N.Y. Gaming Commission approves rule change regarding corticosteroids

The New York Gaming Commission on Monday approved a proposal that would extend a ban on the intra-articular administration of a class of medications from seven days prior to a race to 14 days.

The approval will move the proposal into a 60-day public comment period. Under the proposal, no corticosteroids could be administered to a horse within two weeks of a race.

The extension is being sought in a large number of states as part of a general move to tighten the administration of some therapeutic medications. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications, and they are injected into sore joints in order to reduce pain and aid in the healing process.

The New York Gaming Commission participates in a regional coalition of racetracks, racing commissions, and horsemen’s groups based in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In September, the coalition pledged to seek the extension on intra-articular corticosteroid administrations as part of its agenda.