NYRA expands in-house drug testing program
July 15, 2010NEW YORK (AP) -The New York Racing Association will expand its drug testing program to include random out-of-competition testing when the Saratoga meet begins July 23.
The new program, announced Wednesday, also will include an ``in-today'' process that will identify horses running in a race within 24 hours. The process is designed to allow the NYRA to monitor horses the day prior to and in the hours leading up to a race.
The NYRA said Wednesday that there will be ``robust mandatory penalties'' for trainers whose horses test positive for illegal drugs, though it did not provide details.
The program is being supervised by Dr. George Maylin, director of the New York State Racing & Wagering Board's drug testing and research program.