Visit Our CDI Partners

Security measures enacted for Travers participants

Last updated: 8/19/13 11:52 AM

The New York State Gaming Commission and The New York Racing Association

(NYRA) on Monday announced enhanced security measures for horses competing in

Saturday's Travers Stakes.

Horses competing in the $1 million race will be subject to early

out-of-competition blood testing for banned substances and will be required to

be on Saratoga Race Course grounds by Wednesday. In addition, horses will 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 participating horses for three days leading up to the race, which

will be published on the Commission's Web site starting Wednesday.

"These measures demonstrate New York's commitment to the health and safety of

the horses and riders," said Robert Williams, Acting Executive Director of the

New York State Gaming Commission. "The security protocols we have implemented

here are sensible steps that underscore that New York horse racing operates with

the highest integrity."

"These steps will help ensure that Saratoga Race Course's most renowned race

is conducted in the safest and fairest manner possible," said Chris Kay, CEO and

President of The New York Racing Association. "We thank the New York State

Gaming Commission for its assistance in establishing these important protocols

on behalf of our horsemen and fans."

The Gaming Commission has mandated the following protocols and steps for the

horses participating in the August 24 Travers Stakes:

  • The Gaming Commission will take out-of-competition blood samples of

    horses competing in the Travers Stakes on Wednesday and send them to the New

    York State's Equine Drug Testing Program at SUNY Morrisville for immediate

    testing. Preliminary results of the testing are expected to be complete

    prior to the Travers Stakes.

  • Horses participating in the Travers Stakes must be on the Saratoga Race

    Course grounds by noon (EDT) on Wednesday. Any exceptions will be at the

    discretion of the Stewards.

  • Horses will stay in their trainers' current barns and stalls at Saratoga

    Race Course, 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 Wednesday 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 in.

  • All equipment, feed, hay bales, etc. are subject to administrative

    searches and checks.

  • 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 Saturday, 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 Saturday, no treatment will be permitted unless it is for an

    emergency or as approved by the Stewards.

  • On Saturday, horses participating in the Travers 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.

  • Travers 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 Wednesday at Saratoga Race Course.

    Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

    FEATURED PRODUCTS

    ADVERTISEMENT