New York to Begin Bisphosphonate Testing

The New York State Gaming Commission announced that effective Oct. 26, the New York Drug Testing and Research Program will commence testing of biologic samples for the presence of bisphosphonates. 

Absent written commission approval of a valid therapeutic use exemption, detection of bisphosphonate components in biologic samples obtained from 2-year-old and 3-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses will be considered by the commission into evidence of a violation of New York rules, a release said. A fine of $25,000 and a loss of an occupational license may be imposed.

Horses testing positive for bisphosphonate will not be permitted to race until such time as they are re-tested and found to be clear of bisphosphonate compounds.

The drug is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in horses aged 4 and older to repair bone damage in horses experiencing navicular disease. Other states also have rules and testing in place for bisphosphonates, which initially came in response to fears the drugs could be used to hide radiographic evidence of sesamoiditis in young horses in sales.

Bisphosphonate testing has come under scrutiny in California due to studies indicating such drugs can linger in animals' systems for years after treatment.

Last month, the California Horse Racing Board dismissed a complaint against trainer Jeff Metz for a positive bisphosphonate test when "both testing and investigation revealed that the bisphosphonate administration occurred in 2018, well before Metz ever trained the horse," the CHRB wrote in a release.