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CANTERBURY PARK LOCATION
1100 CANTERBURY ROAD, STE. 100 SHAKOPEE, MN 55379
TELEPHONE: 952-496-7950 FAX: 952-496-7954
WWW.MRC.STATE.MN.US
RUNNING ACES LOCATION
15201 ZURICH STREET, STE. 212 COLUMBUS, MN 55025-7908 TELEPHONE: 651-925-3951
FAX: 651-925-3953
WWW.MRC.STATE.MN.US
MINNESOTA RACING COMMISSION
Full Commission Teleconference Meeting Thursday, April 16, 2020
4:00 PM Canterbury Park Triple Crown Suite
1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN 55379
AGENDA
1) Call to Order
2) Roll Call
3) Adoption of Agenda
4) Approval of Minutes from March 19, 2020 Commission Meeting
5) Committee Reports
A. Racing Committee
B. Racehorse Retirement Committee
6) Action
A. Request for Approval of Racehorse Retirement Fund Appropriation
1. This Old Horse
2. Bowman’s Second Chance Thoroughbred Adoption
B. Request for Approval of Amended Split Sample Laboratories 2020
C. Request for Approval of University of Minnesota Research Proposal Titled “Cardiac
Arrhythmias in TB Racehorses”
D. Request for Approval of Proposed Breeders’ Fund Rule Changes
7) Status Reports
A. Running Aces Casino and Racetrack
B. Canterbury Park Entertainment
8) Chief Veterinarian’s Report
9) Deputy Director’s Report
A. ADW Report
B. Contract Approvals
C. Personnel Matters
D. Legislative Update
Dial-in number: (888)742-5095 Conference Code: 4042166309 followed by #
In effort to maintain order and maximize clarity, please keep phones muted unless addressed by the chair.
E. Other
10) Other Matters
11) MQHRA/MTA/MHRI/MNHBPA Updates
12) Announce Future Meetings
A. Full Commission – May 21, 2020, Ben Pomeroy Student and Alumni Learning Center,
University of Minnesota
13) Adjourn
Please notify the Racing Commission if you need special accommodations for this meeting, i.e., sign language interpreter amplification device, large print materials, Braille materials, audio cassette materials, readers, or other special accommodations. The Racing Commission can be reached at 952-496-7950; 800-627-3529 (TTY/Voice Relay Service)
AGENDA ITEM
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Full Commission Meeting – held via teleconference Thursday March 19, 2020, 4:00 pm
Canterbury Park, Triple Crown Suite 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN 55379
MINUTES
Call to Order: Chair Lane called the meeting to order with an introductory statement encouraging remote participation through teleconferencing as the preferred method of meeting during the current COVID-19 public health emergency.
Roll Call: Present – Commissioners Goodman, Lane and Johnson. Commissioners Colombo, Erhart, Idelkope, Gingold and McArdle via teleconference.
Adoption of Agenda: Chair Lane recommended an amendment to the agenda removing the Racing Committee report and an action item regarding proposed Breeders’ Fund rule changes until reviewed by the Racing Committee. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to amend the agenda as proposed. Second by Commissioner McArdle. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Erhart made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2020 Commission Meeting. Second by Commissioner Johnson. Motion carried.
Action Items:
Mr. Schiewe said staff had reviewed and recommended the approval of Robert Corey as presiding judge along with Peter Hanley and Mike Sorentino as associate judges for the 2020 live race meet at Running Aces Casino and Racetrack. Commissioner Goodman made a motion to approve the appointment of the 2020 Board of Judges as recommended. Second by Commissioner Johnson. Motion carried.
Mr. Schiewe presented the proposed Standardbred Breeders’ Fund purse supplement allocation for 2020. He noted that the correct figure for distributable funds was $495,000, an increase of $40,000 over the previous year. Commissioner Goodman made a motion to approve the distribution as recommended. Second by Commissioner Erhart. Motion carried.
Benjamin Blum. Director of Mutuels and Simulcasting presented Running Aces 2020 Live Racing Requests. Commissioner Goodman made a motion to approve Running Aces application for pari-mutuel pools, export locations and seasonal racing officials as presented. Second by Commissioner Johnson. Motion carried.
Andrew Offerman, Vice President of Racing Operations at Canterbury Park presented their 2020 Live Racing Requests. Due to the uncertainty in the industry, he said the list of racing officials was incomplete. They would request approval of others in future months. Commissioner Goodman made a motion to approve their request for pari-mutuel pools, seasonal racing officials and export locations as presented. Second by Commissioner Gingold.
Chief Veterinarian Lynn Hovda recommended a list of the split sample laboratories for the 2020 meet, noting that a revised list may be brought forward to the commission at a future meeting. Commissioner McArdle made a motion to approve the recommended list of split sample laboratories. Second by Commissioner Johnson. Motion carried.
Dr. Hovda reviewed the proposed changes to the MRC Therapeutic Medication Table. Commissioner Goodman made a motion to approve the MRC Therapeutic Medication Table. Second by Commissioner McArdle. Motion carried.
Chief Veterinarian’s Report – Dr. Hovda reported on the Racing Medication Regulatory CE Credit Program conducted on March 2nd and 3rd. She announced that the regulatory veterinarians would be switching to the Jockey Club’s electronic treatment record database this year. She was continuing to research methods for
CANTERBURY PARK LOCATION 1100 CANTERBURY ROAD, STE. 100
SHAKOPEE, MN 55379 TELEPHONE: 952-496-7950
FAX: 952-496-7954 WWW.MRC.STATE.MN.US
RUNNING ACES LOCATION 15201 ZURICH STREET, STE. 212
COLUMBUS, MN 55025-7908 TELEPHONE: 651-925-3951
FAX: 651-925-3953 WWW.MRC.STATE.MN.US
MINNESOTA RACING COMMISSION
2
dealing with the elevated TCO2 levels at Running Aces. She provided information on how the coronavirus in horses was different than in humans. She reported that she had informed Mr. Schiewe of supplies necessary for the prevention of coronavirus in licensing staff.
Status Reports: Canterbury Park Entertainment – Andrew Offerman said the backside would not open earlier than May 1, 2020 and that date would be re-evaluated as necessary. He addressed the difficulty coronavirus had placed on horsepersons. No decision had been made about the start or end dates for live racing. Randy Sampson said they had furloughed all of their employees with two weeks of full pay, allowing them to maintain their health insurance.
Running Aces Casino and Racetrack – Taro Ito reported the same issues as Canterbury regarding the opening of the backstretch. They would reevaluate the situation in two weeks. Running Aces terminated all of their employees allowing them to file for unemployment and withdraw from their 401(k) plans. Employees would be covered by health insurance through March if they worked the first day of March.
Chair Lane commended the associations for keeping open communication between each other and the MRC during the crisis.
Deputy Director’s Report: Mr. Schiewe said contract approvals and ADW reports were as presented in the commissioners’ packets. He said he was working with Dr. Hovda and Nicole Boentgen to complete the hiring process for both detention barns. Sports wagering had been addressed in the legislature as information only with no action. Mr. Schiewe was working with the Department of Administration and SmART to keep state government open. Most employees were working from home but could be deployed to other agencies if tracks and card rooms remained closed. He said Andrew Still had attended the ORI Conference.
Industry Updates: MNHBPA – Mike Cronin said he was receiving updates from board members that were scattered around the county regarding the effects of the coronavirus on the industry. MTA – Kay King said planned seminars and events were on hold until they had more information. She reported that jockeys Jareth Loveberry and Patrick Canchari had been injured. More information was available on the Leg-Up Foundation page. MHRI – Patty Strand said they held their annual banquet and stallion auction in February. She had attended the Harness Horse International Meeting.
Chair Lane said that the governor’s office had extended an offer to a candidate for the executive director position. He expected a decision to be made within a couple of days and a start date around the time of the next commission meeting.
Future Meetings: The next Full Commission would be held on Thursday, April 16, 2020. The location would be announced.
Adjourn: There being no further business, Chair Lane adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
ADOPTED THIS _____________TH DAY OF ________________________, 2020 BY A QUORUM OF THE MINNESOTA RACING COMMISSION.
AGENDA ITEM
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This Old Horse provides humane care and services for horses in
need of lifetime homes and crisis intervention through
rehabilitation, training, adoption, lifelong follow-along and lifetime
sanctuary.
This Old Horse’s mission includes a strong commitment to
Minnesota’s retired racehorses. Our specific racehorse programs
have received support from the Minnesota Racing Commission, the
North Metro Racehorse and Community Fund and the ASPCA.
Unlike other breeds we support who age out of performance careers
in their late teens or twenties, racehorses represent a unique sector
in the work we do. Racehorse owners tend to invest in and view
their horses as a business proposition. If the horse is not making
money or is otherwise deemed unsuccessful, many owners cut their
losses and move on to another prospect while owners of other
breeds tend to keep a performance horse longer.
This is likely because horses that are trained to race need to be
retrained to pursue a second performance career. It is estimated
that 70% of racehorses will enter another equestrian pursuit after
retiring from the track. Retrained racehorses can expect a longer
ownership commitment from their subsequent owners.
Unsuccessful racehorses are particularly vulnerable. Their failure
to meet owner expectations combined with a low resale market
value puts them at an exceptionally high risk of neglect, euthanasia
or ending up with kill buyers. Based on 2010 national data, 17%
of the more than 80,0000 horses shipped across the borders to
slaughter each year are Thoroughbreds. A competitive race horse
would find a 3 year racing career to be exceptional and those that
are still racing at age 10 are rare. With an average life span of 25 -
30 years and an average retirement from racing at age of 6,
racehorses have a 20 year ‘at risk’ window.
In 2019, the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorse
(IFAR) proceedings reported:
“At the top level, the elite horses will naturally find their way
into a suitable post-racing career. They have likely been ear-
marked during their racing career as being suitable for an
equestrian pursuit due to their temperament or inherent
athleticism. Existing market dynamics are effective for these
horses and we can celebrate their success and use them to
promote the breed.
The middle majority of horses will benefit from the supply or
demand strategies.
The bottom tier represents those horses who, for one
reason or another, will not “make it” to the breeding
shed or an equestrian home. They may carry injuries,
have an unpredictable or dangerous temperament or
are simply not athletic. These horses need different
retirement strategies as they have the potential to
become “horses at risk” of neglect.
While the industry provides significant support during the early life
of racehorses through breeding incentives, futurities, yearling sales,
etc., data suggest that 68% of horses bred to race will have a race
start. Of that 68%, only 5% will earn significant earnings for their
owner through large purses or breeding.
With those numbers as a benchmark, there were 180 Minnesota
Thoroughbred foals registered with the Jockey Club in 2018. 122 of
them are likely to have at least one racing start. Of those, 6 of them
are likely to produce significant earnings for their owners by the age
of 10.
If we are going to promote racehorse ownership, we need to assure
there are programs and protections that support our horses
throughout their lifespan.
Promoting racehorse ownership needs to include the full life
spectrum of a horse, not just the period of time the horse is racing.
Focusing on what happens to the horse after the track should play
into the decision to own a racehorse. And it is likely that someone
whose first encounter with racehorses comes after their racing
career ends would develop an interest in the breed and be a
candidate for owning a racing horse, too.
It is critical for the Minnesota racing industry to recognize and
examine the importance of aftercare and to demonstrate and deliver
appropriate quality oversight from birth to end-of-life.
Those involved in the racing industry generally have a genuine and
deep connection with their horses. Community values are evolving,
driven by changing demographics and accelerated by social media.
Increasingly, society demands transparency and accountability
from an industry that creates a demand for the supply of
thoroughbred horses and thus should not absolve itself of
responsibility for those horses at the end of their economic life.
Placement with an aftercare program is not a failure on the part of
an owner but rather a utilization of an expanded network of options
for racehorses at different stages in their lives. The stakeholders
simply need to fortify the entire continuum of options for them.
A racehorse owner who no longer wants a horse that fails to meet
expectations on the race track or breeding pen is highly likely to
purchase, breed or own another racehorse. A performance horse
owner in another discipline (e.g. dressage, jumping, polo, etc.) will
look for their next performance horse once their older horse has
retired. An adopter who cares for their retired horse through the
end of its life is likely to want another one. In each case, they may
not want ‘this’ horse but they want ‘a’ horse.
If we put the horse, not the owners, at the center of this discussion,
we see room for all the stakeholders throughout the continuum to
work together for racehorse welfare without judgement or
competition.
We particularly need to organize and shore up resources and
support for racehorses at the back of the field. This Old Horse is
well positioned to provide expertise, experience and support that
can fill that space.
There is an array of aftercare models across the United States. Most
are funded entirely or substantially by their local racehorse
industry.
One of the considerations of any program is simply the cost of care
and feeding for the horses. While we work to find new owners and
sponsors, in the meantime funds are needed to feed and care for
the horses. Barring any extraordinary circumstances, the average
cost per year averages about $4500 per horse. This covers feed,
forage, basic veterinary care, deworming, annual vaccines and
dental work as well as a contribution to the overhead of running the
program.
This Old Horse, Inc. is one of the top equine sanctuary and rescue
programs in the country. We are one of only 30 equine programs
in the United States to have achieved accreditation by the Global
Federation of Animal Sanctuaries—the highest sanctuary standards
in the world.
We received national awards from the ASPCA in 2018 and 2019 for
our Help a Horse Home programs, beating out more than 170
participating rescues in a national competition.
We are in the process of applying for 2020 accreditation through the
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. We were rated one of 2019’s Top
Nonprofits by the national organization Great Nonprofits. We have
a Platinum rating on Guidestar. We are a member of the Minnesota
Horse Welfare Coalition and are a certified rescue by the Minnesota
Horse Council.
We own a 43 acre farm in Hastings we use as a retirement
sanctuary for up to 60 horses and manage eight other farms that
support between 4 and 20 horses each. We also support about 100
more horses in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa through our foster
network, each hosting between 1 and 5 horses.
Right now, This Old Horse has 15 retired Minnesota raced horses in
our program and a dozen on our wait list. Over the past seven
years, we have stood vigil with 9 other racehorses that have died
and had the great privilege of being there with them and for them
until the end of life.
Our strength is our community. We are a volunteer-based
organization having welcomed more than 2,000 volunteers since
our inception. We are funded almost exclusively through private
donations. We have helped more than 300 horses representing 35
breeds. We manage an active ‘waiting for placement’ list of more
than 150 horses that have sought our help but we have been
unable to place in our program.
In the racehorse life spectrum, there is strong interest and support
at the beginning for breeding, training and racing. The equestrian
community, including CANTER and Dr. Bowman, step in in the
middle for retraining and repurposing athletic horses coming off the
track. Dr. Bowman is full, CANTER has limited options and takes
only retraining prospects. The horses that might be suitable for
their programs are being turned down and referred to us.
