Tough EPO penalties in Ky.

Kentucky has begun testing for erythropoietin (EPO), using an Elisa test developed by a Lexington-based company and then the confirmatory process developed by a toxicology lab in Pennsylvania.

Kentucky Horse Racing Authority director of Standardbred racing Marc Guilfoil told harnessracing.com that the EPO testing began about one week ago. He said current penalties for the trainer call for a maximum of a one-year suspension and/or $10,000 fine, and possibly expulsion. There is also a loss of purse. Additionally, the horse could also be suspended for up to one year, at the discretion of the Racing Authority.

"We also have the provision in our rules that we can test any horse that has been entered and is in-to-go," said Guilfoil. "Once the horse is in-to-go, he is subject to be tested."

Guilfoil added that new regulations are currently being written and the penalties will be much higher when enacted.

“The penalties that are being written and go in effect next year will be much more severe,” said Guilfoil. “This testing is now part of our normal routine. It’s a post-race blood test, and we test all the winners and also ask for specials. When a horse goes to the test barn they will be tested for (EPO). We also test every claimed horse.”

The EPO test was developed by the Lexington-based Neogen Corp. and the confirmatory procedure was created by the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory in West Chester, Pa.

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