In January, the Bermuda Driving Horse and Pony Club confirmed that three of its members were banned due to doping offences
. At the time, club president Nick DeCosta ensured that everyone connected to the club would continue to be subjected to a rigorous drug-testing procedure. Apparently, something has changed.
An article posted today on royalgazette.com explains that an overwhelming majority of club members have recently voted in favour of drastically revising its existing drug testing policy. According to the report, a proposal put forward last week is looking to have a ban on the pain killer Phenylbutazone ('bute') lifted. The suggestions have yet to be ratified. In addition to the bute proposal, some of the suggested changes would see a reduction in suspensions and fines imposed when drivers or their ponies fail tests.
The article states that the majority of club members are believed to have embraced the possible changes, although there are members that believe a regression or easing of existing rules sends out a terrible message.
"I have absolutely no problem with the drug testing policy because everybody knows we are not supposed to use drugs and are well aware of the consequences if they get caught," outspoken veteran driver John Flood was quoted as saying.
To read the royalgazette.com article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from royalgazette.com)