TITLE 16.ECONOMIC REGULATION

Part 8. TEXAS RACING COMMISSION

Chapter 319. VETERINARY PRACTICES AND DRUG TESTING

Subchapter D. DRUG TESTING

3. PROVISIONS FOR HORSES

16 TAC §319.363

The Texas Racing Commission adopts new §319.363, relating to testing for total carbon dioxide without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 11, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 7347) and will not be republished.

The new rule is adopted to prevent the use of bicarbonate-containing or other alkalinizing substances that neutralize lactic acid, which causes fatigue, in a race horse. The use of bicarbonate-containing or other alkalinizing substances can be detected by testing the total carbon dioxide level in the horse's serum. The intent of the use of bicarbonate-containing or other alkalinizing substances is to unlawfully influence the outcome of a race by altering or manipulating the performance of the horse by negating the effect of lactic acid produced, stopping the decrease in pH, and altering the general body metabolism.

The new rule prohibits the administration of any bicarbonate-containing or other alkalinizing substance which causes an excess level of total carbon dioxide at or above 39 millimoles per liter in a race horse serum specimen.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of this new rule.

The new rule is adopted under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02, which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing, §3.07, which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating to laboratory charges for medication or drug testing, and §3.16, which authorizes the Commission to make rules prohibiting the unlawful influence on the outcome of a race and to implement testing programs.

The new rule implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on December 22, 2005.

TRD-200506097

Elizabeth G. Goins

General Counsel

Texas Racing Commission

Effective date: January 11, 2006

Proposal publication date: November 11, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699