According to a report on brisnet.com, the New York State Racing and Wagering Board will be authorized to perform out-of-competition testing on both standardbred and thoroughbred racehorses effective Friday
, January 1, 2010.
The report cites board chairman John D. Sabini as saying that the rules apply to horses within 180 days of a race date in the state, even if the horses are stables away from the racetracks.
The article says that the new rules 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.
"These new rules give us the tools we need to go after the cheaters," Sabini was quoted as saying. "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."
Click here to the read the brisnet.com article in its entirety.
(With files from brisnet.com)