Why should you care about this?

[Cannon Shell]

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=43351

Because it is being done in a haphazard, vindictive fashion without thoughts of the consequences. I love the part where Fick says that Barker's comments will prevent the RMTC from working with horseman. Since when do they "work" with horsemen? One of the side effects of the way this is being done is that far fewer horses will be gelded because of the perception that geldings will now be at a competitive disadvantage (in most cases which is true). That alone will cause more injuries to both horse and humans. Rather than taking the time and effort to do a little research and put into effect rules that are fair and effective and implement them at the same time, the commissions are rushing to get the flawed rules into effect. It is a such a joke when Fick says that the withdrawl time is 15 to 30 days which would be fine, except the REAL withdrawl times can be as much as 120 days under the current proposals. The fact that they wont test exclusively using blood tests which are far more reliable than urine tests shows how much they want to "work" with horseman. How does this effect handicappers? Well certain horses especially some fillies and geldings will surely be effected in a negative fashion leading to form reversals. You will have lots of post race positives leading to the change in order of finish which is sure to make some people crazy. You will have the guys with the synthetic steroids having a field day at the expense of the rest of the guys playing by the rules. You will have fewer horses per race because many trainers are not going to take a chance at a positive test when you have no idea if you are clear or not.

You may be in favor of the effective ban on steroids but remember that the drugs in question are all designed for horses and that other sports are not gelding the majority of their players (though this is probably a good idea). That and the fact that a level playingfield is now being unleveled which is hard to say is a good idea.

[phystech]

Much of the steroids debate is beyond me at this time because I haven't taken the time to fully educate myself on all of the particulars. But as a claiming owner, I would have serious concerns about a hard "no steroid" deadline imposed with there seeming to be no provision in place to ensure that the horse I claim a few days before that deadline kicks in, is steroid free on claim day.

I keep seeing the date of, or about, April 1 for the Mid-Atlantic. Assuming that date, what happens if I claim one on Mar 30 and the horse received it's last dose on March 20? If indeed it takes 120 days to clear, if I run back in a few weeks, my horse will test positive. I lose a purse, my trainer gets days and a fine, and we pay a penalty for something we didn't do.

I would also then suffer a financial loss when I couldn't run for up to 120 days.

Of course, a solution to not risking a positive after a claim would be to pay for a test to see what I've got. Chuck, any idea what the cost for a bloodtest would be?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by phystech

Much of the steroids debate is beyond me at this time because I haven't taken the time to fully educate myself on all of the particulars. But as a claiming owner, I would have serious concerns about a hard "no steroid" deadline imposed with there seeming to be no provision in place to ensure that the horse I claim a few days before that deadline kicks in, is steroid free on claim day.

I keep seeing the date of, or about, April 1 for the Mid-Atlantic. Assuming that date, what happens if I claim one on Mar 30 and the horse received it's last dose on March 20? If indeed it takes 120 days to clear, if I run back in a few weeks, my horse will test positive. I lose a purse, my trainer gets days and a fine, and we pay a penalty for something we didn't do.

I would also then suffer a financial loss when I couldn't run for up to 120 days.

Of course, a solution to not risking a positive after a claim would be to pay for a test to see what I've got. Chuck, any idea what the cost for a bloodtest would be?

I believe that an independent test would be in the neighborhood of $300 -$500 to screen all non allowable steroids.