Trainers of (race) horses face new drug (cocaine) fine

[Catchawave]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0502180209feb18,1,20401.story?coll=chi-newslocal-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true

Rule covers animals that test for cocaine

By Michael Higgins
Tribune staff reporter
Published February 18, 2005


Wading into a controversial issue, the Illinois Racing Board voted Thursday to fine trainers whose horses test positive for trace amounts of cocaine but to allow them to keep prize money the horses win, even after repeated violations.

The board sided with experts who say low levels of cocaine do not indicate cheating but accidental contamination from, for example, a drug-using stable employee who might touch a horse's bridle or feed.

Racing Board officials also said they believed that small concentrations of the drug do not affect the outcome of races.

There must be a "minimally significant amount of drugs" to warrant disqualifying a horse, said Marc Laino, the board's executive director. Otherwise, "owners and trainers risk being unreasonably punished."

more........!

[KurtNYC]

1. the juicing is way out of control

Cocaine would seem like a pretty expensive option since a thoroughbred weighs about 1100 pounds (do the math).

Clenbutyrol (sp?) still seems to be the juice of choice here in NY. And the "milkshake" stories never end.

Why test if they will let those found positive keep the money?