New York to commence out-of-competition testing in 2010

As part of a major new push for greater integrity in racing, the New York

State Racing and Wagering Board, effective Friday, will be authorized to conduct

unannounced drug testing of horses slated to compete at New York tracks even

when they are stabled at farms away from those tracks.

Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini said the new

"out-of-competition" rules apply to all horses within 180 days of a race date in

New York. The rules, he explained, empower the Board to direct licensed owners

or trainers to bring horses to New York tracks for testing when those horses are

being stabled out of state within a 100-mile radius of a New York racetrack.

"Horses are sometimes drugged by unscrupulous individuals seeking to either

strengthen or weaken their performance in the next race," Sabini said. "These

new rules give us the tools we need to go after the cheaters. By adopting

out-of-competition testing rules, the Board is protecting not only the wagering

public but also the health and safety of the magnificent equine athletes who

compete at New York's four Thoroughbred and seven harness tracks."

Under the rules, the Racing and Wagering Board can place owners and trainers

on notice that it wants to have its veterinarian take samples from horses

wherever they are being kept. A trainer or owner who fails to comply with the

Board's out-of-competition rules can face serious sanctions, including lengthy

suspensions, fines and possible, license revocation, Sabini noted.

If a horse is not made available for testing in a timely manner when a

trainer or owner is directed to do so by the state Steward or the Board's

representatives, that horse can be declared ineligible from participation for

120 days. Sabini said the Board will be working closely with racing officials in

neighboring states to coordinate testing efforts.

"The overwhelming majority of owners and trainers are meticulous in abiding

by our medication rules -- but there are some who deviate and apparently believe

they can lessen their chances of getting caught by drugging a horse away from

the tracks," Chairman Sabini said. "Anyone who flouts are rules will inevitably

find out the hard way that we are very serious in promoting integrity in racing.

By introducing an element of surprise, we are sending a loud and clear message

that we have zero tolerance for cheating."

The new rules apply to both Thoroughbred and Standardbred race horses. New

York has a total of four Thoroughbred tracks and seven harness tracks, all of

which are regulated by the Racing and Wagering Board.

Prohibited substances that will be tested for include: blood-doping agents;

gene-doping agents; and protein and peptide-based drugs, including toxins and

venoms.