In continuing its battle to eliminate illegal substances from racing, the New York Racing Association will institute pre- and post-race milkshaking tests for races at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course beginning Wednesday, February 16.
Random pre-race testing will be conducted each day. Post-race testing will be conducted on all NYRA races to determine if Blood Gas levels exceed legal thresholds, which could thereby enhance a horses performance.
Milkshaking is the illegal administration of a mixture of bicarbonate of soda, sugar and electrolytes to a horse in hopes of reducing fatigue, thus enhancing its performance.
There has been a vigorous debate within the industry over which testing practice employs the best methodology, said NYRA Co-Chairman C. Steven Duncker. We will do both to help New York racing and the entire industry in becoming more knowledgeable through this collection of data. As the owners and caretakers of three of the most important racetracks in the sport of Thoroughbred racing, it is imperative that NYRA pursues all avenues to prevent illegal practices.
On Friday, February 4, 2005, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board adopted emergency rules that authorize excess TCO2 testing, otherwise known as milkshake testing, for harness and thoroughbred horses in New York State. The new rules set 37 millimoles per liter as the threshold level, establish penalty guidelines, provide provisions for voidable claims and procedures for trainers to verify naturally high levels of TCO2 in a racehorse.
As an emergency filing the rules take effect immediately and will remain in effect for 90 days (May 4, 2005); however, the Board intends to make these rules permanent.
The new testing program will greatly enhance the Boards ability to detect those who would illegally tube their horse in an attempt to gain an unfair advantage over their competitors, said NYSRWB Chairman Michael Hoblock. The combined efforts of Dr. (George) Maylin at our Equine Drug Testing Program at Cornell University and NYRA means ensuring more integrity for racing at NYRA.
Earlier this month, NYRA announced that it would begin milkshake tests in early February. The New York State veterinarian will now draw blood one hour after the race. Occasionally, there will be a three-hour post-race test where the horse will be monitored from the time it leaves the test barn for the entire three-hour period.
We need to evaluate the results of both pre- and post-race testing through data collection, said Dr. George Maylin of Cornell University. This will provide the information we need to establish best practices moving forward.
Any trainer whose horse tests positive for illegal substances will be required, at his or her own expense to move any horses entered to compete to a NYRA security-monitored barn by 5 p.m. prior to race day. This policy will continue for a period of 30 days for a first offense.
A trainer will have his stalls revoked and will not be allotted stalls at NYRA tracks for a second offense.
On Saturday, January 29th, NYRA announced that Cornell University would begin freezing urine samples for use as new tests for performance enhancing substances are developed. NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemens Association (NYTHA) will provide funding for new test development.
Because frozen samples may be preserved and stored for up to one year, tests may be developed as new substances arise.
In recent weeks, NYRA has shut down 10 simulcast outlets, including four that were connected to the federal governments recent indictments involving alleged instances of illegal gambling, money laundering and horse doping.
On Friday, January 28th, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board withdrew its approval of any contracts between New York simulcast licensees and those same 10 outlets.
There can be no compromise on obeying the rules, said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. Anyone involved in the racing industry - owners, trainers, jockeys and fans - knows that honesty and credibility are essential for the sports survival. And because of the importance of Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga to the state and to the racing world, NYRA has to be the standard-bearer for this cause. There can simply be no tolerance for wrongdoing. It is far too costly for all of us. Belmont Stakes Horse Gambling