Dutrow Faces Horse Racing Suspension After Drug Test - 06-26-08

June 26 - Just as the US horseracing industry was starting to settle down after the traumatic euthanization of beloved filly, Eight Belles, at this year's Kentucky Derby, it faces yet another scandal, this time involving two of America's top racehorse trainers, Rick Dutrow and Steve Asmussen.

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One of the horses under Dutrow's care was tested for drugs last month and was found to contain the drug clenbuterol, while a horse under Asmussen's care was also tested and found to contain lidocaine. Both drugs are considered to be more performance-enhancing then therapeutic.

Last month a routine blood test on one of Rick Dutrow's charges, Salute the Count, tested positive for the banned drug. As a result, Dutrow has been suspended by Kentucky racing officials. Dutrow reportedly informed Kentucky Horse Racing Authority chief steward, John Veitch, that he will appeal the suspension.

While clenbuterol is primarily used to increase lung capacity in racehorses and assist their breathing, it has been found to have steroidal properties as it promotes muscle growth. Salute the Count tested positive for clenbuterol after completing a Grade 3 stakes race in early May at a race meeting at Churchill Downs.

Dutrow has been in the headlines a lot recently as the trainer of Triple Crown hopeful, Big Brown. Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby as well as the Preakness Stakes, but ran poorly at the Belmont Stakes, failing to secure the third and final leg of the Triple Crown.

As the US record holder for the most wins in a year (555 in 2004), Steve Asmussen has been at the top of his game in the North American horseracing scene for many years and is himself no stranger to controversy, this not being the first time he has been involved in the use of illegal steroids.

The top-rated trainer is expected to be served notice today by the Texas Racing Commission after a filly under his care, Timber Trick, tested positive for lidocaine soon after she won her race at the Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas in early May. He faces up to a six month suspension if found guilty. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic but one that also boasts performance enhances properties as it can numb pain in a horse's legs.

While only a minute amount of the drug was found in Timber Trick, the state of Texas is very strict when it comes to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. While the use of Lidocaine is not strictly prohibited, it is on race day. Asmussen's attorney has been quoted as saying that 'she welcomes the upcoming legal challenge and will fight it to the very end.'

Currently many US states are cracking down on the misuse of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in horseracing.

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