That leaves room for more local options for retirement and safety
net programs.
Our 2017 MRC grant award funded the development of a
curriculum called Unbridled!, a 12-week ‘path to horse ownership’
course to encourage and educate adoption and sponsorship of
retired horses. After two years, more than 30 people have
participated in the program and several have adopted horses.
Our 2018 MRC grant, matched by a gift from the North Metro
Racehorse and Community Foundation, created a space and
program for retraining and rehoming Minnesota harness horses.
Our 2019 MRC request is to establish and maintain a program in
Minnesota for retired and at risk racehorses.
We call this new initiative Equine Emeritus. It would be the first
step toward a long-term solution to the life cycle of racehorses after
the track. Emeritus is a a title of honor given to a retiree that
recognizes their distinguished service in a particular profession.
This program would honor the contributions and service of
Minnesota’s racehorses.
We will create a point of access for ‘after the track’ solutions. A
horse will enter the program and be professionally evaluated and
assessed with a plan developed to determine a path forward for that
horse. A sound and rideable horse may go into a retraining and
rehoming path while an unsound or untrained horse may go into a
sanctuary path.
We will offer long term sanctuary and also serve as a resource link
for adopters and foster hosts, offering support, training and a
safety net program that will encourage a sense of community and
camaraderie. Ultimately, we will create and sustain a loyal
stakeholders who are involved in the aftercare movement but also
enthusiastic about the entire life spectrum of racehorses and
perhaps a new audience for racehorse ownership.
The program will provide:
• Application referral and screening
• Intake assessment, evaluation and recommendations
• Placement in our own managed facility, matched with an adopter
or placed with a qualified foster host.
• Interval follow along by placement team to assure the ongoing
health, safety and well-being
• Traceability and safety net program for racehorses who
encounter hardship along the way..
So it begins. A partnership, a place, a program, a process.
Equine Emeritus begins with a grant request for $81,000.
Item Annual Monthly
Facility costs: $12,000 $1,000
Cost of care: $45,000 $350 per horse (@ 10 horses)
Program costs: $24,000 $2,000
Total request: $81,000 $6,750
Facility costs: $1,000 per month for a suitable equine facility with
amenities that include a heated barn with a minimum of 12 box
stalls, a year round (heated or insulated) indoor arena, paddock
turnout with shelters, private tack and supply storage, feed and hay
storage areas, common space for training, meetings and social
networking. The lease will include utilities, pasture and manure
management, pest control, insurance, security.
Cost of care: $350 per month per horse to include hay/ forage,
feed and supplements, vet care, vaccines, dental, deworming,
contribution to shared cost of barn management, stablehand and
feed crew personnel.
Program expenses: Wages for part time program director/ trainer,
office expenses, printing, marketing materials, horse transportation,
miscellaneous expenses.
Ultimately, a successful pilot program will build community and
resources to broaden and expand options and stakeholders to fund
and support this initiative.
ThisOldHorseCastrationpolicyThisOldHorsedoesnotadmitintactstallionsandrequiresthecastrationofallstallionsenteringourfacilityforplacement.Licensedveterinariansusingacceptedsurgicaltechniquesinaccordancewithstateandfederalveterinaryactsandregulationsmustconductcastrationandothersurgicalprocedures.Exceptionstothepolicymaybeconsideredunderthefollowingcircumstances:
• Thestallionisunderoneyearold;• Thestallion’sbodyconditionistoopoortorisksedationandsurgery.Oncethehorseis
atahealthy,stableweightandcondition,thecastrationwillproceed;• Thestallionispartofastallionsanctuaryandhousedwithotherstallionsina
compatibleherdandawayfromareaswheremaresarehoused.
ThisOldHorse:EuthanasiaPolicyEuthanasia:TheMostDifficultDecisionThedecisiontoeuthanize,orinduceapainlessdeath,shouldneverbemadewithoutcarefulconsideration.Therightchoiceisclearlytheonethatisinthebestinterestofthehorse.CONSIDERTHESITUATIONThereisawiderangeofcircumstancesunderwhicheuthanasiaisareasonableandresponsiblechoice.Amongthemostcommonarethese:• Incurable,progressivedisease• Incurable,transmissibledisease• Chronicseverelameness• Inoperablecolic• Foalsbornwithseriousdefects• Debilitationinoldage• Severetraumaticinjury• Dangerousbehavioraltraits• Unduefinancialburdenofcaringforasickorincapacitatedhorse• UnduesufferingforanyreasonEverycaseisunique.Eveninsimilarsituations,thedecisiontoeuthanizeananimalishighlyindividual.Forexample,inthecaseofaseveretraumaticinjury,suchasabrokenleg,theanimal'spsychologicalmakeupcaninfluencetheoutcome.Somehorsesmayrespondbettertotreatmentthanothers;somearemorecooperativethanothers,andsomehaveahigherpaintolerancethanothers.Euthanasiaisoftenahighlyemotionalissue.Yetitisimportanttoaddressthesituationfromapracticalstandpointaswell.Whetherwearedealingwithanemergencyoralong-termillness,wewilldiscussthefollowingquestionswithourveterinariantohelpdecidewhatisrightforthehorse:• Whatisthelikelihoodofrecoveryoratleastareturntopasturesoundnessorsomelevelof
usefulness?• Isthehorsesuffering?• Howlongwillthehorseexperiencethecurrentlevelofpainordebility?• Doesthehorsecontinuetoshowaninterestanddesiretolive,orhasitbecomedepressedor
despondent?• Whatkindofspecialcarewillthehorserequire,andcanyoumeetitsneeds?• Canwecontinuetoprovideforthehorsefinancially?• Whatarethealternatives?GUIDELINESThefollowingareguidelinestoassistinmakinghumanedecisionsregardingeuthanasiaofhorses:
• Ahorseshouldnothavetoendurecontinuousorunmanageablepainfromaconditionthatischronicandincurable.
• Ahorseshouldnothavetoendureamedicalorsurgicalconditionthathasahopelesschanceofsurvival.
• Ahorseshouldnothavetoremainaliveifithasanunmanageablemedicalconditionthatrendersitahazardtoitselforitshandlers.
• Ahorseshouldnothavetoreceivecontinuousanalgesicmedicationforthereliefofpainfortherestofitslife.
• Ahorseshouldnothavetoendurealifetimeofcontinuousindividualboxstallconfinementforpreventionorreliefofunmanageablepainorsuffering.
Justificationofeuthanasiaforhumanereasonswillbebasedonmedicalgrounds,ratherthaneconomicconsiderations.THEVETERINARIAN'SROLEAsthehorse'sowner,weultimatelyhavetheresponsibilityfordeterminingthehorse'sfate.Theveterinariancanprovideuswithmedicalinformationandhelpusfullyunderstandtheimplicationsforthehorse'sfuture.Theveterinariancanalsoexplaintheoptions,andoffercomfortandsupport.Buttheveterinariancannotmakethedecisionforus.Ifweareindoubtabouttheprognosisortheoptions,wewillgetasecondopinion.Itisimportantforpeaceofmindthatwefeelsurewearemakingtherightdecision.Inextremeemergencies,aveterinarianmayassumetheresponsibilityforthisdecision,actingonananimal'sbehalfwithoutanowner'sconsent.Anexampleofsuchasituationisahorsethatgetslooseonaroadwayandisstruckbyacarandseverelyinjured.Inthissituation,theattendingveterinarianmaydecidetoeuthanizethehorseimmediatelytoenditssuffering.Butsuchcasesarerare.Equinepractitionersarefrequentlyasked,"Whatwouldyoudointhissituation?"Thisquestionputstheveterinarianinadifficultposition.Nomatterhowcompassionateandcaring,theveterinarianisnotasattachedtothehorseasweare,norwillhe/shehavetoassumetheemotionalorfinancialresponsibilityofcaringforthehorse.Someveterinarianswillfeelcomfortableansweringsuchaquestion;otherswillnot.Remember,too,thataveterinarianmustfollowhisorherconscience.Aveterinarianmayrefusetoeuthanizeananimalifeuthanasiaseemsunnecessaryorunjustified.Ortheveterinarianmaychoosetodiscontinuetreatmentifanownerisinhumanelyallowingananimaltosufferorisundulyprolongingitsdeath.PLANNING&PREPARATIONIfweandtheveterinarianagreethateuthanasiaisthebestchoice,itisimportanttoprepareasbestwecan.Ifweareabletomakethedecisioninadvanceratherthaninanemergency
situation,makingpriorarrangementswilleasetheprocess.Theseguidelinesare:·Decidewhenandwheretheprocedurewillbebestcarriedout,bearinginmindthatarrangementsmustbemadeforremovalofthebody.Wewillchoosewhatismostcomfortableandpracticalforus,theveterinarian,andthehorse.·Beawarethat,forsafetyreasons,theveterinarianmaynotallowustobetouchingorholdingthehorseduringtheprocedure.Wewill,however,beabletotouchandbewiththehorseafterward.·Wheneverpossible,wewillmakearrangementsinadvanceforthepromptremovalanddisposalofthebody.Removaltoarenderingfacilitywillberequired.·Explaintoourstakeholdersinsensitivebuthonestterms,whythedecisionwasmadetoeuthanizethehorse.·Allowourselvestogrieve.APEACEFULENDAscaringowners,wewantthehorsetohaveapeaceful,painlessend.Mostcommonly,euthanasiaisachievedbyinjectingabarbiturateanestheticinadosesufficienttoshutdownthehorse'scentralnervoussystem.Thedrugrendersthehorseunconscious,thehorse'sheartstops,andthehorsequitsbreathing.Thesedrugsactquicklyandeffectively.Wheneverpossible,wewillbepresentwhenthelethalinjectionisgiven,notallhorsesrespondinexactlythesameway.Mosthorsessimplydropandlaystill,maybetakingoneortwodeepbreathsbeforeexpiring.Somehorsescontinuetotakeoccasionalbreathsforaminuteorso,andtheremayalsobesomemovementofthelimbs,eventhoughthehorseisdeeplyunconsciousandmaynolongerhaveaheartbeat.Seeingtheseapparentsignsoflifecanbeupsettingforsome.Butrememberthattheydonotindicatethatthehorseisconsciousorhasanysenseoffeeling;theyaresimplyinvoluntaryreflexesbythebodyinitsfinalmoments.COPINGWITHEMOTIONSGiventheaffectionwehaveforourhorses,dealingwiththeirdeathscanbeextremelydifficult.Butdealingwithyouremotionshonestlyandgoingthroughthegrievingprocessisimportantforyouremotionalwell-being.THINKINGAHEADDeathisaninevitablepartoflife.Thehorse,likealllivingcreatures,willnotliveforever.Ideally,thehorsewillremainhealthyandhappyintooldageandwilldieapeaceful,naturaldeath.Bythinkingaboutwhatyouwoulddoinanemergency,orhowyouwouldactifthehorseweretodevelopapainfulordebilitatingconditionfromwhichrecoverywasunlikely,youcanbepreparedforwhateverhappens.LeRoyJob(pronouncedJobe)ofClearLake,MNhandlesdisposalofourhorseswhohavediedorbeeneuthanized.Phone612/245-6085
This Old Horse, Inc. Foster Care Agreement
This foster care Agreement is made on [date] by and between [host] (“Foster”) and This Old Horse, Inc. (“Owner”). Agreement: With respect to the horse described below, Owner agrees to transfer physical custody of Horse to the Foster. In return, Foster agrees to accept care and custody of the horse and assume all lodging and care with respect to the horse, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the attached Foster Care Requirements and Guidelines. The Horse and Its Condition: This Agreement will apply to the following horse (“Horse”):
• Name of the Horse: • Color and Markings: • Breed Registry • Gender: • Year foaled:
Horse’s Physical Condition: Horse is currently sound and in good physical condition as of the date of the Agreement. Ownership of Horse: Owner represents and warrants the Owner is the sole lawful and registered owner of Horse, owns Horse free of any liens and encumbrances, and has all requisite rights and powers to enter into this Agreement. Horse’s Care and Expenses: From the date of execution of this Agreement, Foster shall be responsible for Horse’s care and agreed upon expenses. Foster shall use all reasonable care in caring for Horse, including but not limited to providing a safe, clean, dry environment for Horse as well as regular and adequate food and water, veterinary care, hoof care, grooming and exercise. Recipient represents and warrants the Recipient and Recipient’s employees and agents have the requisite knowledge and capability to provide this standard of care. Tax Matters: Owner is a Minnesota Non-Profit Corporation that qualifies as a charitable organization. The EIN number is 45-4234611. As such, Foster’s cost of material goods such as hay, feed, supplements, farrier, veterinarian, medication expenses, etc. expended on behalf of Horse may be tax deductible for Foster. Owner strongly recommends that Foster seek professional advice from a certified public accountant or other qualified tax advisor regarding the potential tax benefits, if any, of fostering a Horse. Risks of Loss and Indemnification: Owner assumes risk of loss of or injury to Horse. Any animal owned by This Old Horse cannot be sold, traded, subleased or given away. Horses may not be bred, raced or gamed. If for any reason the animal is no longer wanted or care for the animal does not meet the previously outlined standards, at any time, the animal must be returned to This Old Horse.
This Old Horse, Inc. Foster Care Requirements and Guidelines This Old Horse, Inc. often makes use of foster homes for equines and other animals that have completed or nearly completed the rehabilitation process. Foster care providers have played a large role in our ability to take in and care for as many animals as possible. However, our foster care providers must be screened carefully to ensure each placement is in the best interest of the animal/s. Many years of experience have shaped our list of requirements for becoming a successful foster care provider. Our animals will be placed into foster homes that comply with the following guidelines: Food:
• Unless otherwise agreed to, This Old Horse, Inc. will provide feed, mineral and salt. The Foster will provide hay / forage.
• Nutritious feed (hay/grain) in sufficient quality (wholesome, palatable and free from contamination such as feces, mold, mildew, insects, dust, etc.)
• Food shall be provided in sufficient quantity and be of adequate and appropriate nutritive value.
• Diet shall be prepared with consideration for the age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and quantity of equine(s).
• Equines should score, by a veterinarian, no less than a body condition score of 5 on the Henneke Condition Scoring Chart to be considered of adequate weight.
• Equines shall have access to adequate natural forage or be fed daily or as recommended by a veterinarian or by This Old Horse, Inc..
• All storage and feeding receptacles shall be kept clean and free from contaminants such as feces, mold, mildew, insects, dust, etc.
• If more than one animal is fed at one time or in one place, it is the responsibility of the caregiver to separate animals for equal feeding.
