All drug tests on Breeders' Cup runners return clean
DEL MAR, Calif. – All Breeders’ Cup horses who underwent drug tests passed, the California Horse Racing Board reported Thursday.
All the tests were conducted at the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California, Davis. According to the board, all 148 horses who competed in 14 Breeders’ Cup races Nov. 5 and 6 were tested for TCO2 levels in blood – which detects milkshaking. Post-race tests for prohibited drugs were conducted on the first four finishers in all Breeders’ Cup races, plus additional horses randomly selected by the track’s stewards. Post-race testing consisted of both blood and urine.
According to the board, tests were done to detect anabolic steroids, cobalt, and other potential doping agents. The Maddy lab is accredited by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and is the only lab in the Western Hemisphere certified by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
There were no fatalities nor significant injuries reported from the weekend’s races.
In addition, a press release from the racing board said that Carl Woods, the assistant starter injured when Albahr was cast in his stall when loading for the Juvenile Turf, is fine and back at work.