Definition of "Bleeders" Under PR 67
- Bleeders are horses that experience epistaxis (nasal bleeding).
- Bleeding can be unilateral (one nostril) or bilateral (both nostrils).
Penalties for Occurrences of Epistaxis Before Amendment
- First occurrence: Indefinite suspension, minimum 10 days, requires veterinary clearance and one barrier trial.
- Second occurrence: 30 calendar days suspension, veterinary clearance, and one barrier trial.
- Third and succeeding occurrences: 30 calendar days suspension, veterinary clearance, and two barrier trials.
- Horses winning while suffering epistaxis also get indefinite suspension (min 10 days) plus one barrier trial; this counts as one occurrence.
- If epistaxis occurs during official barrier trial, it is counted as an occurrence with penalties applied.
- Occurrences reset to zero if no epistaxis occurs for one year.
- All suspensions are non-appealable.
Proposed Amendments to PR 67 by the Committee on Unsound Horses
- Gradual increase of suspension length with each subsequent occurrence from indefinite (min 10 days) to one year for the fifth occurrence.
- Each suspension requires passing one barrier trial and obtaining clearance from the Regulation and Licensing Division.
- First occurrence: Indefinite suspension (min 10 days).
- Second occurrence: One-month suspension.
- Third occurrence: Three-month suspension.
- Fourth occurrence: Six-month suspension.
- Fifth occurrence: One-year suspension.
- Winning horse suffering epistaxis: same penalty as first occurrence.
- Epistaxis during barrier trial counted as an occurrence.
- Zero occurrences if bleeding free for one year.
- Suspensions are non-appealable.
- Prior occurrences before effectivity of resolution are disregarded.
Final Resolution and Adoption
- The Philracom Board adopted the Committee’s recommendations for PR 67 amendment.
- PR 67 now includes detailed graduated suspensions from indefinite to one year based on occurrence count.
- Barrier trial passing and clearance requirement by the Regulation and Licensing Division for all occurrences.
- Clarification on counting of occurrences and penalties when epistaxis happens during races or trials.
- One-year period to reset occurrence count.
- Non-appealability of all suspensions maintained.
- Erasure of any historical occurrences prior to resolution effectivity.
- Dissemination of resolution copies to racing clubs, horse owners, trainers, jockeys, and publication in official media for guidance.
Signatories and Effectivity
- Resolution approved and signed by Chairman and Commissioners of Philracom on March 21, 2012, in Makati, Philippines.
- Officially effective upon approval confirming its binding nature on horse racing stakeholders.