The Maryland Racing Commission, which had announced that it would become illegal to race on anabolic steroids in the state beginning Apr. 19, has delayed the steroid ban indefinitely. Acquiescing to protests made by horsemen and veterinarians, MRC Commission Chairman John Franzone announced that the ban would be shelved pending further study, and appointed a four-person task force to look into the issues. Horsemen have expressed their concerns regarding withdrawal time for steroids, as well as testing procedures and penalties. While it is now estimated that it will be at least Jan. 1, 2009, before steroids rules go into effect in Maryland, Pennsylvania is scheduled to implement a ban beginning Apr. 1, and Delaware is slated to follow suit when its 2008 meet opens Apr. 19.
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