Keeneland Association, Fasig-Tipton Company Inc. and Ocala Breeders' Sales (OBS) have amended the anabolic androgenic steroid policy to delete the “45-day” rule regarding the use of steroids in weanlings, yearlings and 2-year-olds at any time prior to sale, officials from the organizations jointly announced Tuesday. The revised Conditions of Sale become effective July 1, 2016.
“This is an integrity issue. We all agree this amendment is a necessary change to strengthen buyer confidence and to safeguard the credibility of the entire Thoroughbred auction process. We are adapting our policy to reflect the developing testing science currently available to us,” said Keeneland Director of Sales Geoffrey G. Russell, Fasig-Tipton President Boyd T. Browning, Jr. and OBS President Tom Ventura in a joint statement.
Under the previous language, consignors warranted that any weanling, yearling or 2-year-old entered in a sale had not been administered any anabolic androgenic steroids within 45 days of the date of sale.
At all three auction companies, buyers of young horses may request testing for steroids, which is performed at the time of purchase. Under new policy, sales companies will coordinate testing with a designated laboratory and report the results to both the consignor and buyer. If the sale horse tests positive, the buyers have the right, within 24 hours of notification, to rescind the sale.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
