The Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering new rules banning the use of anabolic steroids in racehorses
goes into effect today.
"The adoption of these new rules ensures that Florida is keeping pace with the national racing community and providing for the safety and welfare of the horses, drivers and jockeys," said secretary Charles W. Drago. "Like other professional athletes, these race horses will remain steroid-free when racing at Florida tracks."
The rules ban the use of anabolic steroids in race horses and are based on the national Model Rules adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International and the Racing and Medication Consortium. Under the new rules, the Racing Laboratory at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, will be able to utilize more sensitive testing procedures to test for steroids in urine, under its contract with the Division.
"We are very pleased that the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering has taken the steps necessary to stop the use of anabolic steroids in race horses in our industry." Said Michael Bloom, Vice President/General Manager at Pompano Park. "It's important not only to the safety and well being of the race horses and drivers competing, but also to our race patrons and horsemen that everyone is competing on a level playing field."
The penalties and fines for positive test results have yet to be released by the Division.
Click here for complete rules.
The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering is charged with regulating the pari-mutuel industry and licensing those individuals participating in pari-mutuel events.
(Pompano Park)