EXTRA time is required by the Drug Test Task Force established at the end of last year to review the threat posed by anabolic steroids to Irish racing.

The 14-member committee, headed by leading veterinary surgeon and Deputy Senior Steward Meta Osborne, began its work in January and it was envisaged at that time that the group would complete its report by May.

However, the DTTF met again this week and afterwards committee member Brian Kavanagh said: “Because of the breadth and complexities of the issues in this area, the Committee has agreed that it should take longer than originally anticipated to conclude its work. We would envisage the work being completed in the next few months”.

Though no racehorses here have tested positive for anabolic steroids, high-profile court cases last year involving two licensed trainers and a retired veterinary surgeon found in possession of anabolic steroids exposed a potential major problem for the Irish racing and breeding industry.

Since the start of this year all racehorses, whether returned in or out of training or for whom a hunter certificate has been issued, are liable for testing at any time. The Turf Club aims to expand the testing to “all horses as early as possible after birth” from 2016.

Other measures being taken include work on developing hair-testing methodology and an overhaul of the laboratory equipment used for testing samples.

CAMPAIGN

A campaign to clean up the misuse of medication in American racing received a significant boost this week when the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Bill was published. If this piece of legislation is enacted it will grant authority for rulemaking, testing and enforcement of drug and medication use in thoroughbred racing to a new entity created by the US Anti-Doping Agency.

At the moment rules governing medication vary greatly between states and enforcement is often at the discretion of the racecourses, many of whom are thought to be reluctant to challenge horsemen for fear of losing horses to another racetrack.

The Bill has been welcomed by the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity, an alliance which includes the US Jockey Club, the Breeders’ Cup, and veterinary, breeder and racehorse owner groups.