Tattersalls will introduce a testing program for corticosteroids in yearlings during its sales this fall, according to the Racing Post.
The publication reported that the England-based auction firm has contacted sellers of all yearlings to inform them their horses "will be subject" to testing for the man-made drugs, which closely resemble cortisol (a hormone produced by the adrenal glands) and can be used to decrease inflammation.
"Corticosteroids were added to the list of prohibited substances following consultation with our vets," Tattersalls marketing director Jimmy George told the Racing Post. "They advised us that corticosteroids could be used for similar purposes as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories we already test for."
A post-sale test will cost a yearling purchaser £240 ($383 in U.S. funds) plus VAT (value added tax) and a buyer will be able to return a horse that tests positive.
