by Carol Hodes, for the SBOANJ

Manalapan, NJ — A ruling last month by the New Jersey Racing Commission sets the procedure for testing for steroid use in Standardbreds.

NJAC 13:71-23.16 was adopted on April 19, 2010 and in recognition of the “wash out” period to return metabolism levels to a normal range, penalties will be imposed, starting August 18, 2010. Horses which test positive during the “wash out” period will be disqualified, denied purse money and declared ineligible for a period of at least 30 days.

Horses will be subject to blood and urine testing to detect and identify the presence of anabolic steroids. Trace levels are set for Boldenone, Nandrolone, Stanozolol and Testosterone but measurements above the threshold levels or the presence of more than one of the four permitted steroids are considered violations.

Penalty levels begin with a 45-day suspension and $1,000 fine, rise to 90 days and $2,500 for a second offense and permanent revocation of the trainer’s license for a third violation.

The rule can be viewed by clicking on this link.