Steroid Ban for Maryland
Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania all have one thing in common when it comes to horse racing, and that is the fact that all four of these states have banned anabolic steroids. This magnificent improvement on the regulations in regard to steroids has been welcomed by the racing community as well as by loyal fans of the racing industry. Maryland has become the most recent state to enforce the banning of steroids, and it is a decision that will be approved on an emergency basis, so as to have the regulation enforced by 2009.
The ban on steroids in Maryland has to be authorized by a state panel, but the Maryland Racing Commission has already given their approval in order for the ban to come into effect as soon as possible. Officials foresee no problems in enforcing the new regulations, as neighboring states have already taken a stand against the use of steroids in racing.
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium put forward their recommendations to the Maryland Racing Commission in regard to steroids. The recommendations were compiled by a group of members of the racing industry that consists of breeders, racetrack officials, horse owners, jockeys and trainers, giving objective views on steroids and their use. Veterinarians have agreed that some steroids, used in limited amounts, do not affect the performance of racehorses, but because the restrictions in its use has been blurred in the past, a complete ban leaves nothing to chance or misunderstanding. There have been four anabolic steroids added to the list of banned substances of the state, and this includes the controversial steroid, stanozolol. The penalty structure for trainers that have horses test positive for these steroids have not been confirmed yet, but will be in place by the time the new regulations come into effect.
The only Triple Crown state that has not yet adopted an anti-steroid policy is New York, but it has been suggested that they are in the process of formulating new rules regarding steroids, as it seems that all racing states are now trying to uphold the same regulations across the board. Having consistent regulations in all the states improves the fairness of the sport, the health and welfare of the horses and shows the public that the horse racing community cares about their athletes.