In August, Browning reported that Fasig-Tipton management was looking at the possibility of drawing blood samples from all juvenile sale horses after workouts and making them available to buyers, who would be responsible for having any tests for drugs performed. There are multiple testing proposals "on the table," Browning said, and Fasig-Tipton has not finalized its plans.
After meeting with Fasig-Tipton officials in Lexington Sept. 14, representatives of the National Association of Two-Year-Old Consignors reported that the auction firm will reduce the length of its Calder select juvenile sale from two days to one.Becky Thomas, who heads the organization's publicity committee, and other sellers who attended meetings said there will be only one under tack show (instead of two), which will be held on the Friday or Saturday prior to the Tuesday auction. Works will be timed and videotaped. In addition, there will be a social event for consignors and buyers the night before the sale.Boyd Browning, Fasig-Tipton's executive vice president and chief operating officer, said Sept. 15 that his company had "not committed officially" to any changes, but would further discuss them.