Concerns about the medication of sale 2-year-olds are growing in Maryland and surrounding states, Capps said. He said an article on the issue is scheduled to appear in the June edition of the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred, which is published by the MHBA. A number of trainers in the region also have raised questions about medication use at 2-year-old auctions, Capps said.
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association is finalizing plans to investigate the use of medication in juvenile racing prospects offered at public auction. According to MHBA executive vice president Tim Capps, an “exploratory committee” will be formed and asked to “define the issue” and look at options for monitoring and/or regulating the drugs given to such horses sold in the Free State. The committee will include representatives from both the MHBA and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. The committee also will seek input from Fasig-Tipton Co., which recently completed its annual May Mid-Atlantic sale of 2-year-olds in training at Timonium; Dr. Tom Lomangino, who oversees drug testing for the Maryland racing industry; and pinhookers.