New York joins two other states in toughened steroid policy for racehorses
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/10/2008 (5953 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
NEW YORK – New York toughened its steroids policy for racehorses Tuesday, following the lead of the two other states that hold Triple Crown races.
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board said the new rules take effect Jan. 1 at all thoroughbred and standardbred tracks in the state. That includes Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the U.S. Triple Crown. The new rules set limits for steroids that are permitted.
Prompted by the death of the filly Eight Belles after the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky and Maryland instituted steroid restrictions. Trainer Rick Dutrow acknowledged using an anabolic steroid on Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown.
The issue of drugs in horse racing has come under increased scrutiny since the Triple Crown races ended, and several other racing organizations have responded by instituting new policies. Horses competing in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., on Oct. 24-25 will be tested for drugs, including steroids.
“My hope is this is the beginning of no steroids in racing,” racing and wagering board member John Simoni said. “A diet of hay, oats and water should be our goal as we move towards a racing industry that is drug free.”
Four steroids will be allowed in New York, with only one of the four permitted in a horse’s system at any given time.
“For the sake of the betting public, we want to do everything in our power to ensure that racing runs on a level playing field,” said John Sabini, the board’s chairman. “By imposing rigid new limits on four steroids and banning all others, New York is taking a leadership role in promoting integrity in racing. The message to owners and trainers should be clear: If you flaunt our steroid rules, you will be held accountable.”
The restricted steroids are stanozolol (Winstrol), boldenone (Equipose), nandrolone (Durabolin) and testosterone.