Adequate Veterinary Care:
• Unless otherwise indicated, This Old Horse, Inc. will cover the costs of veterinary and farrier care.
• An equine shall be afforded immediate veterinary care if known or suspected to have an injury, accidental or deliberate, or exhibiting such signs as shock, colic, founder, tremors, swelling, broken bones, open wounds, inability to eat or drink, blistering as a result of fire, acid, etc., irregular or abnormal breathing, partial or total paralysis, abnormal discharge or bleeding, signs of disease, severe parasitic infection, loss of appetite, weight loss, abnormal skin condition or hair loss, temperature fluctuation, persistent diarrhea, inability to bear weight on a limb or lameness, or other such signs. Prior approval must be gained before transporting a horse to a medical facility. Foster cannot give consent for surgical procedures or euthanasia.
• Hoof care maintenance and trimming every six (6) to eight (8) weeks, or as directed by a veterinarian or farrier.
• Parasites kept under control through worming every six (6) to eight (8) weeks or as directed by veterinarian.
• Annual dental check-up and necessary treatment to ensure proper and adequate food digestion.
• Vaccination as recommended by veterinarian. Proof of testing for Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins Test).
Adequate Water:
• Adequate water means clean, potable water available at all times for all equines. Exceptions shall be determined by a veterinarian.
• All water receptacles shall be kept clean and free of contaminants and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
Adequate Shelter:
• An adequate shelter shall have at least a roof and three sides and be kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris.
• Adequate shelter provides protection from inclement weather conditions (e.g. prevailing wind, sleet, rain, snow, and arid temperature.)
• It is the responsibility of the owner/custodian to ensure that each equine, taking into consideration age, breed/type and health, has access to proper shelter or protection from the weather (e.g. relief from more dominant equines that may exclude him/her from the shelter).
Adequate Space:
• Space available to the equine must be usable and safe (e.g. must be provided an area free from standing water, accumulated water, sharp objects and debris, and maintained in a safe and healthful manner).
• Equines shall be allowed to exercise and have freedom of movement as necessary to reduce stress and maintain good physical condition. Space and provisions for exercise must be appropriate and sufficient for the age, breed/type, quantity, condition and size of the equines.
• Enclosed areas should be constructed or modified to allow free flow of air to control temperature, humidity and prevent air stagnation.
• Equines kept in stalls must be allowed a minimum of 4 hours of daily turn out in a suitable and safe fenced area large enough for the equine to exercise.
• Fencing shall be well maintained and in good repair at all times. Fencing adequate for equine needs to be highly visible and of a minimum of 4 feet. Barbed wire fencing is not considered an appropriate fencing for equines. All t-posts MUST be capped.
Adequate Companionship:
• Equines are herd animals and are very social. Equines need to be kept with another equine at least another grazing animal like a goat or cow
Foster: Owner: This Old Horse, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions • Does This Old Horse, Inc. cover routine feed expenses while the equine is in foster care? What is the foster provider expected to pay for? Ideally a foster care provider will provide pasture/hay/grain as needed to maintain a healthy weight for each individual equine. If you feel you can’t afford to cover all of the costs of pasture/hay/grain, please let us know ahead of time so we can discuss other options. If additional nutritional supplements are needed, This Old Horse, Inc. will cover the expense pending approval from our director and/or veterinarian. • Does This Old Horse, Inc. cover routine farrier and veterinary work? Every equine will have routine veterinary and hoof care completed before going into foster care. This Old Horse, Inc. will assume responsibility for any emergency veterinary care while the horse is in foster care. The foster care provider must contact us immediately when there is any question or concern about the health and well-being of the horse. The foster care provider must contact a veterinarian immediately in a case of emergency. • Will I be required to do any training with the horse I foster? For the most part you can choose how much “hands’ on” work you want to do with the equine you foster. When you contact This Old Horse, Inc. about fostering we can discuss your experience and comfort-level with horses in different stages of training. We do require that any foster care provider be knowledgeable about horses and be able to handle the given horse on the ground. However, we have horses of all different temperaments, training levels, needs and requirements, and we will match them with the foster homes that can best meet their needs. Ideally, at a minimum, a foster care provider will be willing to work on basic ground manners so that the equine doesn’t pick up any bad habits while in foster care and so that the equine can be handled if a prospective adopter chooses to visit. As far as more extensive groundwork and any under-saddle training, that can be discussed on an individual basis. • Will I be required to speak with potential adopters? Yes, you will be required to provide contact information so prospective adopters can contact you and make arrangements to see the equine in your care. Once these animals have completed the rehabilitation process, our main goal is to find them new homes. The foster care provider must be willing to assist in this by being accessible to potential adopters by phone or by email. The foster care provider must be willing to allow potential adopters to visit their property to meet the animal. If a potential adopter would like to ride, it will be at that person’s own risk. The foster provider will not be held liable for any injuries/accidents as long as the Liability and Risk sign is posted and the potential adopter is made aware of this beforehand. However, the foster care provider should provide the safest possible environment in which to ride, preferably an enclosed area. This Old Horse, Inc. requires the use of helmets when riding any equine. The foster care provider must also be willing and able to provide updated information and photos for the This Old Horse, Inc. website. • Will I have any input into the adoption process? Yes, as a foster care provider you will have first-hand experience of the horse’s temperament and training level. Your input will help us make necessary decisions to make the best possible match between adopter and animal. Please remember, however, that all final adoption decisions will be
made by This Old Horse, Inc. and all adoption fees will be set by This Old Horse, Inc.. We ask you to never make any claims or promises to a potential adopter without previous approval from This Old Horse, Inc.. • Will I have First Option to Adopt My Foster Horse? Yes, we often have foster homes decide they just can’t part with the horse they are caring for. If you do decide you want to adopt, you will be given the option before the horse is placed elsewhere. However, a foster care provider must never discourage potential adopters because they want to keep the horse in foster care. • Are my “donations” of hay/grain/pasture/bedding for my foster horse tax deductible? You will be given a donation receipt from This Old Horse, Inc.. However, it will be up to you and your accountant/tax preparer as to what you can claim as a deduction. We recommend you keep an itemized list of all expenses along with receipts.
ThisOldHorse,Inc.BoardofDirectorsNancyTurner,PresidentandFounder(2016-2019)
1392660thSt.S.,Afton,MN55001
ThomasRhode,VicePresident(2016-2019)
2345RiceStreet,#112,Roseville,MN55113
FacilitiesDirector,AXIS,Inc.
KathleenAmerongen,Secretary/Treasurer(2016-2019)
DirectorofMarketing,Avatek,Inc.
JulieFischer,Director(2016-2019)
9170InverGroveTrail,InverGroveHeights,MN55076
DakotaCountySheriff’sDepartment
EllenHill,Director(2016-2019)
835StrykerAve.St.Paul,MN55107
Communitymember,lessonclient,volunteer
MaryT.Maher,Ph.D.,Director(2016-2019)
2520WilshireDrive,MendotaHeights,MN55120
SchoolPsychologist,SpecialEducationDirector,volunteer,lessonclient
JuneMcCloud,Director(2016-2019)
6500200thSt.,Hastings,MN55033
Horsetrainer
ToniThomas,Director(2017-2020)
998MargaretSt.E.St.Paul,MN55016
Photographer,T.ThomasPhotography
MembersoftheThisOldHorse,Inc.BoardofDirectorsreceivenocompensation.
AGENDA ITEM
6B
4/16/2020
Minnesota Racing Commission
Amended Split Sample Laboratories 2020
Amended 4/16/2020
University of California Davis
Ben Moeller, Analytical Chemist
K.L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab
620 W. Health Sciences Drive
Davis CA 95616-5270
• Blood NSAIDs $500
• Most other “regular” drugs $1250
• EPO, darbepoetin, others Case by case
University of Florida
Cindy Cole, Director of Racing Laboratory
University of Florida
1200 SW 34th St
Gainesville, FL 32607
• Any quantitative analysis $1200
(including phenylbutazone, flunixin, ketoprofen and furosemide)
• Violations with more than one NSAID present in a sample Single fee
University of Pennsylvania
Mary Robinson Acting Director
Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory
220 E. Rosedale Ave
West Chester, Pa 19382
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis (single drug) $1200
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis (drug and metabolite) $2400
• Qualitative and quantitate analysis (paired urine and blood) $2400
Texas A and M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Travis Mays, Section Head
483 Agronomy Rd
College Station, TX 77840-4471
• NSAIDs (phenylbutazone, flunixin and ketoprofen) $450/sample
• Furosemide quantitation (serum/plasma) $850/sample
• LC-MS/MS qualitative testing (serum & urine) $650/sample
• LC-MS/MS quantitative testing (serum & urine) $850/sample
• Laboratory data packet (by request only) $100/first
packet (each additional packet $50)
NOTE: ALL laboratories require use of the RMTC split sample request form and a call
prior to sending to ensure they can accept and process the sample(s).
AGENDA ITEM
6C
Abstract Title. Identification and validation of mutations responsible for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in Thoroughbred racehorses Rationale. Cardiac arrhythmias, or an irregular heart rhythm, are an important cause of sudden death in horses. Most horses with arrhythmias have no underlying structural heart disease, making it virtually impossible to detect those that will develop arrhythmias. Arrhythmias in human athletes without underlying structural heart disease are almost exclusively caused by mutations in ion channel genes. These athletes frequently develop subtle electrocardiogram (ECG) changes that are used for monitoring and to guide when retirement from high level athletic performance is recommended. Given the similarities between these arrhythmias in humans and horses, it is likely that mutations in genes responsible for cardiac disease in humans are associated with alterations in ECG measurements, the presence of arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in horses. We have identified 36 high priority mutations in genes associated with arrhythmias in humans, using whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 6 Standardbreds with atrial fibrillation (AFIB). Hypothesis/Objectives. We hypothesize that one or more of these mutations are associated with ECG measurements, cardiac arrhythmias, and SCD in Thoroughbred racehorses. In this proposal we will confirm/refute association between these 36 mutations and: 1) ECG measurements; 2) exercise-associated cardiac arrhythmias; and 3) SCD in Thoroughbred racehorses. In objective 1 we will ECG 500 Thoroughbred racehorses before, during, and after high-intensity exercise, and test for associations between the 36 mutation and 6 standard ECG measurements. In objectives 2 and 3 we test for associations between the 36 mutations and the presence of: 2) exercise-associated cardiac arrhythmias; and 3) sudden cardiac death. Experimental Design and Methods. In objective 1a we will perform ECGs on 500 Thoroughbred racehorses at rest, peak intensity exercise, and immediately post-exercise, take 6 standard ECG measurements, identify transient exercise-associated arrhythmias (e.g.; supra-ventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmias), and persistent arrhythmias (e.g.; AFIB), obtain whole blood for DNA extraction and genotype each horse for the 36 putative arrhythmia-causing mutations using an Agena Bioscience iPLEX assay. In objective 1b, we test for associations between each mutation and ECG measurements. In objective 2a, echocardiography of horses with arrhythmias identified in objective 1a will be performed, and horses with structural cardiac abnormalities that predispose to increased cardiac size will be excluded. In objective 2b we test for association between mutations and the presence of exercise-associated arrhythmias. Finally, in objective 3, we will genotype these 36 mutations in 100 Thoroughbreds with presumed SCD, and test for association between the 36 mutations and SCD. Preliminary Data. Given the success of WGS in humans for identifying disease-causing mutations, we used WGS of 6 Standardbred racehorses with AFIB, the most common and best characterized pathologic equine arrhythmia, to identify putative functional mutations. Mutations predicted to have a high or moderate impact on 309 genes known to cause human cardiac arrhythmias were further evaluated. 36 mutations were selected for further follow-up because 1) the mutation impacts the same amino acid as a cardiac arrhythmia causing mutation in humans (n=33); or 2) the mutation is predicted to have high impact on protein function and is uncommon in a population of 110 Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses. Expected Results. Establishing that a mutation(s) is significantly associated with: 1) ECG measurements; 2) exercise-associated arrhythmias; and/or 3) SCD, will provide strong evidence for the mutation having a functional effect. This is a crucial step towards confirming and validating arrhythmia- and SCD-causing mutations in horses. Timeline: Year 1: Recruitment, cardiac work-up, and genotyping of 500 Thoroughbred racehorses and 100 Thoroughbreds with SCD (objectives 1a, 2a). Year 2: statistical analysis (objectives 1b, 2b, 3), and abstract/manuscript submission. Potential Impact for Equine Health. Our long-term goal is to develop genetic tests for cardiac arrhythmias, to allow for increased monitoring of horses at increased genetic risk, allowing for increased screening and ultimately retirement from racing BEFORE the onset of potentially fatal arrhythmias. Genetic tests can be used to inform future breeding decisions, to allow breeders to decrease the number of horses at increased genetic risk of developing arrhythmias in their breeding animals. This work is part of a large study of highly athletic horse breeds, with the goal of determining the significant putative functional mutation(s) that contribute to the development of cardiac arrhythmias. Even if the mutation(s) are not significantly associated this is still an important finding. The mechanism behind how mutations with strong evidence for pathogenicity are tolerated is an important area for future investigation in all species.
