Delaware turns down regulations on anabolic steroids

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - by Leigh Nichol, for the Delaware Harness Racing Commission

Dover, DE ---The Delaware Harness Racing Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, October 9, with the consideration of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium’s Anabolic Steroid Model Rule scheduled on the agenda. After researching the topic, and attending conferences on the matter, the commissioners decided to not accept the rule at this time.

Commissioners were notified by their lab representative, Joe Strugg, that the equipment to test for anabolic steroids costs over $500,000. Even after purchasing this equipment, there was still the cost of running the tests. Economically, when the testing has not been proven, the DHRC found that this would be a large amount of money to appropriate on something that was not scientifically sound

Harrington Raceway General Manager Jim Boese commented, “There needs to be a lot more research done on the subject before any rules are made, especially in a case where fines and suspensions will be handed out.”

The opinion of the DHRC was that there is not enough research, and too much uncertainty on anabolic steroids and their effects on horses to make any rules.

“After consulting with the commission, the chair decided that the DHRC would be proceeding cautiously regarding the test procedures and sanctions for Delaware harness racing,” concluded DHRC Executive Director Hugh Gallagher.

Source: USTA Web site (10-10-07)