As a result of its out-of-competition testing program, the Meadowlands Racetrack announced the positive test of a horse trained by Robert Bresnahan Jr. on Jan. 30.
Tag Up And Go, a six-year-old trotter, returned a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance, epogen, more commonly known as EPO.
The blood samples were taken from two horses at Bresnahan’s barn at Gaitway Farm on December 8. The samples were sent to the world-renowned Hong Kong Racing Laboratory, among the world leaders in research on equine drug testing. The positive test result was returned to Meadowlands officials in late January, the delay caused by testing officials being away on vacation during the holiday season.
Bresnahan has subsequently been placed on the track’s exclusion list and will be unable to participate at the Meadowlands, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs. Bresnahan is entitled to ask for a split sample test. The Hong Kong Racing Laboratory has not reported any “false positives” in any official samples in its 46-year history.
“None of the horses currently being trained by Bresnahan will be able to participate at our properties for 60 days,” said Meadowlands Chairman Jeffrey Gural. “We will continue our efforts to create a level playing field and ensure that horses racing here at the Meadowlands are not racing with illegal medication or performance-enhancing substances. I believe our out-of-competition testing is helping to accomplish that goal.”
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)
Every time I read that they
Every time I read that they sent the samples to Hong Kong I just cringe. With all the resources we have in North America, why is there nobody competent here to do the test? A lab in Hong Kong doesn't inspire confidence in me. Is it cheaper? If so, is cheaper better?
Good for the Meadowlands for
Good for the Meadowlands for trying to protect the public as well as the honest horse people.