Study proposal Hypothesis and Objectives. Cardiac arrhythmias in horses have potentially devastating effects, ranging from poor performance to sudden death. Most horses that develop cardiac arrhythmias during exercise (exercise-associated) have no underlying structural heart disease1, making it virtually impossible to determine if a horse will develop an arrhythmia before it occurs. Exercise-associated arrhythmias in human athletes without structural heart disease (lone or idiopathic arrhythmias) are almost exclusively caused by mutations in ion channel genes2. The genetic cause for several of these idiopathic arrhythmias has been identified, and genetic tests developed, enabling identification of athletes at increased risk of developing arrhythmias3. These athletes often develop subtle changes on electrocardiography (ECG) measurements, including prolongation of p-wave duration4 and alteration of the QT interval2,5 prior to the onset of arrhythmias, which can be regularly monitored during the individual’s athletic career, allowing for retirement from high intensity exercise BEFORE the development of a potentially fatal arrhythmia. The incidence of exercise-associated arrhythmias in horses is surprisingly high6,7, and arrhythmias are thought to be an important cause of sudden death in horses. Unfortunately, the genetic bases for arrhythmias in the horse are unknown, preventing identification and enhanced screening of horses at increased risk of developing fatal arrhythmias. Using WGS of 6 Standardbred racehorses with atrial fibrillation (AFIB), we have identified and prioritized 36 putative arrhythmia-causing mutations. We hypothesize that one or more of these mutations are associated with ECG measurements, exercise-associated arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in Thoroughbred racehorses. In this proposal, we will perform the next crucial step towards proving the functionality of these mutations by testing for association between these 36 putative arrhythmia-causing mutations and: 1) ECG measurements; 2) exercise-associated arrhythmias; and 3) SCD in Thoroughbred racehorses. Objective 1. Establish if the putative arrhythmia-causing mutation(s) are associated with variations in ECG measurements in Thoroughbred racehorses. Human athletes with mutations known to cause arrhythmias have alterations in ECG measurements2,4,5 that can be detected before an arrhythmia occurs. This allows for regular ECG monitoring, and retirement from high intensity exercise prior to the onset of the potentially fatal arrhythmia. In objective 1a, we evaluate 500 Thoroughbred racehorses for arrhythmias using ECG before, during, and immediately after high-intensity exercise. A standard set of ECG measurements at rest, exercise, and immediate post-exercise will be performed and arrhythmias identified. In objective 1b, all 500 horses will be genotyped for the 36 mutations using a custom genotyping assay and analysis will be performed to determine if the 36 mutation(s) are associated with ECG measurements at rest, during, or after exercise. Objective 2. Establish which of the putative arrhythmia-causing mutation(s) are associated with exercise-associated arrhythmias in Thoroughbred racehorses. Up to 29% of Thoroughbred racehorses experience exercise-associated arrhythmias7. In objective 2a, horses with arrhythmias identified in objective 1a will undergo echocardiography and horses with underlying cardiac structural abnormalities that predispose to increased cardiac size will be excluded. In objective 2b, analysis will be performed using the genotypes from the 36 putative arrhythmia-causing mutations to determine which of the 36 mutation(s) are associated with the presence of exercise-associated cardiac arrhythmias that a) resolve before the heart rate returns to < 60 beats per minute (transient arrhythmias) and b) persist beyond the heart rate returning to < 60 beats per minute (persistent arrhythmias). Objective 3. Establish which of the putative arrhythmia-causing mutation(s) are associated with sudden cardiac death in Thoroughbred racehorses. Working with collaborators, we have access to hair roots from Thoroughbred racehorses with SCD. In this objective, we will collect 100 horses that have died or die due to SCD. The 36 mutations will be genotyped using the genotyping assay (see objective 1b) in all 100 SCD cases. We will determine, which of these 36 mutation(s) are associated with SCD. Justification, Significance and Literature Review. Cardiac arrhythmias in the horse have potentially devastating effects, ranging from poor performance8 to sudden death1,2. While the overall prevalence of racing fatalities is not common (1.53 in 1,000 starts [2019])9, the impact to the welfare of the affected and surrounding horses, the owner, trainer, and jockey, and the general public cannot be underestimated. 19% of deaths on the race track are classified as sudden death10, with a majority of diagnosed cases being related to cardiac dysfunction11. However, only 53% of sudden death cases receive a diagnosis at post mortem examination11, and given that most fatal arrhythmias do not result in gross or histologic changes, it is likely that cardiac arrhythmias account for a large proportion of the 47% of sudden death cases without a diagnosis. The frequency of transient arrhythmias in exercising horses is surprisingly high in both healthy Thoroughbred (22% supraventricular and 29% ventricular) and Standardbred racehorses (46% supraventricular and 19% ventricular)6,7. Further, an estimated 15.9% of Standardbred racehorses
develop exercise-associated complex ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades-like polymorphic ventricular tachycardia6, which are known to lead to sudden death in human athletes12. Despite the high frequency of transient of exercise-associated arrhythmias, very little is known about the pathophysiology and underlying cause of these arrhythmias. They are particularly interesting given that most of these horses are exercising at their expected level despite having dramatic ECG changes6,7. The most common pathologic arrhythmia classified in horses is AFIB1, which has an overall prevalence of 0.02-0.03% of race starts13,14, although the prevalence increases to > 2%8,14 in horses > 4 years of age and in those with poor performance. The pathophysiology of AFIB is better understood than that of the transient arrhythmias, however, as with the transient arrhythmias, the cause of AFIB is not known. Identifying horses at risk of developing arrhythmias prior to the onset of ECG abnormalities is currently not feasible, in large part because these horses have no underlying structural cardiac abnormalities1 and are apparently cardiovascularly normal. Even after a horse develops a cardiac arrhythmia, their short-lived nature makes detecting an arrhythmia a challenge, with 92.7%14 of horses that develop AFIB spontaneously converting to normal sinus rhythm ≤ 24 hours after racing. Diagnosing the cause of arrhythmia-related sudden death is further complicated by the fact that by the time the horse is examined the causative arrhythmia is unlikely to be present, and therefore the cause of sudden death cannot be determined. Without a method to identify horses at increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias, and therefore at increased risk of sudden death, preventing arrhythmia-related sudden death in exercising horses is virtually impossible. Cardiac arrhythmias in humans with no underlying structural cardiac abnormalities are classified as idiopathic arrhythmias, and account for ~30% of cases of sudden death in young athletes15. Mutations are the most common cause of idiopathic arrhythmias in humans12, and since the identification of the mutations that cause idiopathic arrhythmias, young athletes can be screened for them3. The genetics of cardiac arrhythmias in horses has been largely unexplored and to-date no arrhythmia causing mutations have been discovered. About 30% of the variation in the presence of AFIB can be explained by the individual horse’s genetics, making AFIB a moderately (30%) heritable trait in Standardbred racehorses16. Interestingly, the overall heritability of AFIB in humans is the same as horses (~30%)17, despite there being subtypes of AFIB in humans where the patient’s genetics explain up to 100% of the variation in the presence of AFIB18–23. For example, a mutation in a gene involved in the electrical activity of the heart (KCNQ1) causes an early onset form of AFIB, where everyone with that mutation develops AFIB (~100% heritable)2. These and other highly heritable forms of AFIB in humans are analogous to AFIB in horses, as they have no underlying structural cardiac abnormalities24. Many human patients that have mutations known to increase the risk of developing arrhythmias have subtle ECG changes that can be identified before the onset of a potentially fatal arrhythmia; for example, prolonged QT-interval2,5 and p-wave duration4. These measurements can be used in individuals at high genetic risk of developing an arrhythmia to provide exercise recommendations5,25, and help determine if and when retirement from competitive sport is recommended. Given the similarities between human and equine idiopathic arrhythmias, it is likely that mutations in genes known to cause cardiac arrhythmias in humans also contribute to arrhythmias in horses, and that horses with arrhythmia-causing mutations have subtle ECG abnormalities similar to human patients. With rising availability and affordability, whole genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming increasingly important for identifying the genetic bases of disease26–32. To prevent missing disease-causing mutations by traditional mutation discovery approaches, i.e.; the candidate gene approach33, human geneticists now routinely use WGS to identify disease-causing mutations34, and WGS is becoming widely used in clinical practice35,36. WGS leads to the identification of millions of mutations where the sequenced individual differs from the reference genome37. Potential disease-causing mutations are then prioritized based on: 1) presence in biologically relevant candidate genes; 2) predicted pathogenicity from computational software predictions; and 3) their presence in diseased individual(s) and absence (or presence at a low frequency) in individuals without disease38,39. The third step of mutation prioritization is particularly important, and has been demonstrated to decrease the risks of prioritizing mutations that are false positives40. Further, the false discovery rate of a mutation present in cases and absent from 50 unrelated controls is ~15%41, making the determination of the frequency of the mutation in a large number of well-phenotyped cases and controls critical. Using WGS, we identified 36 mutations highly likely to effect cardiac electrical activity and therefore contribute to arrhythmias in horses. Some of these mutations, including a mutation that prematurely truncates a gene involved in electrical activity of the heart (KCNQ1) are frequent in racehorses, which if associated with arrhythmias in this study, may explain the high incidence of exercise-associated arrhythmias. Interestingly, KCNQ1 is associated with several arrhythmias, including AFIB, and sudden cardiac death in humans. In this proposal, we will confirm or refute the pathogenicity of these mutations by evaluating their
association with ECG measurements (a proxy for altered cardiac electrical activity), arrhythmias, and SCD in a large cohort of Thoroughbred race horses. Identifying the causative mutation(s) for exercise-associated arrhythmias and SCD in horses will allow for the development of genetic tests to provide non-invasive and affordable methods of identifying horses at increased risk of developing arrhythmias and SCD. Determining if these mutations are associated with ECG alterations, will provide a mechanism for monitoring horses with arrhythmia-causing mutations, and to establish when those individuals should be retired from racing BEFORE the onset of potentially fatal arrhythmias, reducing the risk of SCD. Additionally, by determining the causative mutation(s) we will improve understanding of arrhythmia pathophysiology and allow breeders to make educated breeding decisions to reduce the incidence of arrhythmias. Preliminary Data Identification of putative arrhythmia-causing mutations. Given the success of WGS in humans for identifying disease-causing mutations, we used WGS of 6 Standardbreds with AFIB without underlying cardiac structural changes (based on ECG findings and cardiac ultrasound), to identify high priority mutations for future follow-up in a large, well-phenotyped population. We chose horses with AFIB, because this is the best characterized arrhythmia and most common pathologic arrhythmia in horses1 and humans42. We performed WGS (mean depth of coverage 19.4 X), mapped reads to the equine genome (EquCab3), and identified and annotated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small structural variants as previously described43. Mutations were prioritized (Figure 1) by excluding mutations that are unlikely to be causing disease and retaining mutations present in 309 genes known to cause human cardiac arrhythmias44. 563 mutations in 175 of these genes were prioritized for follow-up based on being predicted to have high or moderate impact (e.g.; premature stop codons [high] or amino acid changes [moderate]) on affected gene. Low impact mutations (e.g., synonymous mutations that do not change the amino acid) are unlikely to have an effect on phenotype and were excluded. The mutations identified were confirmed using visual inspection of WGS sequence and mutation alignments with the Integrative Genomics Viewer browser45 and checking the mutation alignment using blast46. ClinVar44 was then used to determine which mutations affect (Figure 1, purple) or do not affect (Figure 1, orange) amino acids that have been associated with cardiovascular disease in humans. Mutations not affecting known amino acids in human arrhythmias were further prioritized by excluding mutations: 1) present at a high frequency in 53 Thoroughbreds and 48 Standardbreds, and 2) with moderate impact. The final 36 mutations have moderate to strong evidence for pathogenicity based on the human criteria38,39. All 36 mutations are predicted to lead to complete loss of protein function (4/36) and/or affect an amino acid position that has been associated with human cardiovascular disease (33/36). Additional evidence for pathogenicity included “amino acid change at an ‘important’ or ‘critical’ amino acid residue” (4/36 and 6/36 respectively), predicted deleterious impact by multiple software programs (12/36), and being uncommon in the WGS of 48 Standardbreds and 53 Thoroughbreds. Experimental Methods and Design Objective 1. Establish if the putative arrhythmia-causing mutation(s) are associated with variations in ECG measurements in Thoroughbred racehorses. In Objective 1a we will phenotype 500 Thoroughbred racehorses. This will include collection of signalment and history from the trainer (name, tattoo, age, sex, gait, parent names, history of poor performance and any veterinary diagnosis/interventions) and Equibase47 (performance data
Figure 1. Prioritization of possible cardiac arrhythmia causing mutations. The final mutations are highlighted in green.
including number of seasons raced, starts, wins, and total earnings). With the prevalence of AFIB (0.29%)14, supraventricular (22%)7 and ventricular (29%)7 arrhythmias in racing Thoroughbreds, we expect to identify ~ 110-145 horses with AFIB, supraventricular and/or ventricular arrhythmias (which will be used in objective 2). Sample size. Based on an individual mutation explaining 5% of heritability for the cardiac arrhythmia and a Bonferroni corrected p-value based on the number of mutations tested, a sample size of 500 will give us ~100% power to detect associations between the mutations and quantitative ECG measurements. Cardiac phenotyping. Cardiac auscultation will be performed at rest and within 5 minutes of the end of peak exercise to detect audible murmurs. We will perform a complete ECG examination using a 3-lead base apex system48 (Televet 100®, Germany) at rest, and during peak intensity exercise and the immediate post-exercise recovery period. A minimum of 5 minutes of ECG recording will be obtained at rest. Peak intensity exercise will be defined as 1 minute before and after the maximum heart rate (based on the shortest 5 R-R intervals). The immediate post-exercise recovery period will be until the horse’s heart rate returns to < 60 beats per minute for > 5 beats in a row. ECG measurements performed at each stage are described in Figure 2. Arrhythmias will be defined as previously described49. Arrhythmias of interest will be investigated in objective 2. DNA isolation and genotyping. Whole blood will be collected from all 500 horses. DNA will be extracted using the Qiagen DNA extraction (QIAGEN Sciences, MD) whole blood protocol, and DNA quantity and quality checked using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer. 100 ng of DNA from each horse will be submitted to the University of Minnesota Genomics Center for design, validation, and genotyping of the 36 mutations using the Agena Bioscience iPLEX50. Briefly, DNA undergoes standard quantification and normalization. Specific forward and reverse PCR and iPLEX extension primers are created for each mutation based on the surrounding DNA sequence, and functional testing performed to ensure the primers are mutation specific. DNA undergoes PCR and excess nucleotides are dephosphorylated using shrimp alkaline phosphatase. Extension primers, an extension enzyme, and mass-modified dideoxynucleotide terminators are mixed with the amplified DNA. The extension primers anneal to the amplified DNA fragments adjacent to the target mutation and are extended then terminated by a single base pair complementary to the target mutation. Clean resin is used to desalt the extension products, before a pre-spotted MALDI matrix is used to crystalize the product. The MassARRAY analyzer irradiates the analyte crystals leading to desorption and ionization. Positively charged molecules accelerate towards a detector and separation is based on the mass of each individual molecule determined by the ‘time-of-flight’. Typer software is used to generate genotypes (homozygous or heterozygous for mutation or homozygous reference) for each sample. In objective 1b allelic and genotypic (recessive, dominant) associations will be performed using a mixed model regression analysis to determine if: 1) each mutation is independently associated with ECG measurements (including the likelihood of incomplete penetrance); and 2) there are additive, interactive, or modifying effects of multiple mutations on the presence of ECG measurements; while accounting for the effects of age and/or and interaction between mutations using the general regression model: Y = µ + G + A + GxA + GxG + random error (є); where: Phenotype, Y is binary (for normal vs. abnormal EGC measurements), or quantitative (for individual ECG measurements e.g., p wave duration); Effect of genotype, G, is the combination of mutations at a given locus (G1, G2,… G36,); Effect age, A; Interaction terms genotype-by-genotype or genotype-by-age interaction, G1xG2, GxA, etc. Statistical significance will be adjusted for the 36 mutations and set at p = 0.001 for all analyses. Objective 2. Establish which of the putative arrhythmias-causing mutation(s) are associated with exercise-associated arrhythmias in Thoroughbred racehorses. Up to 29% of Thoroughbred racehorses experience exercise-associated arrhythmias. In objective 2a, horses with arrhythmias and those with ≥ 3/6 murmurs that do not diminish
ECG measurement Rest, post-exercise Exercise Heart rate x x p-wave duration x QT-interval x RR-interval x x T peak to end interval x ST segment elevation x x Presence of arrhythmias x x Figure 2. ECG phenotyping for all 500 Standardbreds.
