Britain's enhanced zero-tolerance anabolic steroid policy is set to be implemented from Mar. 2, the British Horseracing Authority revealed yesterday. The policy was initially to go into effect Jan. 1, but the process was delayed in order to give the BHA further time to consult with industry stakeholders.
The BHA noted clarification and consensus had been reached with the Racehorse Owners Association, the National Trainers Federation and the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association on certain elements in the revised policy, including the definition of a “responsible person”–the person responsible for ensuring a horse is not administered with an anabolic steroid.
“We are naturally pleased to have reached consensus with all parties regarding the outstanding issues and, while it was disappointing not to implement the policy on Jan. 1, it was certainly the right decision not to rush the introduction of the rules until consensus was reached,” said Jamie Stier, director of raceday operations and regulation for the BHA.
Britain's zero-tolerance anabolic steroids policy was first introduced last June. Key pillars in the policy state that a racehorse must never be administered an anabolic steroid at any time from birth to retirement; it provides greater powers to the BHA in terms of access for testing registered horses; it requires horses to be registered from a younger age and for the BHA to be aware of their whereabouts at all times; it requires a more stringent 14 month stand-down period for horses found to have been administered with anabolic steroids; and provides greater controls on horses running in Great Britain from international jurisdictions.
Further details on the enhanced policy will be released at a later date.
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