Does the RMTC have a formal policy regarding shockwave therapy? If so, how is it enforced?
Dr. Waterman: The official RMTC policy and the RCI Model Rule prohibits the use of ESWT within 10 days of a race. This was based largely on the early work done by Dr. Scott McClure at Iowa State that showed an analgesic effect from 3-5 days. Given the possible danger to horse and rider, we felt the additional days were warranted. The biggest problem in terms of enforcement is the use of the machine off racetrack grounds where commissions typically do not have jurisdiction. If someone is caught using ESWT off jurisdictional grounds within the prohibited time period before a race, however, they could be charged with a violation depending on how good the evidence is. The fact that the commission doesn’t have jurisdiction only means they cannot send investigators, have a horse identifier present or otherwise regulate what happens real-time. It does not mean they cannot pursue a violation that occurs off grounds if they have strong enough evidence to pursue it. At the very least, assuming t
