Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Kentucky Wants to Enforce Steroid Ban

December 17, 2007

In the wake of baseball's steroids scandal, Kentucky racing authorities hope to begin enforcing a ban on using the drugs in racing horses.

"We know that it's been a problem in the horse industry, as well (as other sports)," commissioner Dr. Jerry Yon of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority said Monday in proposing the move.

Lisa Underwood, the authority's executive director, said anabolic and androgenic steroids are illegal to use in a horse that is racing, but the authority does not test for them.

She said the authority plans to bring forward a rule based on the Association of Racing Commissioners International model that would establish thresholds for steroids in urine. That would give trainers some idea of the withdrawal time necessary for taking horses off the drugs before a race.

"If we can move ahead quickly, then we could have (the new regulation) in place within six months," Underwood said. She said the testing should not add to present costs.

She said the new rule would be brought before the authority's Equine Drug Research Council and input would be sought from interest groups.

According to its Web site, RCI considers steroids to be among therapeutic medications that have some but not high potential to affect performance. RCI suggests that detection of the drugs in unacceptable levels merits a fine of up to $1,000 and a 15-60 day suspension.

The authority is also investigating irregularities involving bets taken after races had begun.

At a recent industry symposium in Arizona, big-time bettor Mike Maloney described how he was able to bet four times past the post on a Nov. 25 race at the Fair Grounds, which is owned by Churchill Downs. While the race was taking place in New Orleans, Maloney said he was betting with a teller at Keeneland.

Keeneland officials verified the bets took place and that the Fair Grounds failed to lock the window. Fair Grounds officials reportedly have called it a one-time mechanical error.

"It may not have been an isolated case," said commissioner Tom Ludt. "It could be a major, major issue."