following exercise identified in objective 1a will undergo echocardiography, and horses with cardiac structural abnormalities that predispose to cardiac enlargement will be excluded from further analyses. In objective 2b, mixed model regression analysis (see objective 1b) will be performed using the genotypes obtained from objective 1a, to determine: 1) which of the 36 mutation(s) are associated with the presence of a) transient exercise-associated arrhythmias that resolve before the heart rate returns to < 60 beats per minute and b) exercise-associated arrhythmias that do not resolve before the heart rate returns to < 60 beats per minute; and 2) if there are additive, interactive, or modifying effects of multiple mutations on exercise-associated cardiac arrhythmia risk. Sample size. Based on an individual mutation explaining 5% of heritability for the arrhythmia and a Bonferroni corrected p-value based on the 36 mutations tested, a sample size of 500 will give us ≥ 93% power to detect associations between the mutations and presence of exercise-associated arrhythmias. Objective 3. Establish which of the putative arrhythmia-causing mutation(s) are associated with SCD. Sudden cardiac death cases. Working with collaborators we have access to hair roots or banked tissues from horses racing and training at 5 racetracks that die or have died of presumed arrhythmia-associated SCD. Presumed SCD will be based on an absence of necropsy findings that confirm other causes of death, including cardiac death related aortic dissection and/or rupture. DNA will be extracted using the Qiagen DNA extraction protocol for hair roots and iPLEX genotyping performed (objective 1a). Associations between putative arrhythmia-causing mutations and presumed SCD. Mixed model regression analysis (see objectives 1b and 2b) will be performed to determine: 1) which of the 36 mutation(s) are associated with confirmed/suspected SCD; and 2) the presence of additive, interactive, or modifying effects of multiple mutations on presumed SCD. The 100 SCD cases will improve our power to detect associations with potentially fatal and fatal cardiac arrhythmias to ≥ 98%. Timeline. Recruitment and phenotyping of 500 Thoroughbreds (summer 2020); collection of SCD cases (2020-fall 2021); Agena Bioscience iPLEX genotyping (2020-2021), statistical analysis (summer 2021); abstract and manuscript preparation and submission (fall 2021). Expected outcomes. We will establish which of the 36 putative functional mutation(s) are associated with: 1) ECG measurements; 2) the presence of exercise-associated cardiac arrhythmias; and 3) SCD. If significant associations are identified, this will provide the third and final step for prioritizing arrhythmia-causing mutations and we will have very strong evidence to support these mutations having a functional effect in Thoroughbreds. This work is part of a large, multi-year, multi-breed study (i.e., Standardbred, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse racehorses) to determine if the functional mutation(s) significantly associated with ECG measurements and/or cardiac arrhythmias and/or SCD have similar effects across highly athletic breeds. If there are groups of horses that appear to suffer from a simple inherited form of a particular cardiac arrhythmia (i.e.; a single mutation in a single gene is associated with the presence of a particular type of cardiac arrhythmia), then a genetic test for this type of disorder could be used to inform future breeding decisions, to allow breeders to decrease the incidence of that type of arrhythmia in their breeding herd. Even if the mutation(s) are not associated with ECG measurements and/or cardiac arrhythmias and/or SCD this is still a very important finding. Each of these mutations already has several pieces of evidence supporting their pathogenicity, and 33/36 of the amino acids affected by these mutations are at the same site as amino acids reported to cause cardiovascular disease in humans. This scenario would suggest that similar to humans51,52, horses can carry disease-causing mutations without having the associated disease. These mutation(s) then warrant further investigation into their mechanism in horses, such as, could there be other ‘protective’ mutations that compensate for the predicted damage caused by the mutation? The mechanism(s) that lead to mutation tolerance is an important area for future investigation in all species51.
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33. Zhu, M. & Zhao, S. Candidate gene identification approach: progress and challenges. Int. J. Biol. Sci. 3, 420–427 (2007).
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36. Biesecker, L. G. & Green, R. C. Diagnostic Clinical Genome and Exome Sequencing. N. Engl. J. Med. (2014). doi:10.1056/NEJMra1312543
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47. Equibase. 48. Verheyen, T. et al. Electrocardiography in horses - part 1: how to make a good recording. Vlaams
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Science 335, 823–828 (2012).
Proposal Budget
Category Year 1 Year 2 Total
Personnel: 1. Principal investigator Molly McCue 2. Co-investigator #1 Jim Mickelson 3. Co-investigator #2 Sian Durward-Akhurst 4. Student TBD
Salary ($15/hour) Total Salaries & Wages
$0 $0 $0 $6,000 $6,000
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0
$0 $0 $0 $6,000 $6,000
Supplies, Equipment, Travel & Other Expenses: 1. Sample collection supplies 2. Shipping of samples 3. Sample processing and DNA isolation 4. Pico green quantification 5. DNA normalization 6. Quality control after plate normalization 7. iPLEX design and validation 8. iPLEX genotyping 9. Publication costs 10. Televet
Total Supplies, Equipment, Travel & Other Expenses
$1,050 $4,030 $6,000 $1,122 $672 $690 $1,031 $10,845 $0 $2,600 $28,039
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $2,000 $0 $2,000
$1,050 $4,030 $6,000 $1,122 $672 $690 $1,031 $10,845 $0 $2,600 $30,039
Travel expenses:
Total travel expenses
$0
$0
$0
Animal Use & Care: 1. Animal Purchase N/A 2. Animal Per diem N/A
Total Animal Care
$0
$0
$0
Subtotal of All Categories $34,049 $2,000 $36,039
Indirect Costs (no indirect costs per contract) $0 $0 $0
Grand Total Requested from MRC $34,039 $2,000 $36,039
Itemized Budget Justification Personnel Dr. Molly McCue is a veterinarian, board certified in Large Animal Internal Medicine. She is a highly gifted statistical genetic and genetic epidemiology researcher. Dr. McCue has extensive clinical experience in ECG analysis and echocardiography and has broad practical experience in WGS and SNP analysis. As Dr. Akhurst’s mentor she will provide expert advice on all analyses, manuscript, and grant preparation. No salary requested. Dr. Jim Mickelson is a major contributor to the equine genome mapping effort and an expert in the molecular genetic study of neuromuscular disease in horses and dogs. He has considerable experience in genome mapping projects involving molecular markers and sequencing. This includes continual discussions with Drs. Akhurst and McCue, and publication of the data. No salary requested. Dr. Sian Durward-Akhurst is a veterinarian, board certified in Large Animal Internal Medicine. She has training and experience in the pathophysiology of cardiac arrhythmias, ECG analysis, echocardiography, PCR and single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping, and computational and statistical techniques involved in genetic analysis. She is responsible for identifying the putative functional alleles investigated in this proposal during her PhD. Dr. Akhurst will be responsible for objectives 1 and 2 as well as mentoring the undergraduate student in cardiac arrhythmia phenotyping, preparing the manuscript, and presenting the data at conferences. No salary requested. Undergraduate student (TBD). They will be experienced with horse handling, and will help with phenotyping, sample collection, DNA isolation and submission for iPLEX genotyping for 20 hours per week for 20 weeks. 100% salary requested = $6,000 total. Supplies, Equipment, Travel & Other Expenses Disposable laboratory supplies for whole blood from 500 Thoroughbred racehorses including needles, blood collection tubes, etc. (objective 1) and for hair roots from 100 Thoroughbreds with SCD (objective 3). Sample collection supplies $2.00 per horse x 500 horses (objective 1) and $0.50 per horse x 100 horses (objective 3) = $1,050 total. Sample shipping. Hair roots from the 100 SCD cases (objective 3) will be shipped priority mail from the racetracks where they were based (10 x FED-EX envelopes @ $40.30 per envelope) = $4,030 total. Sample processing and DNA isolation. $10.00 per horse for disposable laboratory supplies and reagents x 600 horses = $6,000 total. Pico green quantification of DNA samples for iPLEX assay prior to sample normalization by the University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC): $1.87 per sample X 600 samples = $1,122 total. DNA normalization for iPLEX assay by UMGC: $83.95/96 well plate x 8 plates = $672 total. Quality control after plate normalization. Second step QC of normalized DNA samples prior to iPLEX assay by UMGC: $86.21 per 96 well plate x 8 plates = $690 total. iPLEX design and validation by UMGC: $28.63 per SNP x 36 SNPs = $1,030.68 total. iPLEX genotyping. iPLEX genotyping assuming up to 4 multiplex assays required to successfully genotype all 36 SNPs at 8 x 384 well plate runs (2 plates per multiplex) x $1,356/plate = $10,845 total. Publication costs. The publication(s) from this journal will be submitted to an open access journal to allow the maximum exposure for owners, trainers, and veterinarians impacted by the results. The impact factor of the journal will be determined based on the results = $2,000. Equipment costs. Purchase of a second Televet (Televet 100®, Germany) for ECG phenotyping to increase efficiency of horse phenotyping, enabling collection of 2 horses simultaneously = $2,600.
AGENDA ITEM
6D
1
BREEDERS FUND RULES – April 9, 2020
7869.0100 DEFINITIONS
Subp. 10. “Breeder”. Breeder of a thoroughbred horse means the owner or lessee of the dam at
the time of foaling.
Subp 10a. Breeder Award. “Breeder award” means payment made to the owners or lessees of
record of a mare based on that mare’s registered foal’s purse earnings in any race conducted in North
America.
Subp 10b. Stallion Award. “Stallion award” means payment made to the owners or lessees of
the Minnesota-sire of a Minnesota-bred horse that earns purse money in any race conducted in North
America.
Subp 49a. Purse Supplements. “Purse Supplements” means money that added to the purse of a
race and which is payable to the owner or lessee of a horse who has earned purse money in the race.
7895.0100 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Subp. 2. Registration. To qualify for payment of awards and for entry into restricted races, all
foal certificates must have the Minnesota registration seal affixed upon them or be available for review
through the official registering agency. The seal shall be proof that the requirements of this part have
been met.
Subp. 3. Decisions regarding eligibility for registration. Questions regarding the registration,
eligibility for registration, or breeding of a Minnesota-bred horse shall be decided by the Commission.
An official registering agency may be designated by the commission and empowered to act in matters
relative to registration, eligibility for registration, or breeding. A decision of the official registering
agency shall be subject to review by the commission which retains the right to make the final decision
as to any right or liability under this chapter. All original foal registration certificates must be submitted
for inspection to the Commission or be available for review through the official registering agency or
official registering agency. Affidavits or other substantive proof, as the Commission or official
registering agency deems necessary, may be required to support any claim for Minnesota-bred
registration.
Subp. 4. Decision regarding eligibility to enter restricted races. Questions as to the eligibility
for nomination or entry in restricted races shall be decided by the Commission or the official registering
agency.
7895.0110 THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS' FUND.
Subpart 1. Definitions. For purposes of this part, the following terms have the meanings given
them unless another intention clearly appears is made clear.
A. "Minnesota-foaled" or "Minnesota-bred" or “Minnesota-foaled” means a horse foaled in
Minnesota by a Minnesota registered broodmare registered with the Racing Commission.
B. "Minnesota-sire" means a stallion owned at least 50 percent by residents of Minnesota
2
or leased entirely by Minnesota residents, and which has stood the entire breeding season, between
January 31 and July 31, in Minnesota.
Subp. 3. Distribution of money. The money available from the thoroughbred breeders' fund,
other than purse supplements earned pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 240.135, shall be
distributed as follows:
A. "Breeders' awards" shall be paid to the breeder or lessee of a Minnesota-bred horse, as
reflected on the Jockey Club physical or digital certificate, that finishes third or better earns purse
money in any North American pari-mutuel race. The amount of award shall be a percentage of the
total amount available for all awards. Purse money earned in any North American race which is
conducted outside of Minnesota during the Minnesota thoroughbred racing meeting shall not count
towards qualified earnings. A horse’s earnings in any single race shall not be worth more than the
winner’s share of the largest purse offered during the Minnesota thoroughbred racing meeting.
B. "Stallion awards" shall be paid to the owners or lessees of the Minnesota-sire of a
Minnesota-bred horse that finishes third or better earns purse money in any North American pari-
mutuel race. The amount of award shall be a percentage of the total amount available for all awards.
Purse money earned in any North American race outside of Minnesota during the Minnesota
thoroughbred racing meeting shall not count towards qualified earnings. A horse’s earnings in any
single race shall be not be worth more than the winner’s share of the largest purse offered during the
Minnesota thoroughbred racing meeting.
C. Subp. 4. Methods and time of payment. The amount of money distributed by the
Minnesota Racing Commission for awards or purse supplements pursuant to subpart 3 shall be
paid out according to one of the two following methods as approved by the commission:
A. purse supplements shall be paid out for Minnesota-bred and registered stakes races in
the same percentage as the purse money in the race and shall be paid out in overnight races to
Minnesota-bred and registered horses that finish third or better and all such payments shall be credited to
the owners' accounts at the time the purses are earned; or
B. purse supplements shall be paid out at the same time as breeders' and stallion awards.
These supplements for overnight races shall be paid to owners of Minnesota-bred horses that finish third
or better. Purse supplements earned shall not count towards qualified earnings be included in
determining breeders' or stallion awards.
The amount of money to be distributed in item A or B shall be according to subpart 5.
Subp. 5 4. Adjustments Purse Supplements. The Racing Commission may set fixed amounts for
stakes races and varying percentages for overnight races to be applied to as purse supplements that may
be earned during the current racing meeting. Purse supplements shall be paid out for Minnesota-bred
and registered horses participating in stakes races, in the same percentage as the purse money in the
race. The Racing Commission may, in its discretion during the course of a racing meeting vary the
percentages set for the purpose of keeping purse supplements consistent with the amount of money
being earned in the breeders' fund. The Racing Commission shall consider the following criteria in
determining the applicable percentages:
A. the total amount of purse supplements to be distributed;
3
B. the need to distribute purse supplements in a fair and equitable manner with a view
toward encouraging the continued support of the horse industry in Minnesota, thereby providing
incentive to breeders and owners of thoroughbred horses within the state; and
C. that the set amount of the purse supplements or any adjustments made thereto are in the
best interest of horse racing within the state.
