http://www.pressboxonline.com/2014/02/07/maryland-racing-commission-increasing-equine-drug-testingMaryland Racing Commission Increasing Equine Drug Testing
Posted on February 07, 2014 by Bill Ordine
Maryland horse racing regulators moved to strengthen monitoring of the sport's safety and integrity with a new contract for equine drug testing.
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a five-year contract Feb. 5 with California-based Truesdail Laboratories to perform the analytical analysis of all urine and blood specimens taken from horses competing in Maryland races.
"The implementation of the Truesdail Laboratories contract is another step in the Maryland Racing Commission's comprehensive medication reform policy and its ongoing efforts to provide for the safety of our human and equine athletes and to ensure the integrity of our sport," Maryland Racing Commission chairman Bruce Quade said in a statement.
Having Truesdail Laboratories perform analysis means that Maryland's horse racing industry will be better protected, with technologies that have the ability to screen drugs and medications given to horses, measuring the quantity to make sure it doesn't exceed the levels the rules allow and confirming the type of substance to ensure it can be in a horse's system on race day, according to a state news release.
The testing program also means that the Preakness Stakes is consistent with other legs of the Triple Crown Races regarding medication policies.
The services of Truesdail Laboratories will begin with races conducted at Laurel Park Feb. 8.
