The New Jersey Racing Commission has informed The Meadowlands and the Hambletonian Society that blood samples of all horses entered in the $1,520,333 Hambletonian and $783,042 Hambletonian Oaks to be raced Saturday, August 8, cleared the out-of-competition testing
for blood doping agents such as EPO (erythropoietin) and DPO (darboepoetin).
Compliance with the NJRC and the Hambletonian Society’s out-of-competition testing rules were a condition of entry in the Hambletonian races. The conditions provide that blood samples may, without notice, be taken for testing of any racehorse participating in the event, stabled on or off the grounds, in New Jersey, or out of state. Additionally, all samples taken from these horses may also be frozen for future testing.
All blood samples that were drawn were quickly processed at the New Jersey State Police Testing Laboratory. Blood doping agents such as DPO (darboepoetin) and EPO or Epogen by its brand, is believed to increase the number of red blood cells by allowing more oxygen to enter the muscles, reducing fatigue.
Out-of -competition testing was first applied in New Jersey during the 2007 Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands and the 2007 Breeder’s Cup World Championships, raced at Monmouth Park.
In addition to the standard blood gas testing on all winners and “specials”, the winners of the Hambletonian and the Oaks will be subject to the “Super Test.” New Jersey authorities have authorized the special test which screens for the broadest range of drugs and metabolites.
“Locating the horses, testing and clearing these samples could not have been done so swiftly and easily without the co-cooperation of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission,” said Frank Zanzuccki, the head of the NJRC. “We appreciate their cooperation and that of all the horseman and women participating in the races.”
Tom Charters, president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society which is supporter of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, echoed those sentiments. “We appreciate the support of our long-time host track partner The Meadowlands and the NJ Racing Commission in this endeavor.”
(Hambletonian Society)