IRISH buyers at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale will have an option to test their purchases for anabolic steroids and substances prohibited under the British Horseracing Authority’s Equine Anti-Doping Rules which were introduced in March. This follows the announcement of a new condition of sale by Keeneland for their upcoming yearling auction which starts on September 14th.

Subject to the yearling being exported from the USA to Ireland, Britain, France, Germany, Hong Kong or Sweden within 60 days of purchase, a buyer may request a test to be carried out at the time they sign the acknowledgement docket. Tests carried out for this purpose will be analysed in England. The buyer has the right to rescind the sale within 24 hours of being notified of a positive finding.

Yearlings arriving in Britain within 60 days following the sale and that have undergone this test will not require a second test for import. The sales company will continue to offer a test for steroids for other buyers and these will be carried out in a laboratory in California.

Yearlings consigned by Irish vendors and purchased at Keeneland realised the top price at four breeze-up sales conducted in England, France and Ireland in 2015.