Ontario HBPA Releases Statement On Clenbuterol Abuse

The HBPA of Ontario released a statement Monday speaking out against the abuse of clenbuterol, saying that it has passed a motion “supportive of stopping the abuse of the medication clenbuterol” and is requesting the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario “take immediate action thereupon.” The statement comes on the heels of Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse calling for a ban of the drug last week in the TDN.

The statement continued: “We feel that all owners and trainers deserve a level playing field and that bettors have the right to rely on the fairness of the races upon which they choose to wager. The H.B.P.A. of Ontario is committed to work with industry members, racetrack partners and regulators to identify and stop any abuse of our equine athletes. Please know that, in this current environment, it is of utmost importance that we all work together for the common good of our horses and our industry.”