Thoroughbred Sales Integrity Program Releases Steroid Testing, Ownership Registry Data

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Sales Integrity Program, managed by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), has released data compiling the number of exogenous anabolic steroid tests and ownership registry submissions for the Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland and Ocala Breeders’ Sale (OBS) summer and fall yearling sales.

The data provided to TOBA by the three sales companies consists of the total number of horses tested for exogenous anabolic steroids with the corresponding test results and the number of submissions to the ownership registry with the corresponding number of ownership registry inquiries. The data is inclusive of Fasig-Tipton’s fall yearling sale in Lexington.

The data indicates that from a total of 6,230 yearlings sold in nine sales, 163 were tested for exogenous anabolic steroids. Of the 163 horses tested, one positive test result was returned from the August OBS sale. The positive finding did not result in a return as the buyer maintained ownership of the horse. Information was voluntarily submitted to the ownership registry for 1,257 horses and there were two inquiries made to view the ownership registry. Ocala Breeders’ Sales does not offer an ownership registry.

“This data gives us an interesting but preliminary indication of how the market is responding to our reform measures,” said D.G. Van Clief, Jr., chairman of the Sales Integrity Monitoring Committee. “The good news is probably that activity levels don't indicate high levels of concern amongst participants. Nonetheless we will continue to monitor the markets closely to insure that they are operating with the utmost integrity.”

Additionally in 2008, OBS was the first sales company to begin testing for steroids at the two year-old sales. OBS tested 53 horses out of the 1,558 two-year-olds sold this year. No positive test results were returned. Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton will begin testing for steroids at the 2009 two-year-old sales.

The testing of weanlings and yearlings for exogenous anabolic steroids and the establishment of the ownership registry were added as new conditions of sale by Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland as a result of the recommendations of the Sales Integrity Task Force in 2007. In addition, the task force created an enforceable bloodstock agent code of conduct and an updated list of prohibited practices.

TOBA launched a new website for the Sales Integrity Program (www.salesintegrity.org) in July that further describes an auction code of ethics that all participants are encouraged to abide by. The website includes a comments section and visitors are invited to leave their comments or suggestions regarding the Sales Integrity Program.

TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of Thoroughbred breeders and owners. TOBA’s mission is to “improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders.” Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, Sales Integrity Program, The Racing Game and the Claiming Crown. TOBA is also represented on the Board of Directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association as a founding member. TOBA owns The Blood-Horse, Inc. More information on TOBA appears on www.toba.org.

Source: www.toba.org