner:
1st offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is disqualification, loss of purse in the absence of mitigating circumstances and the horse must pass a commission-approved examination before being eligible to run.
2nd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is disqualification, and loss of purse in the absence of mitigating circumstances. If same horse, that horse shall be placed on veterinarian’s list for 45 days and must pass a commission-approved examination before being eligible to run.
3rd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is disqualification, loss of purse, and in the absence of mitigating circumstances a $5,000 fine and if same horse that horse shall be placed on veterinarian’s list for 60 days and must pass a commission-approved examination before being eligible to run.
(4) Category C penalties will be assessed for violations due to the presence of:
(b) no detectable furosemide concentration when identified as administered.
Recommended penalties for category C violations are as follows:
Licensed trainer:
1st offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum of a written warning to maximum fine of $500.
2nd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum of a written warning to maximum fine of $750.
3rd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum fine of $500 to a maximum fine of $1,000.
Licensed owner:
1st offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the horse may be required to pass a commission-approved examination before being eligible to run.
2nd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the horse may be required to pass a commission-approved examination before being eligible to run.
3rd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is disqualification, loss of purse, and the horse must pass a commission-approved examination before being eligible to run.
(5) Out-Of-Competition penalties will be assessed for violations in any official sample other than blood and urine due to the presence of: (a) penalty class A drugs as listed above and with the association of racing commissioners international “uniform classification guidelines for foreign substances and recommended penalties and model rules” and incorporated by reference under 15.2.6.9 NMAC. (b) blood doping agents including, but not limited to, erythropoietin (EP), darbepoetin, oxylglobin, hemopure, aranasep or any substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of body tissues; (c) gene doping agents or the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements, or cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance or produce analgesia; (d) clenbuterol or albuterol present in any official sample in a horse not previously placed on the veterinarian’s list pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (C) of 15.2.6.9 NMAC; and (e) androgenic-anabolic steroids present in any official sample in a horse not previously placed on the veterinarian’s list pursuant to paragraph (10) of subsection (C) of 15.2.6.9 NMAC. Licensed trainer: 1st offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum 30-day suspension. 2nd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum 60-day suspension. 3rd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum 180-day suspension.
(5) Out-Of-Competition penalties will be assessed for violations in any official sample other than blood and urine due to the presence of:
(a) penalty class A drugs as listed above and with the association of racing commissioners international “uniform classification guidelines for foreign substances and recommended penalties and model rules” and incorporated by reference under 15.2.6.9 NMAC.
(b) blood doping agents including, but not limited to, erythropoietin (EP), darbepoetin, oxylglobin, hemopure, aranasep or any substance that abnormally enhances the oxygenation of body tissues;
(c) gene doping agents or the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements, or cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance or produce analgesia;
(d) clenbuterol or albuterol present in any official sample in a horse not previously placed on the veterinarian’s list pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (C) of 15.2.6.9 NMAC; and
(e) androgenic-anabolic steroids present in any official sample in a horse not previously placed on the veterinarian’s list pursuant to paragraph (10) of subsection (C) of 15.2.6.9 NMAC.
Licensed trainer:
1st offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum 30-day suspension.
2nd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum 60-day suspension.
3rd offense (365-day period) in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum 180-day suspension.
C. Medication restrictions:
(5) The restrictions set forth in Paragraph (3) above do not apply to the following substances:
(8) Any horse that is the subject of a positive test report from the official laboratory for a drug in one of the following categories shall be placed immediately on the steward’s list:
(10) In order to be removed from the steward’s list and prior to entry, the following conditions shall be met:
(12) A practicing veterinarian that is licensed by the commission may prescribe a drug identified by Paragraph (8) of Subsection C above under the following conditions:
D. Furosemide:
(1) Furosemide may be administered intravenously to a horse, which is entered to compete in a race. Except under the instructions of the official veterinarian for the purpose of removing a horse from the veterinarian's list or to facilitate the collection of a post-race urine sample, furosemide shall be permitted only after the trainer enters the horse on furosemide on the entry card and only after the official veterinarian has placed the horse on the furosemide list. In order for a horse to be placed on the furosemide list, the following process must be followed:
E. Bleeder list:
(2) Every confirmed bleeder, regardless of age, shall be placed on the bleeder list and be ineligible to race for the following time periods:
F. Permissible medications with acceptable levels: The official urine or blood test sample may contain one of the following drug substances listed below or the drugs listed on “association of racing commissioners international inc. controlled therapeutic medication schedule”, their metabolites or analogs, in any amount that does not exceed the specified levels.
G. Androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS):
(2) Concentrations of these AAS shall not exceed the following free (i.e., not conjugated) steroid concentrations in plasma or serum:
(3) Total concentrations of these AAS shall not exceed the following total concentrations in urine after hydrolysis of conjugates;
, 17α -diol) of urine in males horses other than geldings;H. Medical labeling:
(2) Any drug or medication which is used or kept on association grounds and which, by federal or state law, requires a prescription must have been validly prescribed by a duly licensed veterinarian, and in compliance with the applicable state statutes. All such allowable medications must have a prescription label which is securely attached to the medication container and clearly ascribed to show the following:
I. Alkalinizing substances: The use of agents that elevate the horses TCO2 above those existing naturally in the untreated horse at normal physiological concentrations is prohibited. The following levels also apply to blood gas analysis:
J. Out of competition testing:
(1) A horse may be subject to out of competition testing without advance notice if the horse is:
(2) This rule applies to the detection of prohibited substances in out of competition official samples as follows:
(8) All horses selected for testing must be presented to the commission veterinarian, or any licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician authorized by the commission, at the time designated, unless the trainer or owner provides verification of an extenuating circumstance that makes it impossible. Penalties for violations of this subsection include:
(10) Cooperation with the commission veterinarian, or any licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician authorized by the commission, includes:
K. Contraband:
L. Environmental contaminants and substances of human use:
(3) If the preponderance of evidence presented in the hearing shows that a positive test is the result of environmental contamination, including inadvertent exposure due to human drug use, or dietary intake, or is endogenous to the horse, those factors should be consider in mitigation of any disciplinary action taken against the affected trainer. Disciplinary action shall only be taken if test sample results exceed the regulatory thresholds listed below:
M. Suspension of authorized medication:
(3) The commission shall notify in writing the racing association, the trainer’s organization, and licensed veterinarians of any temporary suspension of authorization to administer a drug, substance or medication to a horse entered to race. The written notification shall include at minimum:
N. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): The use of NSAIDs shall be governed by the following conditions:
(4) Notwithstanding the above, the presence of one of the following does not constitute a violation:
O. Multiple Medication Violations (MMV):
(1) A trainer who receives a penalty for a medication violation based upon a horse testing positive for a class 1-5 medication with penalty class A-C, as provided in the version of the ARCI "uniform classification guidelines for foreign substances" listed in 15.2.6.9 NMAC, or similar state regulatory guidelines, shall be assigned points as follows;
Penalty Class Points If Controlled Therapeutic Substance Points if Non-Controlled Substance Class A 6 6 Class B 2 4 Class C 1/2 point for first violation with an additional 1/2 point for each additional violation within 365 days 1 for first violation with an additional 1/2 point for each additional violation with 365 days Class D 0 0
Penalty Class
Points If Controlled Therapeutic Substance
Points if Non-Controlled Substance
Class A
6
6
Class B
2
4
Class C
1/2 point for first violation with an additional 1/2 point for each additional violation within 365 days
1 for first violation with an additional 1/2 point for each additional violation with 365 days
Class D
0
0
Points for NSAID violations only apply when the primary threshold of the NSAID is exceeded. Points are not to be separately assigned for a stacking violation. If the stewards or the commission determine that the violation is due to environmental contamination, they may assign lesser or no points against the trainer based upon the specific facts of the case.
(7) In addition to the penalty for the underlying offense, the following enhancements shall be imposed upon a licensed trainer based upon the cumulative points contained in their official ARCI record:
(b) exceeds the permissible number of points.
The stewards and commission shall consider aggravating and mitigating circumstances, including the trainer's prior record for medication violations, when determining the appropriate penalty for the underlying offense. The multiple medication penalty is intended to be a separate and additional penalty for a pattern of violations.
POINTS SUSPENSION IN DAYS 5 - 5.5 15 to 30 6 - 8.5 30 to 60 9 - 10.5 90 to 180 11 or more 180 to 360
POINTS
SUSPENSION IN DAYS
5 - 5.5
15 to 30
6 - 8.5
30 to 60
9 - 10.5
90 to 180
11 or more
180 to 360
MMV penalties are not a substitute for the current penalty system and are intended to be an additional uniform penalty when the licensee:
(10) Points shall expire as follows:
Penalty Classification Time to Expire A 3 years B 2 years C 1 year
Penalty Classification
Time to Expire
A
3 years
B
2 years
C
1 year
In the case of a medication violation that results in a suspension, any points assessed expire on the anniversary date of the date the suspension is completed.
[15.2.6.9 NMAC - Rp, 15 NMAC 2.6.9, 4/13/2001; A, 8/30/2001; A, 7/15/2002; A, 8/15/2002; A, 9/29/2006; A, 10/31/2006; A, 8/30/2007; A, 1/31/2008; A, 3/01/2009; A, 6/15/2009; A, 6/30/2009; A, 9/15/2009; A, 12/15/2009; A, 3/16/2010; A, 7/05/2010; A, 9/1/2010; A, 12/1/2010; A, 11/1/2011; A, 2/15/2012; A, 4/30/2012; A, 7/31/2012; A, 12/14/2012; A, 5/1/2013; A/E, 5/2/2013; A, 9/30/2013; A, 4/1/2014; A, 5/16/2014; A, 8/15/2014; A, 9/15/2014; A, 3/16/2015; A, 9/16/15; A, 3/15/2016; A, 6/15/2016; A/E, 6/28/2016; A, 9/15/2016; A, 12/16/2016; A, 7/1/2017; A, 10/31/17; A, 3/14/2018; A; 9/26/2018; A, 5/1/2019; A, 12/19/2019; A, 4/20/2021; A, 12/28/2021; A, 4/9/2024; A, 4/8/2025]