Stronach Takes Stand on Integrity Reforms
"Now, more than ever, we as track operators, horsemen, and regulators must come together to do everything we can to prevent any abuse of our Thoroughbred athletes," Stronach said.
Drug Testing
News, Articles, Videos and other content about Drug Testing
Model Drug Rules in Place for Delaware Meet
The National Uniform Medication Program will be in place when Delaware Park begins its 2014 racing season May 17, according to the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission.
WV to Tackle Latest Round of Model Rules
Thoroughbred industry stakeholders in West Virginia will meet May 6 to consider changes in the state's racing rules, including a few related to the National Uniform Medication Program.
Tygart: Parallels Between Olympics, Racing
The CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency says there are parallels between issues facing the U.S. horse industry and the Olympics when it comes to ensuring the integrity of those sports.
Phipps: Make Public Triple Crown Vet Records
The chairman of The Jockey Club April 14 called for public release of the veterinary records of all horses entered in this year's Triple Crown races, and also said the industry should partner with USADA to push drug reform.
National HBPA Endorses Changes in Drug Rules
The National HBPA said April 11 it supports changes made by the Association of Racing Commissioners International in regard to uniform medication regulations.
RCI Chief: Industry Must Get Its Act Together
The president of horse racing's umbrella regulatory group said the tendency for self-flagellation and participants' refusal to take responsibility for their actions--or lack of action--is a major threat to the future.
Industry Told to Drop Hammer to Force Reforms
Racing regulators and other industry officials were told April 7 they should use existing tools to push states to adopt the National Uniform Medication Program.
Waldrop: Uniform Drug Rules Must Be Adopted
Racing jurisdictions have made progress on equine medication reform but states and their regulatory agencies must commit to move quickly and in unison, said Alex Waldrop, president of the NTRA and chairman of the RMTC.
RCI Chair Pushes States to Act on Reforms
The outgoing chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International said it is "vitally important" racing jurisdictions adopt the National Uniform Medication Program as soon as possible.
ROAP Officials Examine Changes in Industry
Racing officials and regulators gathered April 1 acknowledged a need for transparency, consistency, and quick, cohesive action in response to high-profile incidents.
PETA Makes Case; Medication Reforms Touted
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said it will "go away" if horse racing addresses its medication issues, and industry officials who have been trying to do just that suggest progress is evident but not recognized.
Survey Results: Racehorses Receive Good Care
A survey of more than 800 people conducted by HorsePlayerNOW.com, a fan education website that hosts the weekly "Night School" program, indicates a strong belief that racehorses are well cared for in Thoroughbred racing.
Groups Step Up Call for Model Drug Rules
Racing industry organizations have greatly stepped up their call for swift adoption of national model rules on medication and drug testing in the wake of probes into allegations of mistreatment and over-medication of horses.
NY, KY Regulators to Probe PETA Allegations
The New York Gaming Commission said March 20 it is investigating allegations of "abuse and mistreatment" of Thoroughbreds after receiving information gleaned from an undercover investigation performed by PETA.
Report: PETA Probe Alleges Cruelty to Horses
A major Thoroughbred racing stable was the subject of a 2013 undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which alleges over-medication of and cruelty to horses.
KHRC Drug Tests: Turfway Meet 'Cleanest'
A horsemen's meeting on upcoming equine medication changes in Kentucky revealed some interesting information: The four months of racing at Turfway Park are the "cleanest" in the state according to drug-testing results.
Kentucky Horsemen Prepped on New Drug Rules
Kentucky horsemen March 14 were given an overview of impending equine medication changes and also provided with a few tips to avoid headaches when the new regulations take effect later in the spring.
NYRA Committee Eyes House Rule on 'Stacking'
A New York Racing Association committee could recommend to the full board of directors adoption of a house rule to combat use of multiple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
WV Court Upholds Penalties for Trainer Grove
A circuit court in West Virginia has upheld the penalties levied against trainer Chris Grove for a Class 1 positive at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in 2012.
When Is Uniformity Not Really Uniformity?
A Jan. 30 meeting of racing stakeholders in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions showed how difficult it can be to achieve uniformity, even with the best intentions or most basic of regulations.
Mid-Atlantic Moves Forward With Drug Reform
Racing jurisdictions concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions are finding progress to be a subjective term: Much has been accomplished, but much remains to be done.
Drug Policies Questioned at HBPA Convention
When is a scientific study not a scientific study? That was a question posed by several panelists during a two-hour session on medication Jan. 25 during the National HBPA winter convention.
Drug Penalty System Next Up in West Virginia
The West Virginia Racing Commission will soon consider a penalty system for drug violations that dovetails with uniform model rules making their way through the state legislature.
Proposed Drug Rules Debated in New York
The New York Gaming Commission, during a Jan. 21 public hearing, heard the pros and cons of having different medication rules for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses.
Booklet on MD Medication Guidelines Released
A booklet put together by several individuals at the forefront of equine medication reform has been prepared for Maryland, which will enact the Mid-Atlantic Uniform Medication and Drug-Testing Program Jan. 1, 2014.
