Do racetrack incentives lead the way to a drug-free future?

The horseracing industry is battling for its life, and the key point of contention is medication—not just a push for uniform medication rules, but a movement to eliminate all race-day drugs. Two years after the Breeders' Cup banned anti-bleeding medication for its juvenile races, Gulfstream Park in Florida has announced its intention to offer Lasix-free races for 2015, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is considering doing the same for its tracks. North America is the only region of the world that allows race-day medication.

INDUSTRYWebmaster17 December 2014Racetrack incentives, American Racing, Medication, Drugs, NAT34, EUT48

John McVeigh: in search of a global set of medication rules

VETERINARYWebmaster29 June 2012McVeigh, Lasix, Drug Test, Medication, EUT38

Should medication-free horses be given preferential treatment?

VETERINARYWebmaster26 November 2010Medication, Drugs, Breeders Cup, EUT32

The Absolute Insurer Rule

VETERINARY, TRAININGWebmaster8 April 2009Association of Racing Comissioners International, Medication

Should sales catalogues include information on medication?

Not too long ago, I saw a TV interview with Terje Haakonssen, three times World Champion snowboard rider. When talking about his lifestyle, and that of the general public, he made an interesting point "Look carefully at what you eat, take it seriously" he said, "People don't. You know, a man is ever so careful about what quality of petrol and oil he gets for his new car. But when he has filled it up with the best he can find, the most expensive, he buys a full fat cheese burger and a large coke for himself."

Geir Stabell (01 October 2007 - Issue Number: 5)

Webmaster1 October 2007Sales, Yearlings, Medication

Should sales catalogues include information on medication - it's a case of black and white!

Not too long ago, I saw a TV interview with Terje Haakonssen, three times World Champion snowboard rider. When talking about his lifestyle, and that of the general public, he made an interesting point; “Look carefully at what you eat, take it seriously,” he said, “People don’t. You know, a man is ever so careful about what quality of petrol and oil he gets for his new car. But when he has filled it up with the best he can find, the most expensive, he buys a full-fat cheeseburger and a large coke for himself.” Perhaps many of us value our cars more than we value our bodies.

Geir Stabell (European Trainer - issue 19 - Autumn 2007)

Webmaster31 August 2007Sales, Medication

California Horse Racing Board explain their drug testing procedures

The rules of racing are intended to maintain a level playing field; any drug testing program is meant to monitor compliance to those rules. In reality, drug testing is a deterrent. For truly illicit activity where the intent is to take an unfair advantage (cheat), the current program in California is working well. But we know it isn't perfect. We are always looking for holes in the system and ways to improve the program.
Rick M. Arthur, DVM, - (01 July 2007 - Issue Number: 4)

CTTWebmaster25 May 2007CTT, Drug Testing, Medication

Is no matter more pressing than international rules on medication?

There is a need for several changes and improvements in international racing. None can be more pressing that the issue on international regulations on the use of medication. Both on and off the tracks.

Geir Stabell (19 May 2007 - Issue Number: 3)

TRAININGWebmaster19 May 2007Drug Testing, Takeover Target, Brass Hat, Medication