BHA amends rule on bisphosphonates

BISPHOSPHONATES are drugs that help prevent or slow down bone thinning (osteoporosis). They are typically adminstered to horses to restore balance in the bone, and for the control of clinical signs associated with navicular syndrome. Tildren is the most commonly known brand name.

The BHA has updated its rules for the administration of bisphosphonates in line with the European Horserace Health Scientific Liason Committee harmonised position. The amended rule, effective immediately, states:

A horse must not have been administered with any bisphosphonate:

  • Before it is aged four years (as of January 1st of the horse’s year of birth);
  • On raceday or any of the 30 clear days before.

    • Any horse that is administered therapeutic bisphosphonates under the age of four years will not be permitted to run under the Rules of Racing until:

  • For horses aged four years or over – receipt of a negative test;
  • For horses aged between two and four years – completion of a 12-month suspension from racing and receipt of a negative test; and
  • For horses aged under two years – completion of a minimum 12-month suspension from racing, reached three years of age and receipt of a negative test.

    • The previous BHA rules of racing around bisphosphonates stated that:

    A horse must not have been administered with any bisphosphonate

  • Before the horse is aged three years and six months as determined by its recorded date of birth, or
  • On raceday or any of the 30 clear days before.