Monticello to ban EPO users

Monticello Raceway has initiated a strict rules policy regarding trainers who are found to be using erythropoietin (EPO) or other performance enhancers, with the result being a lifetime ban of that trainer racing at Monticello.

The new policy exceeds current state requirements. A lifetime ban will also be imposed on any person convicted of using snake venom.

"If we catch someone, they are out of here," Monticello Gaming & Raceway senior vice president Cliff Ehrlich told the Times Herald-Record. "It's an industry-wide problem, and we want to make sure our horsemen understand that the time is over for us to allow anything like this to ever happen at Monticello. We are clearly sending a message and hope that other tracks follow suit."

Monticello officials also increased the penalties for those caught what it termed "milkshaking" horses, with the penalty structure essentially doubling. A first offense will result in a 120-day suspension from racing at Monticello and a $2,000 fine; a second offense is a 150-day suspension of racing at Monticello and a $5,000 fine; and a third offense is a one-year suspension of racing at Monticello and a $10,000 fine.

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