The New York Racing and Wagering Board has adopted the Association of Racing Commissioners International’s model rule restricting the use of anabolic steroids, effective January 1.

All exogenous steroids will be banned in horses on race day except for threshold levels of stanozolol, boldenone, nandrolone, and testosterone, with only one of the four permitted at any given time. 

“New York’s new rule is just the right prescription to counter the use of unnecessary steroids while ensuring violators will be held accountable when caught,” Chairman John Sabini said. “I am very pleased that there is broad support for our rules among key racing industry stakeholders.

“We have served notice that there will be no grace period when this rule goes into effect on New Year’s Day. Our stewards will be poised to initiate disciplinary action when they encounter horses that test positive for illegal steroids. Let there be no doubt we mean business.”