Crown entrants subject to out-of-competition testing

All entrants in the $4.6 million Breeders Crown 2 –and 3-year-old events, to be raced Saturday, Nov. 24, at the Meadowlands, may be subject to the New Jersey Racing Commission and the Hambletonian Society’s out-of-competition testing rules as a condition of entry in the Breeders Crown races. In addition, the normal parameters of post-race testing will apply.

Entries for the eight championship races, divided by age, gender and gait, are due at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Meadowlands Race office.

The NJRC recently approved regulations to conduct out-of-competition testing for blood doping agents such as EPO (epogen) and DPO (darboepoetin) in racehorses competing at New Jersey racetracks.

The Breeders Crown out-of-competition rules as specified in the racing conditions were used for the first time in September at Mohawk Raceway, in co-operation with the host track, Woodbine Entertainment Group. All Breeders Crown horses entered in the Open races were blood-tested and cleared in the weeks prior to the event.

The NJRC also conducted out-of-competition testing for the Breeder’s Cup World Championships, raced in October at Monmouth Park.

Under the Breeders Crown conditions blood samples may, without notice, be taken for testing of any racehorse participating in the Crown event, stabled on or off the grounds, in New Jersey or out of state. Additionally, all samples taken from these horses may also be frozen for future testing.

“The Hambletonian Society and the NJ Racing Commission are committed to the challenge of dealing with the issue of illegal medication and appreciate the cooperation of the Breeders Crown participants and Meadowlands management in our execution of the out-of-competition testing rules,” said Tom Charters, president of the Hambletonian Society. 

The Society is a supporter of the Racing Testing and Medication Consortium. (Breeders Crown)

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