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Commission approves split-sample labs, updates therapeutic withdrawal schedule, and confirms judges and stewards for 2026
Summary
The commission approved two split-sample laboratories (UC Davis and EQ AIS in Kentucky), amended the withdrawal interval for omeprazole to 24 hours for quarter horses, and confirmed the 2026 board of judges and stewards, including a new chief steward; motions passed by voice vote.
Commission staff presented several operational items that the commission approved by voice vote. Commissioners authorized two split-sample laboratories that can receive confirmatory testing when positive or threshold results are challenged: the University of California, Davis, and an accredited laboratory in Kentucky identified as EQ AIS. Staff noted a shrinking number of accredited external labs nationwide and explained that a party requesting a split sample must pay the cost.
The commission also approved a technical amendment to the MRC controlled therapeutic withdrawal guidelines for 2026: the administration-to-withdrawal interval for omeprazole was reduced from 48 hours to 24 hours for quarter-horse and standardbred schedules (the change was described as the only scheduling amendment in the rule package).
On appointments, staff presented the slate of presiding and associate judges (John Mir as presiding judge, with Michael and Peter as associates) and recommended stewards including a new chief steward (Hamilton), returning steward Ruben Rivera, and Salvator Yorio. Commissioners discussed candidates' experience and noted a PDF formatting issue with a resume; the commission voted to approve the 2026 judges and stewards slates.