Subp. 6 5. Time of payment. All money allocated for breeders' awards, and stallion awards, and
those purse supplements to be distributed according to subpart 4 3, item B, shall be distributed within
by December 31 of the year earned. 45 days of the end of the thoroughbred race meeting. If all results
are not official 60 days following the end of the Minnesota thoroughbred racing meeting, the Racing
Commission will calculate awards based on results which are official. Any results not made official
60 days following the end of the Minnesota thoroughbred racing meeting which are eligible for
awards will be used to calculate awards to be distributed during the year of final decision.
For the purposes of breeders’ awards and stallion awards, both available award monies and qualified
purse earnings, shall be totaled annually from October 1 – September 30.
7895.0125 THOROUGHBRED REGISTRATION.
Subpart 1. Broodmare registration. To be eligible to receive any breeders' award payments,
and to make a mare's foal eligible for restricted races, the following requirements must be met:
A. Prior to foaling, a broodmare must be in Minnesota and registered or the registration
renewed with the Racing Commission or official registering agency on or before March 15 of the year
in which the broodmare will foal and must remain in Minnesota until foaling. A copy of the
broodmare's original jJockey cClub physical or digital certificate must be received by the Racing
Commission or official registering agency.
B. In the event an unregistered a broodmare that is not registered with the Racing Commission should
foal in Minnesota before March 15, the owner must submit a sworn affidavit to the Racing Commission
or the official registering agency attesting that the foal was born in Minnesota. The affidavit will be
considered evidence that the foal is a Minnesota-bred or Minnesota-foaled horse and the owner of the
broodmare or his or her agent must register the broodmare in accordance with item A. The attending
veterinarian, licensed by the state of Minnesota, must certify on information and belief that the
information provided from by the owner or agent is true and correct.
C. Late fees for late broodmare registration will be imposed as follows:
(1) A late fee of $50 will be imposed for broodmare registrations received March
16 to April 14 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the foaling year.
(2) A late fee of $100 will be imposed for broodmare registrations received April
15 to June 13 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the foaling year.
D. Failure to submit broodmare registration forms on or before June 13 of the foaling year
(excluding Saturday and Sunday) will require a late fee of $300 to qualify for any subsequent claims
4
for breeders' award payments or for the foal to be registered as Minnesota-bred.
E. The Commission may, at its discretion, request written documentation from any
persons seeking late registration that the broodmare was standing in Minnesota as of March 15 of the
foaling year.
Subp. 2. Stallion registration. To be eligible to receive any stallion award payments, the
following requirements must be met:
A. Stallions must be in Minnesota and registered or the registration renewed with the
Racing Commission or official registering agency by January 31 of the current breeding year. A copy of
the stallion's original physical or digital jJockey cClub certificate must be received by the Racing
Commission or official registering agency. If the stallion is leased, a copy of the lease must accompany
the registration application. The lease must include a statement that the lessee is authorized to sign the
breeding certificate.
B. Stallions must remain in Minnesota for the entire breeding season from January31to
July 31.A newly acquired stallion which has not been in Minnesota for breeding
purposes before January 31of the current breeding season may be eligible for stallion
awards if the stallion has been properly registered with the Commission prior to
servicing any mare and the stallion has not serviced any mare after December 31 of the
preceding year.
C. Late fees for late stallion registration will be imposed as follows:
(1) A late fee of $50 will be imposed for stallion registrations received February 1
to March 1 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the breeding year.
(2) A late fee of $100 will be imposed for stallion registrations received March 2 to
May 1 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the breeding year.
D. Failure to submit stallion registration forms on or before December 31 of the breeding
year (excluding Saturday and Sunday) will require a late fee of $300 to qualify for any subsequent
claims for stallion award payments.
Subp. 3. Foal registration and certification. For a horse foaled by a Minnesota registered
broodmare in Minnesota to be registered and subsequently certified as a Minnesota-bred, the following
requirements must be met:
A. Within 30 21 days of the date a horse is foaled in Minnesota, the foal must be registered
with the Racing Commission or official registering agency. The registration form must contain the
following information: the date, the name of the owner or lessee of the foaling dam registered
broodmare, the jockey club registration number of the foaling broodmare registered name of the
broodmare, the date that the foal was born, an owner's statement that the foal was born in Minnesota, and
the name, signature, and veterinary license number of the Minnesota-licensed veterinarian submitting
the report. Failure to submit the veterinarian's report will disqualify any subsequent claim to register
the foal as Minnesota-bred.
B. Late fees for late foal registration will be imposed as follows:
(1) A late fee of $50 will be imposed for foal registrations received up to 30 22-60
days late after foaling (excluding Saturday and Sunday).
(2) A late fee of $100 will be imposed for foal registrations received 31 61 to 90 days
5
late after foaling (excluding Saturday and Sunday).
C. Failure to submit foal registration forms on or before 120 91 days of the date of foaling
will require a late fee of $300 to qualify for any subsequent claims to enter the horse in a restricted
race or to earn any breeders' fund payments.
D. The original foal certificate must be embossed verified by the Racing Commission or
official registering agency prior to entry into any restricted race.
E. Failure to have foal certificate embossed verified through the official breed registry
shall disqualify any claim to enter the horse in a restricted race or to earn any breeders' fund
payments.
7895.0275 STANDARDBRED REGISTRATION.
Subpart 1. Stallion registration. To be eligible to participate in the standardbred breeders' fund
program, the following requirements must be met:
A. Stallions must be in Minnesota and registered or the registration renewed with the
Racing Commission or official registering agency by January 31 of the current breeding year. The
stallion's original United States Trotting Association (USTA) certificate must be received available for
review through the official registering agency by the Racing Commission or official registering agency.
If the stallion is leased, a copy of the lease must accompany the registration application or renewal. The
lease agreement must contain a statement that the lessee is authorized to sign the breeding certificate.
B. Stallions must remain in Minnesota for the entire breeding season from January 31 to July 31
unless:
1. the commission is notified in writing by certified mail or email; and
2. the stallion is leaving Minnesota for racing purposes, medical purposes, show
purposes, or is sold privately or through public auction through public auction or
sold privately. A stallion may not breed any mares while outside Minnesota. A
newly acquired stallion which has not been in Minnesota for breeding purposes
before January 31 of the current breeding season may be eligible for stallion
awards if the stallion has been properly registered with the commission prior to
servicing any mare and the stallion has not serviced any mare after December 31
of the preceding year.
C. A newly acquired stallion which has not been in Minnesota for breeding purposes before
January 31 of the current breeding season may be eligible for stallion awards if the stallion has been
properly registered with the commission prior to servicing any mare and the stallion has not serviced
any mare after December 31 of the preceding year.
C D. Late fees for late stallion registration will be imposed as follows:
Late fees for late stallion registration will be imposed as follows:
(1) A late fee of $50 will be imposed for stallion registrations received February 1
to March 1 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the breeding year.
(2) A late fee of $100 will be imposed for stallion registrations received March 2 to
6
May 1 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the breeding year.
D. E. Failure to submit stallion registration forms on or before after May 1 of the breeding year
(excluding Saturday and Sunday) will require a late fee of $300 to qualify for any subsequent claims for
stallion award payments.
E F. The commission may, at its discretion, request written documentation from any persons
seeking late registration that the stallion was standing in Minnesota as of January 31 of the
breeding year.
Subp. 2. Foal certification. In order for a horse bred in Minnesota to be registered and
subsequently certified as Minnesota-bred, the requirements in items A to C must be met.
A. The USTA certificate of registration must be available for review through the official
registering agency prior to entry into any restricted race.
B. Failure to have the foal registered with the Racing Commission by December 31 August
31 of the year of its birth will require a late fee to qualify for any subsequent claims to enter the horse
in a restricted race or to earn any breeders' fund payments.
C. Late fees for foal registration will be imposed as follows:
(1) $50 will be imposed for foal registrations received after August 31 January 1 to
January 30 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the year of foaling after the foaling year.
(2) $100 will be imposed for foal registrations received after January 1 January 31 to
March 31 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the year after the foaling year.
(3) $300 will be imposed for foal registrations received any time after the horses’
two-year-old year after March 31 of the year after the foaling year (excluding Saturday and Sunday)
7895.0300 QUARTER HORSE BREEDERS' FUND.
Subpart 1. Definitions. For purposes of this part, the following terms have the meanings given
them unless another intention clearly appears:
A. "Artificial insemination" means the introduction of semen, either fresh, cooled, or
frozen, into the vagina or uterus of the mare without sexual contact.
B. "Breeder" means the owner or lessee of the dam at the time of conception broodmare
registered with the Racing Commission.
C. "Broodmare" means either a recipient mare, or a mare in foal by natural cover or
artificial insemination.
D. "Donor mare" means the genetic dam of the embryo, oocyte, or fertilized egg, but not
the mare carrying the foal.
E. "Embryo" means an egg that has been fertilized by sperm and undergone one or
more divisions.
F. "Embryo transfer" means the transfer of an embryo from a donor horse mare into the
uterus of a recipient mare for the duration of the pregnancy.
7
G. "Fertilized egg" means intercytoplasmic sperm injection and conventional in vitro
fertilization. The fertilized egg is generally transferred to the uterus of a recipient mare.
H. "Minnesota-bred" shall be defined in three different and distinct categories:
(1) "Minnesota-bred sired and foaled" means a horse that is:
(a) sired by a registered Minnesota-sire who stood his entire breeding season
in Minnesota; and
(b) Minnesota-foaled.
(2) "Minnesota-bred foaled" means a Minnesota-foaled horse.
(3) "Minnesota-bred sired" means a Minnesota-sired horse.
H. “Minnesota-bred” or "Minnesota-foaled" means a horse foaled in Minnesota by a
broodmare, and registered with the Racing Commission.
I. "Minnesota-sire" means a stallion owned at least 50 percent by residents of Minnesota
or leased entirely by Minnesota residents, and which has stood the entire breeding season, from January
31 through July 31, in Minnesota and is registered with the Racing Commission.
J. "Minnesota-sired" or “Minnesota-sire” means a horse sired produced by a
stallion registered Minnesota-sire and registered with the Racing Commission. Horses can be sired by
natural cover, artificial insemination, or by transfer of an embryo, oocyte, or fertilized egg.
K. "Natural cover" means natural breeding occurring between a mare and stallion.
L. "Recipient mare" means a mare carrying a foal by means of transfer of an embryo,
oocyte, or fertilized egg from a donor mare. The recipient mare must be identified on a copy of the
donor mare's original papers as required by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and
registered with the Racing Commission.
Subp. 2. Division of money. The money available from the breeders' fund for the quarter horse
category shall be divided as follows:
A. 80 percent shall be set aside and paid as awards to the owner or lessees of the broodmare
at the time of foaling of Minnesota-bred sired and foaled, Minnesota-bred sired, and Minnesota-bred
foaled horses; and
B. 20 percent shall be set aside and paid as stallion awards to the owners or lessees of the
Minnesota-sire of Minnesota-bred sired horses at the time of breeding.
Subp. 3. Distribution of money. The award money available from the quarter horse breeders'
fund shall be distributed as follows:
A. "Breeders’ Awards" shall be paid to the owner of the broodmare breeder at the time of
foaling of a Minnesota-bred sired and foaled horse, a Minnesota-bred foaled horse, or a Minnesota-
bred sired horse as registered with the Minnesota Racing Commission, that earns purse money in any
North American pari-mutuel race. The amount of award shall be a percentage of the total amount
available for all awards. Purse money earned in any North American race which is conducted outside
of Minnesota during the Minnesota quarter horse live racing meeting shall not count towards qualified
earnings. A horse’s earnings in any single race shall be not be worth more than the winner’s share of
the largest purse offered during the Minnesota quarter horse racing meeting. An award equal to 80
8
percent of the purse supplement paid in open company races to the owner of a Minnesota-bred sired
and foaled horse will be paid to the owner of the broodmare at the time of foaling of the Minnesota-
bred sired and foaled horse at the time Breeders' Awards are paid. This award will be paid from the
Breeders' Award pool first and then the remaining money will be divided according to subpart 4.
B. "Stallion awards" shall be paid to the stallion owner or recorded lessee (at the time of
breeding) of a Minnesota-bred and sired and foaled horse or a Minnesota-bred sired horse that earns
purse money in any North American pari-mutuel race. The amount of award shall be a percentage of
the total amount available for all awards. Purse money earned in any North American race which is
conducted outside of Minnesota during the Minnesota quarter horse racing meeting shall not count
towards qualified earnings. A horse’s earnings in any single race shall be not be worth more than the
winner’s share of the largest purse offered during the Minnesota thoroughbred racing meeting. An
award equal to 20 percent of the purse supplement paid in open company races to the owner of a
Minnesota-bred sired and foaled horse will be paid to the stallion owner of the Minnesota-bred sired
and foaled horse at the time stallion awards are paid. This award will be paid from the stallion award
pool first and then the remaining money will be divided according to subpart 4.
C. Subp. 4. Methods of payment. The amount of money distributed by the commission for
awards or purse supplements pursuant to subpart 3, other than the matching purse supplement awards
described in subpart 3, shall be paid out for stakes or handicap races in the same percentage as the
purse money in the race and shall be paid out in open overnight races and restricted overnight races to
Minnesota-bred horses that finish fifth or better. However, the commission may, prior to the beginning
of each race meet, establish the maximum amount of earnings per race for a single horse that may be
used in calculation of the breeders' fund awards. (For example: if the maximum amount of earnings per
race per horse is set at $10,000, then in the event a horse earns any amount over $10,000 in one race,
the breeders' fund awards will be calculated based on $10,000 earnings for that race.) The amount of
money to be distributed shall be in accordance with subpart 5. Purse supplements earned shall not count
towards qualified earnings be included in determining breeders' or stallion awards.
Subp. 5 4. Adjustments Awards and Purse Supplements. The Racing Commission shall set
percentages to be applied to each category of the breeders' fund for the purpose of determining the amount
of awards as defined in subp.2 and purse supplements that may be earned during the current racing
meeting. The Racing Commission may, in its discretion, during the course of a race meeting vary the
percentages set in each category for the purpose of keeping awards and purse supplements consistent
with the amount of money being earned in the breeders' fund and subsequent award disbursements. The
Racing Commission shall consider the following criteria in determining the applicable percentages:
A. the number of potential award recipients;
B. the total amount of awards and purse supplements to be distributed;
C. the need to distribute awards and purse supplements among Minnesota breeders and
owners in a fair and equitable manner with a view toward encouraging the continued support of the
horse industry in Minnesota, thereby providing incentive to breeders and owners of quarter horses
within the state; and
D. that the set amount of the awards and purse supplements or any adjustments made
thereto are in the best interest of horse racing within the state.
