KY Out-of-Competition Tests Come Back Clean
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Out-of-competition testing on more than 75 horses nominated to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Longines Kentucky Oaks (both gr. I), as well as other stakes on the May 2-3 cards at Churchill Downs, came back clean, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said.
Tests were performed at LGC Science Group, formerly known as HFL Sport Science, the KHRC said the morning of May 2.
"I am pleased to say that all of the test results were negative," KHRC equine medical director Dr. Mary Scollay said. "Sampling was performed over the two weeks preceding this weekend's racing. Other racing jurisdictions assisted the KHRC by sampling horses based out of state.
"We believe that out-of-competition testing is critical to the integrity of these events and appreciate the high level of cooperation we have received from horsemen and regulators alike in implementing this program."
All of the Oaks and Derby entrants, as well as a random cross-section of horses nominated to run in stakes May 2-3, were tested under Kentucky statutes that govern pari-mutuel horse racing.
Scollay said the actual testing of samples began about 2 1/2 weeks before race day. She said the KHRC was tracking nominations and horses that would be eligible for the Derby and Oaks for a few months.
"We ended up sampling horses that were not going to race (May 2-3), Scollay said.
As for post-race testing, Scollay said urine and blood samples would be sent to the LGC Science Group laboratory in Lexington each evening after the races, and screening results should be available toward the end of the day May 6.