Australian Racing Board enacts total ban on anabolic
steroids
The Australian Racing Board has announced that it will ban the use of
anabolic steroids both in and out of competition.
The new rule, which will be introduced November 1 and become effective May 1,
2014, will allow six months for treated horses to be free of steroids. The ban
will apply to all horses above six months of age while racing, training or
spelling. Under current rules, Australian Thoroughbreds must be steroid free on
race-day, but the medications are allowed out of competition.
“The Australian Racing Board has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to the use
of anabolic steroids in competition, training, and spelling, and will institute
heavy penalties for breaches of the ban,” ARB Chief Executive Peter McGauran
said. “The ban on anabolic steroids goes far beyond any other racing
jurisdiction outside of Europe and was decided by the ARB Board after lengthy
consideration of veterinary and scientific advice and consultation with
trainers’ and owners’ associations.
“Foremost in the board’s consideration was the need for absolute integrity
and public confidence in racing. Although the use of steroids has greatly
diminished over the years to the point where they are rarely relied upon by
trainers, the ARB believes it is in the best interests of the industry that they
no longer be available for purposes other than as a therapeutic treatment for
young foals.”
Paul Bittar, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority, welcomed
the news, and told Racing Post, “The Australian Racing Board’s decision
is very good news and represents a significant step towards our goal of seeing
the use of anabolic steroids for racehorses banned across the globe. We will be
submitting a paper outlining our position ahead of the IFHA conference in
October and we look forward to the matter being discussed next month in Paris.”
Louis Romanet, Chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing
Authorities, was also supportive, stating, “I welcome and applaud this
announcement by the ARB stating a total ban on the use of anabolic steroids both
in and out of competition. The ARB is to be commended for this historical
decision. Additionally, I look forward to further discussion on this matter
among all IFHA members countries to further two key objectives of the IFHA — to
coordinate and harmonize the rules of the member countries regarding breeding,
racing and wagering and to ensure the quality and fairness of racing in the
interest of both breeding and the public.”
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