Britain's New Steroid Policy Change Delayed

Full implementation of an enhanced zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of anabolic steroids  in Great Britain has been delayed until March 2015, the British Horseracing Authority announced Dec. 19.

 

The reason for the delay is to allow more time to work with stakeholders, trainers, and owners in particular, to clarify certain elements of the new rules and to secure consensus from all affected parties. Those elements include the definition of a "responsible person"—the individual with the responsibility for ensuring that a horse is not administered an anabolic steroid at any given time.

 

Those issues are being resolved in consultation with the Racehorse Owners Association, National Trainers Federation, and Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. All three organizations reiterated their support for the zero-tolerance policy and recognized the need to delay the implementation.

 

"This is a complex issue and while we are disappointed not to be in a position to launch on 1 January, I have no doubt that we are doing the right thing in not trying to rush its introduction," said Jamie Stier, director of race day operations and regulation the BHA.

 

"Extending our regulatory powers beyond that of horses in the care or control of licensed personnel is critical to the success of the policy. It is also critical that there is no scope for any subsequent misunderstandings about who is responsible for a horse at any point before or during its racing career. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the parties concerned on this matter and we will work with them to find consensus prior to implementation."

 

First announced in June, the new policy aim to ensure British racing remains at the forefront of tackling an issue that ranks amongst the biggest threats faced by any global sport.

 

The zero-tolerance policy includes:

 

--that a horse must never be administered an anabolic steroid at any time, from birth to retirement; 

 

--greater powers for BHA in terms of access for testing registered horses; 

 

--the requirement for horses to be registered from a younger age, and for BHA to be aware of their      whereabouts at all times; 

 

--a more stringent 14-month stand-down period for horses found to have been administered anabolic steroids;

 

-- greater controls on horses running in Great Britain from international jurisdictions.

 

The policy applies not only to anabolic steroids but all substances and methods which fall into these categories: anabolic agents; non-approved substances; peptide hormones, growth factors and related substances; hormone and metabolic modulators; manipulation of blood and blood components; blood transfusions; genetic and cellular manipulation; and oxygen carriers.

 

For full details of the zero-tolerance policy, click here.