Australian Racing Board enacts total ban on anabolic steroids

Australian Racing Board enacts total ban on anabolic

steroids

The Australian Racing Board has announced that it will ban the use of

anabolic steroids both in and out of competition.

The new rule, which will be introduced November 1 and become effective May 1,

2014, will allow six months for treated horses to be free of steroids. The ban

will apply to all horses above six months of age while racing, training or

spelling. Under current rules, Australian Thoroughbreds must be steroid free on

race-day, but the medications are allowed out of competition.

"The Australian Racing Board has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to the use

of anabolic steroids in competition, training, and spelling, and will institute

heavy penalties for breaches of the ban," ARB Chief Executive Peter McGauran

said. "The ban on anabolic steroids goes far beyond any other racing

jurisdiction outside of Europe and was decided by the ARB Board after lengthy

consideration of veterinary and scientific advice and consultation with

trainers' and owners' associations.

"Foremost in the board's consideration was the need for absolute integrity

and public confidence in racing. Although the use of steroids has greatly

diminished over the years to the point where they are rarely relied upon by

trainers, the ARB believes it is in the best interests of the industry that they

no longer be available for purposes other than as a therapeutic treatment for

young foals."

Paul Bittar, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, welcomed

the news, and told Racing Post, "The Australian Racing Board's decision

is very good news and represents a significant step towards our goal of seeing

the use of anabolic steroids for racehorses banned across the globe. We will be

submitting a paper outlining our position ahead of the IFHA conference in

October and we look forward to the matter being discussed next month in Paris."

Louis Romanet, Chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing

Authorities, was also supportive, stating, "I welcome and applaud this

announcement by the ARB stating a total ban on the use of anabolic steroids both

in and out of competition. The ARB is to be commended for this historical

decision. Additionally, I look forward to further discussion on this matter

among all IFHA members countries to further two key objectives of the IFHA -- to

coordinate and harmonize the rules of the member countries regarding breeding,

racing and wagering and to ensure the quality and fairness of racing in the

interest of both breeding and the public."

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