Subp. 6 5. Time of payment. Purse supplements are part of the purse and shall be credited to
9
owners' accounts at the time the purses are earned. All money allocated for breeders' awards, owners'
awards, and stallion awards shall be distributed within by December 31 of the year earned. 45 days of
the end of the quarterhorse race meeting. If all results are not official 60 days following the end of the
Minnesota quarter horse racing meeting, the Racing Commission will calculate awards based on
results which are official. Any results not made official 60 days following the end of the Minnesota
quarter horse racing meeting which are eligible for awards will be used to calculate awards to be
distributed during the year of final decision.
For the purposes of breeders’ awards and stallion awards, both available award monies and qualified
purse earnings shall be totaled annually from October 1 – September 30.
7895.0350 QUARTER HORSE REGISTRATION.
Subpart 1. Broodmare registration, Minnesota-bred sired and foaled. To be eligible to
receive any breeders’ award payments and to make a mare's foal eligible for restricted races, the
following requirements must be met:
A. Prior to foaling, a broodmare must be in Minnesota and registered or the registration
renewed with the Racing Commission or official registering agency on or before January 31 March 15
of the year in which the broodmare will foal and must remain in Minnesota until foaling. A copy of the
broodmare's original American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) certificate or digital equivalent (or
Jockey Club certificate in the case of a thoroughbred mare in foal to a Minnesota-sire registered in the
Permanent Registry of the American Quarter Horse stallion Association) must be received by the
Racing Commission or official registering agency. The broodmare must be in foal to a Minnesota
registered stallion which means a stallion owned at least 50 percent by residents of Minnesota or leased
entirely by Minnesota residents, and which has stood the entire breeding season from January 31 to
July 31 in Minnesota. In the event the broodmare is a recipient mare, the broodmare must be registered
via a form provided by the Racing Commission.
B. In the event a broodmare that is not registered with the Racing Commission should foal
in Minnesota before January 31 March 15, the owner or lessee must submit a sworn affidavit to the
Racing Commission or the official registering agency attesting that the foal was sired and born in
Minnesota. The affidavit will be considered evidence that the foal is a Minnesota-bred sired and foaled
horse and the owner of the broodmare or his or her agent must register the broodmare in accordance
with item A. The attending veterinarian, licensed by the state of Minnesota, must certify on information
and belief that the information provided by the owner, lessee, or agent is true and correct.
C. In the event that a broodmare is in foal to a Minnesota-bred sire by means of artificial
insemination or transfer of an embryo, oocyte, or fertilized egg the broodmare must be in Minnesota
prior to foaling. The recipient mare must be identified on the registration form of the donor mare that
is submitted to the Racing Commission on or before January 31 of the year in which the recipient mare
will foal. If there are multiple foals from each mare/stallion combination, only one of these foals from
each breeding season may be registered as Minnesota-bred. The breeder retains the right to decide
which foal is Minnesota-bred if this event occurs. The registration must be made according to subpart
3 or 4.
10
Subp. 1a. Broodmare registration, Minnesota-bred foaled. To make a mare's foal eligible for
restricted races and awards, the following requirements must be met:
A. If a mare is in foal to a stallion other than a Minnesota-sire, prior to foaling, a
broodmare must be in Minnesota and registered or the registration renewed with the Racing
Commission or official registering agency on or before January 31 of the year in which the broodmare
will foal and must remain in Minnesota until foaling. The broodmare's original American Quarter
Horse Association certificate (or Jockey Club certificate in the case of a thoroughbred mare in foal to
a stallion registered in the Permanent Registry of the American Quarter Horse Association) must be
received by the Racing Commission or official registering agency.
B. In the event a broodmare that is not registered with the Racing Commission should foal
in Minnesota before January 31, the owner or lessee must submit a sworn affidavit to the Racing
Commission or the official registering agency attesting that the foal was born in Minnesota. The affidavit
will be considered evidence that the foal is a Minnesota-foaled horse and the owner of the broodmare
or his or her agent must register the broodmare in accordance with item A. The attending veterinarian,
licensed by the state of Minnesota, must certify on information and belief that the information provided
by the owner, lessee, or agent is true and correct.
C. The mare or the recipient mare must be in Minnesota on or before January 31 prior to
foaling. The recipient mare must be identified on the registration form of the donor mare that is
submitted to the Racing Commission on or before January 31 of the year in which the recipient mare
will foal. If there are multiple foals from each mare/stallion combination, only one of these foals from
each breeding season may be registered as Minnesota-bred. The breeder retains the right to decide
which foal is Minnesota-bred registered if this event occurs. The registration must be made according
to subpart 3 or 4. This rule will be retroactive to the 2013 foaling season and registrations.
Subp. 1b. Broodmare registration, Minnesota-bred sired. To make a mare's foal eligible for
Minnesota-bred restricted races and eligible for awards, the following requirements must be met:
A. If a mare is not expected to foal in the state of Minnesota, she must be in foal to a
Minnesota-sire that is properly registered with the Racing Commission in the year of breeding. Prior
to foaling, mares in foal to Minnesota-sires, but not foaling in Minnesota, must be registered or the
registration renewed with the Racing Commission or official registering agency on or before January
31 of the year in which the broodmare will foal. The broodmare's original American Quarter Horse
Association certificate (or Jockey Club Certificate in the case of a thoroughbred mare in foal to a
Minnesota-sire registered in the permanent registry of the American Quarter Horse Association) must
be received by the Racing Commission or official registering agency
B. In the event a broodmare that is not registered with the Racing Commission should foal
before January 31, the owner or lessee must submit a sworn affidavit attesting to the date the foal was
born and the state in which it was foaled. The affidavit will be considered evidence that the foal is a
Minnesota-sired horse and the owner of the broodmare or his or her agent must register the broodmare
in accordance with item A. The attending veterinarian must certify on information and belief that the
information provided by the owner, lessee, or agent is true and correct.
Subp. 1c a. Fines Fees.
A. Fines Fees for all late broodmare registrations will be imposed as follows:
(1) A fine fee of $50 will be imposed for broodmare registrations received
11
February 1 to March 1 March 16 to April 14 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the foaling year.
(2) A fine fee of $100 will be imposed for broodmare registrations received March 2
to May 1 April 15 to December 31 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the foaling year.
B. Failure to submit broodmare registration forms on or before May 1 January 1 of the
foaling year after foaling (excluding Saturday and Sunday) will require payment of a fine fee of $300
to qualify for any subsequent claims for breeders' award payments or for the foal to be registered as a
Minnesota-bred sired and foaled horse, Minnesota-bred foaled horse, or Minnesota-bred sired horse.
C. The Commission may, at its discretion, request written documentation from any
persons seeking late registration that the broodmare was standing in Minnesota as of January 31 March
15 of the foaling year, in the case of Minnesota-bred sired and foaled horses or Minnesota-bred foaled
horses.
Subp. 2. Stallion registration. To be eligible to receive any stallion award payments, the
following requirements must be met:
A. Stallions must be in Minnesota and registered or the initial registration renewed with
the Racing Commission or official registering agency by January 31 of the current breeding year. A
copy of the stallion's original American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) certificate or digital
equivalent must be received by the Racing Commission or official registering agency. If the stallion is
leased, a copy of the lease must accompany the registration application. The lease must include a
statement that the lessee is authorized to sign the breeding certificate.
B. Stallions must remain in Minnesota for the entire breeding season from January 31
through July 31, unless the Commission is notified in writing by certified mail or email in the event a
stallion shall leave Minnesota for racing purposes, medical purposes, show purposes, or is sold
privately or through public auction through public auction or sold privately. A stallion may not breed
any mares while in another state.
A newly acquired stallion which has not been in Minnesota for breeding purposes before January
31 of the current breeding season may be eligible for stallion awards if the stallion has been properly
registered with the Minnesota Racing Commission prior to servicing any mare and the stallion has not
serviced any mare after December 31 of the preceding year.
C. Late fees for late stallion registration will be imposed as follows:
(1) A late fee of $50 will be imposed for stallion registrations received February 1
to March 1 April 15 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the breeding year.
(2) A late fee of $100 will be imposed for stallion registrations received March 2 to
May 1 April 16 to December 31 (excluding Saturday and Sunday) of the breeding year.
D. Failure to submit stallion registration forms on or before May 1 January 1 of the foaling
breeding year (excluding Saturday and Sunday) will require payment of a fine fee of $300 to qualify
for any subsequent claims for stallion award payments.
E. The Commission may, at its discretion, request written documentation from any
persons seeking late registration that the stallion was standing in Minnesota as of January 31 of the
breeding year.
Subp. 3. Foal registration and certification, Minnesota-bred sired and foaled and
12
Minnesota-bred foaled. For a horse foaled in Minnesota to be registered and subsequently certified
as a Minnesota-bred sired Minnesota sired and foaled horse or a Minnesota-bred foaled horse, the
following requirements must be met:
A. Within 30 21 days of the date a horse is foaled in Minnesota, the foal must be registered
with the Racing Commission or official registering agency. The registration must include the following
information: the date, the name of the owner or lessee of the dam at time of conception registered
broodmare, the date that the foal was born, an owner's or lessee's statement that the foal was born in
Minnesota, and the name, signature and veterinary license number of the Minnesota-licensed attending
veterinarian. Failure to submit the veterinarian's report will disqualify any subsequent claim to register
the foal as a Minnesota-bred or Minnesota-foaled horse. If there are multiple foals from each
mare/stallion combination, only one of these foals from each breeding season may be registered as
Minnesota-bred. The breeder retains the right to decide which foal is Minnesota-bred registered if this
event occurs.
B. Late fees for late foal registration will be imposed as follows:
(1) A late fee of $50 will be imposed for foal registrations received up to 30 22 to
60 days after foaling late (excluding Saturday and Sunday).
(2) A late fee of $100 will be imposed for foal registrations received 31 to 90 61 to
90 days late after foaling (excluding Saturday and Sunday).
C. Failure to submit foal registration forms on or before 120 days of the date of foaling
91 days after foaling will require payment of a fine fee of $300 to qualify for any subsequent claims to
enter the horse in a restricted race or to earn any breeders' fund payments.
D. The original foal certificate must be embossed verified by the Racing Commission or
official registering agency prior to entry into starting in any restricted race.
E. Failure to have foal certificate embossed verified shall disqualify any claim to enter the
horse in a restricted race or to earn breeders' fund payments.
Subp. 4. Foal registration and certification, Minnesota-bred sired. For a horse sired by a
Minnesota-sire, but not foaled in Minnesota, to be registered and subsequently certified as a Minnesota-
bred sired horse, the following requirements must be met:
A. Within 30 days of the date a horse is foaled, the foal must be registered with the Racing
Commission or official registering agency. The registration must include the following information: the
date, the name of the owner or lessee of the dam at the time of conception, the date the foal was born, an
owner's or lessee's statement as to which state the foal was born in, and the signature and veterinary
license number of the attending veterinarian. Failure to submit the veterinarian's report will disqualify
any subsequent claim to register the foal as a Minnesota-sired horse. If there are multiple foals from each
mare/stallion combination, only one of these foals from each breeding season may be registered as
Minnesota-bred. The breeder retains the right to decide which foal is Minnesota-bred registered if this
event occurs.
B. Fines for late foal registration will be imposed as follows:
(1) A fine of $50 will be imposed for foal registrations received up to 30 days late
(excluding Saturday and Sunday).
13
(2) A fine of $100 will be imposed for foal registrations received 31 to 90 days late
(excluding Saturday and Sunday).
C. Failure to submit foal registration forms on or before 120 days of the date of foaling
will require payment of a fine of $300 to qualify for any subsequent claims to enter the horse in a
restricted race or to earn any breeders' fund payments.
D. The original foal certificate must be embossed by the Racing Commission or official
registering agency prior to entry into any restricted race.
E. Failure to have foal certificate embossed shall disqualify any claim to enter the horse
in a restricted race or to earn breeders' fund payments.
