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The New York State Racing and Wagering Board approved a rule on Wednesday requiring raceday testing of jockeys for alcohol impairment, joining a number of other states with similar rules.
The rule will require riders to take breathalyzer tests prior to race cards. Any jockey whose breathalyzer reading meets or exceeds 0.05 will be considered impaired, prohibited from riding that day, and subjected to fines or suspensions.
The rule will subject Thoroughbred jockeys to the same tests that harness drivers in New York have had to take for several years. The rule was modeled on a regulation crafted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International that has been recommended for approval by all U.S. racing jurisdictions.
Many major racing states already have rules in place allowing for testing of riders for alcohol impairment, including Kentucky, Illinois, Louisiana, and New Jersey. Many of the rules in other states, however, require probable cause before the test can be conducted.
Best Bets
A creditable third last out stamps SMART HOMBRE as a possible standout in this maiden-20. He dueled on fast fractions, shook off his pace foes (they finished seventh and ninth), and missed by only a half-length. Now he shortens from six and one-half furlongs to six, and meets a field with less speed. He he can lead gate to wire as the most probable winner on the card. LINCECUM is 0-for-10, but has ability. He had a tough trip Jan. 13, and returned with a decent third last time while racing behind runners. One of these days he will get a clear trip and win a race such as this.