Drug Testing Not Without Its Challenges
Out-of-competition testing of racehorses has broad support, but important issues such as the constitutional rights of licensees has made use and enforcement difficult for regulators.
Multi-Breed Drug Uniformity No Easy Task
Amid another call for separate medication rules for Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, the Ohio State Racing Commission has indicated it's not prepared to adopt a uniform national drug policy.
KY Drug Panel OKs Model Rule for Most Breeds
The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council, on a 4-2 vote Dec. 3, recommended the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission adopt the national uniform medication rules for Thoroughbred racing.
USTA Creates Medication Advisory Committee
The United States Trotting Association, which in late September dropped out of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and rejected model medication rules approved by RCI, has created its own drug advisory committee.
CHRB: Tested BC Samples Come Back Clean
The California Horse Racing Board said Nov. 4 all urine and blood samples collected from horses in the Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 1-2 at Santa Anita Park have tested negative.
Racing Rules Get Preliminary Approval in NY
Racing regulators in New York gave preliminary approval to new threshold levels for 24 equine drugs as well as hefty fines for racetracks, lottery agents, and others who let underage people gamble.
Breeders' Cup: No Expense Spared on Integrity
Breeders' Cup believes it is well-prepared in the areas of safety and security for its Nov. 1-2 World Championships at Santa Anita Park.
Massachusetts Adopts Uniform Drug Regulations
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission Oct. 17 voted unanimously to adopt the national uniform medication and drug-testing program.
Tracks, Groups Push for Model Drug Rules
- By Tom LaMarra
More than 50 racetracks and industry organizations have co-signed a letter to regulators urging them to adopt the uniform national model rules on medication and drug-testing reform.
Foreman: Drug Uniformity Won't Be Sidetracked
A major proponent for national uniform medication rules said Sept. 26 the move by the United States Trotting Association to drop out of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium won't derail the effort.
USTA Says No to Model Rules, Leaves RMTC
The United States Trotting Association, citing differences in breeds, said Sept. 26 it has ended its membership in the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and has rejected the proposed national model drug rules.
VA Commission Adopts Model Drug Rules
The Virginia Racing Commission Sept. 25 unanimously adopted the Association of Racing Commissioners International model medication rules, which set uniform thresholds for a list of 24 controlled therapeutic medications.
Maryland Adopts Uniform Medication Policy
The Maryland Racing Commission Sept. 17 adopted uniform medication and drug-testing rules as part of a push in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Juveniles Can Race on Salix in 2014 Cup
Though Breeders' Cup this year will "monitor the performance" of 2-year-olds that must race without furosemide in its World Championships, the therapeutic medication will be available for use in all races for the 2014 event.
Ohio Eyes Changes in Drug Policy and Testing
The Ohio State Racing Commission is moving forward to adopt drug-testing threshold levels as part of national model rules, and also indicated it will switch to post-race TCO2 screening and bring Thoroughbreds into the mix.
Panel Upholds Suspension of Trainer Grove
The West Virginia Racing Commission has upheld the suspension of trainer Chris Grove for a 2012 positive test for a Class I substance after a race at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.
More Security in Place for Travers Starters
The New York State Gaming Commission and New York Racing Association are implementing enhanced security measures for the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (gr. I).
Law Panelists Note Progress in Drug Reform
While the topics at this year's Saratoga Institute on Racing and Gaming Law were similar to those at other industry meetings this summer, the tenor of the presentations and perspectives of the panelists were not.
Medication Reforms Carry Sense of Urgency
- By Tom LaMarra
Whether members of Congress address legislation tied to medication and drug testing in horse racing remains to be seen, but the Thoroughbred industry appears to be more and more unwilling to take the chance it won't happen.
The Jockey Club to Help Fund Drug Testing
The Jockey Club will provide up to $500,000 in 2014-15 to some racing jurisdictions to step up out-of-competition drug testing with a focus on graded stakes.
RCI Approves Points System for Drug Penalties
The Association of Racing Commissioners International voted July 31 to approve model rules that create a points system and enhanced penalties for drug violations.
Confidentiality in Research Called Necessary
- By Tom LaMarra
An official with the RMTC said confidentiality agreements used when the organization considers research to set thresholds and withdrawal times for medications are necessary because of scientific factors.
WV Commission Approves Changes in Drug Rules
The West Virginia Racing Commission July 23 unanimously approved revised Thoroughbred racing rules, including several amendments that deal with equine medication and drug testing.
KY Officials: New Drug Policy Is Working
Regulatory administration of race-day anti-bleeding medication in Kentucky has provided a clearer picture of drug testing and produced added security benefits, officials said.
Most Popular Stories
- Easter Filly for Horse of the Year Zenyatta
- Trainer Jones Continues to Recover From Fall
- After the Wire: Top 5 Derby Prep Races
- Champion Filly Beholder Coasts in 2014 Debut
- Dude! Imperative Shocks Charles Town Classic
- Cairo Prince Injured, Out of Kentucky Derby
- Santa Anita Winter Meet Handle Up 4%
- Wildcat Red, With Saez, Works at Gulfstream
- Featured Horse Profile: Frac Daddy
- Dynamic Impact Nabs 'Hawk in Illinois Derby
