Breeding & Racing Magazine

New York Steroid Restrictions In Place For 2009

In the US, New York Racing & Wagering Board chairman John Sabini announced he expects the state "to have new restrictions on equine steroids in place for 2009," reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sabini said the rules (patterned after the Association Of Racing Commissioners International's model rule) "should be in place by January 1". Sabini emphasised: "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. By imposing rigid new limits on 4 steroids & banning all others, New York is taking a leadership role in promoting integrity in racing. The message to owners & trainers should be clear: if you flaunt our steroid rules, you will be held accountable." The new rules "set testing thresholds for each of the 4 steroids that are permitted for therapeutic use out of racing (stanozolol, boldenone, nandrolone & testosterone) & allow only 1 of the 4 to be found in a horse at any given time". Sabini stressed veterinarians "are in agreement that the permitted small concentrations of the 4 specific steroids would not be enough to affect a horse's performance".