14
AGENDA ITEM
7B
Business Segment March Year-to-Date March Year-to-Date March Year-to-Date Segment
Table Games $1,023,740 $5,419,941 $2,184,592 $5,542,446 -53.14% -2.21% Table Games
Poker $372,507 $2,141,232 $868,702 $2,357,518 -57.12% -9.17% Poker
Total Card Casino Revenue $1,396,247 $7,561,173 $3,053,294 $7,899,964 -54.27% -4.29% Total CC
Jackpot Balances $571,218 25% MVP Balance $204,719 $57,712
CPE Minimum Player Pool Balance 3/31/20 $833,649
Jackpot Balances $571,218 $1,385,083
CPE Maximum Player Pool Balance 3/31/20 $1,956,301
CPE Actual Player Pool Balance as of 3/31/20 $982,383
Business Segment March Year-to-Date March Year-to-Date March Year-to-Date Segment
Live Handle $0 $0 $0 $0 N/A N/A Live Handle
Simulcast Handle $1,100,273 $4,921,142 $2,097,687 $5,880,012 -47.55% -16.31% Simulcast
Total On-Track PM Handle $1,100,273 $4,921,142 $2,097,687 $5,880,012 -47.55% -16.31% Total On-Track
Out-of-State Handle $0 $0 $0 $0 N/A N/A Out-of-State
3/1/2020 $1,250,792.32 3/1/2020 $132,900.95
$0.00 $0.00
CPE Simulcast Purse Earnings (82% During Mixed Meet) $56,778.53 $2,194.93
Running Aces Simulcast Purse Earnings $10,270.17 $140.60
Card Casino Purse Earnings (91%) $160,093.62 $15,833.43
Out-of-State Host Fee Purse Earnings $0.00 $0.00
ADW Purse Earnings from Prior Month (67% of 82%) $25,078.55 $4,108.24
Interest Earned (Service Charges) $234.87 Interest Earned (Service Charges) $0.00
(Minnesota HBPA Admin Fees Paid) ($35,000.00) $0.00
(Thoroughbred Purse Transfers) $0.00 $0.00
3/31/2020 $1,468,248.06 3/31/2020 $155,178.15
3/31/2019 $2,365,392.95 3/31/2020 $306,089.11
($897,144.89) ($150,910.96)
3/1/2020 $641,618.43 3/1/2020 $272,168.46
$189.39 $23.41
$0.00 $0.00
3/31/2020 $641,807.82 3/31/2020 $272,191.87
3/31/2019 $2,614,370.94 3/31/2019 $344,623.70
($1,972,563.12) ($72,431.83)
Summary of Canterbury Park Card Casino Operations
% Comparison2020 2019
2020 2019 % Comparison
Beginning CPE TB Purse Balance Beginning CPE QH Purse Balance
Live Racing Purse Earnings Live Racing Purse Earnings
Canterbury Park - March 2020
Minnesota Racing Commission Status Report
Summary of Canterbury Park Player Pool
Summary of Canterbury Park Pari-Mutuel Operations
CPE Actual Player Pool Balance
CPE Minimum Player Pool Balance .25% Trailing TG Revenue
CPE Maximum Player Pool Balance 6% Trailing TG Revenue
SMSC TB Purse Balance Difference 2020 vs 2019
Ending SMSC QH Purse Balance
SMSC QH Purse Balance Difference 2020 vs 2019
Ending SMSC TB Purse Balance
SMSC Contributions & Interest Earnings (11%)
SMSC Quarter Horse Purses Paid
Ending SMSC QH Purse Balance
SMSC Contributions & Interest Earnings (89%)
SMSC Thoroughbred Purses Paid
Ending SMSC TB Purse Balance
Beginning SMSC QH Purse Balance
Ending CPE QH Purse Balance
CPE QH Purse Balance Difference 2020 vs 2019
Summary of Canterbury Park & SMSC Purse Accounts
Beginning SMSC TB Purse Balance
CPE Simulcast Purse Earnings (18% During Mixed Meet)
Running Aces Simulcast Purse Earnings
Card Casino Purse Earnings (9%)
Out-of-State Host Fee Purse Earnings
Ending CPE TB Purse Balance
CPE TB Purse Balance Difference 2020 vs 2019
ADW Purse Earnings from Prior Month (50% of 18%)
(MN Quarter Horse Racing Association Admin Fees Paid)
(Quarter Horse Purse Transfers)
Ending CPE TB Purse Balance Ending CPE QH Purse Balance
CANTERBURY PARK - CPE
Card Casino Revenue - Trend
YTD
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
Actual - 2019 2,579,696 2,266,974 3,053,294 2,936,958 3,132,286 2,821,761 2,979,571 2,888,090 2,692,274 3,069,283 2,896,583 3,089,426 7,899,964
Actual - 2020 2,992,752 3,172,174 1,396,246 7,561,172
1,390,000
1,490,000
1,590,000
1,690,000
1,790,000
1,890,000
1,990,000
2,090,000
2,190,000
2,290,000
2,390,000
2,490,000
2,590,000
2,690,000
2,790,000
2,890,000
2,990,000
3,090,000
3,190,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Month
CARD CASINO REVENUES
Actual 2019 Actual 2020
CANTERBURY PARK - CPE
Pari-Mutuel Revenue - Trend
YTD
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
Actual - 2019 459,020 513,260 518,529 502,265 1,331,695 1,374,116 1,176,584 1,519,150 883,107 444,188 675,662 470,868 1,490,809
Actual - 2020 441,696 528,791 333,871 1,304,358
330,000
430,000
530,000
630,000
730,000
830,000
930,000
1,030,000
1,130,000
1,230,000
1,330,000
1,430,000
1,530,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Month
PARI - MUTUEL REVENUES
Actual 2019 Actual 2020
AGENDA ITEM
8
Intra-articular injections: 7-day stand down period
Corticosteroids: Prohibition on Stacking
On March 28, 2020 new rules involving corticosteroids were adopted by the Minnesota Racing
Commission. Specifically, MRC 7890.0110, subpart 5:
1. Requires a 7-day stand-down period following an intra-articular injection, and
2. Prohibits stacking of corticosteroids (the presence of more than one corticosteroid in a horse’s post-
race sample).
Seven Day Stand-down period:
This means that no intra-articular corticosteroid may be administered within 7 days of the race in which
the horse is entered. Thresholds for intra-articular injection of the four corticosteroids listed in the MRC
version of the ARCI Controlled Therapeutic medication schedule 2020 remain the same. It is suggested
that you choose wisely from this list. Please note that dexamethasone, prednisolone and fluticasone are
not FDA approved for intra-articular use.
Prohibition of Stacking:
This means that you cannot have any corticosteroid other than one of the four provided in the MRC
version of the ARCI Controlled Therapeutic medication schedule in a concentration below the provided
threshold in official timed workout or post-race testing. No other corticosteroids may be present in the
serum or urine.
Thresholds for oral or intravenous use of dexamethasone and prednisolone have been suspended so their
presence in either the serum or urine constitutes a violation under MRC rules. Should one of these need
to be administered, the following minimum withdrawal intervals are suggested:
Dexamethasone 120 hours (5 days)
Prednisolone 48 hours
This withdrawal guidance is based on the European Horseracing Scientific Liaison’s Detection Times
determined from administration studies.
https://www.ehslc.com/images/uploads/documents/EHSLC_DETECTION_TIMES_(updated_June_2019)
.pdf Note that Detection Times specifically relate to a single dose and route of administration. The use of
alternative doses, routes of administration, and dosing frequency can affect detection times, and may
warrant a withdrawal interval longer than the published Detection Time.
WARNING: This information herein does not constitute nor is it a guarantee, warranty, or assurance that
the use of any of the therapeutic medications at the dosage and withdrawal times, detection times or
guidance will not result in a positive post-race or official timed workout test. Use of this document and
its information does not lessen or relieve any trainer’s responsibility for affirming that, during a horse race
or official timed workout, a horse is free of any therapeutic medication listed in the MRC rules and for
complying with provisions of the MRC regulations.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Advisory
Except for phenylbutazone, flunixin, and ketoprofen, only one of which may be administered 48 hours prior to the race time or an official timed workout, there are no authorized thresholds for any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) will be screening both blood and urine for the presence of all NSAID drugs. The presence of one of the three NSAIDs over the blood threshold or more than one NSAID drug in the blood and urine is a violation of MRC rule 7890.0110, subpart 5.
Phenylbutazone (bute):
Threshold: The current threshold is 0.3 mcg/mL serum Important Dosage Information: If using phenylbutazone, 2 grams in the average size horse administered intravenously (IV) at a 48-54-hour withdrawal time should avoid a violation. The use of oral phenylbutazone is not recommended, however, 54 to 60-hour withdrawal time may be effective.
If using phenylbutazone as your pre-race or official timed workout NSAID, it is advised that you not administer flunixin within 6 days (144 hours) or ketoprofen within 4 days (96 hours).
Flunixin (Banamine):
Threshold: The current threshold is 5 ng/mL serum Important Dosage Information: If using flunixin, 500mg in the average size horse administered IV at a 48-54-hour withdrawal time should avoid a violation. Smaller doses are recommended in lesser weight horses. The use of oral administration is not recommended as the detection time is extended. If using flunixin as your pre-race or official timed workout NSAID, it is advised that you not administer phenylbutazone within 7 days (168 hours) or ketoprofen within 4 days (96 hours). Ketoprofen (Ketofen): Threshold: The current threshold is 2 ng/mL serum Important Dosage Information: If using ketoprofen, (1 gram) in the average size horse administered IV at a 48-hour withdrawal time should avoid a violation. There is no oral FDA approved product available. If using ketoprofen as your pre-race or official timed workout NSAID, it is advised that you not administer phenylbutazone with 7 days (168 hours) or flunixin within 6 days (144 hours). There are no thresholds for diclofenac (Surpass), firocoxib, or other NSAIDs. WARNING: This information herein does not constitute nor is it a guarantee, warranty, or assurance that the use of any of the therapeutic medications at the dosage and withdrawal times, detection times or guidance will not result in a positive post-race or official timed workout test. Use of this document and its information does not lessen or relieve any trainer’s responsibility for affirming that, during a horse race or official timed workout, a horse is free of any therapeutic medication listed in the MRC rules and for complying with provisions of the MRC regulations.
4/7/2020
Trainer Treatment Advisory
The Minnesota Racing Commission recently modified MRC rule 7877.0170 - Duties and Responsibilities
of Class C Licensees, subpart 2. Trainers. These new rules became effective March 28, 2020. The full
rule is available for review on the MRC website. It is recommended that you review the rule for a full
understanding of the requirements.
Some of the important trainer information is summarized below:
1. Trainers must keep complete written records of all treatments provided to each horse in their care.
Entries into the record must be made within 48 hours of administration.
2. Treatment includes the following:
• Any medication or procedure containing a medication given to a horse by a trainer, groom,
owner, or other individual approved by the trainer. For example, this would include poultices
that include DMSO or nitrofurantoin (furacin), inhaled silver solutions, Vicks VapoRub, and
other medications that are not prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Any medication or treatment prescribed by a MRC licensed veterinarian. For example, this
would include oral antibiotics, oral phenylbutazone, and other oral medications prescribed for
a specific horse. It would also include eye ointments and drops, topical creams and
ointments, and other medications prescribed for a specific horse by a veterinarian licensed by
the MRC.
• Finally, it includes any medication or procedures provided by a veterinarian NOT licensed by
the MRC. For example, if you have a prescription for oral phenylbutzone from a veterinarian
in Arizona, you would have to put this in your record. It also means that you will need to
record all treatments and procedures provided by a non-MRC licensed veterinarian on horses
that you have or have taken off the grounds. For instance, X-rays and other medications,
including medication for sedation, should be recorded.
3. Treatment does not include medications administered or procedures performed by your
veterinarian if that veterinarian is licensed by the MRC.
4. The HBPA has developed a logbook with specific information to help you with record keeping.
If you want to use this logbook, please see Mike Cronin for a copy. You may also use a paper or
electronic log of your own choosing if it provides all the information required by this rule. That
information is found in 7877.0170, subpart 2, U (2).
5. You do not have to turn in your medication record to anyone unless the Stewards or Commission
Veterinarian request it or when requested by the Mortality Review Committee.
6. Specific rules to be aware of:
• Ship ins: You, as the trainer, will need to obtain the treatment record from the previous
trainer(s) going back 14 days before the horse came under your care.
• Trainer transfers: When a horse is transferred to a new trainer, treatment records are
transferred as well.
• Claimed horses: The trainer of a horse that was claimed must provide the following
information to the commission veterinarian within 72 hours of the claim:
▪ All medications and treatments administered by the trainer within the 30 days
preceding the race.
▪ All intra-articular injections including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and
antibiotics administered to the horse by a veterinarian within the 30 days preceding
the race.
AGENDA ITEM
9A
Thoroughbred Quarter Horse Standardbred
February-20 $12,352 $4,108 $5,858
January-20 $11,686 $3,887 $5,542
December-19 $10,416 $3,464 $4,775
November-19 $14,024 $4,666 $6,653
October-19 $7,755 $2,579 $3,678
September-19 $7,261 $2,415 $3,444
August-19 $11,930 $3,968 $5,658
July-19 $9,959 $3,312 $4,723
June-19 $11,187 $3,721 $5,306
May-19 $14,528 $4,832 $6,890
April-19 $9,149 $3,043 $4,339
March-19 $10,809 $3,595 $5,126
$-
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
$140,000
Incremental Breeders Awards via ADW
March-19 April-19 May-19 June-19 July-19 August-19
September-19 October-19 November-19 December-19 January-20 February-20
March April May June July AugustSeptemb
erOctober
November
December
January February
Lien Games $8 $5 $20 $4 $4 $3 $9 12 $15 $9 $10 $36
WatchandWager.com LLC $12 $15 $35 $62 $108 $71 $23 $34 $27 $21 $31 $36
eBet Technologies $23 $11 $8 $10 $2 $1 $0.4 $0.5 $3 $0.5 $0.3 $1
NYRA Bets (NewCo Ventures) $102 $71 $122 $124 $150 $272 $162 $133 $214 $98 $160 $182
TVG (ODS Tech) $733 $701 $1,073 $735 $865 $1,435 $617 $717 $873 $612 $670 $840
Xpressbet, LLC $719 $534 $1,122 $1,534 $873 $804 $640 $770 $864 $712 $778 $877
Twinspires.com 1674 1627 $2,727 $1,684 $1,780 $1,680 $1,359 $1,260 $1,612 $1,280 $1,519 $1,552
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
ADW Handle by Minnesota Residents (000)
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020
3/15/2020, 7:44PM
Researchers study irregular horse heartbeats, hoping to find a cure Racehorses are affected more by irregular heartbeats than others.
By NATALIE CIERZAN and NAT JACOBWITH
University of Minnesota researchers are looking at
cardiac conditions in racehorses to point toward a
solution for both horses and humans.
Researchers are examining the effects of irregular
heartbeats in racehorses, which are more frequently
affected than average horses. Many racehorses die
suddenly on the racetrack for unexpected reasons that
may be due to irregular heartbeats, known broadly as
arrhythmias. Researchers said they can examine which
arrhythmias cause disease and which ones are specific
to horses or humans.
“The prevalence in horses is not common, but in
racehorses with poor performances, it’s about 2%,” said
Sian Durward-Akhurst, lead author of the study and a
University graduate student. Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of irregular heartbeat in horses.
The researchers examined the genes of 534 horses and found greater variations of disease in them, she said. Researchers
are analyzing the disease-causing variants identified in both horses and humans.
“It’s something that’s really interesting because why is it causing disease in humans, but not in horses?” Durward-Akhurst
said.
They will test these variants in more horses this summer and aim to produce a research paper by next year. Earlier this
month, the researchers presented their recent findings at the Santa Anita racetrack in Los Angeles, California.
“Atrial fibrillation is the most common abnormal heart rhythm in humans, in cattle, in dogs. It’s actually an interesting
disease because of its impact on multiple species, including us,” said Molly McCue, the principal investigator of the
research and the associate dean of research in the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
The irregular heartbeats of atrial fibrillation are sometimes referred to as a “quivering heart” due to how they affect the
heartbeat’s pace. According to a veterinarian from the Paulick Report, the irregular heartbeat sounds like shoes in a dryer.
Racehorses are bred to have higher functioning cardiovascular systems than other horses, McCue said. Because of this,
racehorses are expected to have a higher capacity for exercise.
“They have this really frequent occurrence of arrhythmia,” she said. “The issue now is to figure out why.” Then
researchers can determine if arrhythmias are contributing to why racehorses are dying on the race track and if they can
prevent it.
James Mickelson, a University professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, has studied the
genetics of diseases in various animals for more than 20 years.
“The condition of atrial fibrillation and heart arrhythmias is very likely responsible for sudden death of horses on race
tracks, just like similar conditions in people, in human athletes, are responsible for sudden fatal deaths as well,” he said.
If researchers can find a new mutation in horse genetics, they can use that to see if the same gene is responsible for any of
the human cases, Mickelson said.
Lynn Hovda, chief commission veterinarian for the Minnesota Racing Commission, said horses don’t have heart attacks
like humans do because of their different cardiovascular systems.
“[Horses] have cardiac rhythm disturbances, most often atrial fibrillation, that may result in sudden death. I say may as we
don’t really know yet,” she said.
NUR B. ADAM Horses walk about their enclosure at the Leatherdale Equine Center near the St. Paul campus on Monday, Feb. 24.