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Enhanced security measures announced for Belmont Stakes
The New York State Gaming Commission and The New York Racing Association (NYRA)
on Tuesday announced enhanced security measures for horses competing in the June
8 Belmont Stakes.
Horses competing in the $1 million purse race will be subject to
out-of-competition blood testing for banned substances, be required to be on
Belmont Park's grounds by June 5 and be subject to 24-hour monitoring at their
trainers' own barns and stalls on the grounds. The Gaming Commission is also
requiring the submission of veterinary records for three days leading up to the
race, which will be published on the Commission's Web site starting June 5.
"With these measures, the public will once again be reassured that New York's
horse racing is run with the utmost integrity and consciousness of safety for
the horse and the rider," said Robert Williams, Acting Executive Director of the
New York State Gaming Commission. "These actions will enhance an already even
playing field, give bettors peace of mind and underscore New York's commitment
to the best horse racing in the country."
"I applaud the Gaming Commission's efforts to ensure the integrity of New
York's biggest horse race," said David J. Skorton, Chairman of the New York
Racing Association Reorganization Board. "We are dedicated to providing a safe
environment for all our horses, and these additional measures are sensible and
effective steps that will lead to a better race for all."
"These steps will ensure that Belmont Park's signature race is conducted in
the fairest, most transparent manner possible, while allowing horsemen to keep
their Belmont Stakes horses within their customary surroundings," said Glen
Kozak, Vice President of Facilities and Racing Surfaces at NYRA and a member of
the NYRA interim management team. "We thank the New York State Gaming Commission
for its assistance in establishing these important protocols."
The Gaming Commission has mandated the following protocols and steps for the
horses participating in the June 8 Belmont Stakes:
The Commission will take out-of-competition blood samples of horses
competing in the Belmont Stakes on June 5 and send them to the New York
State's Equine Drug Testing Program at Morrisville State College for
immediate testing.
Horses participating in the Belmont Stakes must be on the Belmont Park
grounds by noon on June 5. Any exceptions will be at the discretion of the
Stewards.
Horses will stay in their trainers' current barns and stalls at Belmont,
which will be monitored at all times by additional security personnel.
Security personnel will monitor all treatments performed by
veterinarians and examine all paraphernalia. All containers for medications
administered will be retained by the Commission for possible testing.
A full daily veterinarian's record of all medications and treatments
given to horses from noon June 5 until the race is run will be provided to
the Commission. Any changes to treatment must be disclosed to the
Commission. If medications and treatment records are not provided to the
Commission in a timely manner and prior to treatment, veterinarians will not
be permitted to treat the horse until the issue is resolved. The Commission
will post these records on its Web site each day leading up to the race.
Entry-exit logs will be maintained by additional security from NYRA and
the Commission. All persons -- including veterinarians, trainers, assistant
trainers, farriers, owners or other connections -- on entering the stall, or
engaging in contact with the horse or performing any service for the horse
must have a valid Commission license on their person. Such persons will be
logged in by security personnel with the reason for their visit. Routine
stall and horse maintenance by identified grooms and staff will be monitored
but will be exempt from logging.
As is current policy, Lasix administration will take place in the
horses' own stalls by a NYRA veterinarian. Syringes will be preserved by the
Commission for possible testing.
On June 7, no veterinarians will treat horses without first making an
appointment with Commission investigators.
The Commission, in conjunction with NYRA, will appoint a single
24-hour point person each day for trainers and connections to contact in
case of an emergency.
On June 8, no treatment will be permitted (beyond Lasix for specifically
designated horses) unless it is for an emergency or as approved by the
Stewards.
On June 8, horses participating in the Belmont Stakes will be required
to be in the Assembly barn between 45 minutes to one hour before post time
for TC02 testing. They will then be escorted with security to the paddock.
Belmont Stakes participants will receive priority for paddock schooling
with security present.
The Commission and NYRA will provide educational materials on the protocols
to horsepersons, connections, veterinarians, security and all appropriate
parties prior to and on June 5 at Belmont Park.
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